Press Release

The UN Joins Forces with the Private Sector to Inspire Action to Move the Needle on the Sustainable Development Goals in Saint Lucia

09 October 2023

Castries, October 9, 2023.

Massy Stores (Saint Lucia) Ltd. has partnered with the United Nations Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean to inspire Saint Lucians to take action to fast-track progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This forms part of a UN sub-regional private sector initiative, to amplify the rallying call to ActNow for the SDGs.

The UN’s global ActNow campaign encourages people from all sectors and walks of life to take urgent action to achieve the SDGs, which can potentially improve life for all, via reduced poverty, safer communities, equality, and better jobs. While these issues matter to everyone, as we reach the midpoint to the 2030 Agenda, progress is too slow. Urgent action is, therefore, required to turbo charge changes that foster better lives on a healthier planet.

During a recent courtesy call to Massy Stores (Saint Lucia) Ltd. Head Office, UN Resident Coordinator, Didier Trebucq, welcomed the company’s partnership on the global SDG campaign. He noted that: “as UN, we urgently need the powerful private sector to invest in the measures necessary to accelerate progress and get the goals back on track.” He further added : “the private sector has a key role to play in driving SDG acceleration in the Eastern Caribbean”.

Massy Stores has been a strong advocate for the SDGs with several initiatives designed to promote the goals. In this regard, Managing Director, Mr. Martin Dorville underlined: “supporting the SDG ActNow campaign was an easy decision, as at the heart of Massy’s philosophy are people and the environment.” The Massy Head also outlined several ongoing innovative initiatives by Massy that bode well for SDG progress.

In support of the ActNow Campaign, Massy Stores has sponsored the production and broadcasting of an SDG video dubbed: SDG ActNow Campaign: Saint Lucians on Call. The video features images and messages from everyday Saint Lucians designed to communicate the urgency of taking action for the SDGs. Focus is on urging action for specific goals that present significant/major challenge to Saint Lucia’s progress on the SDGs (based on the 2023 SDG report for Saint Lucia).

The Massy-supported SDG video will be launched on United Nations Day 2024.

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For further Information please contact:

Dr. Lorraine Nicholas

UN Country Coordination Officer, Saint Lucia

UN Resident Coordinator Office

Email: lorraine.nicholas@un.org; Mobile: +1 (758) 730 0771

Carol A. Gaskin

Programme Communications and Advocacy Officer

UN Resident Coordinator Office

Email: carol-ann.gaskin@un.org; Mobile:1+ (246) 832 6110

Carol A. Gaskin

RCO

Programme Communications and Advocacy Officer

carol-ann.gaskin@un.org +1 (246) 467 6110

Carol Gaskin is a seasoned international development professional and strategic communicator, serving as the United Nations Development Coordination Officer for Programme Communications and Advocacy. With a background in journalism and creative writing, Carol brings a diverse skill set to her role.

In her capacity, she leads communication and advocacy efforts for the UN Resident Coordinator's Office, overseeing operations in 10 Eastern Caribbean countries. Additionally, she chairs the UN Communications Group, fostering collaboration among communicators from 18 agencies.

Carol's expertise lies in developing communication strategies aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda. She excels in storytelling, utilizing various channels to amplify the UN's message effectively.

Her achievements include coordinating impactful events such as the "UN in the City" SDG exhibition and spearheading initiatives like the introduction of the Caribbean's first SDG-branded electric bus. Notably, Carol has received recognition for her outstanding work, including the Best Annual Results Report for Latin America and the Caribbean in 2023.

Her work extends to humanitarian efforts, notably providing coverage during natural disasters like the La Soufriere eruption.

With a proven track record of success and dedication to advancing global priorities, Carol A. Gaskin is a respected figure in the field of international development and strategic communication.

Portrait of Lorraine Nicholas (PhD), UN Country Coordination Officer - Saint Lucia

Dr. Lorraine Nicholas

RCO

UN Country Coordination Officer - Saint Lucia

lorraine.nicholas@un.org +1 (758) 730-0771

Dr. Lorraine Nicholas is the UN Country Coordination Officer to St. Lucia, where she serves as a crucial link between the Government of Saint Lucia and the UN Sub-Regional Team, including the UN Resident Coordinator's Office. In this role, Lorraine is responsible for facilitating system-wide engagement to ensure effective and coordinated implementation of UN interventions in Saint Lucia. She plays a vital role in promoting the visibility of the UN's work and ensuring its alignment with government priorities.

One of Lorraine's key responsibilities is the development and implementation of the Country Implementation Plan (CIP), a strategic tool aimed at integrating programs and initiatives to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the national level. By actively participating in the formulation and execution of the CIP, Lorraine contributes to the overall progress and success of the SDGs in Saint Lucia.

Furthermore, Lorraine serves as the focal point within the UN Resident Coordinator's Office for youth development. This indicates her specific focus on initiatives, policies, and programs that target the empowerment and well-being of young people in St. Lucia. By championing youth development efforts, Lorraine plays a crucial role in addressing the unique challenges faced by the youth population and creating opportunities for their growth and participation in the country's development agenda.

UN entities involved in this initiative

RCO

United Nations Resident Coordinator Office

Goals we are supporting through this initiative