For the second consecutive year, the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment marked National Day of Caring with two key activities that saw the involvement of individuals and communities across the length and breadth of Saint Lucia.

On June 6, Community Outreach Day was observed and witnessed communities like Gros Islet, Monchy, Babonneau, Castries North, Central, & South together with Dennery North,  Anse La Raye/Canaries, and Vieux Fort all staging activities that focus attention on demonstrating acts of kindness and compassion to children, young persons, and older persons in particular.       

On June 7, National Caring Day, several departments and satellite agencies of the Ministry converged on Constitution Park in Castries for a Showcase on Caring. The event, held under the theme 'I am what I choose to become,' highlighted the Ministry's commitment to fostering a culture of care and collective responsibility within the community.

"This theme is a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to care for one another and our communities. It also provides an avenue for the various departments and units to showcase their services, which reflect caring," noted Permanent Secretary Dr. Charmaine Hippolyte Emmanuel.

The showcase featured the Welfare Department, Community Services Unit, Division of Human Services, Saint Lucia Social Development Fund (SSDF) , Upton Gardens Girls Centre, and the Boys Training Centre (BTC)

"Our unit exists to address all the public's needs at the community level by working very closely with community residents, community leaders, and organizations at the community level," observed Deputy Director of Community Services Kendall Elva.

Through interactive discussions and the distribution of brochures, the public became aware of the Ministry's transformative programs, designed to uplift and empower the vulnerable. Meals were also provided to the elderly and vulnerable, while staff members from the various departments participated in fun and games with the public.

"We thought it would be a great opportunity for the girls to present themselves to the public and to allow the people to see that our girls are not what Saint Lucia likes to call the bad girls. The girls are here themselves, conveying what happens at the centre and who is welcome. It is a great opportunity to share what we do at Upton," noted Jacqueline Massiah-Simeon, Director of the Upton Gardens Girls Centre,

Through initiatives like the National Day of Caring Showcase, the Ministry continues to demonstrate that caring is an integral part of its mission and that every individual has the power to make a positive impact in someone's life.