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 The Gros-Islet Association (UK) was formed over 35 years ago
by a small group of people originally from Gros-Islet, but resident in
the UK. The overall objective of the group at the time was to assist
the Gros-Islet community in whatever modest way possible, but more
importantly to focus on supporting the most deprived people in the
village and surrounding areas. The group soon established a motto –
“from a very small contribution or seed much can grow or be achieved”,
and this became the foundation upon which they carried out their
activities. The main architects of the group were Mr. Leonard Leon
(General Secretary), Mr Clement Prudent (Treasurer) and Mrs Villia
Henry (Committee Member).
Similar to most
associations at that time, the group started very modestly raising
funds through small gatherings and ‘house to house’ social events.
Support and funds were reasonably plentiful during the early stages and
the membership was very active. However, over time and the ageing of
members, many of the founding and senior members retired or left the
Association to return to St. Lucia. This resulted in a period of
stagnation within the Association and a noticeable decrease in
activities. The remaining senior members subsequently called a meeting
and it was agreed that their offspring would spearhead the next
evolution of the Association.
The group raises its funds
through small-scale events and donations. It has been fortunate that
several requests for assistance have yielded very generous returns from
our UK based community. The financial support and other forms of
assistance given by our community in the UK have been immense, and have
contributed greatly to the welfare of the local Gros-Islet community
and its surrounding areas. The work and contribution of the Association
have to a significant extent involved personal efforts, which is not
always recognised in any formal manner, but nevertheless is greatly
appreciated throughout the local community.
The following are some of
the contributions made by the Association to the Gros-Islet district:
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Supported over
100 people of pensionable age for over 30 years by giving yearly
financial donations.
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Assisted the pre-school
in Gros-Islet and Grande Riviere for over 20 years.
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Assisted in the
renovation of the local Catholic Church and Presbytery in Gros-Islet.
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Provided assistance to
victims of personal disaster e.g. fires, hurricane, medical expenses,
etc.
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Assisted local sport
clubs by funding kits and other sports equipment.
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Raised funds for the
purchase of an ambulance in Gros-Islet.
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Assisted students to
purchase educational and training materials and funded overseas
trips.
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Set up a medical trust
fund for a young disabled child.
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Responded generously to
appeals for assistance in various capacities.
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Supported over several
years, The
Gros-Islet Town Council’s appeals for community assistance
and development.
The
Association’s main objective is to raise funds and distribute this to
the most deprived and destitute people and worthy causes in the
district of Gros-Islet. However, over the past few years, the group has
shifted its emphasis and is now concentrating its efforts on meeting
the growing needs of old age pensioners in the surrounding areas of
Gros-Islet.
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