The 16th Biennial Convention of the Union of Saint Lucian Overseas Associations is being hosted in Saint Lucia. The opening ceremony for the convention was held at the official residence of the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, July 23.

Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Kenny Anthony welcomed the missions home and said the economic future of Saint Lucia is promising.

“Investment is slowly returning to our island,” Dr. Anthony said. “Two years ago, four of our major hotel properties were in distress, and in the hands of receivers appointed by banks.  Today, all four properties have new owners and new management.”

Ambassador Plenipotentiary to CARICOM and OECS with responsibility for Diaspora Affairs, Dr. June Soomer, asked the gathering to empathize with the new Saint Lucia with which it has been confronted.

“The home that you left behind 30 or 40 years ago has changed. The people have changed.  You have changed.  Take the time to understand that all peoples have their own idiosyncrasies and that perhaps what you try to stamp out in yourself, what made you Saint Lucian, is what you see in those you left behind.”

The Union of Saint Lucia Overseas Associations comprises the Saint Lucia Toronto Association, the Saint Lucia Ottawa Association, the Saint Lucia Montreal Association, the Saint Lucia New York Association and the Saint Lucia London Association.

The convention presents an opportunity for Saint Lucians living abroad to see and experience life in Saint Lucia today.