Project STAR Trains 140 Salt Spring Residents and Places 110 in Jobs Across St James

Kelly Griffith, who leads training and job placement for Project STAR, says the initiative has equipped more than 140 people in Salt Spring, St James, with skills and readiness training aimed at improving their chances of finding work in sectors such as hospitality and other customer-service roles.

Griffith told residents that 110 participants completed job-readiness workshops on résumés, interviews, and workplace conduct, and have since moved into paid employment. She also said collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) opened cash-for-work and cash-for-care placements soon after Hurricane Melissa, when western communities including Salt Spring bore heavy losses.

She shared the figures during a town hall hosted by Project STAR at the Salt Spring New Testament Church, where organisers outlined community progress and heard suggestions from residents on what should improve.

A fresh batch of skills classes is in the pipeline, Griffith said, covering areas such as guest room attendant work and bartending. Courses are being shaped around employer demand and feedback from the community. She urged residents to propose other certification topics so the next training cycle can reflect local priorities.

Project STAR also intends to widen its education work by linking with nearby high schools on a “high-school pathways to success” track. The aim is to help students weigh career choices and build workplace habits before graduation. Griffith said sessions would touch on professional presentation, interview skills, and introductory entrepreneurship, among other themes.

The employment drive sits within a wider Project STAR plan that also covers family services and youth programmes.

On family support, Jodi-Ann Bowen, community services coordinator for the western region, said a parenting club that began in March has drawn 25 parents into regular meetings marked by active involvement and mutual support. Organisers plan to widen the club to include parents of older children, with upcoming topics such as nursing skills, communication, and leadership within the household.

Bowen pointed to help for older residents through the Visionary Senior Citizens Club, which brings together about 15 seniors for crafts, games, and similar practical activities. Project STAR is also cooperating with the National Council of Senior Citizens to restore membership levels that fell during the COVID-19 period and to assist seniors in securing key papers, including the national senior citizens’ ID and health cards, along with applications for other social security benefits.

Youth and Sports Lead Marlon Moore said the programme’s “Kicking Forward” football sessions are run alongside personal development workshops meant to build respect, discipline, and growth on and off the pitch. Moore said a recent tournament trip gave participants valuable experience, while noting that organisers still see room to tighten discipline among younger players.

Moore further reported that the local Police Youth Club was revived in January with backing from police community safety officers and now gathers twice each month. Members have chosen an executive committee and are building technical and organisational strength, with close to 50 young people involved to date. Leaders are also pressing for greater involvement from young women.