PRESS RELEASE – MEMBERS, non-members and staff of the Saint Lucia National Trust (SLNT) came out in large numbers on Saturday, November 24, 2018 for the organisation’s 42nd Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Some 150 persons attended the AGM at the Finance Administrative Centre Conference Room in Castries to receive updates on the Trust’s conservation work, the achievements and challenges encountered over the last year and to provide useful guidance on measures to be taken to better fulfill its mandate.
Members used the forum to express their continued dissatisfaction with the removal of the Trust’s subvention in light of the numerous conservation works it is mandated to undertake.
The need to allocate more resources towards its advocacy and education programmes was emphasized.
There was also a brief exchange with the audience and Consultant, Yves Renard on the Trust’s Strategic Plan (2019-2029) scheduled to be launched early 2019. (The public is encouraged to complete a short survey to aid the process at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SLNT-SP).
Although the SLNT was unable to provide an update on the proposed dolphinarium because of the absence of any updates from Government, members remained adamant that the organization continue its advocacy to ensure that such an establishment is not developed in Saint Lucia.
According to Karetta Crooks Charles, the SLNT’s Communications and Advocacy Officer, “One of the highlights at the meeting was the presentation of prizes for Primary and Secondary School Students who entered the SLNT’s Dolphinarium Essay Competition.
“Students were asked to write arguments for or against the establishment of a proposed dolphinarium in Saint Lucia.
“All entries were judged anonymously by three SLNT Members – Jane King Hippolyte, Dr. Marie-Louise Felix and Lucius Doxerie.
“The competition served to enhance the Trust’s efforts to engage with the youth and the essays will be used to help shape our messages towards children regarding the dolphinarium matter”.
The Trust is thankful to Digicel, Captain Mike’s and Taxi for providing a plethora of amazing prizes for the following winners:
Primary School: 1st – Shaynne Edgar, Grade 5 – Camille Henry Memorial School; 2nd – Layla Phillip, Grade 6 – Eucharist Lewis SDA Primary School; and 3rd – Pearl Cornibert, Grade 6 – Eucharist Lewis SDA Primary School.
Secondary School: 1st – Dale J. K. Elliott – Form 4 – St. Joseph’s Convent; 2nd – Mendel Nathoniel, Form 2 – St. Mary’s College; and 3rd – Sade Gustave, Form 1 – St. Joseph’s Convent.
All 15 participants will receive a one-year Family Membership from the Trust, while those who did not place in the top three in both categories received Cinema tickets from the Trust and two special prizes by Cream n Bean.
In addition to the business matters on the Agenda, the audience was able to view a mini-exhibition which rehashed the story of the transformational 1948 Castries Fire; publications found in the Trust’s Documentation Centre and paintings and craft by artisans from Choiseul and Vieux Fort.
A vibrant cultural presentation was done by Leo Louisy (drummer/singer) and Laurent Jn Pierre (dance/singer).
To top it off, The Lorax Club from the Dennery Primary School also delivered a riveting performance of their original poem entitled ‘The Lorax’.
One of the major highlights of the AGM was the election of Councillors.
Vincent Clarke and Kirk Elliott were the only two new Councillors to join the returning Councillors: Alison King, Sean Compton, Calixte George Jr., Dr. Christine Parris and Nadia Cazaubon..
Meanwhile, Laurent Jn. Pierre and Dr. Francis Pappin remain as the representatives for the Saint Lucia Archaeology & Historical Society.
The full complement of Council will be realized when Government confirms its two representatives.
The Trust takes this opportunity to thank all outgoing Councillors for their contribution to its work.
The Trust is confident that the new Council will continue to work together to ensure that the organization thrives and fulfills its mandate so that present and future generations appreciate and enjoy the island’s rich heritage. (Saint Lucia National Trust)