The Government of Saint Lucia will expand the Ministry of Social Transformation's Community After School Program (CASP), via $500,000 in funding, achieved in collaboration with corporate sponsors.

The CASP provides a safe learning environment after school, for children who would otherwise be idle.

The program experienced financial constraints last year. However, donations from  the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA) and 1st National Bank have helped government restart and expand the program.

On Monday, June 29, advocates and participants of the program gathered to celebrate the commencement of a new cycle of the CASP. Mr. Ronald “Boo” Hinkson, a longtime champion of the CASP, along with Mr. Robert Fevrier of 1st National Bank, and Mr. Noorani Azeez, Executive Vice President of the SLHTA, also attended the ceremony where they pledged their continued commitment to the success of the program.

“We are recommencing a program that targets children coming from the most economically depressed areas of our country," Minister for Social Transformation, Local Government and Community Empowerment, Hon. Harold Dalsan, said. "The CASP has proven to be very successful over the years in providing a safe learning environment after school hours for deserving children who would otherwise be lured into idleness or negativity.”

The minister indicated that the new cycle will also see an expansion of the CASP from seven to 14 centres in the communities of Faux-a-Chaux, Wilton’s Yard, Ciceron, Monchy, Babonneau, Belair, Jacmel, Millet, Soufriere, Fond St. Jacques, La Maze, Vieux-Fort south, Vieux- Fort north, and Mon Repos.

Minister Dalsan expressed gratitude to the corporate partners who came forward to complement the government’s initiative, and ensure continued service to the youth in vulnerable communities.

In 2014, the SLHTA supported the CASP through the provision of funding in the amount of EC$70,000.