(PRESS RELEASE) — The National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), through the assistance of the Australian government’s Direct Aid program, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and the Rotary Club of Gros Islet, has officially launched a prosthetic leg manufacture center at its head office in Carellie, Castries.

Four Saint Lucians—three of whom use artificial legs—were trained as technicians to be fully competent in constructing below-knee prosthetic legs. They also made brand new artificial legs for themselves as a donation from LDS charities.

The training and the setting up of equipment was overseen by Mr. James Dewees, a certified US-trained prosthetist.

His airfare and training costs were sponsored by the Rotary Club of Gros Islet.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and the NCPD, co-funded additional vital modern equipment and materials to complement what was originally purchased with funds from the Australian government’s Direct Aid program.

Saint Lucians requiring high quality, modern, artificial legs can now access this service at more reasonable costs without having to travel overseas.