Deputy Prime Minister Ernest Hilaire says the delays in setting up a local bank account for the Julien Alfred Foundation are not government-related and has reaffirmed the administration’s full support for the foundation’s initiatives in Saint Lucia.
In recent weeks, a press release allegedly issued by Alfred’s manager expressed frustration over the “unacceptable situation” in which no official account had been opened to receive deposits and contributions.
The foundation was launched in April last year, with its official registration process initiated in October through Brick Stone Law Firm. It aims to support the development of youth, sports, and mental health well-being on the island. However, delays in setting up a local bank account have hindered the acceptance of cheques from both local and international entities.
Addressing the government’s involvement, Dr Hilaire said the banking issues are not directly related to the Pierre administration but reaffirmed the government’s full support for any projects the foundation wishes to sponsor.
“The government has nothing to do with this, and we’ve not said anything officially before because we don’t think anything related to the Julien Alfred Foundation should be soiled or caught in public discontent or argument,” he stated. “Any endeavour she wants to pursue in Saint Lucia, we will support her and her foundation.”
He further explained: “The last time I inquired, they had not submitted all the necessary documents for the foundation’s registration, and without that, they cannot open a bank account. We will do whatever we can as a government, but the process of opening bank accounts and registering foundations follows specific procedures, and we are not directly involved in that. The statement issued was an expression of frustration over the local process. My appeal to the foundation’s members is that Julien is eager to begin her work in Saint Lucia, so they should expedite the registration process and the opening of a bank account.”
The delays surrounding the bank account have drawn attention, especially as proceeds from brand sponsorship deals are expected to fund the foundation’s initiatives.
