Author: slhta

(Castries, Saint Lucia – Tuesday, February 3rd 2026)- Citizens across Saint Lucia affected by preventable and treatable eye conditions are currently benefiting from the Kids Insight medical mission.

Launched in 2003, this initiative is a collaboration between the Saint Lucia Blind Welfare Association, the Lions Club of Saint Lucia and the West Virginia Eye Institute, offering a comprehensive approach to paediatric eye problems, including surgical, medical, educational and rehabilitation needs.

Taking place from January 19^th to February 6^th, the impactful programme has once again received sponsorship from the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), with an EC$30,000 donation.

Wayne Monrose of the Lions Club of Gros Islet reflected on the difference the initiative is making, stating: “Kids Insight has been in Saint Lucia since 2003, and throughout those years the Lions Clubs of Saint Lucia, and in particular the Lions Club of Gros Islet, has been associated with them in ensuring that the children of Saint Lucia get the eye care that they so deserve. This year we are extremely excited because we were wondering how it [funding] was going to come through but we had absolutely no problem. The TEF was almost immediate in responding to say yes to ensure the success of this programme. And so, as I said, we are excited that the children of Saint Lucia deservedly will get the assistance they need, and not have to wait another year or two for this to happen. We know it’s so important that they get, in these early years, the kind of attention that that is needed. I want to say thanks to all our partners, the SLHTA, the TEF, and of course, the group from West Virginia, the doctors themselves who take their time off to come here to ensure that children of Saint Lucia get what they deserve.”

Twenty-five Bocage Secondary School students are receiving vital assistance through the programme. This is part of a broader partnership between the Tourism Enhancement Fund and Bocage, providing support across several areas of need. Ronald “Boo” Hinkson, upon learning of the challenges faced by the school, connected them with the TEF.

He stated: “My affiliation with the Bocage School goes back some years. In one of my visits to the school, Ms. Zenith Duncan spoke to me about some of the issues with some of the children needing glasses and other stuff. You know as well as I do that if you can’t see then learning in the class is a problem.  And I said to her that I will talk to an organization that I am affiliated with and see what can happen. And being a lifetime Honorary Member of SLHTA, I had a discussion with Mr. Noorani Azeez. Over a period of time, we had meetings with the Bocage School and here we are today: some twenty-five children will be benefiting from the visual assistance programme!”

Programme Manager of the Tourism Enhancement Fund, Donette Ismael, lauded the organizers for their hard work and determination. She said: “We the TEF are proud to be part collaborators in this initiative. The Kids Insight programme, which is designed to provide special services for persons with vision disabilities, has aligned with our work with the Bocage Secondary School. Based on the discussions we’ve had with the school, we understood that several students were in need of special assistance, and we brought it full circle with the Kids Insight programme, where they’re going to be getting free services: the eye examinations and glasses afterwards. So, we are very happy to see how these two programmes came together and to provide that kind of support for our students.”

Ismael also thanked the contributing companies and visitors whose support sustains the work of the Fund. “I would love to take this opportunity to thank our contributing members and the visitors to our island for contributing to the SLHTA’s TEF. This Fund allows us to do all the wonderful work that we do in our communities and to provide wonderful services like we are doing here today at the Blind Welfare Association.”

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.

(Castries, Saint Lucia – Monday, December 23^rd 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.”

(Castries, Saint Lucia – August 20^th 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!

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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(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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