THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE LOGOS HOPE TO EDUCATION AND LITERACY IN SMALL ISLAND DEVELOPING STATES IS WELCOMED.
The Logos Hope berthed in Port Castries on 10 August 2021 welcomed its first set of visitors. The Official Opening ceremony saw the attendance of Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Hon. Philip J. Pierre, Governor General Emeritus, Dame Palette Louisy and representatives of other key agencies.
Hon. Philip J Pierre highlighting the contribution of the Logos Hope to education and Literacy in small Island Developing States welcomed the Logos to Saint Lucia. Addressing the crew of the Logos Hope the Prime Minister said, “We cannot and we must not allow books to become passé. It is for this reason that logos is truly bringing hope to our Small Island Developing States and you have joined us at an opportune time when children are on vacation and should be encouraged to spend more of their time reading. When many of our people are under the conditions of the pandemic, they have to stay home so we hope they spend some time reading and gaining knowledge. I also know that the Logos is not just a bookstore it’s about bring the world alive by good deeds as well. We welcome your acts of charity and we hope you enjoy our country and its hospitality.”
The vessel is home to 250 volunteers from over 50 nations each joining this floating community to bring knowledge, help and hope to the people of the world. The Logos Hope offers a book fair, Journey of Life tour and Café. Director of the Logos Hope Captain Tom Dyer expressed his elation to be in Saint Lucia once again. He stated, “We’ve always sensed that love of the people of Saint Lucia. I can tell you there are friendships that will be made in this port; we are here until the 25th. I guarantee there will be crew members that will make friends with Saint Lucians and it will go on for years and years. As we open the ship we are going to be enriched and we a going to enjoy your hospitality as we share knowledge help and hope”.
While in Saint Lucia, volunteers from the Logos Hope will be collaborating with charitable agencies to lend support to the needy. The Initiatives to be undertaken include; a feeding program in collaboration with the Salvation Army and Mentorship program at the Boy’s Training Center. The Logos Hope is accepting St. Lucian volunteers to join their diverse crew during their stay. Amy Joely, a member of the Advanced Preparation team of the Logos Hope responsible for logistics and making local connections ahead of the ship’s arrival explained, “Normally we have 5 departments, book fair, engine deck, catering and angels. These different departments need people to help. So normally the volunteer comes to help and the leader designate them to help in a specific department. We have a huge community in each department. I don’t know about meals, there is a restriction for now. It depends on whether the volunteers are vaccinated. If they or not vaccinated they cannot come to the dining room but if they are they share meals with us as well in the same place that we eat.
The Logos Hope is open to the public Tuesdays to Sundays, from 2pm to 7:30pm until August 25 2021.
