PRIME Minister Philip J Pierre has issued a compelling call to action, urging citizens to embrace their civic responsibilities in order to foster societal discipline and productivity. And for parents to take charge of their children’s upbringing.
He stated that, while youth delinquency and crime harm the country’s prestige, parents’ responsibilities to their children must be addressed.
He said, “Before we focus on welfare officers and delinquents, we must prioritise developing responsible parents. The best service we can offer to our children is for parents to take personal responsibility. Parents must assume responsibility for their children’s upbringing. ”
PM Pierre indicated that during the next Budget Presentation, the government will reveal plans to increase the number of Social Transformation Officers, who were formally refered to as Social Welfare Officers.
“We will significantly increase the number of individuals dedicated to this critical work,” he announced, emphasising that “the government cannot do everything.” Citizens must take the initiative in their own lives.
PM Pierre emphasised the importance of improved social interactions, urging parents across Saint Lucia to take ownership of their responsibilities: “I challenge parents to set clear priorities for their children. We need better parenting, and next year, we are committed to enhancing these efforts.”
While acknowledging that the government cannot prescribe the complexities of parenting, he argued that “the government can and must provide resources to educate parents on good child-rearing. Parents are their children’s first teachers.”
In response to enquiries about village and town councils’ roles in community maintenance, the Prime Minister referred to the seasonal STEP initiative as a temporary solution aimed at providing economic relief through short-term beautification work.
He emphasised the importance of human responsibility in keeping the environment clean: “People cannot dump garbage and then expect the government to clean it up. We’ve reached a point where individuals generate waste and then seek contracts for its removal.”
PM Pierre underlined that residents must take “personal responsibility” for keeping their neighbourhoods clean. “If everyone took the initiative to clean the drain in front of their house, the whole town would benefit. However, we are failing to act.”
He reiterated that the government will be unable to address all socioeconomic concerns on its own. “It is imperative that we instill a sense of individual responsibility among the public for their lives and the wellbeing of their communities,” Pierre, PM, said.
In recent years, the government has stepped up its attempts to develop social interventions targeted at reducing criminal activity and aberrant behaviour, particularly among youth. Despite these programs, including those of the Youth Economy Agency and the Saint Lucia Development Fund (SSDF), there is still a lack of involvement by welfare officers in reaching out to marginalised areas.
In response, Prime Minister Pierre has strongly reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving citizens’ lives and working towards a more equal, productive, and sustainable nation.
He noted the proposal to establish Road Work crews in communities to address job concerns, particularly among young people.
The prime minister announced budgetary plans to expand the Road Maintenance Programme.