Yet another initiative that fosters public assistance for the most vulnerable, while increasing collaboration between neighboring Martinique and Saint Lucia has taken place.
On June 24, 2023 officials of the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment were delighted to welcome on island a seven (7) member French delegation comprising students and a teacher from Edouard Glissant College, as well as a parent and members of the Riviere Salee Lion’s Club.
The primary objective of this visit was to facilitate the official handing over of recycled eyewear, generously donated by the French Territory to the Saint Lucia Blind Welfare Association, via the Ministry of Equity.
The donation includes a collection of two thousand, two hundred (2,200) pieces of eyewear, encompassing glasses, sunglasses, and frames.
“We are hoping that this initiative will be an encouragement for other young people within Martinique and the French territories, as well as our own Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean region. Students of Edouard Glissant College and officials of the Lion’s Club, we commend you again for your most valuable initiative and trust that this will not be the last of your good deeds to impact the Blind Welfare Association and the general poor community and indigent in Saint Lucia,” noted Deputy Permanent Secretary Irene Gaspard.
The contribution will undoubtedly make a significant impact on the lives of visually impaired individuals in Saint Lucia, empowering them with improved vision and a better quality of life, “For the students and the members of the Lion’s Club this gesture comes from our hearts. I want to also say thank you to the Consulate of Saint Lucia in Martinique for facilitating this initiative and for receiving us so wonderfully in Saint Lucia,” remarked Eric Pierre Gaillard – Riviere Salee Lion’s Club Representative.
The ceremony provided an opportunity for both nations to celebrate the spirit of cooperation and exchange, strengthening the long established bonds of friendship between Saint Lucia and Martinique.
According to Anthony Avril. Executive Director of the Blind Welfare Association, “we are asking for opportunities, opportunities not only to enjoy the good of society but also to contribute to the continuing development of society and by extension the Caribbean, because we feel we belong. Blindness can affect anybody from all ages. You can be born with the condition or you can become blind at any time and so our programs try to encompass the whole age structure, from age zero to well over one hundred.”
Minister Hon. Joachim Henry expressed gratitude to the French delegation and LYNX Optical Centre of Martinique for spearheading the commendable initiative. “Their collaboration demonstrates a shared commitment to not only caring about environmental sustainability and the principles of recycling, but also demonstrates a firm commitment to assisting their fellowman and the less fortunate among us, which aligns perfectly with the mandate of the Ministry of Equity, an ethos shared by the St. Lucia Blind Welfare Association.”
The Saint Lucia Blind Welfare Association remains committed to improving the lives of visually impaired individuals in Saint Lucia, through various programs and initiatives. Meantime, the Ministry of Equity continues to foster an enabling environment for the creation of opportunities for collaboration that causes those who have, to touch the lives of those who have not.
Photo: Government Of Saint Lucia
