Author: slhta

Tourism Enhancement Fund distributes EC$100K in Food Vouchers

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(Castries, Saint Lucia – Thursday, December 18th 2025)- This holiday season, EC$100,000 in assistance will reach the less fortunate across Saint Lucia through the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association’s (SLHTA) Tourism Enhancement Fund’s (TEF) annual Christmas Food Voucher Drive. The vouchers have been donated to over twenty civil society groups and agencies, with several receiving them during a handover ceremony on Wednesday, December 17th at the SLHTA Secretariat, Rodney Heights.

SLHTA CEO Noorani Azeez expressed satisfaction that tourism continues to touch lives. “It is our pleasure, at this time of year, to be gathering to share good stuff with everyone—from vouchers to grants and donations—with all our stakeholders who are so involved at a ground level to make the impact of tourism felt at our community level,” he said.

TEF Programme Manager Donette Ismael explained that the goal of the drive is to reach as many people as possible. “It is with great pleasure that we are here to do our annual Christmas Food drive. The SLHTA’s TEF, this year, has invested over $100,000 in Christmas vouchers. The SLHTA will be working with community groups around the island to ensure that the most vulnerable persons benefit from our drive this year. We have gathered some of the organisations together to share some of the work that they will be doing to ensure that we all share the Christmas cheer.”

Some of this year’s recipients are:

  • Lions Club of Gros- Islet
  • The Rotary Club
  • Millet Development Committee
  • Willing Hands Charitable Foundation
  • The Saint Lucia Dove Club
  • Special Education School in Vieux fort
  • Dunnottar School
  • RISE St. Lucia
  • Miss L’s Charity
  • NewLeaf Wellness Program
  • Boys Training Centre
  • Royal Opulence Group
  • Musicians and Creative Industry
  • Making a Difference Foundation

For Chloe Gaillard of Royal Opulence Group, the vouchers will help bring a feeding programme to life. “Every year, as part of our give-back to the community, we do a feeding programme in the Castries basin. We do meals and every year the numbers increase. This year we’re aiming towards 100 people so the vouchers will definitely go a long way in getting the food stuff needed to prepare these hot meals for our needy and less fortunate amongst us,” she said.

Manager of the Boys Training Centre, Leanna Wallace, expressed gratitude to the TEF for what she described as a critical donation. “We will all appreciate in Saint Lucia that we have children at the centre who are in conflict with the law, and children who are there in care and protection. This donation that has been given to us will be used for us to share the joy of Christmas with their families. Because we do understand and appreciate that the socio-economic factors go deeper than we actually think. Our vulnerable people in Saint Lucia need a lot and when you get companies of that nature, who come and partner with us, we are very appreciative of this.”

With over EC$900,000 invested in people and communities in 2025, Ismael said that the organization is looking forward to fostering more positive change in the New Year. “This has been another great year for the TEF. We are very happy to say that we were able to impact many lives throughout the island with our scholarship programme, after-school programmes and various other initiatives. We are happy to be closing off this year with our annual voucher distribution and we want to thank our many contributors for making this possible. From the TEF, we wish you a Merry Christmas and all the best in the New Year!”

Empowering Educators: TEF Partners with District Two for Annual Retreat

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The District Two Education Office hosted its 3rd Annual Principals and Administrators Retreat on Thursday, June 12th, 2025, under the theme “Transformative Instructional Leadership.”

The event, made possible through the generous sponsorship of the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association’s Tourism Enhancement Fund, took place at Stony Hill, Monchy, and brought together Principals, Vice Principals, and other educational administrators from District Two. The retreat provided an invaluable opportunity for leaders to reflect on the true essence of leadership and engage in meaningful discussions with their peers on strategies for effective instructional leadership.

District Two is comprised of thirteen (13) schools: Canon Laurie Anglican Primary, Anglican Infant, Vide Bouteille Primary, Morne Du Don Primary, Gordon & Walcott Memorial Methodist, Carmen Rene Memorial, Camille Henry Memorial, Castries Comprehensive Secondary, Sir Ira Simmons Secondary, Patricia D. James Secondary, St. Mary’s College, SDA Academy, and Eucharist Lewis SDA.

Mrs. Merlyn Polimus-Innocent, Education Officer for District Two, encouraged principals to reflect, reimagine, and reconnect with the theme of this year’s retreat. The day commenced with a heartfelt devotion led by Mr. Cirus Cepal, who reminded attendees that true leadership is not about elevating oneself, but about serving the children entrusted to their care.

Throughout the retreat, principals and administrators shared real-life scenarios and challenged one another to think beyond the physical and mental walls of their schools. Together, they explored what true transformation in education looks like, and how they can collaboratively create school environments where every child is empowered to thrive. To add a touch of fun and appreciation, exciting prizes and gift baskets were distributed, allowing each attendee to enjoy some well-earned relaxation.

$100,000 in Food Vouchers Distributed by SLHTA’s Tourism Enhancement Fund

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(Castries, Saint Lucia – Monday, December 23rd 2024)- The Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association’s (SLHTA) Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) is making a difference for hundreds of citizens this holiday season. Through its Annual Christmas Drive, the TEF has disbursed EC $100,000 in food vouchers to provide much-needed support to families across the island. The vouchers were given to key community groups, who will manage distribution to those most in need.

This year’s recipients include:

  • Community Outreach Grooming Project
  • Dunnottar School
  • Lions Club of Gros Islet
  • Ministry of Tourism
  • Millet Development Committee
  • Miss L’s Charity Inc
  • NewLeaf Wellness Center
  • Rise St. Lucia/Safe Spaces
  • Rotary Club of Saint Lucia
  • Royal Saint Lucia Police Force
  • Lucia Dove Club
  • Special Educational School
  • Women Empowerment Group Crown On
  • Willing Hands Charitable Foundation

The significant donation was made possible through the generous support of visitors and TEF participating companies Bay Gardens Resorts, Calabash Cove, Cap Maison, Hotel Chocolat, Ladera Resort, Nick Troubetzkoy’s Anse Chastanet and Jade Mountain, Sandals Resorts, Sea Spray Cruises, SunSwept Resorts, Sugar Beach A Viceroy Resort, The Landings Resort and Spa, Villa Beach Cottages and Windjammer Landing.

Chairman of the SLHTA’s TEF, Winston Anderson, said: “The TEF takes great pride in continuing our Annual Christmas Drive and spreading holiday cheer. This year’s record-setting $100,000 investment marks the highest contribution in the initiative’s 11-year history. 2024 was another successful year for the Fund as we continued to support impactful programs aimed at the youth, environmental sustainability, and human resource development. The Christmas Drive always serves as a fitting culmination to these efforts to positively impact lives. On behalf of the TEF Trustees, I thank our participating companies and valued visitors for partnering with us to help create a better Saint Lucia!”

SLHTA CEO Noorani Azeez, said, “The SLHTA is celebrating the holiday season with a series of activities focused on sharing joy and goodwill. These efforts have included partnering with the Ministry of Tourism and the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association to provide gifts to 200 children, donating toys to students enrolled in the Association’s after-school programs at Roseau Combined and Millet Primary, and of course, the food voucher drive. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all our stakeholders for their continued support and collaboration throughout the year, and wish everyone a joyful and prosperous holiday season.”

Ten students receive Eileen Paul Scholarships from SLHTA’s Tourism Enhancement Fund

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(Castries, Saint Lucia – August 20th 2024)- Ten deserving students have received a valuable head start on their secondary school journey through the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association (SLHTA) Tourism Enhancement Fund’s (TEF) latest scholarship awards.

Established on October 11th 2021, the Eileen Paul Scholarship Fund provides financial support to secondary school students, whose parents are employed in the tourism industry. The scholarship is named in honour of Eileen Paul, who was the heart and soul of the SLHTA, having served the organisation for over forty years.

Scholarship holders receive a grant of EC$2000.00 annually for 5 years, once they maintain a grade point average of 70%.

This year’s recipients were honoured during a ceremony on Friday, August 16th, 2024, at the Sandals Grande St. Lucian.

They are:

  • Sariah O’Neil: Soufriere Comprehensive Secondary School
  • Donte Charles: Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School
  • Caleb James: Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School
  • Kyree Clovis: Soufriere Comprehensive Secondary School
  • Silvie-Marie Salvador: St Joseph’s Convent
  • Viniah Louis: Soufriere Comprehensive Secondary School
  • Arabella Charles: St Joseph’s Convent
  • Izzabella Frederick: Entrepot Secondary School
  • Javaun William: Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School and
  • Tina Brown: St Joseph’s Convent

Programme Manager of the SLHTA’s TEF Donette Ismael, is always excited for this time of year. Ismael said, “Eileen Paul always wanted to create a scholarship programme for line team members; heart of house team members, who would not otherwise be able to get these opportunities. For a child to be able to get one of our scholarships, they have to have a 70 average and above. And what we do Ms. Amos, our Project Officer because she loves working with people, always follows up with all of our recipients. We follow up with them, we meet with the parents, we meet with the students. And even when a child may not be able to maintain the average, we always inquire and work with the families to find out the reason why, and how as an SLHTA we may be able to assist and be able to retain the students on our programme.”

TEF Chairman Winston Anderson encouraged the students to do their best, pointing to the limitless opportunities in the growing hospitality sector. He stated, “Most importantly for us is focusing on our youth, and ensuring that we continue to support their development in a number of programmes that we do, whether it be the after-school, scholarships, mental well-being, and the list goes on. We do a lot of work in the communities to ensure that our youngsters are well taken care of. And as I said earlier on in my speech, you are in fact our future and every time that we do something in the communities, at the schools or with you, we walk away being more inspired, being more eager and being more excited to continue helping and supporting your future.”

Guardian Garieus Jn. Baptiste lauded SLHTA and TEF for the timely initiative. He said, “I would like to take this opportunity to say a special thank you to the SLHTA on behalf of the students, their parents and guardians, and by extension the communities that they are from. I am certain that this contribution will go a long way in assisting them. As he [TEF Chairman] said, the children are the future and today it has shown that the SLHTA has a special interest in our children. I’m hoping that this gesture continues!”

An emotional Sariah O’Neil said that she is excited to begin secondary school and promised to put her best foot forward. “I just wanted to say thank you to all those who sponsored the scholarship. Thank you for believing in our potential, and investing in all of our futures!”

To date over 40 students have received an Eileen Paul Scholarship, with a total of over EC $165,000 disbursed.

The SLHTA’s TEF thanks all contributing companies and visitors for investing in Saint Lucia’s youth!

RSLPF and SLHTA Collaborate to Bring Joy to Northern Division Community Members

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On December 22, 2023, the Northern Division Community Relations Branch of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) hosted its annual Christmas Voucher giveaway for eligible community members in the Northern Division Police Districts. The initiative was sponsored by the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association (SLHTA), a long-standing partner of the Gros Islet Police Station and by extension the RSLPF. Mr. David Moise, the Social Transformation Officer for the Gros Islet district who has consistently worked closely with the Gros Islet Police Station, ensuring a strong community partnership, also played a pivotal role in ensuring these gifts of vouchers reached the community members.

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SLHTA’s Tourism Enhancement Fund disburses $93K in Food Vouchers 

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(CASTRIES, Saint Lucia – Friday 21st December 2023)– The Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association’s (SLHTA) Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) kicked off its Annual Christmas Food Drive on Wednesday, December 20, 2023. For nearly a decade the TEF has embarked on this initiative to spread seasonal cheers and goodwill to families in need.

This year $93,000 in food vouchers will be provided to the less fortunate. The vouchers will be disbursed island-wide through partnerships with a number of community groups, including: the Lions Club of Gros Islet, Rotary Club of Saint Lucia, Dunnattar School, Alexander Family Foundation, Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (Gros Islet, Babonneau, Richfond, Dennery, Soufriere and Vieux Fort stations), Saint Lucia Dove Club, Millet Development Committee, Community Outreach Grooming Service Project, religious organisations and Musicians/Entertainers.

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Ten more students receive Eileen Paul Scholarships from SLHTA’s Tourism Enhancement Fund

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(CASTRIES, Saint Lucia- August 21st 2023)- Ten more secondary school newcomers have received Eileen Paul Scholarships from the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association’s (SLHTA) Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF).

The Eileen Paul Scholarship Fund was launched on October 11th 2021 to provide financial support to secondary school students, whose parents work in the hospitality and tourism industry. The scholarship is named in honor of Eileen Paul, who was the heart and soul of the SLHTA, having served the organisation for over forty years.

Scholarship holders receive a grant of EC$2000.00 annually for 5 years, once they maintain a grade point average of 70%. This year’s scholarship award ceremony, held on Thursday, August 17th 2023 at the Bay Gardens Hotel, Gros Islet, brought together government officials, parents and ebullient students.

TEF Chairman Winston Anderson underscored that education is a cornerstone of the TEF’s values. By nurturing intellectual curiosity, fostering innovation and providing access to quality education, the TEF is not only enhancing lives but also sowing seeds for a brighter Saint Lucia.

He said, “Year after year we proudly extend our support to ten hardworking students who embody the spirit of dedication and perseverance. This marks our ongoing commitment to education and the continued development of our youth. It also provides an opportunity to support our hospitality sector’s dedicated team members who stand on the frontline.

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Juniors Under Mentorship Programme (JUMP), the SLHTA’s TEF and FLOW Team up to Empower Students at Bishop Charles Gachet Primary School through Summer Virtual Reality Academic Programme

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(CASTRIES, Saint Lucia – Monday 14th August 2023)- Juniors Under Mentorship Programme (JUMP), the St Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association (SLHTA) and Flow have joined forces to embark on a programme to help at-risk youth succeed in academics. The programme called “What’s in your Backpack?”, will engage thirty participants in a two-week training on scientifically-proven strategies on how to learn and succeed in academics through the use of Virtual Reality (VR) technology. The programme will run from August 14th -24th and will be held at the Learning hub on the John Compton Highway.

The Covid-19 pandemic saw learning losses in numerous educational institutions globally, amid an already plummeting literacy rate within the Caribbean and Latin American region. The programme aims to address the issue of learning loss and build a foundation at the Bishop Charles Gachet RC Primary School to allow students more autonomy in the learning process.

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SLHTA and SLUNCF form partnership to enhance marine health in Saint Lucia

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(CASTRIES, Saint Lucia – Thursday 8th June 2023) – Creation of a Marine Health Alliance under the umbrella of the Saint Lucia National Conservation Fund will create ties with the tourism industry to support marine conservation, protect threatened biodiversity and promote healthy ocean ecosystems and reefs.

Building upon Earth Day 2023 and its theme “Invest In Our Planet” the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association (SLHTA) and the Saint Lucia National Conservation Fund (SLUNCF) have announced their new partnership agreement focused on investment in the island’s marine health.

Described as the ‘catalyst for change’ in Saint Lucia for ocean stewardship, the Marine Health Alliance will focus on a combination of top-down interventions and bottom-up project delivery. The launch of the Marine Health Alliance initiative was made possible with the support of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), the SLHTA’s philanthropic arm. Calls for proposals (CFPs) will be issued bi-annually to assist local communities, youth groups and public and private sector initiatives to bolster national marine conservation.

The SLHTA, TEF and SLUNCF will work closely together to engage with local stakeholders and visitors to learn about the Marine Health Alliance with the option of showing their support with a one-time voluntary contribution, annual membership or corporate sponsorship.

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SLHTA’s Tourism Enhancement Fund disburses over $250k!

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(CASTRIES, Saint Lucia – Tuesday, December 20th, 2022) – The spirit of giving permeated the air at the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association (SLHTA) on Monday, December 19, 2022 as the Association, through the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) disbursed grants and donations totalling over EC $250,000 to various organisations. The initiatives, aimed at creating opportunities for the youth and lending a helping hand to the less fortunate, were unveiled during a press conference at the Alfiona Plaza, Rodney Heights, Gros Islet.

An EC $132,000 grant to Landmark Events will provide Saint Lucians with training and development opportunities in the Orange Economy. The company operates Warehouse 11 , a 4,900 square foot facility in Vide Boutielle, Castries which seeks to serve as a ‘community space for creative interaction between artists and audiences, performers and producers, and masters and emerging talent, to simultaneously improve access, affordability and opportunity for skills transfer and development.’ The TEF is committed to providing opportunities in non-traditional areas to harness the talents of our people, increase self worth and identity and generate employment.

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