A call for stronger, more intentional parenting in Saint Lucia took center stage on March 21st, as parents, professionals and community stakeholders gathered for the “Parenting with Purpose in the 21st Century” Summit at the Finance Administrative Centre.
The initiative, hosted by Safe Space Consultancy Services, brought together a wide cross-section of stakeholders including mental health professionals, law enforcement, and community leaders, all focused on equipping parents with the tools needed to raise well-rounded children in an evolving social landscape.
Speaking at the event, Lead Consultant and Founder of Safe Space Consultancy, Natasha Pascal emphasized the importance of a holistic approach to parenting, noting that the summit addressed not only the physical needs of children, but also their emotional, spiritual and financial well-being.
“In this current season, we’re seeing so many challenges, and parenting as we know it has to evolve. We need to have deeper conversations with our children, but more importantly, we as parents must first look within ourselves. Are we doing the right things? Are we saying the right things? Healing ourselves is the first step to helping our children,” Pascal explained.
She highlighted that the strong turnout and engagement from participants reflected a growing awareness among parents of the need for change. “The feedback has been amazing. Parents are excited, they’re engaged, and they appreciate the sense of community. It truly takes a village to raise a child, and that’s why we’ve brought together so many stakeholders, including the police force.”
Highlights of the event included group activities that examined various family structures and emphasized the importance of unity, as well as a panel discussion highlighting the role of community support and the idea that it truly takes a village to raise a child.
Organizers say the summit is only the beginning, with plans already underway to expand the initiative into communities across the island, particularly in the south, where interest has been high. “We’ve had requests from several communities, and with support, we hope to bring this initiative island-wide,” Pascal added. “Parents, we have work to do, and we cannot do it alone.”
Participants echoed the impact of the event, describing it as both transformative and necessary.
Sandrina Daniel, a parent of two, shared that the summit resonated deeply with her personal experiences.
“I’ve learned things here that I wish I had known a long time ago,” she said. “Coming from a background of childhood trauma, I understand how cycles can repeat themselves. Being here has reminded me that those cycles can be broken.”
Daniel stressed the importance of parents leading by example. “Our children learn from us; we are their first teachers. They watch what we do and what we say. As parents, we need to get the help we need so we can raise a new generation of children who are more aware and emotionally healthy.”
Another participant, Denver Duplessis, described the summit as insightful and empowering. “This experience has been very thought-provoking and inspirational,” he noted. “It gave me a fresh perspective on effective parenting and reminded me of the importance of understanding child development.”
He added that sessions focusing on mental health and brain development stood out most. “Learning about how the brain works and how it impacts behaviour really opened my eyes. It’s something every parent should understand.”
Organizers say the summit represents a step toward building a more resilient and informed parenting culture in Saint Lucia, one grounded in self-awareness, education, and community collaboration.
The panelists included Sariah Best-Joseph, founder of Best Pathways for Growth, specializing in training, coaching, and mentoring; Patrick Fearon, a clinical mental health therapist; Martin James, CEO of ECCO; Donna St. Marthe, a social worker by profession; and Elijah Williams, sportscaster and media practitioner.
Other featured speakers included Dr. Apostle Prophetess Rochelle Graham, Dr. Julius Gillard, Dr. Rashad, Dr. Chamane Prospere, Aretha Auguste, and Julius Polius. The session was held in partnership with JSR Enterprises.
