Representatives of faith-based organizations across Saint Lucia have taken a significant step toward strengthening collaboration and national advocacy with the election of an interim executive to guide the establishment of the Saint Lucia Association of Faith-Based Organizations.
The recent election took place during a meeting convened by the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice, Gender, Older Persons, Labour, Consumer Affairs and Co-operatives.
The meeting brought together representatives from a cross-section of religious and denominational groups, including the Roman Catholic Church, Methodist Church, Evangelical Church of the West Indies, House of Nyabinghi, Full Gospel Fellowship, Islamic community, Baptiste Church, Universal Church of Christ, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Deputy Permanent Secretary Karen Dupre underscored the importance of establishing a unified national body to strengthen coordination, representation, and advocacy among faith-based organizations in Saint Lucia. Due to the absence of a quorum, participants voted on the way forward and unanimously agreed to elect an interim executive to serve for a period of one year.
election process resulted in the unopposed selection of the executive body. The newly elected interim executive comprises:
• Paul Francis – President (House of Nyabinghi)
• Donavan Eugene – Vice President (Saint Lucia Association of Muslims)
• Tui Nuku Smith – Secretary (Methodist Church)
• Francis Polius – Treasurer (Full Gospel Fellowship)
• Gregory Dixon – Public Relations Officer (Baptiste Church)
The interim executive has been mandated to lay the institutional foundation for the Association. Key priorities over the one-year term include finalizing and adopting a national constitution, formally registering the Association, advocating for the interests of faith-based organizations, and implementing initiatives aimed at addressing social challenges and strengthening community impact.
The Ministry of Equity has echoed its commitment to supporting the work of the interim executive and fostering collaboration among faith-based stakeholders as the Association takes shape.
The tenure of the interim executive will conclude on March 31, 2027.