A significant contribution by the island’s lone power company, the St. Lucia Electricity Services Limited (LUCELEC), to St. Lucy’s Home has been welcomed, following the installation of a 10-kilowatt solar photovoltaic (PV) system aimed at reducing operational costs and enhancing sustainability at the institution.
The donation represents a meaningful investment in the care and wellbeing of the country’s elderly population, while advancing national efforts toward renewable energy adoption. Minister for Equity, Social Justice, Gender, Older Persons, Labour, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs, Emma Hippolyte, who attended the handover ceremony, expressed gratitude to both LUCELEC and the management of the Home for their continued commitment to serving one of the most vulnerable groups in society.
She described the solar installation as a forward-thinking intervention with long-term benefits. “The contribution being made today is not just for this month, it is a continuous saving for St. Lucy’s Home. This is exactly the kind of support we need, as we work to make life more comfortable for our seniors in their twilight years.”
Minister Hippolyte underscored the government’s broader responsibility to ensure that elderly citizens are treated with dignity and care. “Our seniors have laboured and toiled to build this country. In their later years, we owe them the responsibility to ensure that they are cared for and supported.”
The minister also emphasized the importance of partnership in delivering meaningful social support. “Each one of us—government, private citizens, and corporate partners—has a role to play in ensuring that we take care of our seniors. This is a shared responsibility.”
Since assuming office, Minister Hippolyte noted that she has undertaken visits to residential care facilities across the island to better understand their needs and advocate for increased support. “Some homes require more assistance than others, and we are working to ensure that the resources available are distributed in a way that provides meaningful support across the board.”
She further expressed hope that this initiative would serve as a model for expanded collaboration. “We are hopeful that we can continue to partner with LUCELEC to bring similar support to other homes for the elderly and disadvantaged across Saint Lucia.”
The installation also aligns with the government’s long-term energy strategy, aimed at reducing dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating the impact of global oil price volatility. “We want to transition to alternative energy solutions that can reduce costs and improve sustainability, particularly for institutions providing essential social services,” Minister Hippolyte noted.
LUCELEC’s Assistant Chief Engineer Mr. Carryl Haynes says the system, valued at approximately EC$43,000 underscores the company’s commitment to supporting community institutions through sustainable energy solutions. He noted that initiatives of this nature form part of the company’s broader effort to enhance resilience, reduce operational costs, and contribute to national development.
The Ministry of Equity has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships that enhance service delivery, improve living conditions for vulnerable populations, and support national development priorities. The donation to St. Lucy’s Home stands as a clear example of how collaborative action can deliver lasting impact, ensuring that Saint Lucia’s elderly citizens receive the care, dignity, and support they deserve.