The National Cultural Centre will host a pageant for people over 50 this Sunday, September 6.
The Helpage 50 Plus Pageant will have five contestants and aims to highlight talent, empowerment and active ageing.
The Department of Equity, Social Justice, Gender and Older Persons is backing the event. By supporting it, the department hopes to help empower older people and give them more chances to stay active, visible and involved as they age.
Permanent Secretary Esther Rigobert recently met the contestants at HelpAge Saint Lucia in La Clery as preparations for the event continued.
Rigobert welcomed the partnership and said that working with groups already supporting older people is key to creating more opportunities for empowerment.
“We are delighted to be part of this effort and to collaborate with private stakeholders who are already doing tremendous work,” she said. “They are engaging older persons, addressing their needs, providing opportunities to develop new skills and helping them feel more empowered, while reinforcing the message that they can continue to make valuable contributions to society.”
As the contestants get ready for Sunday, Rigobert encouraged them to take on the opportunity with confidence.
“I want to encourage all participants to dress up, show up and give their best, whether through their talent presentations or oratory skills. Put your best foot forward and show Saint Lucia what you are capable of achieving,” she said.
The pageant will give older people a chance to show their talents, confidence, creativity and skills. It also aims to highlight how they continue to contribute to families, communities and the country.
Robert Huggins, Director of the Division of Older Persons, said events like the pageant give older people important chances to show what they can do and challenge ideas about ageing.
“The whole idea is to create as many opportunities as possible for older persons to showcase their talents, skills and abilities,” Huggins said.
HelpAge Saint Lucia has long focused on the welfare and empowerment of older persons. Its work includes advocacy, social inclusion, skills development and opportunities for greater participation in community life.
