AS the country prepares for the general elections next year, there is an evident surge of enthusiasm among incumbent parliamentary representatives and aspiring candidates eager to gain a spot on their party’s list.
Among them, Joachim Henry, the Member of Parliament for Castries South East, remains steadfast in his determination to continue serving his constituency, dismissing baseless social media rumours about his health.
“I am in excellent health and fully prepared to engage in the selection process laid out by the Saint Lucia Labour Party,” Henry told reporters.
His zeal is matched by a long list of effective initiatives he has implemented in the Castries South East constituency—transformative activities that genuinely distinguish him.
“I refuse to settle for the ordinary. I’m thrilled about the innovative interventions I’ve pioneered. “They demonstrate what is possible when we dare to think differently,” Henry said during a recent media conference.
One of the most notable efforts is the Elder Care Programme, a relevant undertaking aiming at improving the lives of our elderly citizens. This project guarantees that medical experts pay regular visits to seniors, providing critical treatment and care directly to those who require it most.
The South Castries MP went on to say that this commitment to the well-being of the community’s elderly not only protects their dignity but also improves their quality of life.
Henry, in a forward-thinking partnership with the La Croix Minibus Association, addressed the issues faced by minibus drivers in Morne Bellair to alleviate their hardship along that route. This innovative project highlights his commitment to promoting local livelihoods and community resilience.
Furthermore, the development of a communal bus shelter, which includes a hairdressing salon on the upper floor, shows Henry’s notion of multipurpose spaces that improve community life.
“Castries South East has the potential to be an incubator for innovations that could be emulated nationwide,” Henry said. His proactive approach to community development exemplifies the essence of progress, demonstrating that smart, meaningful decisions can yield tangible results for everyone.
As Minister for Social Justice, Equity, and Transformation, Henry works diligently to implement projects that bring about long-term, positive change in people’s lives. He is presently leading efforts to examine the Public Assistance list, ensuring that resources are directed to those who truly require assistance, while also identifying 600 to 800 individuals who have advanced and may now survive independently.
This careful approach not only ensures the integrity of social assistance programmes, but also promotes an empowering culture. “The recent enactment of the Minimum Wage legislation marks a crucial step forward. We must now conduct the next Country Poverty Survey to gather accurate data on poverty, which will allow us to address vulnerabilities through wealth creation and generational prosperity plans,” Henry emphasised.
Currently, roughly 3,500 people are on the Public aid list, with an additional 1,500 who are qualified and awaiting aid. The Minister claimed that by reinventing the approach to support and wealth production, the government can inspire everyone, especially those living below the poverty line, to make important contributions to society.
“We believe in the potential within each person to contribute to wealth creation, regardless of their current circumstances,” Henry said . “Together, we can transform challenges into opportunities, fostering a stronger, more prosperous community for all.”
The Castries South East MP makes an impassioned plea: “Join us in supporting Joachim Henry as he champions innovative solutions and drives meaningful change in the Castries South East.” Together, we can create a brighter future for our community!