Lifestyle Columnist, Amanda Alexander
But in the nearly 50 years since I’ve not been back one thing disturbs me greatly and that’s the pockets of poverty observed on the different parts of my beautiful island. I’m also seeing many wonderful, intelligent people liming aimlessly (especially men) on the hot sunny streets, with women bellowing out their wares.
Homeless persons wearing clothes that are beyond repair and absolutely filthy, children enraptured by the American celebrity culture truly believing that these so called stars are living a happier life than they are because of riches being displayed before their very eyes, on large TV screens in the local bars or their homes. All in all I’m seeing a mishmash and levels of different financial and educational statuses among the locals. My question therefore is why is there still a huge lack of financial and educational prosperity happening especially since St Lucia has not been at war for at least a couple of hundred years?
One thing is definitely apparent and that is the amount of blue drums now being used as water holders or dustbins outside many homes. It’s common knowledge that these containers are used to ship items of clothing, food etc from overseas to St Lucian families and friends.
These drums are filled mainly with consumer items to take care of immediate needs, with no thought of future longevity and a way out of dire straits for the recipient. Therefore after consumption of these goods the person is right back at square one, the poverty cycle continues and perpetuates to the next generation.
However, as good as these endeavours are to ensure loved ones are provided for, the need is far greater than a drum. But how do we go about breaking this cycle? The answer is right under our noses, we of the St Lucian diaspora spreaded around the world should realise that our parents didn’t just birth us in foreign lands just to have a sweeter life than our native brothers and sisters. We should be utilising our education, knowledge and skill sets to rebuild the poverty areas of St Lucia by creating opportunities to drive out poverty and raise the quality of life for our fellow man.
We should be the Nehemiah’s of this time and looking out from our respective countries to the land of our forefathers to rebuild the spiritual, financial, emotional and physical walls of the people in St Lucia, which will take more than a drum to do.
Some may argue it’s the government’s responsibility to look after the poor, but it is not. According to Jesus it’s the role of the body of Christ, He said in John chapter 12v8 that “We will always have the poor among us” and we are to take care of them in Matthew chapter 25 verses 35-36. We are called to love not only in word but in deed also1, and to love our neighbour as ourselves.2 These scriptures have really challenged me to step outside my comfort zone.
Who’s with me on the restorative journey of the poor areas of St Lucia? Who wants to help rebuild the aforementioned walls of this exquisite island? Email me if you want to join and leave a positive legacy for future generations!
So until next time, remember you are beautiful and wonderfully made – With love Amanda x
Amanda Alexander is a Pastor, Teacher, TV Media Journalist
Founder of Female Dignity, Warrior Women, Amanda Alexander Production. She serves on the leadership team of New Life Church in Bishops Stortford and ministry coordinator for Patrick’s Mission
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1 https://biblehub.com/1_john/3-18.htm
2 https://biblehub.com/mark/12-31.htm
