Potter Launches ‘SUN Project’ Aimed At Restoring Pride In Neighborhoods

ST. THOMAS — Lieutenant Governor Osbert Potter on Wednesday met with approximately 35 pastors and other members of the faith-based community at Government House here, to introduce what has been dubbed “Stimulating and Uplifting Neighborhoods” (SUN) Project, a press release Mr. Potter’s office issued Thursday has revealed.

The SUN Project will encourage churches to join forces to help organize and uplift neighborhoods within the territory to restore a sense of pride, according to the release.

During the meeting, Mr. Potter laid out his plan to establish partnerships between neighborhoods, churches and governmental agencies to develop a collective focus on helping to restore a sense of calm, pride and the general uplifting of the community, as a strategic approach to ultimately reducing crime in the territory.

The project will see religious leaders partnering with each other, selecting specific neighborhoods in St. Thomas to coordinate programs and activities to address the needs of the designated neighborhoods, according to the release,.

“I am proposing to the churches that they can and should do more. I have asked the churches to adopt neighborhoods with the goal to uplift, bring pride, and implement positive neighborhood activities as part of their outreach. Together, we can work collaboratively to bring back peace and a sense of pride in our community, one neighborhood at a time,” Mr. Potter said.

At the meeting, the religious leaders expressed their enthusiasm for what was said to be a long-awaited and much needed approach, and pledged their full support and commitment to the SUN Project. Mr. Potter indicated that additional planning and coordination would be conducted before the churches begin their implementation of neighborhood outreach.

The SUN Project will also be implemented on St. Croix, according to the release, following meetings with the faith-based community and Mr. Potter’s office.

The SUN Project is an initiative of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, under the direction of Mr. Potter. For more information, contact Diana Brown at 340-774-2991, extension 4114.