St Lucia Red Cross (SLRC) has welcomed the Desruisseaux community as its newest group/branch. Official recognition of the community came at a July 24 launch attended by members and volunteers.

Addressing the gathering were Member of Parliament for the area, Arson James; SLRC youth officer Marva Edwards and Desruisseaux group president Alcese Louissien.

Mr James encouraged the group to stay focused on their mandate, and to feel free to approach him for support for their community-outreach activities.

Ms Edwards urged members to look around their community and help alleviate the suffering of vulnerable persons. She encouraged members to network with other existing groups as a strategy to achieve the objectives of the Red Cross.

Ms Louissien thanked members for their commitment, and expressed her gratitude to Ms Edwards for her continued support in the development of the group, including her attendance at their meetings. The group meets every third Sunday of the month.

The executive comprises Louissien, vice president Heidi Ann Toussaint, public relations officer Charles Bastien, treasurer Jean St Marie and secetary Sasha Jn Baptiste. Current group membership is 15, with the youngest member being 11 years old.