In a bid to address the challenges faced by young female abuse victims –particularly teen mothers navigating puberty, maternity, and rehabilitation – Minister for Equity, Social Justice, and Empowerment Joachim Henry called for “focused, considerate, and structured solutions” during his contribution to the 2025/2026 Appropriation Bill debate in Parliament on Thursday.
Henry proposed establishing a semi-independent living unit at the transit home, designed as a safe space where adolescent mothers and their infants can develop life skills while preparing for reintegration into society.
The facility, he explained, would foster “dual development,” supporting both the emotional and psychosocial recovery of young mothers in foster care while equipping them with parenting skills.
“This arrangement, coupled with an allocation of $15 000, is essential as it will protect the newborn from potential exposure to viruses and bacteria from other children, minimise noise disruption from other residents and allow for a more focused supervision of both mother and children,” he said.
Long-term plans for juvenile rehabilitation
The minister also provided updates on plans to repurpose the former George Charles Secondary School into a new juvenile facility, intended to replace the Boys Training Centre (BTC), Upton Gardens Girls Centre and other youth institutions.
“The ministry continues its engagement on the project with a commitment to providing a modern, effective facility that supports youth development and well-being,” Henry said.
He noted that $373 000 had been approved for the 2025–26 fiscal year to cover essential remedial maintenance, ensuring structural integrity as work progresses.
Negotiations for full project funding are ongoing, with costs expected to reflect the “facility’s comprehensive scope and long-term benefits” for youth nationwide.
Progress and challenges at BTC
Highlighting 2024 achievements, Henry noted the completion of an operations manual guiding the BTC’s activities, alongside staff training and preparation for 40 per cent of the boys to take TVET Caribbean Vocational Qualification exams in welding.
However, he raised urgent concerns over severe structural damage, particularly to the roof, which has contributed to increased cases of boys absconding. In response, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has allocated $167 000 for roof repairs and security upgrades.
“We remain committed to ensuring continuous safety and well-being of youth rehabilitation in Saint Lucia,” he said.
Instead of enabling “the government will take care of me” ideology, the administration’s should put in place “family planning, “family values”, “self assistance awareness*, etc into today’s youth thereby growing innovative young people using their initiatives and innovative values. Stop enabling young people to accept handouts.