A powerful humanitarian gesture and one at the heart of the mandate of the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment regarding uplifting and transforming the lives of the less fortunate in society, has taken place. On October 10, 2023, in a simple yet moving ceremony, keys to the first section of a duplex dwelling house were handed over to a appreciative and humble recipient at La Croix Maingot.
“This is a moment where we will be contributing towards meeting one of the physiological needs of someone. Where there will be safety within the well decorated walls. Where the individual will find shelter and of course what we would usually call peace of mind,” Permanent Secretary Dr. Charmaine Hippolyte Emmanuel said.
Using a simplified yet effective and cost-effective construction technique, the low-cost concrete structure, designed to accommodate two households, comes via collaboration with the Saint Lucia Social Development Fund (SSDF), a key satellite agency of the Ministry of Equity which provided the bulk of the funding, and other partners like the St. Lucia Blind Welfare Association (SLBWA) and the Saint Lucia Mission of Seventh-Day Adventist.
“Those who would know the Seventh-day Adventist Church well would know that we have a department called Community Services and ADRA. These are structured departments that cater to the needs of community members. Should one go to any church around the island, one would find community service members going into the communities, cleaning for the shut-ins, cooking, and taking care of those who are in need. And so, I think this as the basis for the partnership with the church,” noted Pastor Roger Stephen, President of the Saint Lucia Mission of Seventh-day Adventist.
According to Anthony Avril – Executive Director SLBWA, “The SLBWA has worked with the Minister in other fora like the SSDF, etc. and he is fully acquainted with the commitment of the association, the inclusive agenda of the association to transforming the society so that all of its citizens will always feel that they are welcome, protected but also given opportunities to contribute to themselves and their fellow man.”
The vulnerabilities of Small Island Developing States have become particularly glaring in relation to meeting and satisfying housing needs for their citizens. Marred by many exogenous shocks brought on by natural disasters, pandemics, and mounting inflation, more people are finding themselves living below the poverty line, with housing typically being one of the main commodities out of reach for the less fortunate.
It is against that stark and harsh reality Equity Minister Joachim Henry says governments must act.
Said Henry: “Our population generally in terms of providing themselves with home and transportation are challenged. Persons living below the poverty line, which is almost 28 percent of the population, and with economic shocks you can add another twenty percent to this making it a good fifty percent or more of the population are challenged with the ability to provide themselves with a home and government is there to come in and support where the private sector is unable to. This is the sole purpose of the government.
Therefore, the Ministry of Equity recognizing that we have a vulnerable population who cannot go to the National Housing Corporation and even put a down payment for a home, we need to find a way to respond.”
“Let me say how deeply appreciative of this moment I am. Maybe my demeanor might not say it but I can tell you from the bottom of my heart I do feel a debt of gratitude to all concerned, it has been a long journey,” remarked house recipient Lloyd Maloney. Formally an active member of the Blind Welfare Association, Mr. Lloyd had oftentimes lent his voice and energies towards efforts at advocacy on the part of the indigent. The SLBWA boasts a proud legacy of building and renovating homes for visually impaired persons in Saint Lucia.
The SDA church will play a key role in the management of the duplex house.