🎒💻 THE LAPTOP IS ALREADY THERE — SO WHY ARE PARENTS STILL BUYING A BAG FULL OF BOOKS?

Choiseul on the Move asks whether it is time for Saint Lucia to finally create the “digital schoolbag”

School reopens on Tuesday.

Across Choiseul and the rest of Saint Lucia, parents are making those final preparations: uniforms, shoes, transportation, stationery, lunch money — and, of course, textbooks.

For some households, particularly those preparing two, three or more children for school at the same time, the financial pressure can be considerable.

But there is another concern that parents have raised for years.

Some are reluctant to purchase every single book on a school list immediately because experience has taught them that, in some cases, certain books may be used frequently, others occasionally, and some very little.

That leaves parents asking themselves:

Do I spend scarce money buying the entire list now, or wait until the teacher confirms which books will actually be needed?

It is an understandable dilemma.

But in 2026, there is an even bigger question that Saint Lucia should be asking.

💻 IF THE CHILD ALREADY HAS A LAPTOP, WHY CAN'T WE BUILD A DIGITAL SCHOOLBAG?

Every student entering Form One this academic year is expected to receive a government-issued laptop.

That is a commendable investment in education.

But surely the next stage of that investment should be to transform the device from simply being a laptop into a complete educational tool.

Imagine a Form One student receiving that computer with a properly organised educational package already installed:

📘 Mathematics resources

📗 English Language materials

📕 Integrated Science

📙 Social Studies

🌎 Geography resources

💻 Information Technology

📝 Worksheets and revision exercises

🎥 Educational videos and demonstrations

📚 Approved e-books where licensing permits

📋 Curriculum guides and learning objectives

🧮 Interactive exercises and quizzes

And importantly, much of the material should be available offline, so that a child without reliable internet access at home is not placed at a disadvantage.

That would be a genuine digital schoolbag.

🇱🇨 SAINT LUCIA HAS ALREADY STARTED THE JOURNEY

This is not some futuristic idea that Saint Lucia has never considered.

Government previously introduced the LernBook e-book programme, providing digital learning content to secondary school students.

The programme covered a wide range of subjects, including Mathematics, English, Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Integrated Science, Social Studies, Information Technology, Principles of Accounts and Principles of Business.

Saint Lucia subsequently expanded the distribution of Chromebooks and other devices to students.

Government has also reported that local curriculum specialists have been developing digital educational content in several subject areas.

And even in August 2026, the Ministry of Education has been advancing work under the WISTLE Project involving curriculum development, educational technology and digital skills.

In other words:

The foundation already exists.

The question is why we have not yet brought all these pieces together into a comprehensive national digital textbook and curriculum programme.

📚 THIS DOES NOT MEAN THROWING AWAY BOOKS

Choiseul on the Move is certainly not suggesting that printed textbooks should disappear tomorrow.

Some students learn better from printed material.

Some teachers prefer particular textbooks.

There are also copyright and publishing licences to consider, and not every commercial textbook can simply be copied onto thousands of computers.

There will also be damaged devices, technical problems, electricity and internet-access issues.

So printed books will continue to have an important place.

But it does not have to be print OR digital.

It can be print AND digital, with the balance gradually shifting as the country's digital education infrastructure improves.

💰 THINK ABOUT THE SAVINGS TO FAMILIES

A family preparing one secondary-school student may be able to absorb the cost of textbooks.

Now imagine a household preparing three children.

Add uniforms.

Shoes.

School bags.

Transportation.

Lunch.

Stationery.

PE clothing.

And textbooks.

The Government is already attempting to ease that burden through the $500 Form One bursary, laptop distribution, book assistance and other educational support.

Why not make the laptop itself part of the solution to the textbook problem?

Every digital resource that can legally and practically replace a physical book is potentially one less expense for a household.

📖 WE COULD ALSO PRODUCE MORE OF OUR OWN MATERIAL

There is another opportunity here.

Why should Saint Lucia's digital education strategy simply involve purchasing electronic versions of foreign textbooks?

Our curriculum specialists and teachers can continue developing high-quality local educational resources aligned specifically with the Saint Lucian curriculum.

Imagine Social Studies material containing Saint Lucian examples.

Mathematics problems using EC dollars and situations children encounter locally.

Science lessons examining our environment.

Geography resources incorporating our communities, watersheds, agriculture and coastline.

History presented within a Saint Lucian and Caribbean context.

These materials could be updated far more easily than waiting years for another edition of a printed textbook.

🏫 GIVE EACH FORM ITS OWN DIGITAL PACKAGE

The Ministry could eventually develop standard packages for:

Form 1 Digital Schoolbag

Form 2 Digital Schoolbag

Form 3 Digital Schoolbag

Form 4 Digital Schoolbag

Form 5 Digital Schoolbag

When the student progresses, the next curriculum package becomes available.

Teachers could still recommend supplementary books where necessary.

Schools could still maintain physical textbooks.

Parents who prefer printed books could purchase them.

But purchasing a long list of expensive books would no longer have to be the automatic starting point for every family.

⚠️ AND THERE MUST BE ACCOUNTABILITY

There is also a legitimate question surrounding school book lists.

If a textbook appears on a compulsory or strongly recommended list, parents should reasonably expect that the book will form a meaningful part of instruction during the school year.

Where a book is merely supplementary, perhaps the list should say so.

Something as simple as categorising books as:

REQUIRED — used regularly

RECOMMENDED — supplementary

OPTIONAL — additional reference

could help parents enormously.

A parent struggling financially should not have to guess which $60 or $80 book can safely wait until next month.

💡 THE TECHNOLOGY SHOULD REDUCE THE COST OF EDUCATION

Saint Lucia deserves credit for putting computers into the hands of secondary-school students.

But distributing hardware should never be the final objective.

The real achievement comes when we ask:

What is inside the computer?

If thousands of dollars are being invested in devices, connectivity, curriculum development and educational technology, then parents should eventually see some of that investment reflected in lower recurring educational costs.

The Chromebook should not simply travel to school beside a bag filled with expensive textbooks.

Over time, the Chromebook should become part of the schoolbag itself.

Saint Lucia has already started down that road.

Perhaps the question parents, teachers and policymakers should now be asking is:

When are we going to finish the journey?

— CHOISEUL ON THE MOVE Community. Development. Accountability. Progress.

 💃🏾🕺🏾 SUNDAY THOUGHT: WHEN WE JUDGE DANCING, WHAT ARE WE REALLY JUDGING?

A couple taking part in Liberty FM’s dance competition caught our attention—not only because of their dancing, but because of an interesting comment made about their performance.

One viewer wrote:

“Dancing on a higher level. Nice but without finesse.”

He later explained:

“Ok in simple terms, western comes with charisma. However, they are behaving like they are just doing a job.”

That got us thinking.

Can dancers really be performing at a “higher level” while having no finesse? And are finesse and charisma the same thing?

Not quite.

Finesse is seen in the refinement of the dancing—the control, smoothness, coordination, transitions and manner in which movements are executed.

Charisma is something different. It is the personality, energy, chemistry and emotional connection that make an audience want to keep watching.

After looking at this performance, we certainly wouldn't say this couple has no finesse. There is coordination, confidence and skill on display. What someone might reasonably argue is that, because this is a competition, they could project more outward expression, chemistry and showmanship.

And perhaps that is what the commenter was really trying to say when he described them as looking like they were “just doing a job.”

But here's where judging dance becomes interesting: technical excellence and entertainment value are not always the same thing. One couple may impress you with difficult movements and precision; another may perform simpler moves but completely capture the audience with personality and chemistry.

In this Liberty FM competition, the ultimate judges are the Facebook fans—and ❤️ reactions will have their say.

                             A short clip from the video

Watch the full video Here

So rather than tearing down people who have had the courage to step onto the dance floor, let's appreciate the effort, enjoy the competition and have a healthy discussion about the performances.

👏🏾 We wish this couple the very best of luck in the competition.

Now we'd love to hear from you:

When YOU judge a dancing couple, what matters most—skill and technique, finesse, chemistry, charisma, or pure entertainment?

Keep the discussion respectful. After all, dancing is supposed to bring people together. 💃🏾🕺🏾❤️

 

Choiseul on the Move

GROOM & BLOOM

Helping Our Boys Step Into the New School Year With Confidence

A practical back-to-school initiative helping school-aged boys across Choiseul-Saltibus look sharp, feel confident and start the new school year on a positive note.

As families across Choiseul and Saltibus prepare for the opening of school, a simple but thoughtful initiative is helping to ensure that some of our young boys return to the classroom looking sharp, feeling confident and ready for a fresh start.

Choiseul on the Move welcomes and supports the “Groom & Bloom” Back-to-School Haircut Assistance Program, presented by Parliamentary Representative for Choiseul-Saltibus, Hon. Keithson “Kiffo” Charles.

📅 Programme Dates

Friday, August 28
Saturday, August 29
Monday, August 31, 2026

✂️ More Than Just a Haircut

At first glance, this may appear to be simply about getting a haircut before school. But initiatives such as Groom & Bloom can have a much wider impact.

Preparing children for a new school year places additional financial pressure on many households. Parents are already faced with purchasing uniforms, shoes, books, school supplies, transportation and other necessities.

Helping with even one of those expenses can make a difference.

A fresh haircut may not determine a child's academic success, but confidence, dignity and a sense of belonging can certainly contribute to a positive beginning.

💈 Supporting Our Local Barbers

Another commendable aspect of the initiative is its involvement of local barbers and barbering businesses.

The programme does more than assist children and their families. It also places business into the hands of people providing valuable services within our communities.

💈 Orie’s Barbershop
📍 Londonderry, Saltibus
📞 719-5361

💈 The Community Barbershop
📍 Belle Vue Dacretin & Environs
📞 721-5132

💈 Studio 16 – Hasan the Barber
📍 Choiseul Barber “Hassan” — Operating from Vieux Fort

💈 Bertram’s Barbershop
📍 Choiseul Village

Whenever community assistance can simultaneously help families, support local entrepreneurs and uplift young people, the benefits extend well beyond the immediate recipients.

👦🏽 Our Boys Deserve Encouragement

As we speak about education, we should also remember the importance of giving our boys encouragement.

Young men need to know that their community sees them, believes in them and expects great things from them.

Whether through educational assistance, sports, mentorship, skills training or something as simple as helping them prepare for the first day of school, every positive intervention sends an important message:

YOU MATTER.
YOUR EDUCATION MATTERS.
YOUR FUTURE MATTERS.

That message should come not only from politicians, but from parents, teachers, businesses, churches, community organisations and ordinary citizens.

👏 Credit Where Credit Is Due

Choiseul on the Move has always maintained that community development should be bigger than political colours.

When an initiative benefits our people, we should be mature enough to acknowledge it. When something needs improvement, we should also be prepared to say so.

On this occasion, Groom & Bloom is a practical and timely initiative deserving of support.

We therefore commend Hon. Keithson “Kiffo” Charles, the participating barbers and everyone involved in bringing the programme together.

Most importantly, we hope the young boys who benefit will walk into their classrooms next week not only with a fresh trim, but with renewed confidence and determination.

🎒 To Our Students Across Choiseul and Saltibus

Walk through those school gates with your heads held high.

Work hard.
Respect your teachers.
Believe in yourselves.
Make your families and communities proud.

A new school year means another opportunity to learn, grow and bloom.

Choiseul is moving —

and our young people must move forward with it.

— Choiseul on the Move

 

CASE CLOSED — BUT BY WHOM?

The Richard Frederick Investigation Raises a Bigger Constitutional Question

The police investigation involving Housing Minister Richard Frederick has come to an end.

Commissioner of Police Verne Garde announced that the allegation investigated by police was “not sustained.”

That finding must be treated fairly. An allegation is not proof of wrongdoing. An investigation is not a conviction. And Richard Frederick should not be declared guilty in the court of public opinion simply because police investigated an allegation against him.

But after listening carefully to the Commissioner's explanation, Choiseul on the Move believes another question now deserves attention.

It is perhaps even more important than asking what the original allegation was:

Was the completed investigation ever submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions?

That question matters because Saint Lucia's Constitution establishes an important separation between investigation and prosecution.

Police Investigate — The DPP Prosecutes

The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force investigates suspected criminal offences.

Police interview witnesses, collect evidence, conduct searches where lawfully authorised and determine whether an investigation has produced evidence requiring further action.

But the Director of Public Prosecutions occupies a separate constitutional office.

Section 73 of the Constitution gives the DPP authority to institute and undertake criminal proceedings against persons before the courts.

The DPP may also take over criminal proceedings instituted by another person or authority and may discontinue proceedings before judgment.

Indeed, the Constitution makes the DPP's authority particularly powerful by providing that certain prosecutorial powers are exercised “to the exclusion of any other person or authority.”

That independence exists for an important reason.

Political considerations should not determine who gets prosecuted.

Neither should public pressure.

The evidence and the law should determine that.

So What Exactly Did Commissioner Garde Close?

This is where careful language becomes important.

There is nothing inherently unusual about police concluding an investigation.

If investigators examine an allegation and determine that the available evidence does not substantiate it, the police cannot reasonably be expected to investigate forever.

If Commissioner Garde was saying, “The police investigation is complete and investigators found insufficient evidence to sustain the allegation,” that is one thing.

But deciding whether criminal proceedings should ultimately be instituted is another matter.

That is why the public deserves clarification about what happened between those two stages.

Was the Richard Frederick investigative file submitted to the DPP for review?

If it was, simply tell the country that.

If it was not, then another reasonable question follows:

Why not?

That question does not presume wrongdoing by Commissioner Garde.

Neither does it presume guilt on the part of Richard Frederick.

It simply asks Saint Lucia's institutions to explain the process followed in a matter involving a sitting Cabinet Minister.

Remember How Serious This Became

This was not some passing rumour circulating on Facebook.

Richard Frederick was detained and questioned by police.

His residence was reportedly searched.

The matter generated weeks of national controversy.

The Government publicly called upon citizens to respect due process and the independence of the police investigation.

Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre indicated that he would await the outcome of that investigation before determining what action, if any, should be taken concerning Frederick's position in Cabinet.

Saint Lucians therefore waited.

Now that the investigation has concluded, surely citizens are entitled to understand how it concluded.

And We Still Don't Know the Allegation

Then comes the second troubling question.

When Commissioner Garde was asked about the allegation, he declined to disclose it.

There may be perfectly legitimate reasons for that.

Disclosure could potentially identify a complainant. It could expose sensitive personal information. It could unfairly damage someone's reputation by publicly repeating an allegation police were unable to substantiate.

Those possibilities should not simply be dismissed.

But if confidentiality is necessary, the Commissioner should be able to explain why confidentiality remains necessary without revealing the confidential information itself.

There is a considerable difference between saying, “I cannot disclose this because doing so could identify or compromise the privacy of an individual involved” and simply leaving the country wondering what happened.

“Not Sustained” Also Deserves Clarification

There is another phrase Saint Lucians should examine carefully.

The Commissioner reportedly said the allegation was “not sustained.”

That should not automatically be transformed into:

“The allegation was proven false.”

Those are not necessarily the same conclusion.

An allegation may fail to be sustained because investigators could not obtain sufficient evidence to establish it.

That does not make the accused person guilty. Quite the opposite: without sufficient evidence, the presumption of innocence remains fundamental.

But accuracy matters.

The public should know precisely what conclusion investigators reached rather than allowing politicians and commentators on either side to manufacture their preferred interpretation.

Three Questions — No Conspiracy Theories Required

Choiseul on the Move therefore puts three straightforward questions to Commissioner Garde:

1. Without revealing names, witnesses or sensitive information, what was the general nature or category of the allegation investigated?

2. If even the general nature of the allegation cannot be disclosed, what legal, privacy or investigative consideration prevents its disclosure now that the police investigation has concluded?

3. Most importantly, was the completed investigative file submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions for review before it was announced that the allegation was “not sustained”?

These are not accusations.

They are questions.

And democratic institutions should never fear reasonable questions.

This Is Bigger Than Richard Frederick

Supporters of Richard Frederick may understandably regard the conclusion of the investigation as vindication.

His political opponents may remain suspicious.

But institutional accountability cannot depend upon whether the person being investigated wears red, yellow, blue or green.

Imagine the same circumstances involving a minister from another government.

Would we ask the same questions?

We should.

The constitutional safeguards surrounding criminal justice exist precisely because important decisions should not depend upon personalities or politics.

Police investigate.
Prosecutors prosecute.
Courts determine guilt where charges are brought.

And citizens have every right to ask whether those institutions operated according to the procedures designed to protect both the accused and the public.

Respect Frederick's Rights — And Ask the Questions

Nothing presently before the public justifies declaring Richard Frederick guilty of an undisclosed allegation that police say was not sustained.

His presumption of innocence should be respected.

Similarly, nothing presently before the public establishes that Commissioner Garde improperly terminated the investigation.

We should not manufacture evidence that does not exist.

Transparency does not require accusation.
It requires explanation.

Tell us generally what was investigated, insofar as the law permits.

Tell us why further disclosure cannot be made if legitimate confidentiality considerations prevent it.

And tell us whether the investigative file went before the independent Director of Public Prosecutions.

If those questions have straightforward answers, providing them would strengthen rather than weaken confidence in the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force.

The police may have closed their investigation.

But there remains one question that deserves a clear answer:

WAS THE FILE PLACED BEFORE THE DPP?

Until Saint Lucians know that, saying simply “case closed” may close a police file — but it does not necessarily close the legitimate public-interest questions surrounding it.

Choiseul on the Move — Independent community commentary.
Accountability should never depend on political colour.

 

🕊️ CHOISEUL MOURNS ONE OF ITS OWN: Remembering Mhakeida Nzingha Nestor – A Beautiful Life Gone Too Soon

By Choiseul on the Move

There are moments when words simply seem too small for the weight of the sorrow we feel.

Today is one of those days.

The communities of Choiseul, Soufrière, and indeed the entire nation of Saint Lucia continue to grapple with the unimaginable tragedy that unfolded on our waters when two vessels—Mango Tours, travelling south, and Ocean Angel, travelling north—were involved in a devastating head-on collision.

What should have been an ordinary journey became one of the darkest days in recent memory.

According to the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, twenty-one-year-old Mhakeida Nzingha Nestor and twenty-five-year-old Debbie Dolor lost their lives as a result of the collision. Fourteen other individuals sustained injuries and were brought safely to shore, while search-and-rescue teams continue their tireless efforts in the hope of locating Tyrone Elevic, 25, of Barons Drive, Soufrière, his body was eventually recovered.

Today, our thoughts remain with every victim and every family whose lives have been forever changed.

🌺 A Daughter of La Fargue, Choiseul

For us here at Choiseul on the Move, this tragedy strikes especially close to home.

Mhakeida Nzingha Nestor, born on April 19, 2005, was one of our own.

A proud daughter of La Fargue, Choiseul, she carried with her the values that so often define our communities—kindness, humility, compassion, and a willingness to serve others.

Although her life was cut tragically short at just twenty-one years old, her impact far exceeded her years.

She leaves behind not only grieving parents, family members, relatives and friends, but an entire community that watched a bright young woman blossom into someone determined to make a difference.

🍎 A Teacher Who Loved Children

Perhaps no role described Mhakeida more beautifully than that of teacher.

Serving at Soufrière Infant School, she embraced the privilege of helping to shape young minds during the most important years of their development.

Teaching was never just a profession.

It was her calling.

Every child who entered her classroom was met with patience, kindness, encouragement and a smile that could brighten even the most difficult day.

Teachers rarely see the full measure of the seeds they plant.

Years from now, countless children may not remember every lesson they were taught, but many will remember Miss Nestor—the teacher who believed in them, encouraged them, comforted them, and made learning a joyful experience.

That is a legacy that no tragedy can erase.

❤️ A Life Shaped by Love

Mhakeida's story was one surrounded by love.

During her early childhood, she was lovingly cared for by her guardian, Claudette, whose guidance and nurturing helped lay the foundation for the remarkable young woman she would become.

She later continued her journey under the loving care and support of her mother, Charlene, whose encouragement helped shape her compassionate spirit and unwavering commitment to others.

Together, they helped raise a young woman who carried love wherever she went.

Today, that same love returns to embrace her family during their deepest hour of grief.

Click the link for the video: https://youtu.be/gnXOGifNw2c

🌊 When Tragedy Strikes 

The sea has always been part of Caribbean life.

It connects our communities, supports our livelihoods, and brings countless moments of joy.

Yet every so often it reminds us of how fragile life truly is.

The collision involving Mango Tours and Ocean Angel has left families devastated, dreams interrupted, and an entire nation asking difficult questions.

While investigations will determine exactly what happened, today our first responsibility is not to debate—it is to mourn, to support, and to stand beside those carrying unimaginable pain.

🤝 Standing With Every Family

Our hearts are with the family and loved ones of:

🕊️ Mhakeida Nzingha Nestor

🕊️ Debbie Dolor

We also continue praying for the recovery of the injured and remain hopeful for positive news regarding Tyrone Elevic, who remains missing as search efforts continue.

May every rescuer be protected.

May every grieving family find strength.

May every survivor find healing.

🌹 Gone Too Soon... Never Forgotten

Some lives are measured by years.

Others are measured by the love they leave behind.

Mhakeida's life belongs in the latter.

Though only twenty-one years were granted to her, she filled them with compassion, purpose, and service.

The children whose lives she touched...

The colleagues who worked beside her...

The friends who laughed with her...

The family who loved her...

And the community that proudly called her one of its own...

Will forever carry a part of her spirit.

🕊️ A Community's Promise

Here at Choiseul on the Move, we do more than report the news.

We celebrate our people.

We mourn with our people.

And today we promise that Mhakeida Nzingha Nestor will not simply become another headline.

She will be remembered as a daughter of La Fargue, a proud Choiseulian, a caring teacher, a beautiful soul, and a young woman whose light continues to shine in every child she inspired.

May Almighty God grant eternal rest to Mhakeida Nzingha Nestor and Debbie Dolor, comfort every grieving heart, strengthen those recovering from their injuries, and watch over all who continue the search for Tyrone Elevic.

Rest in eternal peace.

Your journey on earth may have ended far too soon...

But your memory will live forever.

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." — Matthew 5:4

Choiseul on the Move extends its deepest condolences to the Nestor family, the Dolor family, every person affected by this tragedy, and the communities of Choiseul and Soufrière. May we continue to lift one another up in prayer, compassion, and unity during this difficult time. 🕊️

 

🎒📚 WHEN OUR CHILDREN WIN, CHOISEUL-SALTIBUS WINS

Choiseul on the Move

As another school year approaches, there is one reality we should never forget: getting a child ready for school can place tremendous pressure on a family budget.

Uniforms, shoes, books, bags, stationery, transportation and lunch money all add up. For a household already balancing groceries, electricity, water and other expenses, back-to-school preparation can become a serious financial challenge.

That is why Choiseul on the Move commends Parliamentary Representative Hon. Keithson “Kiffo” Charles and his constituency team for the 2026 Constituency Educational Assistance Programme and the upcoming Back-to-School Assistance Distribution Ceremony.

Successful applicants and their parents or guardians have been invited to the Choiseul Secondary School on Sunday, August 16, at 10:00 a.m. to receive their assistance.

But this initiative represents more than the distribution of school supplies or financial support.

❤️ It represents a little breathing room for families.

For some parents, assistance at this time of year may mean not having to choose between paying a household bill and purchasing what a child needs for school.

For a student, it can mean walking into the classroom on the first day feeling prepared, confident and equal among his or her peers.

And that matters.

Education remains one of the strongest tools we have for changing the circumstances of individuals, families and entire communities. When we invest in a child's education today, we are investing in the teacher, entrepreneur, farmer, engineer, nurse, tradesperson or community leader of tomorrow.

We therefore welcome programmes that put tangible assistance directly into the hands of families who need it.

At the same time, initiatives like this remind us that supporting education must remain a community-wide responsibility — involving government, parents, teachers, businesses, community organisations and ordinary citizens.

Our children deserve every opportunity we can give them.

👏 Choiseul on the Move says well done to Hon. Keithson Charles and everyone involved in making this programme possible.

And to the students of Choiseul-Saltibus preparing for the new academic year:

Take this opportunity seriously. Study hard. Believe in yourselves. Make your parents proud. Make your communities proud.

Because every book placed in the hands of a child today could help write a completely different story tomorrow.

Investing in our children is investing in the future of Choiseul-Saltibus. 🎓📚❤️

#ChoiseulOnTheMove #ChoiseulSaltibus #BackToSchool2026 #EducationMatters #InvestInOurChildren #CommunityDevelopment #YouthEmpowerment

STEP IN CHOISEUL-SALTIBUS

Dignity in Work — But Where Is the Path to Real Employment?

Let us begin where there should be no disagreement: there is dignity in work.

The men and women presently cleaning drains, cutting overgrown roadsides and beautifying communities across Choiseul-Saltibus deserve their respect. The photographs coming out of Morne Jacques and other communities show people working, and the work they are doing is necessary.

But we should be careful not to confuse a few weeks of temporary work with an employment strategy.

That is where the conversation about the Short Term Employment Programme — STEP needs to go.

The constituency representative has praised STEP for putting money into people's hands at important times — helping parents purchase school supplies, put something extra on the table at Christmas, or meet other household expenses.

Fair enough.

For a struggling household, even a few weeks' wages can make a difference.

But After All These Years, Shouldn't We Be Asking a Bigger Question?

Where does STEP lead?

If a person cuts grass this year, cleans drains during another cycle and returns to the same temporary programme next year, have we really created employment — or have we simply created periodic relief?

Who Gets Selected?

There is another uncomfortable question that deserves an answer.

How are STEP workers and supervisors selected?

There is a perception within communities that some of the same supervisors return from one STEP cycle to another and that people connected to those supervisors may have an advantage in getting selected.

Whether that perception is completely accurate or not, the solution is simple: transparency.

Publish the criteria.

• Tell the constituency how supervisors are selected.
• Explain how workers are chosen.
• Tell us how many people applied.
• Tell us how many were accepted.
• Explain whether priority is given to people who have never previously benefited from STEP.

If STEP belongs to the people, nobody should have to know the right person, support the right politician or belong to the right circle just to get a few weeks' work.

Dignity Must Include Fairness

This is where the phrase “dignity in work” becomes especially important.

Dignity is not merely receiving a cutlass, rake or shovel and being given several days or weeks of employment.

Dignity is also knowing that you had a fair opportunity to get the job.

🌿 Dignity is being able to provide for your family beyond one STEP cycle.

🛠️ Dignity is acquiring skills that make you more employable when STEP ends.

📈 Dignity is moving from temporary assistance towards sustainable employment.

What If STEP Became a Real Stepping Stone?

Imagine if every STEP cycle included skills certification, basic occupational safety training, landscaping instruction, small-business development or pathways into construction, agriculture, tourism and other sectors.

Then STEP could become more than temporary employment.

It could become a stepping stone.

The More Things Change...

Successive governments have used short-term employment programmes because they provide immediate relief and visible community improvements.

But Choiseul-Saltibus deserves more than another political photograph every time the bushes are cut.

We should be able to applaud the workers and still demand better from the system.

Clean drains are good.

Clean roadsides are good.

Putting some money into people's pockets is good.

But the ultimate measure of development cannot simply be how many people government can temporarily employ.

It must also be how many people eventually no longer need STEP.

That would be something worth celebrating.

Dignity. Opportunity. Fairness.

Those three principles should be at the heart of any programme claiming to empower our people.

The Question Choiseul-Saltibus Should Be Asking

After decades of STEP, when does the “short-term” opportunity finally become a pathway to something long-term?

Choiseul on the Move
Community • Accountability • Development