Volunteerism demonstrates a commitment to work together for national and personal development.

The Laborie chapter of the National Volunteer Program was officially inaugurated on Sunday, Sep. 13, under the patronage of Her Excellency, Governor General Dame Pearlette Louisy, with Member of Parliament, Hon. Alva Baptiste and National Volunteer Coordinator, Mr. Cyril Saltibus, also in attendance.

Her Excellency is the patron of Volunteer Saint Lucia.

The brief ceremony was held at the Lady of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, following a mass at that church. During the course of the morning's proceedings, the 26 inaugural members of the Laborie chapter took the volunteer's oath. The official standard of the National Volunteer Program was then hoisted by members of the Laborie Scouts Troop, while members of the Laborie Steel Orchestra performed.

Mr. Saltibus, addressing the gathering, spoke of the importance of the event.

"As we continue to promote the true spirit of volunteerism and collaboration in Saint Lucia, it is encouraging to see the young people of Laborie deciding to embark on an initiative such as this, to formally present themselves as volunteers, and demonstrate the commitment to work together for their personal development, the development of the community and the development of the nation."

Mr. Saltibus further expressed the hope that more communities would follow the lead set by Laborie and establish chapters of the national organization.

Stacy Chicot, one of the principal architects of the Laborie chapter, saind that one of the group's initial goals is to undertake at least one community-based activity per month.