Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre today met with representatives of the Castries East Youth and Sports Council, who provided an update on their community outreach and youth development initiatives within the constituency.

The Council, which has been active for more than a decade and works with young people between the ages of 11 and 35, reported on several initiatives carried out over the past ten months. These included community walk-throughs across Castries East communities, school tours focusing on conflict resolution, leadership and career guidance, and multiple hamper drives to support vulnerable families and the elderly.

The organization also hosted seasonal activities such as Easter egg hunts and Christmas parties for children and families, and partnered with the National Emergency Management Organization to conduct community clean-up campaigns promoting civic responsibility and environmental awareness. Fundraising activities such as bake sales and beach barbecues helped support these programs.

Council representatives noted that their engagement has strengthened trust within the community, with schools and parents increasingly reaching out for support and collaboration.

Looking ahead, the Council outlined several planned initiatives including a Summer Cultural Workshop at the Bocage Combined School featuring steel pan lessons, drama and poetry, home economics training, hygiene education, crime prevention awareness and career guidance.

The Council also announced plans to establish a community pantry for families in need and to host a community job fair aimed at connecting residents with employment and training opportunities.

During the meeting, the Council proposed a Castries East Youth Employment Through Sport initiative, as well as quarterly youth and sports development forums to bring together community stakeholders, government agencies and private sector partners.

Prime Minister Pierre commended the Council for its work in empowering young people and strengthening communities, noting that its initiatives complement the Government’s broader social and youth development programs.