In an effort to continue strengthening regional partnerships in support of Saint Lucia’s social protection systems and disaster resilience efforts, officials of the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment have wrapped up a high-level visit to neighboring Martinique.
From July 2 to 4, 2025, Permanent Secretary Dr. Charmaine Hippolyte Emmanuel participated in a series of key engagements with Martinique-based donor organizations. The meeting brought together key hu- manitarian partners and saw visits to the newly opened ICIN department within the CHUM Hospital and a stopover at EPHAD - the institution for the treatment of older persons, grouping Residential and Home Help Care. Visits were also made to the Executives of the Rotary and Lions Clubs; key organizations that have for years lent tangible support in beefing up Saint Lucia's social protection outreach.
Over the past two years, Martinique-based Rotary and Lions Clubs, in collaboration with the Saint Lucia Consulate General in Martinique, have facilitated substantial donations of prescription eyewear, medical supplies, and other critical humanitarian goods to Saint Lucians via the Ministry of Equity.
According to Saint Lucia's Consulate General in Martinique Allison Joseph, "We acknowledge that Mar- tinique and Saint Lucia share cultural, historical, and increasingly evolving linkages in addition to their geographic proximity. Meaningful cooperation continues to be based on our common ideals of social justice, equity, and sustainable development."
Permanent Secretary Dr. Hippolyte Emmanuel noted that the discussions were fruitful and marked by a strong spirit of cooperation. “Many important key issues of cooperation were discussed, and great progress was made in charting a path forward. The intention is to move toward a formal cooper- ative framework that ensures more timely, coordinated assistance, particularly during national emergencies.”
With the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season now underway, the Ministry has deemed it both timely and essential to proactively engage regional partners in building a responsive support mechanism for Saint Lucia’s most vulnerable communities.
The Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment expresses its deep appreciation to the donor organizations and the Saint Lucia Consulate General in Martinique for their continued solidarity and com- mitment to strengthening cross-border ties. These engagements are part of the Ministry’s broader agenda to enhance national preparedness and ensure the resilience of its social protection systems.
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