Projects

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.

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.

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 fecal 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Laborie community undertook a three year strategic planning process from 1999 – 2002. The document produced 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.