The government has injected substantial funds into empowering communities aligned with its social development policies.
On August 19, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre on behalf of the government donated over $240,000 from the Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP) to the UBUNTU Movement.
This funding supports the “Seeds for Justice: Peace and Economic Prosperity” initiative, a project dedicated to addressing the root causes of violence in vulnerable communities.
A release from the Office of the Prime Minister states that the government’s backing of this initiative underscores its resolve to work alongside NGOs in fostering safer, more resilient neighbourhoods.
The “Seeds for Justice” project, spearheaded by the UBUNTU Movement, is a joint venture with Citizens for Peace and Prosperity, Rise St. Lucia, Safe Spaces, and the Collective 100-Hours Volunteer Champion.
The project has been actively working to bring about positive change in Bruceville (Shanty Town), Westhall, and Martin Luther King St., Vieux-Fort.
At a recent handover ceremony, PM Pierre reiterated: “The SEEDS Project is a social intervention project aimed at reducing the level of violence and … deviant behaviour (among) young people generally. And more specifically in the south.”
The prime minister acknowledged the input and involvement of Priest Kalash and other interested parties associated with this initiative, and “they work together with the Saint Lucia Social Development Fund (SSDF) because we want (to take) a holistic approach to (dealing with) the problems of violence, particularly gang violence.”
PM Pierre noted that while there is no easy solution to this issue, “we have to work together, we have to group.” He said the one-year donation will assist the UBUNTU movement in ensuring that its administrative functions are effected in promoting the SEEDS project.
An UBUNTU representative expressed gratitude for the donation, which they say will assist with implementing activities to empower at-risk youth, particularly troubled youth in the Vieux Fort community.
The UBUNTU movement, founded by Priest Kalash, works towards helping to build “resilience among young people, particularly through academic support, psychosocial and life skills.”
The representative added, “Our approach is holistic in ensuring that our youth feel empowered and …can empower (other) young people.”
Since 2023, the initiative has made strides, including uniting mothers who have lost children to gun violence and initiating truce talks among rival gangs. These efforts supplement government-led interventions by providing a community-driven conflict resolution and healing approach.
The group has since advanced to a new phase entitled: “Olive Branch.”
This phase aims to further the UBUNTU Movement’s impact by launching youth leadership and childcare programmes, exploring economic empowerment opportunities, and organizing a peace concert.
Additionally, the SEEDS project includes an integral partnership with other nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) such as New Leaf, the police, and the private and public sectors.