PRESS RELEASE - The National Vision Commission will be launched on Monday, April 28, 2014.
The commission, which was announced by Her Excellency, Dame Pearlette Louisy in the 2013 Throne Speech, will be tasked with leading a consultation process aimed at developing a national vision and accompanying development plan for Saint Lucia. The process will examine all sectors of the economy and is expected to capture the needs and aspirations of a wid cross section of the public.
In keeping with the spirit of bipartisanship and inclusiveness, the commission comprises representatives recommended by the Governor General, the Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition, Civil Society (including youth, and other non-governmental organisations), trade unions, and major private sector groupings. The chairman of the commission was jointly selected by the prime minister and the leader of the parliamentary opposition.
The vision statement, which will be the end product of the process, will guide the development of economic and social policies as well as strategic planning initiatives over the next few years. It is expected to outlive administrations and embrace all political views represented in and out of the House of Assembly, all organisations, as well as the unattached citizen.
While there have been a number of strategic planning exercises undertaken at the sectoral level, the national vision will help in defining the future priorities of Saint Lucia.
The commission will be launched at the House of Assembly and the commissioners will be sworn in by the governor general of Saint Lucia. The ceremony will feature remarks by Prime Minister Dr. Kenny D. Anthony, as well as the Leader of the Opposition Gale Rigobert.
The feature address will be delivered by Dr. Wesley Hughes, who led the national visioning exercise in Jamaica. Professor Avinash Persaud of Trinidad and Tobago, will also deliver an address on “Adjusting During Economic Transformations: Political and Social Dynamics.”
The ceremony begins at 5 p.m. and will be aired live on the National Television Network.