Residents of Vieux Fort frustrated due to malfunctioning elevator at NIC building

The residents of Vieux-Fort, a town in St. Lucia, are growing frustrated over the prolonged malfunction of an elevator at the National Insurance Corporation (NIC) building. The elevator has been out of order for over a year, creating discomfort and inconvenience for those with physical challenges and the elderly. These individuals are often seen struggling on the four-story building’s stairwell, frequently needing assistance.

The NIC building is used by several government departments, including social services, probation, crown lands, and labor. The social service department, which provides crucial services to numerous vulnerable individuals, is located on the third floor. The absence of a working elevator is therefore particularly problematic.

Prominent among the aggrieved residents is Cyrillia Rismay, a concerned local. According to her, similar issues in Castries, the national capital, would have been swiftly addressed. She insists that the disadvantaged populace, including those who are elderly, disabled, or unhealthy, should not have to contend with the challenge of navigating the stairway to access vital services.

Rismay further asserts that the services offered at the NIC building cater not just to residents of Vieux-Fort, but also to other southern communities. Rismay’s inquiries about the delay in the elevator repair yielded an explanation about the unavailability of a specific repair part that is expected to be sourced from Barbados.

Inaccessible managerial comments further compound the unpleasant situation. When contacted, the manager of the NIC branch in Vieux-Fort declined to comment and redirected the reporter to the National Insurance Property Development and Management Company Limited (NIPRO). Efforts to reach NIPRO were unsuccessful. The residents of Vieux-Fort continue to endure the discomfort and anxiously await the resolution of the matter.