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Contact:
Claudia Monlouis
Tuesday, October 11, 2005 - Having recently completed an official visit
to the People’s Republic of China, Minister for External Affairs, International
Trade and Civil Aviation Senator Honourable Petrus Compton is back with good
tidings for the island’s overall development.
The Minister has reported that a number of community projects will soon come
into in effect in various districts around the island. He said those projects
can be singled out as being the outcome of a proposal submitted by the
government of Saint Lucia for consideration by the People’s Republic of China.
Minister Compton says dialogue with the Chinese officials was successfully
concluded during his visit to China in August.
“I signed an agreement between the government of China and Saint Lucia whereby
the government of China has agreed to grant US$500.000.00 to the government of
Saint Lucia for a series of small community projects throughout Saint Lucia. The
purpose of this programme is to assist communities particularly with reference
to youth activities and activities in sports.”
The Minister said the projects will be primarily administered by the Poverty
Reduction Fund. Minister Compton says the funds are expected to be used to
achieve an impact in the lives of persons. He says so far the projects have
already being identified.
“They target mostly a lot of courts, the resurfacing of courts, the lighting of
courts, the fencing of the multi-purpose courts, in one instance there is a
water project for a community to alleviate the water woes of that community”
A beautification project in one community has also been suggested. “We are also
looking at the development of a park in on another community.” He said.
Minister Compton says government is well aware that quite apart from projects
which have a national impact, attention must also be placed on those that bring
direct benefits to communities. This he says is all part of the process of
community improvement.
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