Government of Saint Lucia

The Soufriere Regional Development Foundation (SRDF) is pleased to announce its upcoming event, "SRDF Celebrates the Arts," as part of Nobel Laureate Festival activities. This celebration of artistic talent will take place on Sunday, January 28, 2024, at the Soufriere Primary School Grounds, commencing at 4 pm.

The event aims to pay tribute to Saint Lucia's esteemed Nobel Laureates, Sir Arthur Lewis, and Sir Derek Walcott, by showcasing the creative prowess of youth in the literary and performing arts. Six schools within Soufriere will participate, bringing forth performances that reflect the richness of our cultural heritage and the influence of these two iconic figures.

• Date: Sunday, January 28, 2024
• Time: 4:00 pm
• Venue: Soufriere Primary School Grounds

Featured Schools:

• Soufriere Infant School
• Soufriere Primary School
• Les Etangs Combined School
• Fond St Jacques Primary School
• Soufriere Comprehensive Secondary School
• Bouton Primary School

The event has received endorsement and support from the National Nobel Laureate Committee, chaired by Governor General Emerita, Dame Pearlette Louisy. This collaboration underscores the significance of fostering educational, cultural, and youth development initiatives in the region.

Corporate Communications and Marketing Manager at SRDF, Mrs. Lovely St. Aime-Joseph, says the SRDF believes that fostering artistic expression is crucial for the holistic development of the community. "SRDF Celebrates the Arts" is not just a tribute to our Nobel Laureates but also a platform to empower and inspire the next generation of artists.

World Leprosy Day is held annually on the last Sunday of January. This day aims to raise awareness about leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease. World Leprosy Day is a call to action and seeks to promote efforts to combat the stigma and discrimination that persons affected by leprosy often face. This year World Leprosy Day falls on January 28, 2024. The theme for 2024 is “Ending Stigma, Embracing Dignity”.

Leprosy is a chronic disease which affects the skin, nerves and eyes and is caused by a bacterium (Mycobacterium Leprae). Leprosy is curable using a combination of drugs which are available free of charge within the public health system.

Leprosy is not an illness of the past, it still affects millions of persons around the world and scores of St. Lucians today! In 2023 the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs registered 11 new cases and at the start of 2024 has already diagnosed new cases.

This infection may be transmitted mainly through droplets from the nose and mouth during prolonged close contact with untreated leprosy cases. It has a long incubation period, on average, at least 5 years. That means someone could be infected with leprosy but NOT show any signs (lesions on the body) or symptoms (loss of feeling and decreased sweating in the lesions) for up to 5 years.

When we speak of stigma, we refer to any negative thoughts or beliefs associated with the illness, and discrimination is any action taken based on those beliefs. One example may be that we would not want to sit next to a person that we think has Leprosy on a bus because we are afraid that we may catch it from them. Leprosy appears to affect men and other persons who live with or have prolonged contact with untreated persons with Leprosy. This year we intend to introduce treatment for persons who have had close contact with someone with leprosy. This medication will help in reducing the chances of getting Leprosy. One single dose of Rifampicin can lower the possibility of you getting Leprosy if you have been in close contact with an infected person.

The MOH urges all to take a close look at yourself and family members. If you see a light coloured spot with decreased sensation or feeling, or getting non- healing recurrent burns and ulcers to the hands and feet, please visit your nearest health care facility. The first step in preventing complications is getting a correct diagnosis and starting treatment early. If left untreated, leprosy can cause deformities such as clawing of the hands, the loss of fingers and toes due to loss of sensation to the hands and feet. It may even cause blindness. However, early detection and access to proper treatment can prevent disability.

Let us all join hands to end the stigma associated with Leprosy and promote the dignity of people affected by the disease. Together we can make a difference!

The Castries Comprehensive Secondary School celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year. The educational institution opened its doors in 1974 and has molded the minds and careers of thousands of students over the years. In celebration of this milestone, the CCSS Alumni have planned several activities among which is a Walk to 50 to be held this Sunday, January 28th 

In the headlines: The Government of St. Lucia receives funding for projects from the Republic of China Taiwan and; The Ministry of Agriculture is on course to identifying vulnerabilities in the farming community.

For details on these developments and more, visit: www.govt.lc

Education Minister Shawn Edward has pledged his Ministry's continued support to uniform groups like the Saint Lucia Cadet Corps (SLCC) in playing their Significant role in the development of the country and indeed the lives of young Saint Lucians.

The Cadet Corp recently hosted its second Commandant's Parade, at the NEMO grounds in Bisee.

Limelight is being placed on challenges faced within the agriculture, as the Ministry of Agriculture, teams up with stakeholders to continue resilience improvement measures. This, as The Building Resilience for Adaptation to Climate Change and Climate Variability in Agriculture in Saint Lucia (BRACCCVAS) is on the forefront, actively engaging in a thorough analysis to map and tackle vulnerabilities across Saint Lucia.

The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has welcomed the recent media coverage and public discourse of the Draft Tax Administration Procedures Act, which was circulated to select stakeholders for comment from last year 2023. The Comptroller and Senior Legal Officer at the IRD have sought to clarify some of the issues surrounding the draft legislation.  

For details on these developments and more, visit: www.govt.lc

In the headlines: The community of Mon Repos gathers to witness the sod turning ceremony for the areas new state-of-the-art cemetery and; COTA is to hold its Annual General Assembly for Tax Administrators in Saint Lucia.

For details on these developments and more, visit: www.govt.lc

A recently held School-Supervision retreat of the Ministry of Education is being viewed as significant to improving school management within the education sector. The retreat held at the Royalton Hotel brought together education officers within the various School districts and units on the island.

 The Ministry of Agriculture,Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development through the Building Resilience for Adaptation to Climate Change and Climate Variability in Agriculture in Saint Lucia (BRACCCVAS) Project is on the course of identifying vulnerabilities in the farming community as the focus in on developing a Geographic Information System.