For the first time officially Saint Lucia will join in the observance of National Caring Day, an initiative created by CaringBridge, a registered nonprofit organization.
The commemoration, carded for June 7, under the theme “Caring for each other: Making a Difference,” coupled with a color scheme of White and a touch of other national colors, will focus on persons living with disabilities.
Activities for National Day of Caring are being led by the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment and will kick-off with a grand launch at Constitution Park, in the heart of the City of Castries on June 7, 2023.
“While the commemoration carded for this year will focus on persons living with disabilities, the observance of National Day of Caring is to bring to focus and to celebrate our own caring ways. Additional, it is to encourage caring and to deepen our passion for caring. Caring for our environment, caring for our neighbors, caring for persons with disabilities, caring for animals, caring for our communities. It is to foster the zeal and attitude just to provide a caring deed,” noted Minister for Equity Hon. Joachim Henry.
Apart from remarks from the Honorable Minister, government officials, and other community and faith-based leaders, the ceremony will see the presentation of awards to 5 persons with disabilities who have made significant contributions to society.
Two other major activities will be a Panel Discussion, grouping faith-based and other civil society organizations with a track record of vibrant community outreach; and offering Specialized Care to families with children who are mentally challenged and with sick and shut-in older persons in need of social assistance and psychological-emotional support.
The observance of National Day of Caring will also place focus on the need to establish on Saint Lucia, a National Register of Persons with Disabilities.
The National Day of Caring will also endorse activities that promote spiritual upliftment as well as the recreation, entertainment and personal assistance, to those deemed most vulnerable. All events will be held in conjunction with key stakeholders.
In recent times, the Government of Saint Lucia has advanced reforms for a social protection system that is more inclusive and that endeavors to deliver social services to alleviate the consequences of poverty for the country’s most vulnerable citizens.
Reducing inequalities and ensuring that no one is left behind are integral to achieving Sustainable Development Goal#10 – that of, Reduced Inequality Within and Among Countries.
The observance of National Day of Caring is expected to be an annual event with different areas of vulnerability being placed under the microscope as the observance advances.
SOURCE: Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment
