Saint Lucia Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment

23/08/2023

Choiseul Primary School to Receive Music Facility - A CDB and GOSL Initiative

Castries, August 22, 2023 – The Reunion Primary School in Choiseul will soon have a brand new music facility estimated at approximately EC$151,000 through the Caribbean Development Bank and the Government of Saint Lucia. This project is being administered by the Saint Lucia Social Development Fund (SSDF) via the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF).

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was recently signed between the Reunion Primary School’s Music Committee and the SSDF to formalize funding for the music facility. It is the hope of the Ministry of Equity that this initiative will boost students’ capabilities and increase their interest in the subject area of music.

Former Social Transformation Officer and now member of the School’s Music Committee - Mc Arthur Phillips, says the MOU will bring a number of initiatives to fruition. “One of the things it will do is to teach kids between the ages of 8-16 how to play an instrument of their choice. We are looking at guitars, drums, keyboards and also to do some vocal training. That represents the first part of the project. The second part is to go into music production, teaching young people, not only those attending our music program, but kids in Choiseul generally, to write and produce music.”

Quite passionate about the role music plays in empowering young people, Minister for Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment, Hon. Joachim Henry spoke of the critical link in how music can inspire and enrich the talents and ignite the imaginations of students in the community. “I believe our children can demonstrate their greatness, they can demonstrate their humanity. Music is an art that's so powerful, I love it, I love all instruments, and I’d ask the children to try all of the instruments that they can, and that they are never too old to learn. Move from the guitar, try the wind instruments, try the saxophone, get onto the violin, play the drums, make yourself complete. ” noted Honorable Henry.

Parliamentary Representative for Choiseul/Saltibus Hon. Bradley Felix commended the efforts of the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF), which provides support to deprived communities via social interventions that improve health, education, economic access and the like. "The Basic Needs Trust Fund, as the name says, is really a program that does not look at the politics of our country. They recognize when a genuine request has been made and they come forward. Because it really is a basic need, whether it is water as Mr. Antoine said, or it is the music program, it is very important and we should not underestimate that.”

SSDF Deputy Project Manager, Brandon Antoine pointed out the team's efforts in getting the project to implementation mode. Residents of Choiseul and environs, he noted, were about to realize the first fruits of that labor.

END

Contacts:
John Emmanuel, Communications Manager, Min of Equity, Social Justice & Empowerment
T: (758) 468-5131 E: [email protected]

Dr. Charmaine Hippolyte Emmanuel
PERMANENT SECRETARY (Ag.)
Tel: 468 5108/5125/5194 Email: [email protected]

21/08/2023

A consultation on the Community After School Program (CASP) was held on August 17, 2023 at the Pastoral Center. The consultation focused on aligning the goals and objectives of the CASP with the mission and strategic priority areas of the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment.

Discussions also focused on the eligibility criteria, beneficiaries, core course components and monitoring and evaluation of the program. Additionally, a plan was developed to increase the visibility and interaction of the program with the community.

The Community After School Program (CASP) is slated to be re-introduced in September, 2023.

19/08/2023

Major Crime and Violence Interruption Program – Coming

Castries, August 18, 2023 – Funding has been provided by the Government of Saint Lucia to implement a major Crime and Violence Interruption Project (CVIP). The project's main objective is to reduce violence at the community level by diverting youth from risky behaviors towards opportunities for self-development and growth while building their capacity through training.

This CVIP project will be implemented island-wide and comprises three components, all of which will commence in this financial Quarter (July-September). They include the hosting of the Basic Life and Employability Skills Training and Job Placement component that has already begun. A series of Positive Parenting Workshops due to begin in November 2023 and the implementation of a Mentorship Programme for At-Risk Youth, scheduled for October, 2023.

With an inclusive mandate that seeks to achieve social justice for disadvantaged people, creating safer and more peaceful communities, empowering communities to better able to meet their needs, address social issues and ultimately improve the standard of living of residents, the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment has been selected to lead the CVIP.

"Undoubtedly, the recent surge in crime and violence has impacted all sectors within our communities and the Government of Saint Lucia has underscored the potential contribution of community development to the prevention of crime and violence via this CVIP initiative," noted Permanent Secretary Dr. Charmaine Hipployte Emmanuel.

According to Hippolyte Emmanuel, "The government is seeking to, not only build a safer environment for all residents but also to bring heightened awareness to the socio-economic impact of these issues on the marginalized and disadvantaged population in our community. Crime prevention cannot remain the sole responsibility of law enforcement in Saint Lucia. It requires the contributions of all CSOs, NGOs, government agencies and residents.”

The Community Development Unit, through its Social Transformation Officers, will be at the forefront of the rollout of the three programs. Head of the Unit, Kendall Elva says his team, "will do its part to address the issue at the community level through a number of prevention and interruption projects, of which the three program components form an integral part.

The Crime and Violence Interruption Project (CVIP) was launched and formally introduced to the citizenry on Friday, August 18, 2023, at the Ministry of Equity's Conference Room.

End
Contacts:
Shervroy Marius, Information Assistant III,
Ministry of Equity, Social Justice & Empowerment,
T: (758) 468-5146
Email: [email protected]
John Emmanuel, Communications Manager, Ministry of Equity, Social Justice & Empowerment
T: (758) 468-5131 Email: [email protected]

Charmaine Hippolyte Emmanuel (Ph.D.)
PERMANENT SECRETARY (Ag.)
Tel: 468 5108/5125/5194 Email: [email protected]

16/08/2023

On August 14, 2023 a remarkable soul achieved a milestone that echoes through the ages. Mrs. Octavie Augustine, a living testament to the beauty of longevity, has graced the world with 111 years of wisdom, love, and resilience.

As one of the nation's cherished treasures, her journey is woven into the vibrant tapestry of Saint Lucia's history. This momentous occasion is a celebration not just of years lived, but of the enduring spirit that has guided Mrs. Augustine's path. Her life has been a testament to the power of community, family, and the unwavering strength that comes from the embrace of loved ones.

As the Elder Care Unit of the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment, along with an outpouring of well-wishes from family, friends, and the entire Government and People of Saint Lucia join hands in congratulations, the echoes of gratitude resound far and wide.

In an ever-changing world, Mrs. Octavie Augustine stands as a beacon of inspiration, a living bridge between generations, and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

Happy 111th Birthday to this cherished gem of Saint Lucia.

END

15/08/2023

National Homeless Committee Meet to Review Operations & Procedures

Castries, August 14, 2023 – A proactive approach is being employed towards beefing up and improving the administrative response to the unhoused or unsheltered (typically referred to as homelessness) people in Saint Lucia, in the wake of an impending natural disaster.

As the lead agency on the National Homeless Response Committee, the Social Transformation Division of the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment, on August 4, 2023, convened a special meeting of stakeholders to evaluate current procedures, perceived weaknesses, and chart the way forward for improvements in the system.

Head of the Unit Kendall Elva says the ultimate goal is to ensure that persons who are unhoused or unsheltered are taken off the streets and given shelter, especially during an impending storm or natural disaster. He says it is critical that the example of the Castries operations be reproduced in key population areas across Saint Lucia.

We want to replicate in Gros Islet, Vieux Fort and Soufriere what we have learned to Vieux Fort, Gros Islet and Soufriere as these areas also have significant numbers of homeless people. That is what we have invited the mayors of these towns also the presidents of their district disaster preparedness committees, the Salvation Army, the Office in Charge of NEMO and other critical stakeholders so that we can come up with a plan to facilitate the opening, managing and financing of the various shelters that are opened before hurricanes and other natural disasters, remarked Elva.

The August 4th meeting forms part of a broader plan by the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment to address the plight of unhoused or unsheltered persons. Elva says his Unit will eventually present a new initiative that seeks to transform the range of services the Ministry provides to the nation’s homeless. The proposed plan will include comprehensive research on homeless persons in Saint Lucia and a possible Half-way House to accommodate them.

The National Homeless Response Committee last sprang into action at the Vigie Sports Complex in June, before Saint Lucia was impacted by Tropical Storm Bret.

END
Contacts:
John Emmanuel
Communications Manager
Ministry of Equity, Social Justice & Empowerment
T: (758) 468-5131 Email: [email protected]

Dr. Charmaine Hippolyte Emmanuel
PERMANENT SECRETARY (Ag)
Tel: 468 5108/5125/5194 Email: [email protected]

13/08/2023

Castries, August 7, 2023 – The island’s lone juvenile male rehabilitation institution, the Boys Training Centre (BTC), participates in the World Education Incorporated and Ministry of Education endorsed ConnectED Summer Student Internship initiative.

The four-week program seeks to build resilience and improve the quality of teaching and learning in Saint Lucia by equipping youth and educators to be digital literacy leaders in their communities.

Commencing July 17 to August 12, 2023, five aspiring wards of the BTC, an institution under the auspices of the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment, began their ConnectED internship at the National Enrichment Learning Unit (NELU).

Teacher at the BTC Tristan James says interns will enhance their skills in Social Media Management, Wed & Graphic Design, Business Digitization, Data Management, Artificial Intelligence, Content Creation, and Art Development.

“As of now, the boys have been are divided into two groups and will be involved in Data Management and Graphic design out of the list of skills. At the end of the four weeks, they will receive a certificate noting that they are equipped in those areas. They are currently connected to NELU where they will be designing the curriculum into a software program, whereby students will be able to learn in a fun environment and grasp concepts within that curriculum.”

Funded by USAID and working with coalition partners like the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States, Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, Saint Lucia National Youth Council, and the Chamber of Commerce Industry and Agriculture, the Saint Lucia ConnectED Summer Internship program will provide youth with the opportunity to develop critical digital skills needed to become engaged participants in school, community, work, and life.

BTC Manager Wang Sonson says this latest initiative dovetails seamlessly into the overall development and eventual rehabilitation of wards at the Center. “It is hoped that by attending this digital skills internship program hosted by Saint Lucia ConnectED, our boys will be better able to familiarize themselves with the different aspects of digital education and important life skills to help them transition into the workforce. This is important to the BTC as we aim to develop our young men and prepare them for a world outside of the Center to be productive members of society,” notes Wang Sonson – Manager of the BTC

The five (5) BTC ConnectED Summer interns join another 45 young students from select institutions in Saint Lucia, enrolled in a pilot initiative.
End

Contacts:
John Emmanuel
Communications Manager
Ministry of Equity, Social Justice & Empowerment
T: (758) 468-5131 Email: [email protected]

Charmaine Hippolyte Emmanuel (PhD),
PERMANENT SECRETARY (Ag)
Tel: 468 5108/5125/5194 Email: [email protected]

11/08/2023

Crownland Residents Placed on Firm Footing via SSDF Road Extension Project

Castries, August 10, 2023 – Residents and environs of Crownlands are being placed on firmer footing to not only access their homes, but to allow for easier access to medical and other essential services, as well as being able to realize their economic ambitions.

All that and more is becoming a reality due to the latest community intervention spearheaded by the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) via the Saint Lucia Social Development Fund (SSDF), both community resilience-building programs, under the auspices of the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment.
To the delight of residents, on August 3, 2023, officials of the SSDF and the assigned contractor affixed their signatures to a Road Extension project, bringing to a completion an initiative that began almost 15 years ago. “With the development of the community we are aware that there are a number of vehicles traversing the area and residents are experiencing great difficulties especially on a Saturday and Sunday, when persons need to get in and out of the community. As a result of that, we are creating a small turning point at the top of the hill to ease the stress for residents,” noted Alison Gometz, SSDF Project Officer.
The road extension will see an additional 300 feet of road and accompanying drainage added to the existing road. The road extension in the community of Crownlands, perched on a hilltop, will significantly improve the precarious pathway residents have had to contend with for years.
“The reality is that once this road is constructed, it opens up access to the broader community and with access, people will now take the opportunity to construct homes, extend their gardens or establish a farm and that will bring further economic activity to the community. We at the SSDF take great pride in being the agency that funds initiatives of that nature as we provide communities and their residents the opportunity to improve their general quality of life,” observed John Victrin – Manager of the SSDF.
For the current Parliamentary Representative for the constituency and Minister for Equity Hon. Joachim Henry, the project’s completion holds significant meaning, having begun some 15 years ago under former Parliamentary Representative for Castries South-East Hon. Menissa Rambally, when he served as Chief Technical Officer of the Poverty Reduction Fund (PRF).
“Today I am happy that we are spending over $228 thousand to once again do roads and drains in Crownlands. People of Crownlands should take note of this, because whereas I saw roads for millions of dollars being done everywhere else, I saw no reason why this could not have been resolved in my option, in times past, as this is not a million-dollar investment. I am happy that the Caribbean Development Bank has approved to allow us to implement this project. I think the people of crownlands have demonstrated a lot of patience, because of what they have endured over the years to use this road. I think it has been really difficult and there are other communities that would have protested and say a lot of things in the media. The people of Crownlands have shown patience and have waited and so today it’s really to say thanks to the people of Crownlands for something that is needed for anybody in Saint Lucia,” exclaimed Minister Henry.

Along with the many benefits from opening up the community via the new access road, the construction project will also provide an opportunity for skilled personnel from within the community to gain employment. The Crownlands community forms part of the wider Marc, Bexon area, within the Castries South-East constituency.
End
Contacts:
John Emmanuel, Communications Manager, Ministry of Equity, Social Justice & Empowerment
T: (758) 468-5131 Email: [email protected]

Charmaine Hippolyte Emmanuel (PhD.)
PERMANENT SECRETARY (Ag.)
Tel: 468 5108/5125/5194 Email: [email protected]

09/08/2023

The Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment is set to launch the first of three programs under its Crime and Violence Interruption Program this week, commencing August 8, 2023.

Approximately 60 young people between the ages of 17 to 30 will be trained under the Basic Life and Employability Skills Program. The participants hail from communities within the Gros Islet, Vieux Fort, Castries and Anse La Raye communities.

During the period August 8 - 31, 2023, the participant will undergo training in topics such as Conflict Resolution, Emotional Intelligence, Resume Writing, My Pitch and Preparing for an Interview. This training will develop their ability to find and maintain work and ensure that they are able to identify and speak positively about their strengths and abilities.

Additional information on the program can be obtained from the Community Services Unit of the Ministry of Equity via telephone number 468-5126 or email address [email protected]

07/08/2023

PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (PAP) PAYMENTS FOR JULY BEGIN MONDAY AUGUST 7, 2023

Castries, August 7, 2023 – The Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment, wishes to notify clients of the Public Assistance Program (PAP), of Babonneau, Castries, Gros-Islet, Souci and Millet regions, that payments for the month of July will commence from Monday, August 7, 2023 to Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at the Welfare Division on Trinity Church Road, Castries, from 9: am to 2: pm.

For further information, please contact the Ministry at telephone number 468-5103/5108 (Castries) and 454-6478 (Vieux Fort).
END

Contacts:
John Emmanuel, Communications Manager, Ministry of Equity, Social Justice & Empowerment
T: (758) 468-5131 E: [email protected]

Charmaine Hippolyte Emmanuel (Ph.D)
PERMANENT SECRETARY (Ag)
Tel: 468 5108/5125/5194 Email: [email protected]

04/08/2023

02/08/2023

The workings of the Social Transformation/Community Development Unit of the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment in relations to implementing, on the ground, the government’s diverse social assistance programs came into sharp focus recently when Social Transformation Officers David Moise and Darnally Esteva-St Ange sat down with MBC/Real FM for a live and lively discussion.

30/07/2023

25/07/2023

Increased Productivity as STOs receive additional IT Support

Castries, July 24, 2023 - Dozens of Community Based Organizations (CBOs) that receive administrative and logistical support from the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment via its Community Development Division, are in line to receive even quicker and more enhanced service delivery. That’s due to the equipping of scores of Social Transformation Officers (STOs) with new laptops that will see them better able to reach out to the community.

On a regular basis, one of the services rendered by STOs to CBOs is assistance with proposal writing and other administrative support.

“For quite a while now, STOs have been clamoring for laptops and at last we have been able to secure them. These devices will greatly increase productivity and boost morale. Happy STOs mean that they work more assiduously in the field to effect positive changes at the community level,” notes Acting Deputy Director for Social Transformation with responsibility for Community Development - Kendall Elva.

The laptops were handed over to the Community Development Division earlier this month, in a ceremony officiated by Permanent Secretary Velda Octave Joseph, as she demitted office.

END

20/07/2023

CDB and GOSL pumps Thousands of Dollars into Expanding Early Childhood Development Centers across Saint Lucia

Castries, July 19, 2023 – Significant investment is being made to improve service delivery in the quality of care and education meted out to children in the communities of Babonneau and Entrepot. The Babonneau Primary Roman Catholic School will receive retrofitting of a Pre-K Classroom, while upgrades will be made to the Entrepot Early Childhood Development Center.

“We realize the great importance of early childhood education as all the research shows us that those years are the foundation years, it is at the point in time where we make them or break them.” Vernita Bruce of the Early Childhood Unit told an audience at a contract signing ceremony of the project in Babonneau.

The Babonneau project is estimated at EC$179,000 Dollars with grant funding made possible through the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and additional contributions by the Government of Saint Lucia. While thanking all agencies involved in the development of the Pre-K classroom. Parliamentary Representative for Babonneau, Hon. Virginia Albert-Poyotte noted the institution was where she received the start to her education, many years ago.

“I’m very grateful to the CDB for giving us the grant to implement this project. I want to thank BNTF for giving consideration to this project. I want to thank the SSDF for agreeing to undertake this project. And the Early Childhood Unit in the Ministry of Education for having done work with BNTF and SSDF to identify this school here as one of your pilot projects,”noted Minister Albert-Poyotte.

The Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) is also adding major upgrades to educational institutions in Entrepot. Deputy Project Manager Brandon Antoine said the transformation of the Entrepot Early Childhood Development Center will be funded at a cost of EC$239,000 Dollars, via a collaboration with the CDB and the Government of Saint Lucia.

Encouraged by the ongoing projects in Early Childhood Education, Minister for Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment Hon. Joachim Henry, articulated at the signing, the need for continuous development of citizens at a tender age. "We climbed trees when we were small but we do not give our children the opportunities to climb trees. The playground must facilitate these skills. I love the swing, especially when it is a tire with a cement rope in a guava tree, I love it. But we did a lot more than swinging when we were kids. Our children for them to develop their motor skills, for us to be able to produce the Levern Spencer and the Julien Alfred and Daren Sammy. There are a lot of things we need to put together to develop that capability” said Honorable Henry.

The Entrepot Center will receive upgrades to the partitioning, kitchen, bathroom, tiling and playground area, all in an effort to make the environment safer and more conducive for children.
The Basic Needs Trust Fund which was established under a regional CDB initiative in 1979, has among its key objectives – improvement in health and educational facilities in deprived communities, hence this project contributes to the realization of BNTF’s strategic objectives for this financial year.

END

Contacts:

Marvin St. Louis
Information Assistant (Ag)
Min of Equity, Social Justice & Empowerment
T: (758) 285-5117 E: [email protected]
John Emmanuel
Communications Manager
Min of Equity, Social Justice & Empowerment
T: (758) 468-5131 E: [email protected]

Velda Octave-Joseph
PERMANENT SECRETARY Tel: 468 5108/5125/5194 Email: [email protected]

19/07/2023

Four young aspiring students have started off a 6-week internship with the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment under the annual Summer Employment Programme.

Prior to their orientation, the students were greeted by Minister Hon. Joachim Henry and Acting Permanent Secretary Dr. Charmaine Hippolyte Emmanuel, who not only welcomed them to the team at the Ministry, but also encouraged them to work assiduously at their assignments and to keep open the option of a career within the public service.

The 2023 Summer Employment Programme runs from July 19 to August 31, 2023.

17/07/2023

STOs & Welfare Officers Better Equipped to Manage & Handle Referrals

Castries, July 13, 2023 – The Youth Resilience, Inclusion and Empowerment project (Y-RIE) has again partnered with the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment to identify gaps in the service delivery of Saint Lucia’s social services referral systems and how they can be made more user friendly to the public.

Towards this end, Social Transformation and Welfare Officers of the Ministry, have concluded a two-day training exercise where they assessed the strengths and weaknesses and interrelationships of the various systems.

Referrals within Social Services play a critical role in ensuring vulnerable persons are directed to appropriate services or receive necessary resources based on their needs.

“This will help us understand what are some opportunities to strengthen those services and how we can link existing stakeholders both at the community and national level to improve those pathways. So a young person who is in need of a particular service is very aware of the stages to which they will receive support, and stakeholders are also aware of their role in providing support to young people at risk.” explained Y-RIE Program Manager for Saint Lucia Ajani Lebourne

Acting Deputy Director of Community Services Kendal Elva stated the importance of this activity as being vital to improving the work of Social Transformation Officers who are responsible for empowering young people.

“It is important for us to understand the services available to strengthen young people, when you are working with a young individual who has been affected by a number of issues, you need to get a clear understanding of their needs. When you respond to these needs you will be able to get a young person who can function properly in society,” noted Elva.

Saint Lucia’s Referral Systems Assessment will address the structure and operations of social, health and justice services within agencies that provide these assistance to at-risk youth and their families. Barriers to accessing these services were also identified, along with recommendations for the efficient delivery of social services to youth at risk in target communities.

End

14/07/2023

STO’s, Youth Development Officers & Volunteers Sharpen their Skills on Community Mapping Methodologies

Castries, July 5, 2023 – Some forty (40) field officers from the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment and the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, accompanied by youth volunteers, have begun training in conducting test runs of the Community Mapping methodology.

From July 4–6, 2023, participants underwent rigorous training in an effort to familiarize themselves with the new technology that will soon see them out in the field for five days collecting data from community residents, to create community profiles and community asset maps.

“From july10 – 14, 2023, household heads are being invited to respond to a 15-minute survey. In that survey, our teams of seven comprising ministry officers and volunteers will seek to capture data on unique sociodemographic and socioeconomic characteristics, behaviors, attitudes, culture, values, youth issues, and needs,” noted Deputy Director for Social Transformation with responsibility for Community Development Kendal Elva.

In an effort to get at the most accurate information, community residents will be invited to a one-day workshop to help develop their own community asset maps. These maps will reflect local assets within the communities, key physical features and gathering spaces as well as where human and social capital exists. The workshops will be held on Monday, July 24 in Vieux-Fort and Anse La Raye, and on Tuesday, July 25 in Castries and Gros Islet.

According to Elva, "Residents know their own communities best, and we hope that this critical and up to date information will now better guide social transformation officers and their counterparts from the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports in creating tailor-made interventions that more adequately and precisely address the needs of persons in those communities.”

The overall activity is implemented by USAID's Youth Resilience, Inclusion and Empowerment Program (Y-RIE) and the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment, and forms part of strategies at reducing youth crime and violence in Vieux-Fort, Castries Central, Anse La Raye/Canaries and Gros Islet.

END

Contacts:
John Emmanuel, Communications Manager, Min of Equity, Social Justice & Empowerment
T: (758) 468-5131 E: [email protected]

Velda Octave-Joseph
PERMANENT SECRETARY
Tel: 468 5108/5125/5194 Email: [email protected]