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 behaviours 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. 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; 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.
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 programme components form an integral part.”
The Crime and Violence Interruption Project was launched and formally introduced to the citizenry on Friday August 18, 2023 at the Ministry of Equity’s Conference Room.