The third annual Make it Happen Foundation Officers’ Ball came to life recently at the Sandals Grande Beach Resort & Spa in St Lucia. The fundraising gala features a night of entertainment aimed at raising money for projects which build upon the strength, resources and morale of police and fire fighters island-wide.
Organizer of the event and Chairperson of the Make It Happen Foundation, Mrs. Raquel Du Boulay-Chastanet, wife of Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet noted in her address that Saint Lucian police and firefighters put their lives on the line daily, asking for very little in return. She viewed the Ball as a way of celebrating officers and giving back.
“This year we take the opportunity to remind you about the many sacrifices our fire and police officers make, and the challenges they face daily in the most difficult of circumstances,” Make it Happen’s Chairperson said to a sold-out Ball room. “We hope this evening inspires many more of you to work with us to try to improve their working conditions and to ensure they’re treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.”
Lifetime Achievement awards were presented to former police and fire officers who demonstrated the power of the human spirit and who built their careers on the backs of their own dedication and drive. The first went to a man described as “a legend of the fire service”, Mr. Joseph Mathurin. Presenters noted that still today, many spoke admirably of Mr. Mathurin, who was credited for having been a staunch custodian of discipline and integrity. A second Lifetime Achievement award went to Rudolph ‘Toto’ Charles, a man of humble beginnings and a musician at heart. Charles played a significant role in the formation of what is today known as the Royal Saint Lucia Police Band. The third award of the evening went to George Rock, a man with a high level of motivation and innovation, and a reputable detective, who solved cases that went down in history. All received commemorative awards and a weekend stay at Coconut Bay.
Joseph Mathurin receives Lifetime Achievement Award
