THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS FACILITATES MONETARY CONTRIBUTION FROM MEMBER OF THE DIASPORA.

The Ministry of External Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation, and Diaspora Affairs facilitated a monetary donation to the Holy Family Children’s Home from Saint Lucia born Marjorie Duchel Zephrin now resident in Martinique.

Martha Pierre who made the presentation on behalf of Marjorie Duchel said her cousin was born in the town of Soufriere to Enos and Julia Calixte and has been considering for quite some time how she can contribute to the county of her birth.

“She sought the assistance of the Council in Martinique, Ms. Johanna Salton, to determine the most effective and meaningful way that she could contribute to the welfare of children in Saint Lucia. After much consideration and discussion, they decided upon the Holy Family Children’s Home in Saint Lucia…It is on her behalf that I as the oldest relative residing here make this presentation of EC$30,000 to Sister Antonia David.”

Administrator at the Holy Family Children’s Home, Sister Antonia David, expressed her gratitude for this timely donation which will greatly assist the home in molding productive citizens of Saint Lucia. 

“A big thank you to Madame Duchel for opening up her heart. It’s difficult for persons everywhere and to come to the point of choosing to give back to Saint Lucia and to give to children, and I often tell people these are the persons who will be taking care of us tomorrow. So they will be the ones sitting here in the not-so-far future as the Ministers, Doctors, and Nurses and doing exactly what Madame Duchel is doing. So we are very grateful for this opportunity. Thank you Madame Duchel and your friends and family.”

Ambassador for Diaspora Affairs, Jocelyne C. Fletcher recognized the importance of the diaspora to national development and said that this was the third individual in the diaspora who has made such large contributions in 2021.

“You have just again proven my point bout the diaspora how important they are and what they do and it has been the mantra of this office since it was set up two years ago, to ensure that Saint Lucia know what our diaspora is doing. Our diaspora are very important people and that they are important to the social and economic development of Saint Lucia.”

Madam Duchel was visibly pleased that her contribution has gone to service the needs of the children at the Holy Family Children’s Home.  Via a Zoom connection, she applauded the managers of the home for the wonderful work they have been doing.

“When you said about the youngsters, I thought they were teenagers but when I saw the pictures and I saw the young children and so on, I was very impressed and I think I have been loving them from then. I thought they were grown up but then I see the children just coming up and I am very glad that she chose that group. So I thank everyone who was in charge because we could not be there personally but then everything has been done and I thank all my family.”

The check presentation was held at the conference room of the Ministry of External Affairs, in the presence of the Minister of External Affairs, Hon. Alva Baptiste, other senior members of staff, and family members of Marjorie Duchel Zephrin.