Executive Committee

Unity has its own adopted Constitution and its Executive Committee meets no less than six times per annum. The executives may, following consultation with each other, call additional meetings if necessary. Each affiliated association has one vote and individual associations unilaterally decide on the appointment/rotation or resignation of their members. To be eligible to vote on any issue, an association has to be a financial member of Unity, except where the executive committee has put aside this requirement. We strive wherever possible to adopt a spirit of ‘Unity’ in our operations and to achieve agreement by consensus. In the event of Unity being wound up, it has been agreed that its assets or liabilities will be shared equally between the affiliated groups and any remaining funds donated to relevant or related charities. 

Read our Constitutional Document
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Our Background

A prominent member of the St. Lucian Association of London (1963) wrote in 1988, (to commemorate 25 years of the existence of the group) that, it is reasonable to assume that the St. Lucian Associations are likely to change fundamentally over the next decade and beyond for the following reasons: 

• Due to the fact that there are fewer St. Lucians entering the UK.

• The UK will be considered rightly or wrongly the permanent home of UK-based St. Lucians and therefore their ties with the island (St. Lucia) may weaken.

• Several former emigrants, who entered the UK in the late 1950s early 60s, will return to their homeland, thereby further reducing significantly our membership base.

• The continuing interests in maintaining a St. Lucian group to act as the mouthpiece for St. Lucians.

It is ironic that these thoughts, having been expressed over 14 years ago, appears to encapsulate some of the many challenges that Unity now faces. Equally challenging are the growing desire and need for us to be seen to be assisting our district communities in St. Lucia, in ways that makes a real difference to the lives of our people.

For Unity to be influential within our community (both in the UK and our homeland – St. Lucia), we will need to be organised, be able to adapt to changing circumstances and times, respond to these changes effectively, and draw upon the support of our UK based community.  To achieve this support and recognition, our Associations will have to collectively inform our community of our contribution, highlight the benefits and results of our assistance and the impact it has had on our communities.

" Nou kay toujour ga de dou van, pas derriere"
"We will always look forward not backward"
 

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Our Aims and Objectives

Unity achieved charitable status (i.e. meeting England and Wales charitable requirements) in November 2003 and was subsequently given the following registered charity number 1100605. The Association prides itself on a number of principle aims and objectives that includes: -

• To advance, develop and promote the cultural, educational, welfare and social wellbeing of St. Lucia and its people, in accordance with established principles, practices and procedures.

• To advance the education of St. Lucians, but ultimately people of African-Caribbean origins by providing educational activities and aids in such ways as the Association may from time to time determine.

• To raise funds for charitable and needy causes and support the development of the St. Lucian community in St. Lucia and the UK.

• To promote the principles of equality of opportunity, diversity and good relations in society and amongst ourselves.

• To relieve poverty, sickness and distress amongst the inhabitants of St Lucia .

• To provide opportunities for social, cultural and recreational activities in such ways as the Executive Committee shall determine to further the Associations’ objectives.

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Our Projects

To give you an idea of the types of projects that we have spearheaded or assisted, here are some examples of activities supported and funded by the affiliated associations:

• Young people – providing and subsidising educational and sport materials, sponsoring trips etc.

• Charities/Projects – assisting a alcoholic rehabilitation centre, and old peoples’ homes

• Schools/libraries – providing books and  IT equipment

• Senior citizens and the poor – giving yearly financial donations and assisting with medical expenses

• Hospitals – raising funds to purchase equipment, ambulances etc. 

• The Bereaved – attendance at funerals and providing personal and financial support to members

• Victims of disaster – help to renovate destroyed dwellings, making financial contributions etc.

• Special projects – e.g. church renovations

• Sports – sponsoring awards, donating equipment

• Education – donating books and sponsoring awards etc.

• Nationals returning to St. Lucia – providing government and custom information and advice.

Become A Member of Unity

If you are interested in becoming a member of Unity as an individual or would like to join one of our affiliate associations, please contact us and provide your contact information and a member of the association will contact you directly.  Thank you for your interest in becoming a member.

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