13th Biennial Convention of the Union of St. Lucian Overseas Association
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Contact: Lucius Doxerie
Thursday, August 7, 2008 – Prime Minister Stephenson King was the featured speaker at the opening of the 13th Biennial Convention of The Union of St Lucian Overseas Associations held in Barbados from 28 July to 03 August 2008. The convention was hosted by the St Lucian Community of Barbados under the theme “Pas en Pas Nou Kai Marche Asam.” Participants included St Lucians living in Canada, the United States, St Croix, England, Nigeria, Barbados and St Lucia.
In his presentation the Prime Minister highlighted the concrete steps that were being taken to facilitate the reintegration of St Lucians living overseas into their country. He noted his mandate to the overseas missions to locate and document all St Lucians living in the Diaspora. This step would lead to the creation of a data base where skills and areas of contribution can be recorded and accessed for a variety of reasons. He especially mentioned the young professionals whom he thought could make vital contributions to the country with the new skills that they have acquired. He expressed the belief that the impact of the brain drain could be diminished if we realized that nationals residing overseas do not have to be lost to the country simply because they are located elsewhere.
The Prime Minister recognised the contributions that individuals and small groups have been making to their families and to the country. He applauded those efforts especially when times have been difficult for the country. He noted that these measures had to be consolidated so that there could be more long term economic, social and political investment.
Another measure taken was the placement of Diaspora Affairs within the Office of the Prime Minister so that it could always be given top priority. To this end, he noted that Dr June Soomer, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary for CARICOM and OECS, would also be responsible for Diaspora issues. He further committed himself to ensuring that in the next few months systems would be put in place to ensure that there will have a one stop location that would be able to assist overseas nationals with a wide range of issues. He anticipated that by January 2009 all structures would be in place to make the ultimate goal of home coming a reality.
The Convention was also graced with the presence of The Shak Shak Band, a cultural group from Choiseul, headed by Mr Clive Butcher. The group performed at the cocktail hosted by Prime Minister of Barbados David Thompson at Ilaro Court. |
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