‘Save The Children’

Marchand, Castries businessman Shervon James has a self-imposed mission to guide the community’s vulnerable youth away from indiscipline and crime.

The owner of Royal Oak Restaurant & Sports Bar has appealed to other business people and public-spirited citizens to join his drive to save the children.

James told  St. Lucia Times that he also wants Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre to support his initiative.

Pierre is the MP for Castries East, where James has his restaurant.

A few weeks ago, the Marchand restauranter organised a ‘Stop the Violence’ initiative, including various youth sporting events.

And recently, he started a Sunday ‘bring a bowl’ event, providing meals to children and others in need.

“Last week Sunday was a really big event. We had over sixty children, twenty elderly people and three individuals on wheelchairs that came for lunch,” James told St. Lucia Times.

He also launched a summer programme for youngsters, taking them to the Vigie Sports Complex on Saturdays during the school break to play netball, basketball, and football.

James asserted that young people could quickly go astray if no one does anything.

“Somebody has to step up,” he declared.

“Right now, I am asking the public, business places, whosoever could help us to sponsor the youth,” he said.

The appeal has not fallen on deaf ears.

James disclosed that the Chairman of RISE St. Lucia Inc., Dr. Venus Cherry, responded.

RISE describes its mission as being ‘dedicated to the healthy development of people, especially youth’.

According to James, Cherry called him to contribute to the youth outreach initiative.

“He gave me how many boxes of clothing and shoes and that was a blast,” James stated.

He said a friend offered to put the items outside on a table and distribute them and almost all the children who benefitted from last Sunday’s lunch collected clothing.

“I have kids of my own, that’s why I am doing it, because I know the struggles,” James told St. Lucia Times.