“Very Optimistic” is how Hon. Harold Dalson, Minster for Social Transformation, Local Government and Community Empowerment, and Parliamentary Representative for Soufriere, describes his disposition upon his return to office this week.

Minister Dalson was out of office on certified medical leave for approximately three months as a result of having undergone a major surgical procedure in Cuba. This procedure involved the removal and replacement of a disc in the cervical vertebrae of his spine. The Minister confirms that the procedure went well, and says he is very satisfied with his present health status.

In an exclusive interview, Mr. Dalson said: “I want to thank the medical doctors in Saint Lucia who diagnosed my medical condition, and also the team of doctors who worked with me in Cuba. I hold them in the highest esteem.”

Minister Dalson expressed special gratitude to his wife and family, the Prime Minister, the Cuban Ambassador to Saint Lucia, friends, well-wishers, and particularly the people of Soufriere who showed extraordinary concern and kept him in prayer.

“The people of Soufriere are wonderful, and that is why during the period of my sickness I did not let them down. I participated as much as possible in almost every function that would impact them—the opening of the Fond St. Jacques Bridge, and the handover of a new home to a mother in need, to name a few. But what is most significant is the fact that I was able to keep in contact with the other ministers to ensure that things were done in Soufriere while I was sick,” he said.

Now that he has returned, Mr. Dalson said his primary focus is for his Ministry to navigate turbulent economic tides while achieving its mandate—the empowerment of society’s most vulnerable.

“We have a new program that provides assistance to differently-abled. We hope to mobilize the parents, guardians and caregivers of differently-abled children to come forward so that they can benefit from this opportunity.”

Disbursements from the Grant for Children with Disabilities will commence next month.

In his statement, Minister Dalson also recognized the meaningful contribution of Senator Dr. Kentry Jn.Pierre who acted on his behalf, to ensure that the business of the government was conducted efficiently.