The National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have reinforced their longstanding partnership through a joint initiative aimed at improving mobility and independence for persons with disabilities across Saint Lucia.
The latest collaboration centered on specialized wheelchair fittings and technical repairs, ensuring that recipients receive equipment tailored to their individual needs.
Vice President of the NCPD, Krishna Valcin-Satney, expressed deep appreciation for the continued support of the church, noting the tangible impact of the partnership on daily life.
“Especially grateful for the invaluable partnership with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Their continued support, generosity and hands-on involvement have strengthened our work and expanded our reach,” she said. “Because of this partnership, lives have been changed. Children can attend school more easily. Adults can return to work and families experience greater freedom and relief.”
NCPD President Merphilus James described the initiative as a critical component of the council’s mission to promote dignity, inclusion and empowerment.
“This mission has been key, very key in the work that we do,” James stated. “Not in painting people with disabilities merely as objects of charity, sitting on the sidelines waiting for support, but that people enshrined with all human rights and dignity, and that once we are given the right resources, the right support, technology, we can not only participate, but we can lead in this society.”
James also highlighted the scale of assistance provided through the partnership since it began.
“Since 2019, through the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, one of our most cherished partners, we have distributed about 613 new chairs and an additional 550 walkers, canes and other mobility aids,” he said, noting that the total represents more than 1,100 mobility devices delivered to those in need.
Representing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Sister Caren Kennedy reflected on the values underpinning the outreach.
“We are gathered here to celebrate, to celebrate love and kindness,” she said. “And in the distribution of the wheelchairs, we remember the words of Jesus as he spoke to his disciples.” Quoting scripture, Kennedy added,
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, the least you have done to one of your brethren, you have done it for me. And as Christians, we are called to serve with love and compassion.”
Organizers say the initiative not only improves physical mobility but also reinforces a shared commitment to inclusion, human dignity and community support, strengthening a partnership that continues to transform lives across the island.