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From 1999, residents of Laborie started a strategic development planning process to reduce ad hoc, unplanned development. Following the adoption of the completed Strategic Development Plan, the Planning Committee realized that in order to begin to implement this plan, a formal organization was needed. The Laborie Development Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation, was registered under the Companies Act in St. Lucia on December 11, 2002.
Its functions are to:
| Coordinate the planning and implementation of development activities and projects. |
| Mobilize the community and involve all citizens in planning and implementation of development projects. |
| Raise funds for projects and activities to be undertaken by itself and by other organizations. |
| Implement specific projects whenever there is no other organisation capable of implementing them. |
| Monitor and evaluate the implementation of the Strategic Development Plan (view here in PDF) for Laborie |
The Foundation’s vision and objectives are the same as that described in the Strategic Development Plan for Laborie, i.e. to promote social, and economic development that will contribute to a “culturally vibrant community where there is continuous improvement in the quality of life and where people are able to enjoy all the basic necessities and to participate fully in the process of development.” This plan outlines the development goals of the majority of the residents of Laborie.
Our focus is on the overall development of the community including the development of tourism, agriculture and fishing, youth and sports, education and the human resources, and health care and social services. We understand that the success of the community’s development depends on the involvement of all Laborians, as well as other St. Lucians and benefactors.
To achieve these objectives, the Laborie Development Foundation works with a variety of partners and member organisations to find the appropriate funding and social capital on a project by project basis.
The Foundation has a Board of Directors elected at their Annual General Meeting who guide the yearly activities and set the work plan. Currently, there are no paid staff members but there is a Peace Corps Volunteer (Diane Gunvalson) assigned to the Foundation for October 2008-October 2010.
Past Projects
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In 2008, under the Global Environmental Fund (GEF) project and with assistance from the Soufriere Marine Management Authority and Peace Corps Volunteer, Mr. Aaron Doll, the Laborie Development Foundation has installed five yacht moorings in the bay. The goal of this project is to increase village tourism through yacht traffic. The moorings will be managed by the Laborie Development Foundation and the Laborie Fishers and Consumers Cooperative and efforts will be made to capitalize on the economic benefits these moorings could provide for the area. |
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Three persons in September 2006 - started the cultivation of seamoss in the Laborie Bay. This brought to 4 the number of people producing seamoss here. The Laborie Development Foundation provided technical assistance and support materials such as seamoss plants and rope. It also assisted in the search for markets for seamoss produced. |
- Water Quality Monitoring and Testing
Participatory monitoring of water in the Laborie Bay was done by eight volunteer secondary school students from Piaye Secondary School, under the guidance of Gevanie Polius, a former student who participated in the volunteer programme two years ago, and Alan Smith, marine biologist.
In October 2008, in addition to testing the faecal coliform levels in the Laborie Bay, the students also carried out similar tests in the ravines that drain into the Laborie Bay. Laborie is one of the few communities in St. Lucia where any water monitoring is being done. |
- Water Quality Awareness Programme:
Three young people - Clem Thomas, Alina Sadoo and Lydra Chicot - Engaged households from the Laborie village in discussions about water quality issues and ways in which sewage pollution can be reduced in Laborie. The project recognises that information sharing is a necessary component of educating residents and changing attitudes towards natural waterways, including ravines. It was undertaken with support and financing from the Sustainable Development Unit in the Ministry of Physical Development. The young educators-learners used data on the quality of the water in the Laborie bay generated by other students who participated in the Water Quality Monitoring and Testing Programme. The aim of the project was to increase awareness of these issues as a means of improving water quality in the Laborie Bay. The awareness programme started in June 2005 and ran until the middle of August. New information gathered will be shared with the community via the new notice boards. |
- Local Governance and Capacity for Integrated Coastal Development in Laborie, Saint Lucia:
This project seeks to develop and strengthen institutional arrangements, technologies and approaches to coastal development that optimize the contribution of coastal resources to social and economic development, through equitable and sustainable uses, and that provide effective and lasting solutions to the environmental problems faced by coastal communities in the Caribbean, especially those that stem from pollution. |
- Linking Cultural Festivals to the Accommodation Sector in Laborie:
The goal of this project was to stimulate the development of small scale lodging for visitors to Laborie, and to contribute to their viability by attracting patrons through various festivals. A study was completed to build a baseline of information, analyze opportunities and provide guidelines.
Laborie Public Toilet Facilities: Two public toilets were completed by the Laborie Development Foundation Inc. with funding from the Poverty Reduction Fund (PRF). They were handed over to the Laborie Village Council on July 27, 2004. The project cost almost EC$200,000.00. They are part of the strategies to develop infrastructural support for community heritage tourism and enhance the physical environment in Laborie. These public toilets were built using environmentally responsible methods including a wastewater garden. |
- Establishment of the Laborie Medical Assistance Fund:
This Fund is administered by the Laborie Development Foundation Inc. and is managed by a Committee of seven persons. It provides financial assistance to Laborians who need medical treatment and/or services. Donations from the Fund may be used for hospital related expenses, prescription drug expenses, fees for specialist medical attention, air fare and other expenses directly related to receiving such treatment. Residents of Laborie and other people are encouraged to contribute to the Fund to supplement other fundraising activities. |
- Documentation of the strategic planning process:
The Laborie community undertook a three year strategic planning process from 1999 – 2002. The document produced (view here) contains the vision for Laborie and goals, objectives and strategies for achieving that vision. It reflects the ideas of a large number of Laborians who participated in a strategic development planning process from 1999 - 2001 which was characterised by several consultations, group meetings, discussions. This initiative was community initiated and driven and undertaken by volunteers from various sectors in Laborie. |
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