The Castries Comprehensive Secondary School (CCSS) marked its 51st anniversary with a Special Civic Duty Presentation aimed at fostering political awareness and engagement among students.
The event on Monday brought together national leaders and distinguished alumni to educate students on the importance of governance, democracy, and civic participation.
“We don’t care who they vote for,” President of the CCSS Global Alumni Association, Antonia ‘Joanne’ Isaac told St Lucia Times. “We simply care that they understand that they should have a voice. We want them in politics. We want them in the government. We want them in the civil service. It is important.”
Among the prominent attendees were President of the Senate Alvina Reynolds, Speaker of the House of Assembly Claudius Francis, Minister of Education Shawn Edward, and United Workers Party candidate Peter Chiquot. They addressed the students on their role in shaping the nation’s future.
Isaac noted the non-partisan nature of the event, which aimed to foster political awareness among students. She said it was important to inform the students “of how important it is to be into politics, into government if you are part of a democracy. Because if they don’t make decisions, decisions are going to be made for them.”
Pointing out that the hope was to inspire students to become active participants in governance, regardless of political affiliation, she added: “We don’t care who they vote for. We simply care that they understand that they should have a voice. We want them in politics. We want them in the government. We want them in the civil service. It is important.”
Isaac also praised the collaboration between CCSS leadership and the Global Alumni Association, describing the event as “an amazing day” where politicians shared their knowledge and engaged with Saint Lucia’s future leaders.
A key highlight of the celebration was a generous pledge from alumnus Timothy St Catherine (Class of 1989), who donated $20 000 and committed to donating that amount annually for the next four years.
