[dropcap]A[/dropcap]fter over twenty years of encountering different challenges, the community of Fond Gens Libre has registered the Fond Gens Libre Development Committee through the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice, Empowerment, Youth Development, Sports, and Local Government. Although the committee was elected a year ago, on Wednesday September 25, 2017, with the support of the Soufriere Regional Development Foundation (SRDF) and Mr Kirk Elliott, it has only recently become fully recognized.
Mr Jimmy Haynes, former executive director of the SRDF, who chaired the election, highlighted the importance of unity in the community and of having managers instead of only tour guides from the community. He also went on to emphasize the tremendous opportunities that exist through the establishment of the Development Committee.
Mr Kirk Elliott, who is most commonly known for his expertise in photography, has been very passionate about Fond Gens Libre and has been working diligently with the community since 2015 to help residents realize and appreciate the tremendous potential they have due to the international recognition the Gros Piton Nature Trail enjoys and the resulting economic benefits this can bring the community.
The newly elected members are: Mr Francis Alexander – President, Ms Sherell James – Vice President, Ms Bianca Neptial – Secretary, Ms Chriselle Heliodore – Assistant Secretary, Ms Gina James – Treasurer, Mrs Charmaine Charles – Public Relations Officer, Kirk Elliott – ex Officio Member. Joining at a later date were Mr Larry Eugene as a full-time tour guide representative and Mr Dishone Alexander a part-time tour guide representative.
However, due to time constraints Neptial, Heliodore and Alexander have stepped away from the committee and have been replaced by Ms Abigail Heliodore and Ms Shanel Pamphile.
With the motto “Nou Tout Ansamn”, used under license, the Development Committee has as its primary objectives: increasing the direct social and economic benefits derived from the Gros Piton Nature Hike by community residents, empowering community youth, establishing adult literacy programmes and developing community recognition for Fond Gens Libre.
“Being the president is a great opportunity to move my community forward, especially empowering the youth in being poised to take on the responsibility for the future of their community,” explained Francis Alexander when asked how he felt about the community’s vote of confidence in his leadership.
“It is high time that Fond Gens Libre receive the same recognition as the Gros Piton as it is rather unfortunate that most companies have the Pitons as their logo and don’t even know where it is located and that there is a community there with a powerful, historical story behind them that to this day fuels their passion and
the close-knit nature of residents,” lamented Vice President Sherell James when asked how she felt about the new strides the community is making.
Fond Gens Libre is a small, remote but unique rural community located at the base of the Gros Piton, one of Saint Lucia’s iconic landmarks which was designated a world heritage site on June 30, 2004. Translated to English, Fond Gens Libre means “Valley of the Free People”. The community is an old settlement dating back to the 1700s being the home of the descendants of the brigand runaway slaves.
