As Saint Lucia marks the Christmas season, the newly appointed Minister for Equity, Labour, Gender and Elderly Affairs, Social Justice and Consumer Welfare Hon. Emma Hippolyte has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to building a fairer, more inclusive society where economic progress and social justice advance together.
In a national Christmas message, Minister Hippolyte extended warm greetings to Saint Lucians at home and abroad, describing the season as a time for reflection, gratitude, and renewed hope, particularly in consideration of the nation’s most vulnerable citizens.
The Minister expressed deep appreciation for the foundation laid by former Minister Honourable Joachim Henry and Dr. Virginia Albert-Poyotte, noting that their work has positioned the Ministry to continue strengthening social protection, labour relations, gender equity, elderly affairs, and consumer welfare. Assuming office with humility and a strong sense of duty, Minister Hippolyte pledged to build on this progress with focus and resolve.
Drawing on experience as former Minister for Commerce, Minister Hippolyte underscored that economic growth must be matched by equity and dignity. “Development without equity is incomplete, and growth without dignity is unsustainable,” the Minister noted, emphasizing that social justice must keep pace with economic advancement if national development is to be meaningful.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by workers, families, senior citizens, and small businesses over the past year, amid rising costs, limited resources, and social pressures—Minister Hippolyte commended the resilience, unity, and compassion demonstrated by Saint Lucians across communities, workplaces, churches, and volunteer initiatives.
Over the past twelve months, the Ministry has continued to strengthen social assistance programmes, advance labour protections, promote gender equality, support older persons, and enhance consumer protection. The Minister highlighted that these efforts are interconnected pillars supporting a stable, fair, and caring society grounded in the inherent dignity of every person.
Special appreciation was extended to the people of her constituency, Soufriere and Fond St. Jacques for their continued trust and support. The MP reaffirmed a strong commitment to ensuring that development, opportunity, and social support reach every household within the constituency and across the nation.
Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, the veteran politicians outlined a vision for a more integrated, coordinated, and people-centred approach to equity, labour, gender, elderly affairs, social justice, and consumer welfare. Over the next five years, the focus will be on practical action, inclusive policymaking, and meaningful partnerships that translate national economic activity—particularly in tourism and commerce—into tangible benefits at the household and community levels.
The Minister emphasized that the Government alone cannot achieve these goals and called for continued collaboration with communities, employers, trade unions, civil society, faith-based organisations, and the private sector. Such partnerships, the Minister stated, are essential to ensuring fairness in the marketplace, dignity for workers, protection for consumers, and sustained support for families and older persons.
Minister Hippolyte also expressed sincere appreciation to the Ministry’s staff and frontline workers in social services, labour relations, gender affairs, consumer protection, and community development, recognizing their often-unseen contributions to national stability and well-being.
As the nation celebrates Christmas and prepares for the new year, Minister Hippolyte urged Saint Lucians to show compassion to those in need and to renew their collective commitment to building a society where social justice and economic opportunity are inseparable.
On behalf of the Ministry of Equity, Labour, Gender and Elderly Affairs, Social Justice and Consumer Welfare, the Minister extended best wishes for a peaceful and holy Christmas and a prosperous, just, and dignified New Year for all Saint Lucians.
