After years of lying dormant, the Saint Lucia chapter of Junior Chamber International (JCI) has emerged as a standout success story in regional youth leadership development, pulling off a landmark achievement by hosting the 66th JCI West Indies National Convention between October 7 and 11, 2026. The successful staging of the event marks multiple historic firsts for the local chapter, capping off its remarkable comeback to the regional stage.
JCI is a globally recognized non-profit organization that brings together active citizens aged between 18 and 40, with a core mission of helping young people develop leadership skills and create meaningful social impact in their communities. For the Saint Lucian chapter, this convention represented far more than just a regional gathering—it was a public demonstration of its successful revitalization after a prolonged period of inactivity.
More than 180 delegates from member chapters across the West Indies traveled to Saint Lucia for the five-day event, which centered on a packed agenda of leadership training workshops, networking opportunities, collaborative planning sessions, and community-focused engagement activities. The convention was made possible through a key partnership and sponsorship with LUCELEC, the island’s leading energy provider.
By the end of the convention, JCI Saint Lucia had cemented its place as a leading revitalized chapter in the region by taking home one of the most prestigious honors available: the Best New Local Organisation Award. This recognition is particularly meaningful for a chapter that has spent the last few years rebuilding its membership, re-establishing community partnerships, and restructuring its operations to align with JCI’s global mission.
In a second historic win for the chapter, JCI Saint Lucia’s National Executive Vice President Laurel Jonas was elected as the JCI West Indies National President-Elect for 2027. In this upcoming role, Jonas will be responsible for leading organizational strategy, managing regional operations, and representing all JCI member islands across the Caribbean in global JCI forums.
The milestone successes did not end there. The Saint Lucia chapter also celebrated its first-ever member elevation to the rank of JCI Senator, an honor bestowed on long-serving member Clive Hippolyte. JCI Senator is a prestigious lifetime designation, awarded only to current or past members who have demonstrated decades of outstanding dedication to the organization, exceptional leadership that has lifted up local chapters, and significant service that has advanced JCI’s mission across the region. Hippolyte’s recognition stands as a testament to the deep legacy of commitment within the revitalized chapter.
For JCI Saint Lucia, the 66th JCI West Indies National Convention is more than a single event—it is the foundation of a new era of growth, leadership, and community impact for young people across the island and the wider Caribbean region.