On Saturday, January 17, 2026, the Ministry of Infrastructure, Ports Services, and Energy, convened a workshop for its drivers that went far beyond routine training. It was a call to dignity, responsibility, and national pride for the men who keep the ministry moving—from project sites to meetings, and from one corner of Saint Lucia to another.
Held under the theme “Driving with Purpose: Building Professional Pride on the Road,” the workshop challenged drivers to see themselves not simply as vehicle operators, but as nation builders. Sessions covered protocol and etiquette, road safety, traffic regulations, defensive driving, reasons for vehicle servicing, general health and wellness practices and insurance responsibilities—equipping participants with the tools to embody professionalism on and off the road.
Minister of Infrastructure Shawn Edward reminded participants that every bus, truck, and government vehicle represents more than cargo or passengers. Each journey reflects the values of safety, respect, and professionalism. He emphasized that drivers are frontline ambassadors of the public service, carrying the nation’s commitment to order and care wherever they go. Professional pride, he noted, is not about titles but about conduct.
Acting Permanent Secretary Ms. Lorraine Matthew underscored that the workshop was not just another training exercise, but “a clear and deliberate statement of the value this Ministry places on you—our drivers—and on the critical role you play in keeping this Ministry, and indeed our country, moving safely, efficiently, and with purpose.”
She reminded drivers that their role is often overlooked, yet every successful project, site visit, and service begins and ends with their safe and professional conduct.
Matthew explained that the ministry carefully designed the programme to address the full scope of drivers’ responsibilities. She expressed confidence that the knowledge gained would translate into safer practices, stronger professionalism, and deeper pride in their essential work.
“Professionalism is not defined by the uniform you wear, but by the standards you uphold when no one is watching,” she said.
Human Resource Officer Mrs. Yasmine Lambert-Reynolds set the tone for the day, reminding drivers that the workshop was an investment in them—a chance to reflect on the responsibility entrusted to them and to strengthen their commitment to safety and pride.
“Every journey you make matters, and every decision behind the wheel reflects not only on you as individuals but on the ministry, the public service, and the nation,” she said.
The workshop’s central message was clear: the Ministry of Infrastructure, Ports Services, and Energy is not only about bridges and highways, but about people. A well-paved road means little if it is not traversed with responsibility. By investing in drivers’ professional growth, the government is investing in safer communities, smoother commerce, and a culture of respect on the nation’s roads.
While acknowledging that professional pride cannot be instilled in a single workshop, the ministry emphasized that it must be nurtured collectively. The ultimate goal is for every driver to see beyond the wheel and recognize that driving with purpose is not just a slogan—it is a pathway to national unity and progress.