Saint Lucia Independence Magazine 2016 by AMS St. Lucia

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Happy

37th Independence Anniversary Saint Luciaâ&#x20AC;?

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Contents

Celebrations 2016

The Nation 4. Editor’s Note 6. Message: Prime Minister

40. Sir Derek Walcott 42. The Restored “Walcott

78. Louis St. Juste 80. UK Saint Lucian

Associations Celebrate

81. How St.Lucians in Miami

Celebrated St.Lucia’s 37th Independence 82. Saint Lucian Community in South Florida Local Association Celebrate with Food, Culture & Community 83. Message from the President of the Children of Helen Alliance Inc. 84. Gospel Fest Kicked Off Consulate’s Independence 37 Activities in NYC 85. Saint Lucians at UWI Cave Hill Celebrate Independence 2016 85. ZINGJAY Brings Local Laughter to Brooklyn for Independence 37 86. List of Saint Lucia Overseas Missions 87. List of Countries With Which Saint Lucia has Diplomatic Relations 88. Index of Advertisers

House” is Entrusted to the Community! 46. Assou Square 48. SLHTA Revitalizing Craft Industry 50. La Rose and La Marguerite 52. Minor Basilica Comes Alive at the Independence Ecumenical Service 54. Independence Awards 2016 58. Prime Minister’s Independence Reception 60. Prime Minister Expresses Gratitude for ‘Respect & Dignity’ Shown by Nationals! 62. A Tribute to Dr. Owen King 64. Recreate the Future! 66. “Playin D’ Arts” 68. Miss Independence 2016 70. National Sports Awards 2016 74. Saint Lucians Branded in Their Colours

Celebrations 2016 in the Diaspora

The Journey Continues

Dr. Kenny Anthony 8. The Early Days 10. The Journey to Independence 14. 2016 Independence Day Address to the Nation 18. National Anthem / National Pledge 20. Our National Symbols 22. Kweyol National Anthem 23. Chanson Nasyonnal Sent Lisi 24. Seven Prime Ministers in 36 years 26. Five Governors General in 36 Years 28. Mayors of our Towns 30. Sir Stanislaus James 32. Heraldine Rock 34. Augustus Justin 36. Floreta Marquis

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Editor’s Note

The Journey Continues!

ver the years we have been able to deliver annually a colourful and informative Independence Magazine to celebrate our Independence and chronicle the annual Independence Programme and Festivities being organized by the National Independence Planning Committee and hosted across the island and further afield in our Saint Lucian Diaspora. This Magazine has become a highly sought after publication by locals and visitors alike, not to mention the numerous requests by our Saint Lucian brothers and sisters in the Diaspora. Thankfully they have been able to access the Magazine via our online edition. Each edition has been planned to be in sync with the official theme identified for the year with this year’s theme being “The Journey Continues” as defined by the Standing National Independence Planning Committee. It has been an absolute pleasure to cover the various activities and share the passion and joys of nationhood being demonstrated on the faces of our people across the island at being Saint Lucian. From the pomp and ceremony of the official Military Parade, the reverence and prayers for peace and goodwill at the National Ecumenical Service, the fraternal messages from friendly nations to the outpouring of national pride demonstrated by our people, it was clear that we treasure our rich heritage and share a common vision and purpose as we go forward together in this Journey into the future as a relatively young nation. The legacy of our founding fathers in their fight for Independence will always hold a special place and will continue to be highlighted in the pages of this Magazine. Their contributions to nationhood are priceless. The highlight of our 2016 Celebrations was the Annual National Independence Awards hosted by Her Excellency, Governor General Dame Pearlette Louisy where we honoured and celebrated our citizens for their contributions to nationhood. Of particular significance this year was the reality that for the first time on Saint Lucian soil Dame Pearlette Louisy, Chancellor of the National Societies knighted Sir Derek Walcott, Vaughan Allen Lewis and Lawrence Martha Priscilla Laurent as Knight and Dame Commanders of the Order of Saint Lucia, for their exceptional and outstanding service of national importance to Saint Lucia. We salute these history making awardees and all others who were bestowed with similar awards. Special mention and commendations also go to Earl Bousquet for being awarded for his contribution to Journalism. He has played a significant role in the journey of this Magazine. So wherever in the world we may roam, that kindred spirit and pride at being Saint Lucian challenges us all to play our part in being the best we can be as “the Journey Continues” towards the evolution of a modern and progressive Saint Lucia. We trust that you will enjoy perusing the pages of our 2016 Independence Magazine as we continue to build and shape our country and people from yesteryear to today and into the future. The Journey continues!

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The Saint Lucia’s 37th Anniversary of Independence Magazine Published by Advertising & Marketing Services Ltd. in association with the Government of Saint Lucia

Publisher / Managing Editor:

Lokesh Singh (lokesh@amsstlucia.com)

Editorial Contributors:

Graphic Designer: Vladimir Lubin Cecil Sylvester

Advertising Sales:

Cennette Flavien - cennette@amsstlucia.com Hudson Myers - hudson@amsstlucia.com

Webmaster:

Advertising & Marketing Services Ltd.

Photography:

Cover Photo: Vladimir Lubin

Credits:

We thank the Sponsors, Contributors and every one who have made a contribution to this magazine. The Publisher and Staff of AMS take this opportunity to wish the Governor General, Prime Minister, Government and People of Saint Lucia a Peaceful and Prosperous 37th Independence Anniversary. Editorial, Advertising, Design & Production: Advertising & Marketing Services P.O. Box 2003, Castries, Saint Lucia Tel: (758) 453-1149; Fax: (758) 453-1290 email: ams@candw.lc Reproduction of any material contained herein without written approval, constitutes a violation of copyright. © Advertising & Marketing Services Ltd. Castries, Saint Lucia April 2016

On The Cover:

Knight / Dame Commanders of the Order of Saint Lucia.

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Message From the Prime Minister Message from Prime Minister Dr. Kenny D. Anthony for the 2016 Edition of the Annual National Independence Magazine.

Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony Prime Minister

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A country’s Independence is always a time of celebration and excitement. Saint Lucia’s Independence 37 was undoubtedly full of that! This year, the Government and people of Saint Lucia expressed their freedoms of thought, assembly and expression through creativity and crafty innovations. And even while citizens enjoyed a host of new Independence events, we witnessed massive crowds at the traditional ones as well, like the Military Parade held at the Mindoo Phillip Park the morning of Independence Day. While Vieux Fort led “the journey” last year, serving as the de facto “Independence City,” this year events were again refocused on the capital. The Castries Waterfront came alive on Independence Eve with dance, song and the sounds and lights of fireworks. The Greaham Louisy Building was illuminated showcasing the many faces of Saint Lucia. Upon the guidance of the Kwéyòl Language Committee of the Folk Research Centre and Her Excellency The Governor General, the Cabinet of Ministers took a another bold step toward celebrating our bilingual heritage by adopting a Kwéyòl version of our national anthem, our Chanson Nasyonnal. We witnessed the premiere of a film by Kendal John reaching deep into many citizens’ souls asking searching questions of our identity as a people. Award-winning poet, Vladimir Lucien reached out to define the role of the artist in our changing society. And we took a major step this year by providing for the first time our own Saint Lucia knighthoods to Sir Derek Walcott, Dame Laurence Laurent and Sir Vaughan Lewis. Additionally, we converted to the tangible another major honour for Sir Derek and his twin brother, Roderick Walcott of blessed memory: that of the opening of their reconstructed childhood home on Chaussee Rd, Castries, as a museum. And even while we celebrated the past, we also saw tangible steps for the future, as we equipped each and every form three student island-wide with an “Independence” gift of laptop PC. Our journey continues as we reflect on our many cultural, social and economic successes. Mr Arthur St Juste, winner of the 88 mile 3rd Annual Independence Challenge Round-The-Island Walk was another inspirational figure of Independence 37. Reflecting on his arduous achievement, we remember that as a nation, the journey must continue through much hard work, strength and perseverance, and despite all the conditions that may arise, to realise success. We also named our new national hospital the Owen King-EU Hospital after renowned surgeon Dr Owen King, while highlighting the monumental contribution of the European Union to its realisation. Even as this goes to print, we are now celebrating our champions, Darren Sammy and Johnson Charles, who were instrumental in the success of the West Indies Cricket Team winning the Twenty20 World Cup in India! Another great gift for Saint Lucia! As such, the Government has decided to rename our premiere international cricket venue after Darren, who has led the Windies team to two T20 victories! This magazine captures some of these magnificent and memorable independence moments. Moreover, I hope that we can remember and celebrate, throughout the year, all our positive individual and collective achievements and continue to make Saint Lucia a proud country, a beautiful country and a peaceful island to live, work and enjoy harmoniously with one another.

A MESSAGE TO SAINT LUCIANS LIVING OVERSEAS ON THE OCCASION OF SAINT LUCIA’S 37th ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE By: Dr. Kenny D. Anthony | Prime Minister

February 22 is a day of celebration for all the “Sons and Daughters of Saint Lucia,”…“wheresoever you may roam.” “Independence 37” falls on a Monday and for the many Saint Lucians living abroad it will be a working day. Despite this, I hope you will still get a chance after work or on the weekend before to celebrate the birthday of your island home! HOME WITH US

HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

MAKE YOUR NATION PROUD

SAINT LUCIAN INGENUITY

We know you miss her and love her dearly. So, take some time to remember your fellow sisters and brothers, manmay Sent Lisi, especially your family and friends who reside in Saint Lucia. For those of you who have children born outside of Saint Lucia, take some time to remind them of this day, and do something simply Saint Lucian for them to learn about our traditions. If possible, wear your national colours and make a fashion statement at work! And teach a friend at work some Kwéyòl! For many decades now, Saint Lucians have found themselves in all corners of the world looking for opportunities and self-development; and most of you continue to make your nation proud through these positive pursuits. You may live now in New York or New Orleans, in London or Washington, in Paris, Taipei, Hamburg or Toronto, but we know your heart is home with us. Your ambitions are noble.

DREAMS FOR OUR COUNTRY

And likewise, we must have great and ambitious dreams for our country.But bold ambition calls for smart action. Today, as an independent country, we have no choice but to do more for ourselves: building on our capabilities and expanding wealth and opportunity for all Saint Lucians. However, this can only be done with an open outlook towards the flow of resources into our country, whether they are in the form of investment, ideas and innovations. Growing our country will require a continued commitment to building strong systems and institutions for all Saint Lucians. Saint Lucia must have values, vision and valour to succeed. Our children and our citizens must all exercise the virtues of success: love and respect for self and for each other; honest hard work; ingenuity; a thirst for knowledge and learning; discipline and dedication; and a sense of duty to country. Government continues to work to build on the successes of the past and change the things that must be changed.

We will continue to see as priority the elements of any society that nurture and sustain human development: justice, health, housing and education. One of the areas we are at the cusp of major achievement on is the health sector. The new Owen King-EU Hospital will be a significant national “stepup” in delivering healthcare to all Saint Lucians. We must, however, achieve national consensus on financing health care sustainably over the long term. We will continue to infuse greater Saint Lucian ingenuity into what we offer the world: through investments in heritage and the creative industries. We have taken the first steps in celebrating such genius by developing a new museum and arts centre in honour of Derek and Roderick Walcott at 17 Chaussée Rd, Castries. I am genuinely proud of our young people who continue to strive in arts, academia and sport. We all want more of our youth to achieve their full potential. One of the projects we hope will assist in this is the development of a new modern National Cultural Centre which can provide a stage for creative learning and expression. Last year, Saint Lucia was also instrumental in securing an international Climate Change deal to secure a more sustainable future for climate change. We hope to continue contributing as a nation by playing our part on the global stage.

MAKING THE RIGHT DECISIONS

After a protracted period of turbulence, our forecast looks brighter. We recorded positive economic growth last year and we expect an increase in growth in the years to come as we continue an aggressive agenda of economic and social reforms. These will redound to the benefit of more of our citizens through job and wealth creation. Your Government has not and will not feign from making the right decisions for Saint Lucia, as hard as they may be. We must be bold, imaginative and determined. And in that light, I wish each and every one of you a blessed, festive, reflective and happy 37th Independence Anniversary! Happy 37th Independence | 7

The AEarly Days Historical Perspective

By Dr Gregor Williams

The Hon. John Compton led the Government delegation to Saint Lucia’s Constitutional Talks in London in July 1978. The journey towards the recognition of dignity, human rights and independence has been a long and arduous one. The original native people living in the island after 1763, in spite of their one hundred and fifty eight years of resistance, were no longer regarded in the political life of St. Lucia. Europeans, English and French disputed and fought for control and ownership for another forty years (1763-1803). The English established civilian control from 1814, and the island remained a British colony until 1979. The resistance against the slave and colonial system existed intermittently from 1763. Slave rebellions took place in 1748 and during the 1770 to 1784 period. Larger uprisings escalated during the French Revolutionary period. Free people, white and coloured, enthusiastically supported the “Liberté, Egalité, and Fraternité” principles. St. Lucia was the only island that supported the French national government (revolutionary), earning the title “La Fidèle”. In 1792 St. Lucia declared itself independent of Martinique. Rebellion by runaway slaves (neg mawon) with support from revolutionaries from France and Guadeloupe escalated into two guerrilla wars. The French abolition of slavery in 1794, and the expulsion Happy 37th Independence | 8

of British forces, produced over 5000 soldiers from among the freed slaves. During that period, maroon slaves (neg mawon) joined local republicans (white and coloured) to fight the British under the banner of Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité to fight the British. The struggle turned into armed conflict with the expedition of Republicans from Guadeloupe in 1795. The British were defeated and this led to the abolition of slavery in the island for one year. Freed slaves now enlisted as soldiers. They volunteered to join the Republican army and went to fight the British in Martinique, St. Vincent and Grenada. However the British eventually gained control of those islands again. Abolition of the slave trade in 1807 and emancipation in 1834 and 1838 by the British began to recognise the human rights (right to be human) of the previously enslaved. Riots followed within the next decade over land rights, taxes and labour. A Social Improvement Association was formed in 1848 for promoting the general welfare of this neglected community, and for resisting the principle of taxation without representation. But it did not survive. The British government ensured its own control with strict laws enforced by Administrators and Governors.

Dissatisfaction, dissent and protest continued until the start of World War One. A limited franchise was instituted in 1932. Out of patriotism St. Lucians volunteered in the British forces on both world wars. Agitation by ex-servicemen for full political rights pushed the colonial government to institute adult suffrage, by which anyone, twenty five years old or older, could vote for local representation. In the decision (During the effort) of the British Government to relieve itself of colonies, the plan to establish a West Indies Federation of 10 colonies was formulated. It was established in 1958 but broke up in 1962, after the withdrawal of Jamaica and Trinidad. Efforts to form a smaller Federation of the “Little Eight” were unsuccessful. Thus began a movement to grant independence individually to the eight smaller colonies. In 1967 internal self government was allowed, except for defence and foreign affairs. Under this Associated Statehood Ministers were first appointed. Following agitation and protest the small islands began to be granted their independence. St. Lucia’s turn came in 1979.

FP PARADISE Happy 37th Independence | 9

The Journey to Independence

By Guy Ellis

Prime Minister John Compton Recieves the Instruments of Independence

hen the United Workers Party under John Compton came to power in elections in 1964, the movement towards independence in the English speaking islands was already well underway. First Jamaica and then Trinidad and Tobago went on their own in 1962 and Barbados and Guyana were due to follow next in 1966. One fact of St. Lucia’s march to independence that is not usually acknowledged is that it was the St. Lucia Labor Party which first broached the idea, albeit of “internal selfgovernment.” In February 1964, colonial Administrator Mr. Gerald Bryan, delivering his speech from the Throne, announced that the George Charles Government would “press for full internal self-government for St. Lucia if there is no significant progress towards the attainment of the proposed Caribbean Federation.” It would later become evident how close Charles and the incoming Compton were, on the preconditions they had set the British Government, for an advanced constitutional status. Launched on March 29, 1964, the UWP had also promised to take St. Lucians into a new constitutional status. That was contained in the manifesto which brought it into power in June of the same year. After this, at two island Council meetings, the party gave the government the mandate to proceed. August 1965 proved decisive, when the Legislative Council approved a governmentsponsored resolution calling on the British Government to give the island internal selfgovernment by January 1966. The resolution was approved nine to two margin – the two being the members of the opposition St. Lucia Labor Party. Happy 37th Independence | 10

In moving the resolution, Compton said his government made no apology for seeking self-government for St. Lucia because of the political maturity and financial stability which had been achieved through the people’s own effort. The other three Windward Islands of Dominica, Grenada and St. Vincent were also expressing their desire for a new status, so in December 1965 the Colonial Office dispatched proposals to all four islands for “independence in association” with Britain. By March 1966, delegations from the four islands were attending a constitutional conference in London. But it was not smooth sailing for the Windward Islands. Taking a joint position that the talks should deal with such crucial matters as aid, trade and migration which they had deemed critical, the Windward leaders were stunned by the British government’s total silence on such matters. Declared Fred Lee, the Colonial Secretary and chief British negotiator: “We (the British Government) desire to bring to an end, the colonial relationship in the Caribbean, as we have already done in many parts of the world. “The whole basis of the proposals we are considering is that under them, you would have full control of your domestic affairs... Britain would continue to be responsible for your defense and external affairs. You would be free to terminate the arrangement anytime, unilaterally, and proceed to independence. The association would thus be a voluntary one.” But Compton was having none of it and he had the other Windward Islands leaders backing him up. In response to Lee’s opening speech, Compton suggested that Britain should show herself ready to discuss financial assistance, trade and migration.

“It is incumbent on the United Kingdom,” Compton declared, “to prove the sincerity of her offer by providing opportunities for economic self-fulfillment.” Dominica’s Chief Minister, Edward Le Blanc, sprung a surprise by repudiating the name which the British Government had given to the conference: “Windward Islands Constitutional Conference.” His delegation, Le Blanc said, did not propose to discuss matters on a regional basis. “It would be concerned only with Dominica,” he said. But Le Blanc did not totally abandon the Windward Islands ship as he stressed the need for an “improved economy in the association.” Another firm stand on economic development was taken by St. Vincent’s Chief Minister Ebenezer T. Joshua. “The stage is set,” he told the conference “to part company with Britain in the not too distant future. I hope that all will be done to place us on the road to economic development, before Britain’s departure.” Grenada’s Chief Minister Herbert Blaize took up the chorus by calling for the inclusion of trade and economic matters during the conference. “Our countries cannot go by constitutional arrangements alone,” Blaize said. But the Windwards leaders had no idea what was to come. “Aid, trade and immigration are out,” declared Lee in a speech which left the island leaders dumbfounded. The way Lee told it, Britain was not prepared long-term to build up the economies of the islands, to give long-term guarantees of secured markets for their exports or to openup its closed door immigration policy.

The basis on which the British delegation had come to the talks, Lee went on, was that the new arrangements, if they were accepted, would not leave the islands in any different position so far as development aid was concerned, than they were before, or than they would be if they did not accept them. This was the only basis on which he had authority from his government to take part in the deliberations, Lee insisted. When it became clear that the British Government was not prepared to budge on this issue, Compton requested internal selfgovernment instead of “independence in association.” Grenada’s Herbert Blaize did the same. For two days, the two leaders waited for Britain’s reaction to their request. Surprisingly, Lee agreed to establish a semi-official committee to promote and coordinate trade, investment and development. But Lee had no new ideas on development aid or finance and with the constitutional conference coming to a close it was clear that independence in association with Britain would not be accompanied by any special economic benefits. Friday May 6, 1966 would have been remembered by the British for some time. With the delegations meeting for the last time at Lancaster House before parting company, Compton used the occasion to launch a scathing attack on the British Government for its failure to respond to the needs of his island. In a no-nonsense closing speech that was widely reported, Compton declared that the new constitution was not only “completely meaningless,” but also contained the seeds of its own futility – unless the economic motive required for its operations was available. “It would be less than honest,” Compton went on, “to pretend that this proposed association could be termed voluntary.”

Signing the Independence Document: Standing: Hon. John Compton - Premiere, Hon. Peter Josie Sitting: Hon. Allan Louisy and the British Government Representative

Then he dropped a bombshell: “The colour of our skins is against us and a government, even one that professes democracy, is pleased to legislate and to propound the doctrine of second class citizenship for people of another colour.” And so, on February 28, 1967, St. Lucia moved to Statehood with its own flag and National Anthem. But Compton left no doubt that his ultimate goal was full independence. Receiving the Associated Statehood Constitution in the parliament, he said: “In accepting nationhood at this stage – nationhood through association with Great Britain – we place no barrier between ourselves and our history. Indeed, we have created a bridge over which our people may pass to full independence.” The next formal step towards nationhood was taken on December 18, 1975 when the House of Assembly passed a resolution of the government empowering it to proceed to independence. With more than seven years as an Associated State, the government obviously felt that the time was right to move. But the government had no idea that it had started out on a very rocky road to independence. Compton was to say many years later: “We felt that having cleared all hurdles with seven years of successful self-government, with three consecutive electoral victories, with the mandate of the people, the party and the parliament, we would have been independent within a year.” The Labour Party’s agitation against independence began the very day that the House of Assembly adopted Compton’s resolution. For the next 18 months or so, the parties traded words over the issue. In August 1976 the House adopted another resolution, this time calling on Britain to alter the constitution and grant full independence.

By April 1977, the arena had switched to London where the British Government met delegations from both the St. Lucia government and opposition for preliminary discussions on the request for independence. The main outcome of these talks was a request by Britain for the government to publish a Green Paper on Independence to begin a programme of national consultation in the island. By early 1978, the delegations were meeting again, Compton leading the government team with Henry Giraudy, a lawyer, UWP Chairman and government backbencher in the House, and the Opposition headed by party leader Allan Louisy and including MP Peter Josie. These four had attended the first London meeting, but now the opposition delegation was bolstered with the inclusion George Odlum, now deputy political leader in the SLP, and a fierce anti-independence campaigner. All along, the main demand of the SLP was for general elections or a referendum before independence. So vocal were the opposition parties in St. Lucia and elsewhere in the subregion on that score that University of the West Indies Lecturer, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves (who would later become the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines) wrote a column in the Barbados NATION newspaper deploring that demand. Noting that in each case, ruling parties had put the issue of independence in their party manifestoes in their last elections, Gonsalves declared that it was pointless to call for elections on this issue again. He also dismissed the idea of a referendum, noting that the case of Grenada had deposed of that requirement.

Hon. John Compton Being Sworn in as Prime Minister by Governor General Sir. Allen Lewis Happy 37th Independence | 11

Declared Gonsalves: “The call by opposition parties for independence but not under Milton Cato (St. Vincent), Patrick John (Dominica) or John Compton is misguided and shortly degenerates into an anti-independence position, or at least appears so.” On March 15, 1978, a planned two-day conference on constitutional advance for St. Lucia opened in London. Heading the British delegation was Ted Rowlands, Foreign Office Minister of State. The talks were somewhat predictable, the government putting forward its case for independence as soon as possible and the opposition arguing that there was as yet no clear indication that the majority of St. Lucians wanted independence with any urgency. Compton did some tough talking to the British at the conclusion of the conference, just as he had done during the Associated Statehood gathering years before. On this occasion, however, it was not about financial assistance to the island. His statement was about St. Lucia’s right to its independence and part of it read thus: “The government of St. Lucia holds most fervently that it is the inalienable right of every country, however small, to be free and to preside over its own destiny. A country may voluntarily abridge its freedom, or have such freedom abridged by historical or other circumstances. “If the government of any country whose freedom is thus abridged demands the restoration of its full freedom, it is not that country’s duty to prove its right to have its freedom restored, but rather it is for those responsible for such abridgment to justify their unnatural action. “St. Lucia now has a status of association with the United Kingdom. This status abridges the freedom of defense. The association is said to be ‘free and voluntary’ and may be terminated at any time by any party, in accordance with procedures laid down in the constitution. “This association was agreed to in 1966 by the duly elected government of St. Lucia and over the objection of the party in opposition. It is this government that has formally notified Her Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom of its desire to terminate the association. “With this notification, any procrastination in acceding to the wishes of the people of St. Lucia as notified through their duly elected government, calls into question the ‘free and voluntary’ nature of this association. “It is absolutely humiliating and intolerable, for a government that has been duly elected by the majority of the people of St. Lucia since 1964, and has been sustained in office by their confidence since then, to be Happy 37th Independence | 12

travelling at great expense of time and money to the United Kingdom, and then to trudge up and down the staircases of this office, like so many mendicants seeking favours from a master. This is an anomaly in the present international environment and one which the St. Lucia Government is no longer willing to accept. “We have over the past two years given every opportunity for debate about our constitutional future, but in any democratic society, when there is disagreement, the will of the majority must prevail. Any act tending to confer upon the minority a power of veto over the majority is a negation of democracy and the Government of St. Lucia will at no time be party to it.” Compton then “demanded” that the British Government take, as soon as possible, the appropriate constitutional steps to surrender to the government and people of St. Lucia the residual powers still retained by London. He promised further consultations with the people of St. Lucia, adding that once this was done, another delegation from St. Lucia would come to London to discuss with the British Government a Constitution for an independent St. Lucia which he hoped would be inaugurated by 13th December 1978. But Compton made the point that the proposed date was not an ultimatum. The main outcome of the London meeting was agreement that the process of consultation would be consolidated and as part of this, the St. Lucia Government would publish a draft

constitution for an independent St. Lucia for public discussion. Rowlands said that if he was satisfied that all the processes had been completed he would be prepared to call a constitutional conference within the next four months. Although it seemed clear where the independence agenda was heading, the Labour Party was not giving up. In London, Louisy had asked Rowlands to devise some mechanism, to test the opinion of the people of St. Lucia on the issue. He claimed that only 20 percent of the people favored independence while 45 percent were against and 30 percent undecided. Before leaving the British capital for home, Louisy issued a statement saying that Rowlands had come to the conclusion that he was not satisfied that there had been adequate consultation with the people of St. Lucia and had requested the government to consult the people further. “It is now left for the people of St. Lucia during the next four months consultation period to indicate firmly whether they want independence, and if they want independence,” Louisy’s statement said. Compton was given a rousing red carpet welcome by his party supporters when he returned home. He expressed the belief that the island could attain independence by National Day, December 13, 1978. He had tried to get the British Government to commit itself to the date during the two-day talks, but Rowlands had declined.

From Left: Hon. John Compton & Mrs. Janice Compton, the Hon. Angus Ogilvie & Lt. Roger Eudoxie En Route to Independence Celebrations

In the Labour Party camp, there was a new mood of militancy, with Odlum, announcing that the party would embark on a campaign to ensure that the government does not take St. Lucia into independence before the next general elections which were constitutionally due in 1979. He maintained that the majority of the electorate did not want independence before elections and announced his party’s intention to collect 17,000 signatures – 1,000 in each of the 17 constituencies – to prove the point. That never materialised. Party Leader Louisy himself expressed the view that despite the confidence being shown by Compton and his party, independence for St. Lucia was still a long way off and certainly would not be attained by the target date of December 13, 1978. Louisy and the SLP would eventually be proved correct on that score. In April 1978, Governor Sir Allen Lewis, delivering the Speech from the Throne informed the country that work had already begun on the preparation of a draft constitution for an independent St. Lucia. He called on citizens to pay careful attention to its contents and to make their views freely available, to guide their elected representatives in the preparation of the final Act.

By May, 10,000 copies of the document were in circulation with a promise of thousands more to come. Compton, meanwhile, continued his tough stand with the British government, telling a public meeting of his UWP that unless his government received the assurance from Britain that the proposed constitutional conference would result in a date for independence, his government would not attend. He declared: “We must now be assured before leaving St. Lucia that when we return, we will have the constitution approved and a date set for independence, or else we go nowhere.” More evidence that the SLP was fighting a losing battle in its insistence for general elections or a referendum before independence came in the month of July when the British Government concluded a constitutional conference with Dominica and set the date of November 3 for it to attain full sovereignty. Compton was elated and sent a congratulatory cable to his Dominican counterpart Patrick John. What’s more, as in the case with Grenada four years earlier, the British Government announced that Dominica would be given sovereignty under the provisions of Section 10

(2) of the West Indies Act of 1966, which makes no provision for elections or a referendum. In July, government and opposition delegations left again for London on the final step to independence: the constitutional conference. For four days, government and opposition haggled over the draft constitution. Indeed, the opposition’s input into the discussions was so critical that it resulted in what Rowlands would later say, was “a much improved document.” These included provisions for an Ombudsman and Commissions to supervise elections and determine constituency boundaries. In his closing address, Rowlands praised both sides of the St. Lucia delegation: “We must not underestimate the amount of real significant change that was proposed and accepted to the draft constitution. “They are a tribute to the constructive approach of the opposition and the spirit of compromise conducted by the Premier and the government delegation.” Above is a selected text from the bestselling ‘History of Saint Lucia’ by Guy Ellis, Robert Devaux and Jolien Harmsen.

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2016

Independence Day Address to the Nation

Following is the full text of the 2016 Independence Day Address to the Nation by Dr. Kenny D. Anthony, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, delivered on Monday February 22nd 2016 at the Mindoo Philip Park, Marchand, Castries. THE INDEPENDENT SAINT LUCIAN Today, we celebrate that we are Saint Lucians, 100% Saint Lucians. We celebrate that we are independent and free. We are the independent Saint Lucians! There was a time when our ancestors hid from the sound of cannon or from the volleys of invading armies. Today, we can freely celebrate as we wish: with bamboo bursting and fireworks echoing and illuminating cove and valley. Today, the independent Saint Lucian is not forced to dance the cocoa pods, or cut cane with the rhythm of songs in the field, or cower from the whip of the slave master. Rather, we can shake and sway to our own drums, we can chant our own melodies of merriment; we can dance to Kutumba, the Polka or the La Comette; we can run our own races on our own tracks.

We have an event now that is not limited or barred by rainfall or sunshine or by place or location. It is not segregated and celebrated by one race or religion, or some com‘ The PM urged nationals during his address to ‘Show the world it’s our time, our day and our independence. Raise your hand if you are a proud Saint Lucian!’munities but not others. It is not divided by red or yellow. It is for Saint Lucians, here and abroad, wherever they may roam.

100 PERCENT SAINT LUCIAN Today, all of us must proclaim that we are 100 percent Saint Lucian! We are 100 percent free! We are 100 percent united! We are 100 percent proud to be from this beautiful island, this majestic island, this fair Helen Today, the independent Saint Lucian need not perceive her story merely of the West Indies! through the histories of others. We are the makers of our own history. SEEMINGLY TANGENTIAL REALITIES Today, she can make and express At 37, our country is still young her own story in drama and dance, in many respects. Consider for a in poetry and prose, in musical note, moment, if we selected a single index in colourful paint, in film, fashion and that summarizes the age distribution artifact. of our population.

“o

urs is a Story Worth Sharing and Celebrating!

“

UNCONTROLLABLE PATRIOTISM There was a time when it appeared that independence was an event about the pomp and ceremony of the state. It was “a Government thing.” We have journeyed past that. This is clearly no more. Today, we see an unparalleled rise in patriotism, unhinged from and independent of the efforts of the state to instill pride, dignity and honour. At long last our people have laid claim to what is theirs. We have become 100% Saint Lucians!

At independence, the median age of a Saint Lucian was 18. Today, the median age of independence is 32. We can deduce two seemingly tangential realities.

WE CAN ACHIEVE UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE First, our population is on average older. Our birth rate has fallen. Our schools are operating below capacity. And the demands on our healthcare are more acute as our population ages.

It means that we must look closely at how we are going to finance these sectors, and especially how we can achieve universal healthcare. INDEPENDENCE BELONGS TO EVERY CITIZEN This Government is committed to realizing a healthcare revolution that Independence belongs to every citizen, to every proud Saint Lucian, secures healthier, longer lives for the vast majority of our people. to every patriot. And we see this in song and dance, through fashion, through displays in the windows of shops and stores, through festivals, The second reality from this observation of median ages between food and fanfare, through flags on homes and cars and hills, through then and now is that, despite the aging population, the majority of our population was born in post-independence Saint Lucia. competitions of sport, beauty and talent. Happy 37th Independence | 14

NO RECOLLECTION OF THEIR OWN Our youth have no recollection (of their own) of the Saint Lucian flag being hoisted for the first time. They have no memory of the struggles leading up to independence. They may not comprehend the difficulties of life in the Saint Lucia of the 1950s, 60s and 70s, and the struggles of their parents, grandparents and great grandparents. The soul of any country – the pride a people has for itself – is formed and molded, buttressed and affixed upon what is created and achieved and passed down from one generation to the next. We are inheritors charged by our history to bequeath to the next generation. It is passed down through stories. And these stories and beliefs are sometimes anchored in fact, but are more often than not, passed down informally through the oral discourse of myth, of lore, of tales and legends. Our story is essential to who we are. Whether we see ourselves as lions, or as sheep; whether we imagine ourselves as giants, or as hobbits; whether we liken ourselves to heroes, or we lower our gaze like cowards.

SHARE AND CELEBRATE OUR STORY Likewise, we must share and celebrate our story. We are beginning to tell the story of Derek and Roderick Walcott with a museum in their childhood home. We are beginning to tell the story by commencing the dialogue on establishing a National Museum. And that dialogue will commence through the National Trust in the next few months. And we need investment in public education so that all our people can learn about ourselves NEW NATIONALCULTURAL COMPLEX And we must tell our story by having a national home for the creative industries. And we have begun the dialogue on the designs for a new National Cultural Complex. And this will create a home for the performing and visual arts, for theatre and dance, for modern and traditional forms of creative expression.

A STORY WORTH TELLING Ours is a story worth sharing. It is a story worth celebrating. We need to WE MUST OWN OUR STORY tell the story of how this little island produced for Nigeria its first Chief We must define our story. We Justice, Sir Darnley Alexander, after its independence. We need to tell the must own our story. We must tell story of how this little island was able to produce two geniuses in our our story. And we must believe in Nobel Laureates in Sir Derek Walcott and Sir Arthur Lewis. our story. We must say who we are. It is our story that shapes And we also need to tell the recent story how this little island through its our society, our economy, and diplomatic efforts was able to influence the outcome of the Climate Talks our culture. And we are now free in Paris to help protect our planet for the future of mankind. to do just that now. It is a story worth speaking in our own tongue; a story worth producing; We must feign no more from a story worth defending! So today, I take comfort; I take pride and I take speaking our own language, honour, not just as Prime Minister or as a leader but in being simply, a from writing our own history, Saint Lucian. from acting our own plays. It’s so amazing to see all of you children here, your parents, those in the stands, those at home or at venues around our island or even in the When we sing our national Diaspora abroad, knowing that right now, in this moment, we are all anthem in both of our languages, Saint Lucians, 100% Saint Lucians. It’s a wonderful feeling! in kweyol and in English, then we announce that we are not Show the world it’s our time, our day and our independence. Raise your ashamed of our history; we hand if you are a proud Saint Lucian! Let us sit and feast on our lives. simply laying claim to our image and our identity. Let us write our own story, shape our own future and tell the world that we are Saint Lucians first and foremost, one hundred percent (100%) IN THE IMAGE AND LIKENESS Saint Lucians! Our flag maker, the late Sir Dunstan St Omer gave us not only our flag, but through his murals and works, a deep sense that if we are made in This is my Independence wish for Saint Lucia! God bless each and every the image and likeness of God, then God must look like us. We must be one of you; God bless Saint Lucians we all say, “Thank God that I am a able to tell the story of Sir Dunstan. Saint Lucian.”

It’s so amazing, knowing that right now, in this moment, we are all Saint Lucians, 100% Saint Lucians. It’s a wonderful feeling!

‘We must define our story. We must own our story. We must tell our story. And we must believe in our story. We must say who we are. It is our story that shapes our society, our economy, and our culture. And we are now free to do just that now.’ Happy 37th Independence | 15

SAINT LUCIA, just 14 miles wide by 27 miles long is a r. The two calmer and more tranquil western coast Caribbean Sea.

Cap Maison

Make sure that you explore the island by land, sea or air! There is so much to see and do. ENJOY!

Apartment Espoir

Lushan Country Life

Bel Jou Hotel

La Haut Resort

Rabot Estate Tet Paul Nature Trail

Gros Piton Trail

Attractions

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ATV Paradise Tours

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National Anthem Sons and daughters of Saint Lucia, love the land that gave us birth. Land of beaches, hills and valleys, fairest isle of all the earth. Wheresoever you may roam, love, oh love, our island home Gone the times when nations battled for this Helen of the West. Gone the days when strife and discord, dimmed her childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s toil and rest. Dawns at last a brighter day, stretches out a glad new way. May the good Lord bless our island; guard her sons from woe and harm. May our people, live united, strong in soul and strong in arm. Justice, truth and charity, our ideals forever be.

National Pledge With God as my guide, I pledge allegiance to my country, Saint Lucia. I proclaim that I will serve my country with pride and dignity, and will defend it with vigour and valour, in the pursuit of excellence, justice and equality for all.

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Happy 37th 36th Independence | 20 20

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Approved By Cabinet

The Government of Saint Lucia, through the Cabinet of Ministers, has agreed to the adoption of a Kwéyòl version of Saint Lucia’s National Anthem. This decision Came on the eve of Saint Lucia’s 37th Anniversary of Independence on February 22, 2016. As Kwéyòl is seen as a mother tongue for Saint Lucia, this development is also in commemoration of UNESCO’s International Mother Languages Day, which is celebrated on February 21, 2016. A number of events marking Independence 37 will use the new Chanson Nasyonnal for this first time. Work on adopting the Chanson Nasyonnal commenced as far back as 2010. While a church group in Gros Islet had valiantly attempted an earlier Kwéyòl version, the Kwéyòl Language Committee of the Folk Research Centre, chaired at the time by Lecturer, Ms. Lindy-Ann Alexander, decided to develop and seek formal adoption of a Kwéyòl version of our National Anthem that captured the essence andmeaning of the original song written in English by Fr. Charles Jesse, OBE (deceased). Pastor Wulstan Charles, a member of the Kwéyòl Language Committee of the Folk Research Centre, was commissioned to prepare a first draft for consideration. This he did, and this formed the working draft for adoption. The final version of the Chanson Nasyonnal was developed after going through a number of iterations. This work was undertaken by a special committee chaired by Her Excellency the Governor General, Dame Pearlette Louisy.

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The words of the Chanson Nasyonnal closely conform to the meaning of the English Anthem, though changes have been made to ensure that the Kwéyòl lyrics are in consonance with the music composed by Sir Leton Thomas. Many countries throughout the world have more than one version of their national anthem. There is also precedent set by many countries to have their national anthems sung in their mother tongue and their official language. Examples of countries with multiple versions include Canada, Cameroon, Ireland, Haiti, Mauritius, New Zealand, Seychelles and Paraguay. (The anthem of South Africa in fact incorporates five of the country’s eleven official languages.) The Government of Saint Lucia sees this formal adoption as a momentous and historic occasion in embracing our national identity and in particular our Kwéyól language heritage. The Government intends to pursue further efforts to promote the use of Kwéyòl, as committed to in the Throne Speech of 2014. The Government of Saint Lucia encourages the wide use and adoption of the Chanson Nasyonnal at national public functions where the anthem is sung. The Government of Saint Lucia continues to remind all Saint Lucians to show due regard and respect to both the English and Kwéyòl anthems.

Chanson Nasyonnal Sent Lisi

Direct English Translation of Kwéyòl Version

Fi èk fis, manmay Sent Lisi Chéwi péyi nésans-nou Péyi montany, lans èk valé Pli bèl lil ki asou late! Nenpòt plas nou vwayajé Toujou chéwi lil natal-nou

Daughters and sons, children of Saint Lucia Cherish the country of our birth, Country of mountains, coves and valleys Most beautiful island upon the Earth! Any place you travel Always cherish our native island.

Sa pa tan nasyon bat ladjè Pou bèlté Élenn nou-an Sa pa tan wivòt èk konba Té twoublé lavi nou tout Mètnan, syèl-la éklèsi An lawout nèf ouvè pou nou

It is no longer a time when nations fought war For our beautiful Helen, It is no longer a time when revolt and combat Troubled all our lives Now, the sky has brightened A new way has opened for us.

III

Dyé, Senyè, benni péyi-nou Pwotéjé’y kont tout malè Fè nou viv ansanm an lapé Fè nou fò an kò é lam Endé nou tjenn kon pwensip Jistis, Lamou, Lavéwité!

God, Lord, bless our country Protect her against all misfortune Make us live together in peace Make us strong in heart and soul Help us uphold the principles Justice, Love, Truth!

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Sir Allan Louisy

7 37 Prime rs e t s i n i M in

Dr. Michael “Mikey” Pilgrim

St. Lucia‘s first Prime Minister was Sir John George Melvin Compton, who assumed the position at Independence on February 22nd, 1979. He served in that position until July 2nd 1979, when his ruling United Workers Party (UWP) lost the General Elections of that year to the St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP). Happy 37th Independence | 24

years

Sir John George Melvin Compton

Hon. Winston Cenac

Hon. Stephenson King

Sir Vaughan Lewis

The second Prime Minister of St. Lucia was Sir Allan Louisy, who replaced Sir John and remained in office until 1981, when his government lost a ‘No Confidence Motion’ in Parliament and he resigned. Prime Minister Louisy was replaced by Mr Winston Cenac, who served until 1983. Prime Minister Cenac was replaced in 1983 by Prime Minister Michael “Mikey” Pilgrim, who led an Interim Government brokered by the Chamber of Commerce and the Catholic Church to take the island into General Elections later that year. The UWP won the 1983 General Election, heralding a return to the Prime Minister’s Office by Sir John Compton, for a second time. Sir John continued to serve as PM for three terms over 13 years. His party won the 1987 and 1992 General Elections (two in 1992) and Sir John remained as PM until 1996, when he resigned from office ahead of an upcoming scheduled General Election of 1997. He was replaced as PM by a new political inductee, Dr. Vaughan Lewis, the former founding

Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony Director General of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). Dr. Lewis’ term was however short-lived, as the UWP lost the upcoming 1997 General Elections. The SLP won the 1997 elections, heralding the first entry of Prime Minister Dr Kenny D. Anthony, who served for two consecutive fiveyear terms (1997-2001 and 2001-2006) until his SLP was defeated by the UWP. The UWP’s 2006 victory saw a return to office by Sir John Compton, who died in office less than a year later and was replaced by Prime Minister Stephenson King. PM King led the UWP administration through to December 2011, when the SLP won that month’s General Election. Prime Minister Dr Kenny D. Anthony has been in office since 2011. Sir John Compton and Dr Kenny D. Anthony have been the longest-serving St. Lucia Prime Ministers and the only two to have served in that office more than once.

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Sir Allen Lewis

First and Only Woman is St. Lucia’s Longest-Serving Head of State

St. Lucia’s First Governor General was acclaimed jurist and former Chief Justice of the West Indies Associated States Sir Allen Lewis, who took the mantle at Independence in 1979. But his first term was short-lived as he was replaced by Governor General Boswell Williams after the July 2nd 1979 General Elections. Boswell Williams, a popular local legal advocate, served as Head of State until 1983, when he was replaced by Sir Allen Lewis, who served for a longer period during his second term. Sir Allen was replaced by Sir Stanislaus James, a retired public servant. Sir Stan was succeeded by Sir George Mallet, an ex political leader, veteran Cabinet Minister and businessman, who remained in the post until 1997, when Dame Pearlette Louisy was appointed. Happy 37th Independence | 26

Dame Pearlette has been Governor General for the past 18 years, first appointed in 1997 by a St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) administration and retained for all of its five-year term (2006-2011) by the then ruling United Workers Party.

Boswell Williams

Sir Stanislaus James

Dame Pearlettte was again retained by the SLP administration after the 2011 General Elections, making her the only woman to ever have held the post and the island’s longest-serving Head of State since Independence in 1979. Dame Pearlette is also the longest serving Governor General in the Commonwealth.

Sir George Mallet

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MAYORS OF OUR PAST TO TOWNS PRESENT

Joseph Desir (First Mayor of castries 1967)

Julian R Hunte

As Saint Lucia grows, so does its population – and as well, the number of towns and mayors. Gros Islet is by far the island’s largest and most populated constituency, but has never had a mayor. The town has now been elevated to municipal status – and given its own Mayor. (Indeed, the town has had three mayors, including the incumbent, Alison King-Joseph, who took office last year.) A former senior government technocrat, Mrs Joseph has over the past year overseen several projects and initiatives in the island’s northernmost town. She officiated at the recent twinning of Gros Islet with the city of Pointe-a-Pitre in Guadeloupe. And, along with Gros Islet MP, Mayor King-Joseph also earlier this year jointly co-sponsored a special activity honouring women achievers from across the island’s newest town. Gros Islet has its own municipal office, from where the mayor and her team coordinate municipal projects agreed to by the municipal council. (Mayor King-Joseph was preceded by former government ministers Felix Finnisterre and Clarence Rambally.) Same story for Vieux Fort…It’s long been a town, but without a mayor or municipal council. The island’s southernmost town has been growing exponentially over the years and it now has its own Mayor, with an upgraded municipal status. The Mayor of Vieux Fort is former trade unionist and diplomat Winhall Joshua, who operates with a municipal council also appointed by government. Happy 37th Independence | 28

Hollis Bristol

Last year, Mayor Joshua and his councilors officiated at the commissioning of the new Vieux Fort Square and earlier this year it played an important role during the 36th Independence Anniversary celebrations held in the town also referred to as the island’s “southern capital.” Like all other local government councils in Saint Lucia since local government elections were last held here in 1980, the Gros Islet and Vieux Fort mayors aren’t elected. Mayors and Councils are appointed by the political directorate. Government says it is pursuing some legislative reform before returning to local government elections. Former structures have been replaced with councils now coordinated out of the Ministry of Social Transformation, Local Government and Community Empowerment. The five Castries constituencies have been amalgamated into the Castries Constituencies Council (CCC), which includes the Castries City Council with its Mayor of Castries. Meanwhile, more local government councils will soon come into being following parliament’s recent approval of a constitutionally required review of the island’s constituency boundaries from 17 to 21, by creating four new ones. On the cards are two new constituencies in Gros Islet (Gros Islet North and Gros Islet South), another between Babonneau and Castries North (Castries North-East) and the fourth between Castries South, Castries South East and Anse La Raye/Canaries (Castries South-West).

John Bristol

Adelina Auguste

Irvin John

Egbert Mathurin

Shirley Lewis Current CCC Mayor

Peter Foster Current Speaker

Alison King Joseph

Winhall Joshua

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J Sir Stanislaus James Courtesy National Archives Authority of Saint Lucia

Sir Stanislaus James Building

Who were the Frenchmen who were among the first settlers in St. Lucia? Their names appear all over our phone books, our maps (as place names) and our official documents. Their genes are part of our being. There are families here who can trace their French history back 250 years. Happy 37th Independence | 30

One of them, Sir Stanislaus James, became the Governor of Saint Lucia in 1988. His early family was considered to be aristocrats by the Republican revolutionaries. His great great grand uncle was guillotined in Soufriere in 1795. The family retained its base in Soufriere and Stanislaus was born there in 1919. As a child he lived in Soufriere and went to school there until 1934 when he entered St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College in Castries. After leaving school he had planned to go to Curacao to look for work as many of his contemporaries did, but was persuaded to become a teacher instead. He qualified as a Trained Teacher at the Government Training College for Teachers in Trinidad. In January 1942 he began work at the Soufriere Boys Primary School, where he discovered that several of his new colleagues were struggling to improve their qualifications and needed help. He volunteered to assist, and his efforts were so successful that he was appointed as the first supervising teacher for teacher training. His new job required

him to travel on horseback and by coasting boat and canoe to reach the various schools. He was given a supplemental payment of ten shillings a month “to keep a horse in feed”. From noticing that his colleagues were in need of some help and offering it, Sir Stanislaus’ attention then turned to the issue of juvenile delinquency and social and legal resources that were inadequate for improving the situation. His transfer to the Social Welfare and Probation service was ironically timely. In June 1948 fire destroyed most of Castries, including the Social Welfare Office and Sir Stanislaus’ home and all of his personal possessions. He was still responsible, as Social Welfare Officer, for providing immediate relief – shelter, food and clothing – to victims of the fire.

Early life and education

Sir Stanislaus Anthony James was born in the town of Soufriere on 13 November 1919. He acquired his early education in Soufriere and proceeded to the St. Mary’s College from 1934 to 1939. He received the Cambridge Senior Certificate upon his graduation. He spent a school term at the St. Aloysius R. C Boys’ school as a temporary teacher, after which he left for Trinidad in 1940 to pursue his studies at the Training College for Teachers. In December 1941, he successfully completed his training and was awarded the Trained Teacher’s Certificate.

His social welfare interests expanded to include the prison service and poor relief. This broadened into a general concern with community development, with a focus on youth development. Sir Stanislaus brought volleyball as a sport to St. Lucia from a Social Welfare training course in Jamaica, the Boys Training School at Massade, and assisted in the and encouraged the creation or improvement of playing establishment of the National Provident Fund, the precursor fields by town and village councils, for which initiative he to today’s National Insurance. managed to find funding. He also started youth clubs and sports groups. After retirement he worked with many voluntary In 1955 when Public Relations began to be seen as a part organisations that support community development. In of social welfare programmes, Sir Stanislaus’ duties came 1988 he was appointed to act as Governor-General of St. to include government information services. Also in 1955 he Lucia. This appointment was confirmed in 1992 and he once again faced the responsibility of providing temporary continued in office until 1996. He was knighted in 1992 for relief for fire victims when much of Soufriere was destroyed his outstanding public service. He died in May 2011. One of the waterfront Government buildings was named in his in a fire. honour. Until his retirement in 1974 Sir Stanislaus was intimately concerned with many of the facets of social development. Sir Stanislaus lighted many candles in a quiet way. If he He introduced news broadcasting in 1957. He was was still at St. Mary’s he would have gained an alpha for instrumental in the establishment, among other projects, of initiative.

Sir Stanislaus was the recipient of numerous awards: •1973 - Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) •1985 - Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) •1990 - Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George (CMG) •1992 - Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St. Michael and St. George (GCMG) •1992 - Grand Cross of the Order of St. Lucia (GCSL) Happy 37th Independence | 31

We tend to ignore the part played by women and omit their role from our history. In spite of this neglect it is undeniable that they accompanied the men and worked beside them, as indentured servants, slaves, labourers (apprentices), or mates. They were part of the protests, the fighting and the wars. They fought beside the men, and have been militant through the ages. Happy 37th Independence | 32

From St. Lucia we learn of Flore Bois Gaillard, the leader of a guerrilla band during the French Revolution, Rose “Toto” Marthe, companion to Delgrès the famous Revolutionary soldier of Guadeloupe, who was executed by the French after Delgrès had blown himself up, Petronille, of the Mabouya Valley who died in the punishment stocks, and many more. They too stood up and fought for their rights. St. Lucia’s first female lawyer, Grace Augustin, was not allowed to practice, but became a distinguished farmer, entrepreneur and business woman. Mrs Heraldine Rock was cut from the same cloth as her predecessors. Heraldine Rock, née Gajadhar, is of East Indian descent. The East Indians made the longest journey to come here, brought in by the British to augment the labour force in the years following Emancipation. Heraldine was one of ten children born to Harold and Amnestazie Gajadhar in Forestiere in 1933. She did well at the Forestiere Methodist School with the result that she was awarded a Teacher Training Scholarship that allowed her to study at St. Joseph’s Convent. When she left school she taught at the Methodist School in Castries, but when her mother died she returned to Forestiere to help her father and her brother take care of the younger children in the family. In 1963 she became the Public Relations Officer of the St. Lucia Banana Growers Association, but later resigned to embark on a career in politics. In 1964 she was elected as the first Vice President of the United Workers Party, a new (for St. Lucia) political party, formed out of an alliance between the National Labour Movement and the People’s Progressive Party. Mrs Rock stood against George Charles in South Castries during the General Election in 1964, but was unsuccessful. In December of 1964 she ran for election to the Castries Town Board and won a seat.

While in Parliament Mrs. Rock was a hard-working and powerful advocate for women’s causes. She set up the Women’s Desk, and founded several women’s organisations. She represented St. Lucia regionally and internationally on women’s issues. She was also active in organisations like the St. Lucia Family Planning Association, which she helped found, the Agriculturalists Association and the St Lucia Coconut Growers Association. In 1983 she was invested as a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. She was godmother to one hundred and ten children. Mrs Rock died on 31st August 2012. One of the waterfront Government buildings was named in appreciation of her service to the people.

Ten years later, 3rd May 1974, Mrs Rock became the first woman in St. Lucia to be elected to Parliament. She ran against the very popular George Odlum in South East Castries, and won the seat. She was strongly supported by women working in agriculture. Her success brought her a cabinet position as Minister with responsibility for Community Development, Housing, Water, Sports, Social Affairs, Cooperatives and Ecclesiastical Affairs. In 1982 she became a senator, appointed on the government side.

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AUGUSTUS JUSTIN

“An ordinary man tending to the elderly of Saint Lucia from the goodness of his own heart” That’s how Augustus Justin, founder of several homes for the elderly of Saint Lucia, likes to refer to himself. I sat down with the 82 year old at the Johnson memorial home at the Morne, where he described how his mission all began and the legacy that he is so proud to leave behind. It all began on Morne Du Don Road, Castries where Augustus grew up in a family of four. In 1959, Justin left Saint Lucia for the UK where he spent eight years. The move to study Journalism changed to lithography (offset printing) at the London College of Printing. It was in 1969 on his return to his homeland that his life would be forever changed. According to Justin he was driven to visit the only government run elderly home in Saint Lucia at the time called the Malgretoute Home in Soufriere. What he would find there would change him forever. “I felt, something different. Maybe because of what I saw at the time, the condition that the residents lived in. I felt, my God, supposing I did not come back to Saint Lucia is that the condition my ageing mother could have been in?” he recalled. After recognizing someone whom he grew up with, Justin became very Happy 37th Independence | 34

emotional. It was there he made a pact with God. “I’ve never prayed openly. I said God, if you were to help me with my printery and a door would open, I promise you I will give back” Justin did go on to build a successful business in offset printing but the thought of building a home for the elderly plagued his mind. In 1985 Justin came across a building at San Soucis, perfect for his mission. He then knew it was time to fulfil his mission. Knowing nothing about caring for the elderly Justin sought advise from others and looked for assistance to take care of the home. With the help of a handful of people he established his first home, the Adelaide Home, named after his mother. Five years later someone offered to buy the property at San Soucis but Justin was reluctant. At the same time, a friend encouraged him to purchase another property he believed would make a good home. Eventually purchasing the property and renovating it in 1990, Justin called it the Frances Home named after his sister. Four years passed before another property came on the market alongside the Frances Home, which he bought while finally decided to sell the home at San Soucis. Joining the new property with the Frances Home, he renamed it the Adelaide and Frances Memorial Home which sits on Water Works Road.

But it was the Johnson Home which fully embodied his master plan. Years passed when Bernard Johnson approached Justin, offering him the property on the Morne. At the time Augustus was already thinking of buying another property; his plan was to build as many homes as possible before he died. “I said no, I can’t take that property. I mean that’s an old house, it takes a lot of money.” Johnson responded, “ No, I will donate the property to you”, and threw the keys into Justin’s hands. The Johnson Memorial was finished in 2012 after major restoration and renovations were done. Recently Justin expanded the building to accommodate 21 more rooms while adding airy spacious areas where residents can roam free and enjoy the rest of their lives. His last wish is to ensure all the homes are all fully paid for before he passes on. The homes have a total of 55 rooms; 30 at the Johnson’s Home and 25 at the Adelaide and Frances. Justin also started the Augustus Justin Foundation in 2010 where he willed all the properties, saying that they now belonged to the people of Saint Lucia and to God.

“These people like the guy who used his equipment, as small as the donations may have been; yes the bulk of it came from me, but the little person who could give their donations of $50, its for them.” Justin is most proud of himself, of the work that he achieved throughout his years with the help of God. “Man don’t need man, man need God, and when man really need man God sends angels to man. I didn’t have the money but God knew what I wanted to achieve and it was good. It wasn’t for me or my children, God sent those people who would eventually help.” On the occasion of Saint Lucia’s 37th Independence Anniversary, Justin’s wish is that Saint Lucia would become a more caring society. “We’ve got a young generation where nobody cares. They will dump their loved ones at the home and they wont come and see them. We have to make calls to say “come and see your relatives”; nobody seems to care anymore. No matter how big you get, find time for people. You never know where you will end up. If we can do that in Saint Lucia everything else will fall into place.” Justin says he’s now retired, appointing directors to deal with the affairs of the homes while he “shadows” them. Justin has been married twice and has seven children- three girls and four boys.

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“ManmanLawòz”

The beat of the drums of the tribes of Africa from Senegal and Guinea to the Congo still echo in the head heart and spirit of St. Lucia. The Africans who crossed the ocean to St. Lucia did not bring trunks and suitcases with them. All of their valuables were carried in their heads.

of Dahomey, now known as Benin. Originally these were cooperative work groups called “koudmen” in the Antilles, “coumbite” in Haiti and “dokpwé” in Dahomey.

In St. Lucia the societies served as communal self-help groups, assisting members throught their lives in work, The drummer came with his rhythms, the singers brought play, illness and death. In the post-emancipation period the their songs, the dancers remembered the pattern of their societies were significant elements of survival. Everyone dances, the raconteurs their stories, the spiritualists their belonged to one or other of the societies. This membership powers, the gardeners their skills. A people who carried provided material and spiritual support. their whole identity in their heads, in spite of attempts to rob them of everything. The drums, once suppressed as something dangerous, can now provide music for a whole evening’s entertainment. Festivities like the bélè, the débot, and the kutumba can still revive the spirits of Shango, Eshu, and Agwé, loas from West Africa. Floreta Marquis came from the small and isolated village of Canaries on the west coast of St. Lucia. She was a member of the Lawòz society. The “Lawòz” and “Magwit” societies have origins that can be traced to the French African colony Happy 37th Independence | 36

A tribute to a great folk singer Floreta Marquis

Floreta was a “Manman Lawòz”, Mother of the Roses. The main singer in these groups is called the “chantwèl”. Floreta was the “chantwèl” for the Canaries group. She was the composer and lead singer, and co-ordinated drummer, singers and dancers during the “séances” or meetings. As a child in Canaries, she had accompanied her mother to séances, and from the age of 8 had started singing with the group. Talented and vibrant she rose steadily in status with the group until she became the “chantwèl”. She gained national recognition in 1968 when she participated in Lawòz performances in Castries. She represented St. Lucia at CARIFESTA in 1969 in Grenada, and subsequently represented St. Lucia in other musical performances outside St. Lucia. She was a regular on local radio stations. In addition she was a composer and worked in both traditional and contemporary forms. She read songs with the Merry Makers Combo in Martinique, making her creations “Iona” and “Qui belle la lune” popular. She was also a teacher and participated in workshops for teachers, instructing them in St. Lucia’s traditional folk music. She was at her happiest teaching students and promoting St. Lucia’s heritage through song.

Floreta died in October 2004, aged 79. She will always be remembered, especially in her own village of Canaries, but also by anyone who came in contact with her. Vive Mamai Lawòz!

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By Gregor Williams

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The journey started from the south fifteen hundred years before Columbus. In those days people with brown faces from South America paddled and sailed in dugout canoes north through the islands. Later white faces came from the north, black ones from the east, and more brown faces from the Far East. Native people came from South America, from Europe, from Africa and from Asia. Cultures and people met, fought for a while, interacted with one another and mixed. New journeys were begun: west to Panama, south to the Guianas, north east to Europe and north to continental North America. Our journeys continue. There is an urgent need to preserve the stories of these journeys that came before and to keep alive the memory of the people who travelled before us and survived. Five of them are remembered and honoured in this vignette. As my grandmother used to say: “Lawout sé tjè’. Happy 37th Independence | 39

You are going to the National Maritime Museum in London in Do Derek and his poetry, his Nobel Prize, belong to us? Does 2012 to find the huge mural of the Battle of Cul-de-Sac in St. Derek see St. Lucia as belonging to him? Lucia in 1778, the first naval battle of the War of American Independence. In 1991, Derek was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature. St. Lucians were proud, happy. It was not awarded An exhibition is being mounted to mark the 60th anniversary to him. St. Lucians were disappointed and angry. There were of the present Queen Elizabeth’s accession to the throne. charges of discrimination. A small island couldn’t have two The words “The Sea is History” catch your attention. It is the Nobel Laureates? There was vexation and “chupsing” (teeth theme of the exhibition. The words appear in bold letters. sucking). St. Lucians knew that Derek had deserved to win and were disappointed. A rush of pride takes over your body. Hey! you want to say, that’s a quotation from St. Lucia’s Derek. You start to puff up The following year, 1992, Derek was nominated again. like a bullfrog, full of pride! This time he won. The country exploded in joy. They knew that Derek had won the previous year. This year it was St. Lucians who had won the prize, not Derek.

“Where are your monuments, your battles, martyrs? Where is your tribal memory? Sirs, in that gray vault. The sea. The sea has locked them up. The sea is History.”

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On Jeremie Street the hangouts of Castries erupted in joy. “Derek won the prize. Let’s fire one.” The call rang out in the rumshops. “Derek pwan Nobel Prize là” (Derek took the Nobel Prize) the shouting went out from shop to shop. An old lady, very much concerned, asked, “Why did he steal the people’s prize?” In St. Lucian Kwéyòl “pwan” can mean either to take

Monplaisir as Roman Senators and Cyril Landers as the dead Julius Caesar. Derek is still soft inside when it comes to students. The companion, teacher, painter, artist, director, poet will live on. He has inspired a whole new generation of writers and poets locally and internationally. We may think that Derek belongs to us, but Derek knows that he belongs to St. Lucia. In spite of all his years in Trinidad, United States and elsewhere, Derek has remained a die-hard St. Lucian.

or to steal. “He did not steal it, he won it” was the correction.

“Generations going, generations gone, moi c’est gens Ste Lucie. C’est la moi sorti Is there that I born”.

The interaction between Derek and St. Lucia, St. Lucians is not well known. Serious, sullen, rough are outward traits. As a student and a master at St. Mary’s College, Derek interacted with contemporaries and students. He ran the Arts and Crafts Club, took students on field trips to learn to draw and paint, painted the backdrops (and directed the play) for the annual performance of Shakespeare at St. Mary’s College Speech Day. No contemporary student will Derek was knighted in 2016. Congratulations Sir Derek! forget the performance of Julius Caesar at Clarke’s Cinema in 1947, with Kenneth Foster, Leonard St. Hill and Kenneth

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The Restored

Walcott House is Entrusted to the Community!

By: Travis Weekes

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While the “Walcott House” would be the most strategically fitting title for the recently restored boyhood home of Derek and Roderick Walcott, “The Trusted House”, the poetic title given by the 1992 Nobel Laureate for Literature, may actually be the spiritual name needed to ensure the survival of the institution.

Here, I am joining Walcott to harness all of my faith in the When the time had come for Walcott, the man of the moment, to read as indicated on the programme, he didn’t. In fact, it magic and inspiration of poetry. seems that he couldn’t. Instead he wept. But not really... The opening ceremony of “The Walcott house” conjured Robert Lee had accompanied him to the stage. up nostalgia of that pre-ghetto period in the communities of Grass Street and Chaussee Road in our capital city of Walcott spoke (or tried to), expressing his gratitude and love for Saint Lucia -- and as he spoke, he appeared to be Castries. fighting against a total collapse into tears. In his speech at the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Dr Kenny Anthony identified several prominent families that He seemed charged with emotion and struggling to contain resided in the neighbourhood and highlighted the successes himself. This struggle meant that he couldn’t read the poem that he had written for such an historic occasion - the official of several sons of the street. opening of his boyhood home, now restored! The Prime Minister’s hope it seems is to bring back the Fellow poet Robert Lee, whom Walcott referred to “as a glory days of prominence and success of people from that lovely reader”, performed the task. community. To that end, the restored house itself is part of a larger project, “The Walcott Place” which will include a These moments certainly lent a deep insight into the character of a man who has always borne a tough exterior. museum and a theatre. More significantly however, the moment also lent dramatic Thus, for the government, the project would not only become irony to the transformed setting of this “opening scene”; a pivot of heritage tourism in Castries but would also be this scene that would provide the prologue for a brand new crucial to the social transformation of a very troubled part script for the people of Grass Street. of the city.

For Derek Walcott, the house is a place of nostalgia and a sacred space in which the memory of his family is honoured. Here, Walcott resisted a show of emotional frailty in the face of a community easily triggered into vulnerability by the words or deeds from society’s big guns. For St. Lucian artists and intellectuals, it is a site of unending inspiration; an example of how success and fulfillment of Physically frail at 86 years old, but still mentally solid, talent can emerge, out of love and modesty. Walcott steadied himself through the experience. With grace and gratitude, he embraced the warm audience that shared Speakers on the programme, including Governor General with him the profound significance of his moment. Dame Pearlette Louisy were all expressing gratitude to those who assisted in the realization of the project and all But the few words managed by Walcott must trigger an speakers without exception singled out the residents of absolute focus of how “The Walcott Place” can make a Grass Street. difference. “Arthur Jacobs built this house,” were the very first words he shot at the audience. Happy 37th Independence | 43

with dropping pants showing underwear, as he strolled leisurely and deliberately in full view of the gathering, swinging a Walcott has also immortalized “Jakes’ in his most recent bottle of liquor. work “White Egrets”. Jacobs (or “Jakes” as he is popularly known) was a star actor of the St. Lucia Arts Guild and undoubtedly a huge inspiration to Walcott, who cast him in most of the plays that he directed in Saint Lucia.

Another walked around at Walcott refers to the actor as “a man without no money / quick pace shouting his despite his tremendous presence, light as a leaf / and as displeasure at something delicate dancing / coal black and like coal / packed with or someone. inspiring fire…a beauty of soul…a wit, an intelligence.” In his short but powerful utterance, he spoke of his love for his actors; those he worked with in St. Lucia, Trinidad and Boston, USA. A love he suggested that developed because of how willingly the actor gave to the director; how obedient he was to the director’s guidance.

Clearly this is a project cemented in faith and trust! It is a huge trust!

The Government has vested the childhood home of the Walcott brothers in the Saint Lucia National Trust and directed the organisation to spearhead the creation of the Walcott Heritage Site.

The “Trusted House”, the title of the poem written by Walcott for the occasion, puns on “The Trust”, that is, The Saint Lucia Grass Street and the youth who frequent there have to be National Trust, which led the initiative of the restoration. re-shaped by skilled directors. However, the Walcott House is also “The Trusted House” Grass Street today is one of the most troubled spots in because it carries so much hope for its immediate the city of Castries and the question is: will the youth give surroundings. It must attract skilled and trustworthy themselves in trust to the direction of the authorities. directors. For many years, this place has been one of the areas It’s the “front”, the lead structure of a project that must responsible for sporadic bursts of gang violence in the city. trigger spin offs for the people of the community whether A casual walk through the area and one notices that, like through directors who will shape the characters of the the Grave Yard at the other end of the Chaussee Road, it is youth; or through the market that it will provide for the a home for predominantly male youth who find an identity artisans and artistes. in “badness”.

It is a “Trusted House” for its own vulnerability. Even during the opening ceremony, the volatility of the area It is entrusted to a community who must care for and was clear in the demeanor of one dread who walked near protect it, so that it may win the trust of so many, who need the proceedings displaying his gangster style: barebacked, to remain in touch with the beauty of their souls.

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The street festival called “Assou Square” was originally a Castries Town event that was held in the park beside the present Roman Catholic Cathedral. This park was originally called La Place d’Armes in early French colonial days. It was the parade grounds for the French soldiers, and the main market for the slaves to sell their surplus ground provisions, produce of their garden plots. In the middle was a courthouse and the place of execution for condemned criminals.

St. Lucia, a British colony at the time, decided to join the Columbus tra-la-la. The market was moved to Jeremie Street and the marketplace redesigned. Speakers of Kwéyòl still refer to the market even in its new location as “la place” rather than “le marché”. In 1892 the former Place d’Armes was renamed Columbus Square. On 23rd. January 1993 we named it Derek Walcott Square in honour of our Nobel Prize winner.

In time the open market came to be called “La Place”, instead f the more common French “Le Marché”. It had become the main gathering and social area even during slavery times. So why did it change to “the Square”, and at New Year “Assou Square”?

“Assou Square” is a festival that starts on Old Year’s Night after the midnight mass and continues through New Year’s Day and New Year’s Holiday. Traditionally it was the meeting place for family and friends, especially those who had been separated all year. Children met their “nennenn” and “pawen” (godparents) and were given pennies for their Christmas and their New Year. Accra, float, bonbon mouchas, turnover, ginger ale and sorrel, and icecream cranked by hand were sold from trays. Games were played: the betting game roll and tumble was a favourite.

By the late nineteenth century Americans in the United States had subdued their native peoples and controlled the land from coast to coast. To portray this new found power they decided to use Columbus and his exploits as their celebration theme. The year 1892 was the 400th Anniversary of Columbus’s first voyage.

Traditions from West Africa joined in festivity. Masquerade from Guinea, djab ad sorrel from Nigeria and creole from Senegal. The masquerade bands came in from the out districts; the djab and the djablotins performed their ritual. From the balconies coins were tossed to the performers. Children, and even adults, dressed in their holiday finery, had good reason to beware of the djablotins with their coating of coal dust and molasses. It was a national community festival. Alcohol was not sold, but unofficially it was served to the kompè and makoumè from under the display tray. There Happy 37th Independence | 46

were no cars or wall in the square until recently. In time the numbers grew too big for the square, and “Assou Square” was moved to Rodney Bay, to Cul-de-Sac and to Vigie. Wherever it was held the name remained the same. In December 2015 it returned to its original home. The one by six wooden framing boards and galvanized roofing which had served for so many years have now been replaced by fancy white tents. The children no longer ride the buses for a penny, a great treat which had originally been anticipated eagerly all year so that when the buses returned to the square the children would shout “Woi woi i pas ni asé” – (Woi, woi, it isn’t enough)

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Choiseul Residents Get Trained in the Art Form The Craft Sector has played an inextricable role in the development of the tourism industry. Local craft in and of itself symbolizes much of Saint Lucia’s history, culture and traditions and helps tell the story of our people and nationhood. The Association for Caribbean States describes craft as “the article or ‘memory’ exported from the ‘destination’ following a visit, and as such it is imperative, that it be fully representative of the authenticity of place and innate cultural heritage”. It is well known from the feedback given from visitors to our shores that there is a lot of interest in the procurement of locally handmade items to take back home because they are symbolic of the guest experience. Beyond the value provided to visitors, the craft sector also represents an opportunity to nurture entrepreneurial spirit in our young people. It is extolled daily the burden of unemployment that many of our young people are facing, however, these young people despite their challenges are filled with immense creativity and determination if only given the opportunity to use these talents. It was with this realization that the Saint Lucia Hotel & Tourism Association decided to first dialogue with local craft artisans in an effort to provide them with more visibility in local hotels. Relationships were established between a number of crafters and local high end properties which facilitated the display of indigenous Happy 37th Independence | 48

craft items in boutique shops and guest areas. This intervention resulted in a longer term relationship between the hotel and these craft providers and the emergence of new experiences for guest who wish to participate in the craft making. The Tourism Enhancement Fund’s Apprenticeship Program, birthed in 2015, was conceptualized to meet the needs of unemployed youth seeking self-employment opportunities. “When we reached out and dialogued with young people looking for jobs a lot of them have expressed interest in entrepreneurial prospects, so our second intervention has been to finance the training of ten young people from the village of Choiseul in straw weaving so they can use that skill to make products (coasters, baskets, mats) which are in demand by our guests and hoteliers” noted SLHTA CEO Noorani Azeez. Based on the positive feedback from this first round of training, the Association will soon be offering training in the art of crochet making to another ten persons with entrepreneurial interests so that the Program can specifically target those most interested in opening their own business. By creating greater exposure for local, often socially disadvantaged artisans, this experience can create economic advancement for the individual and their community and indeed speaks to the trickle-down effects of sustainable tourism development policy.

Part of building a stronger tourism product involves allowing the guest into an authentic St Lucian experience. The Association plans to work with Hotels and Tour Operators to strengthen relationships with craft retail stores so guests can be sent there on a tour where guests can actually have hands on experience on the creation of pottery, weaving and other types of craft making. “It is a gross misunderstanding that young people are not interested in the creative industries. I was shocked when we saw the level of enthusiasm for this Apprenticeship Program,” explained Azeez, “I think when we dialogue with youth and show them the entrepreneurial potential of this industry then they get excited about the opportunities”. There is much untapped potential to be unearthed within Saint Lucia’s craft sector. As the tourism industry grows from strength to strength, the potential for linkages between tourism stakeholders and existing artisans is indeed great. Through interventions in some of Saint Lucia’s most culturally vibrant areas, the SLHTA hopes to not only strengthen the sector but also connect ambitious, talented young people with mentors with the necessary skillset to instruct. However Azeez cautions that there is still much work to be done. He concludes, “These communities have rich cultural heritage that can enhance the guest experience, but our people need to be trained in order to guarantee the sustainability of these projects.”

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At one time everybody belonged to one or other of the societies. The flowers, rose and marguerite, were adopted as symbols and names. The original dates of the festivals changed. Social security and money saving became part of the function of the societies. Today they provide support, La Woz and La Magwit are the names of societies formed entertainment and community spirit. in St. Lucia as far back as slavery times. Similar societies existed in all the French Antilles, created originally by the A special female singer, or ‘chantwelle’, is appointed by the free people of colour. Banned in Martinique and Guadeloupe, group, and it is her job to compose all the songs to be sung at the festival. The instruments are rustic and include the they survived in Haiti and St. Lucia. anba goj (violin), banjo, quatro, guitar, shak-shak, baha, gwaj The societies can be traced back to Africa where they (grater) and drums. Seances (meetings) were held regularly functioned as cooperative work groups and support groups for discussions, news and rehearsals months before the for members needing assistance. This is the root of our feast day. A “king’ and a “Queen’ preside over a “court” coudmain. The tradition can be traced back to the dokpwé which comprises princes and princesses, nurses, military, of Dahomey (Benin) and the coumbite of Haiti. In St. Lucia legal and service personnel. On feast days all dress in the societies blossomed into the general population after appropriate uniforms and costumes. These change to reflect emancipation. the changing society. Every year St. Lucia celebrates the La Rose (La Woz) and La Marguerite (La Magwit) festivals. Society members dress up on the day, go to mass, have parades, go visiting, sing, dance and celebrate.

The societies celebrate under the patronage of the Roman To all, especially the children, we shout with them, Catholic Church. Originally condemned by the Church and Vive la Woz! Vive la Magwit! the British officials, the societies were accepted after they helped to build chapels and churches and altars for the churches. Catholic Saints were adopted as patrons. La Wòz celebrations coincide with the feast of Saint Rose De Lima on August 30. La Magwit is the feast of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, observed on October 17, each year. Happy 37th Independence | 50

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Minor Basilica comes alive at the Independence Ecumenical Service The annual national ecumenical service held to celebrate each Saint Lucia Independence Anniversary is a 37-year-old tradition. Every year, the service takes place at the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most spacious church in the capital city, the earlier Roman Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in the centre of Castries. The service always features wellpresented musical and choir renditions by the island best and most promising performers. Similar ecumenical services are also held everywhere

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else anniversary observances are arranged, throughout the Saint Lucian Diaspora. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 37th Independence Anniversary Ecumenical Service was held on Friday February 19th and the page features snapshots from the well-attended 2016 multidenominational service.

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Independence Awards 2016 Sir Derek Walcott, Vaughan Allen Lewis and Lawrence Martha Priscilla Laurent knighted as Knight/Dame Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia It was an anomaly on the occasion of Saint Luciaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 37th Independence Day, when Her Excellency the Governor General bestowed the first ever Knighthood on one of her very own. Dame Pearlette Louisy, Chancellor of the National Societies knighted Sir Derek Walcott, Vaughan Allen Lewis and Lawrence Martha Priscilla Laurent as Knight and Dame Commanders of the Order of Saint Lucia, for their exceptional and outstanding service of national importance to Saint Lucia. The Chancellor of the National Societies made 43 appointments in accordance with the provisions of Section 25 of the National Honours and Awards Act.

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Knight/Dame Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia

Vaughan Allen Lewis

Derek Walcott

Lawrence Martha Priscilla Laurent

(For exceptional and outstanding service of national importance to Saint Lucia)

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The Saint Lucia Les Pitons Medal (Silver) SLPM

THE PUBLIC SERVICES LONG SERVICE AWARD

Vincent Adrian Augier

Euphemia Shirley Bissette

(For long and meritorious contribution in the field of Arts and Literature)

(For long and meritorious Community service)

Her Excellency the GovernorGeneral has been pleased to award the Public Services Long Service Award in respect of Independence Day, 2016 to the following persons:

The Saint Lucia Medal of Merit (Gold) SLMM

The Saint Lucia Cross (SLC) Harold Calixte Simmons (Posthumously) (For distinguished service and contribution to Culture and the Arts)

The Saint Lucia Medal of Honour Levern Donaline Spencer (For long and meritorious service in the (Gold) SLMH field of Sports) Earl Mingus Bousquet (For Outstanding contribution in the field Bernard Cecil Theobalds (For long and meritorious service in the field of Engineering)

of journalism)

Zacheus Dominique (For an act of conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme peril)

The Saint Lucia Medal of Merit (Silver) SLMM

Kerwin Francis and Kudisha Francis

Stephen Trevor Anthony

(For acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme peril)

(For long and meritorious service in the field of Music)

Haggeus Carlton Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;chilly

Emmanuel Bellas

(For an act of conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme peril)

(For long and meritorious service in the field of Sports)

The Saint Lucia Medal of Honour Wilfred Monty Maxwell (Silver) SLMH (For long and meritorious service in the field of Music)

Jacqueline Lois Bird-Compton

(For eminent service in the area of child The Saint Lucia Les Pitons Medal advocacy)

Andrew Kenneth Richardson (For outstanding contribution and exemplary service in the field of medicine)

Lawrence Poyotte (For outstanding service in the Trade Union Movement)

Dahlia Bertha Gail Francois (For long and meritorious Community service)

Julius James (For long and meritorious Community service)

Saint Lucia Teaching Service The Saint Lucia Les Pitons Medal Marian Bernadette Hazel Southwell (Bronze) SLPM Emmanuel Kingsley Powlette (For long and meritorious Community service)

Veronica Lebrun (For long and meritorious service in Community Health Care)

Anna Maria Antoine (For long and meritorious service in Community Health Care)

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Mary Hermina Bobb St. Hill Royal Saint Lucia Police Force Augustin Sampson Stanislas Smith Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (Ports Police) Lucretia Alexander Mariana Angelina Epiphane

(Gold) SLPM

Carolyn Archibald

Emmanuel Victor Dudley

Saint Lucia Fire Service Bernard Prospere

(For long and meritorious service in the Saint Lucia Cadet Corps)

Claudius Evans

Andre Philip Mathurin

(For long and meritorious service in the Taj Weekes Saint Lucia Cadet Corps) (For long and meritorious service to Saint Lucia)

Rickie Raynald

Glenda Marilyn Polius

The National Service Medal

(For long and meritorious dedicated service to Special Education in Saint Lucia)

(For an act of bravery in hazardous circumstances)

Saint Lucia Public Service Corona Verna Mondesir

Lawrence Spencer James

Elphege Brown (For long and meritorious Community Service)

(For long and meritorious service in the Saint Lucia Cadet Corps)

Bordelais Correctional Facility Augustus Leonce Riccardo David

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Prime Minister’s Independence Reception Citizens and residents from all walks of life converged on Government House for the Prime Minister’s Independence Reception as part of the festivities to celebrate Saint Lucia’s 37th Independence Anniversary. Prime Minister Dr Kenny D Anthony had the signal honour of personally welcoming his guests for the evening at the Official Residence at Vigie, meeting many a citizen who he may not have seen for some time and engaging in friendly banter and hearty laughter reminiscing on previous encounters and setting the tone for a celebratory environment. The guests came in their numbers from all parts of the island and included locally based diplomats, government officials, business persons and the average citizen many of whom would have been visiting the Prime Minister’s Official Residence for the first time. Citizens showed their pride of nationhood dressed in outfits featuring the national colours. The Residence was transformed for the evening into a very pleasant and jovial atmosphere as guests interacted making new connections and enjoying the rich servings of local delicacies and free flowing assortment of beverages with the sweet sounds of creole music in the background. The celebrations continued late into the night and a good time was had by all. Happy 37th Independence | 58

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Prime Minister expresses gratitude for â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Respect & Dignityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; shown by Nationals! Prime Minister Dr. Kenny D. Anthony has expressed appreciation and congratulations to Saint Lucians home and abroad, as well as civil society, for the manner in which they commemorated the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 37th anniversary of political independence.

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The 2016 anniversary was marked with a military parade, school rally and performances from musicians, poets, and danc¬ers, all held at the historic Mindoo Phillip Park. The day was preceded by a host of weekly activities in Saint Lucia and in major metropolitan areas, such as New York, To¬ronto, and London. Tens of thousands of nationals took in the celebrations and the outpouring of national pride was acknowledged by the Prime Minister. “Our celebrations have been embraced with a fervor that is indeed tremendously heartening,” Dr. Anthony said. “To see Saint Lucians, young and old, clad in the colors of our flag, to witness the expressions of our native creativity and to observe so very many people demonstrating what it means to them to be truly Saint Lucian, it has been a fabulous remem¬brance, another wonderful stage in our journey.” “The masterful precision of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force during our annual parade deserves special commendation and our Royal Saint Lucia Police Band was, as always, superb, and unmatched.” “Even beyond the official ceremonies, I must also thank our citizenry and the private sector for the manner in which they paid tribute to Saint Lucia, for the respect and dignity they have exhibited,” he continued. “There are, of course, several events still to come on the calendar. I urge my fellow Saint Lucians to ensure that they continue to make this year’s anniversary a real reflection of our unbridled delight in our sense of self.” The parade, rally, and other functions organized under the auspices of the Office of the Prime Minister were attended by Governor General, Her Excellency Dame Pearlette Louisy, Cabinet colleagues, Members of Parliament, foreign dignitaries, leaders of the local corporate community, representatives of youth organizations and the general public.

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In July 1925, a great Saint Lucian began his pursuit of excellence. Charles Owen King was the son of Saint Lucia’s first postmaster-general, Charles “Charlie” King, and his wife Amy. He was never content with the merely satisfactory; his goal, always, was to excel, and to excel in as many different fields as possible. Saint Lucia remembers him in the first place as a doctor. He won the Island Scholarship in 1942, and in 1944, at the age of 19, he travelled first to McGill University in Canada, and subsequently to Edinburgh University in Scotland to study medicine. Once qualified in 1950 he returned to the Caribbean, practicing medicine in Saint Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica. He returned permanently to Saint Lucia in 1962 where he worked as a surgeon at Victoria hospital until he retired in 1979, continuing as honorary surgeon until 2001, a total of 40 years. Many people in Saint Lucia, from all walks of life, treasure memories of the contribution to their quality of life made by his surgical excellence. Happy 37th Independence | 62

Charles & Amy King

Owen King loved building things, creating things. He built several houses, and he also painted pictures and wrote novels. He was one of the founders of the Yacht Club. He built a jetty which in its turn built a beach down at Anse Mahaut near Canaries. Together with his wife Anne he built a family of four daughters and a son, each one in her or his turn an Island Scholar. He built several gardens in which he grew vegetables and fruit but also orchids and other flowers. He was a sportsman. As a student he was a pole vaulter. Later, at university, he took up fencing, and became captain of the University of Edinburgh fencing team. In his final year he was selected to go for the United Kingdom Olympic trials, but chose to concentrate on finishing his degree. He played After he retired he took up painting, taking lessons from tennis. He was an enthusiastic sailor, one of the founders of Dunstan St Omer so that he would do it properly. As an the Saint Lucia Yacht Club. outcome of this he and his wife held an exhibition of their paintings at Bay Gardens Inn. He also wrote and published Owen King was a scholar, a “lifelong learner”. For much four books, of fiction, poetry and meditations. of his life this was focussed on keeping himself up to date with advances in medicine, but he also loved philosophy When a name was needed for Saint Lucia’s new hospital it and, towards the end of his life, embarked on a “distance was an obvious and popular choice to select the name of learning” degree in philosophy. He was curious about things, Owen King. Large national institutions should have names so that his life was a life of asking questions and finding that are appropriate to their function, but it is also good to answers. choose names that in the future will provide an inspiring answer when the question is asked “Who was Owen King?” He travelled widely, both in the Caribbean during his medical (With grateful thanks to Dr. Stephen King) career, and also all over the world for pleasure. In his house there were souvenirs from Africa, from Asia, from Russia and the Pacific Islands, from around the world. He was a farmer. One of his major concerns was the question of food security. He addressed the concern by growing fruit and vegetables, raising cattle and pigs. It was not enough to recognise and think about a problem, it was important to him to do something practical as well.

Aerial View of the new Dr Owen King EU Hospital Happy 37th Independence | 63

2016 Nobel Laureates Week Lecture

a call to

Recreate the Future!

Dr. Hyginus Leon

Noted Saint Lucian economist delivered Sir Arthur Lewis 2016 Nobel Laureates Week Lecture Saint Lucians were treated to a comprehensive discussion on development at the 20th Sir Arthur Lewis Memorial Lecture.

The annual lecture was held at the Cultural Development Foundation, in celebration of Nobel Laureate Week. Happy 37th Independence | 64

The presentation, delivered by Senior Resident Representative of the International Monetary Fund, IMF, Dr. Hyginus Leon, was titled “Recreating the Future.” Professor Leon said there is an urgent need for small territories such as Saint Lucia to reflect, reposition and recreate. He explained, “Governments should strive to create a sound macroeconomic environment for balanced sustainable growth; build strong institutions to foster investor confidence; ensure efficient and well targeted public spending including investing in infrastructure while maintaining debt sustainability; deepen financial markets and access while safeguarding financial sustainability; and foster financial inclusion to increase savings and promote environmental sustainability.” Dr. Leon addressed themes of reflection, repositioning, strategic alliances, good governance and transfer of knowledge. He

has served for 19 years at the IMF, in various positions. Newly appointed principal of the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, Dr. Olivia Saunders, said quality education is fundamental to advancing nations. She also addressed her commitment to building excellence through transformative education at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College. “I am happy to note that the people of Saint Lucia are committed to applying their skills, talents and resources to this transformative national initiative that will fashion an institution that leads, informs and facilitates the country’s development in a very big way,” Saunders said. The lecture was hosted by the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in collaboration with the Nobel Laureate Committee.

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' n i y a "Pl de r ts" A Delinquency, Sovereignty & the Saint Lucian Imagination

A Review of the 2016 Independence Lecture by Vladimir Lucien

I was recently invited to give the annual Independence Lecture in St. Lucia. I was honoured to deliver the talk, entitled “Playin’ de Arts”: Delinquency, Sovereignty and the St. Lucian Imagination. I am the youngest to have given the lecture, and I am told it was the first time that the lecture focussed on the arts. In thinking about what to talk about, I eventually settled on the issue of delinquency and how we have historically defined it in St. Lucia. I wanted to talk about how we have managed the quandary of having our ostensibly most violent communities being also our most creative and original.

Iconic Artistes / Poets of St Lucia at the 2016 Independence Lecture Seated L – R: Vladimir Lucien and Sir Derek Walcott Standing L – R: Kendal Hippolyte, Jane King-Hippolyte and Robert Lee.

Take, for instance, what the St. Lucians call the ‘Cathedral Attacks’ in which two men stormed a New Year’s Eve Mass at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Castries in 2000, lit worshippers on fire and bludgeoned a priest and nun to death.

Two weeks before this, an Egyptian sign of life, the Ankh, was drawn on the door of the Cathedral (similar to the apocryphal story of Luther’s Ninety-five Theses), much to the bewilderment of St. Lucians. Or consider the man who, after a late-night mass, jumped onto the Bishop at a street corner and put a knife to his throat. These things are no accidents and are not merely vThis argument is, of course, not new. Earl Lovelace argued explained by broken homes. the same thing about Trinidad and has depicted it throughout his career in fiction. I, however, wanted to speak to the St. I wanted to look at the connections to a history of Lucian situation, especially on the heels of a damning report suppression, and what Erna Brodber calls ‘Ancestral Anger’ detailing the ‘extrajudicial killings’ of alleged criminals which the emotion and attitude created by that disconnection with took place about 4-5 years ago, in which several persons at one’s ancestors, that dissipation of one’s past -- something various levels in St. Lucian society were said to have been that can induce certain moods and orientations and produce involved. unimaginable inner turmoil that is eventually externalised. ‘Ancestral Anger’ is something our analysts, sociologists More particularly, I was interested in the mundane acts of and politicians must contend with. suppression against these communities, and even against our most original cultural expressions, which have deep I wanted to understand how such acts of seemingly random causal connections to occurrences of seemingly ‘random’ and extreme violence are connected deep-down to other violence. acts of violence and suppression in our history that we never connect with the acts of violence committed by those we

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call ‘Monsters’ or those we need to ‘take back our country’ from - beyond the specious explanations of sociologists and psychologists and politicians. I connected the issue of sovereignty to our ability to shift the paradigm of suppression which remains entrenched in our societies, and to develop more original, sophisticated definitions for delinquency. I argued that such a shift was a key part of claiming our imagination and challenging it. We need to engage in a process of legitimising ourselves, and what these communities have been trying to tell us we are and are capable of being. In legitimising the vision of these depressed communities, I really don’t see how it can be done without considering reparations. If we do not develop this understanding, we may see terrible, unimaginable things taking place in dis ya Caribbean!

About the Author: Vladimir Lucien was born in 1988 in St Lucia and attended St Mary’s College where he encountered his first artistic resonances on the stage, not the page, starring in several theatrical productions. He attended the St Augustine Campus, UWI for his undergraduate degree, reading literature and theatre arts. This was the kind of word-work that interested Lucien, then and still does. Lucien’s sage diction and innovative visual cues prompt us to consider our landscapes and loved ones through new, grateful eyes. Lucien confirmed he is heavily influenced by a list of outstanding personalities ranging from W.H. Auden to Derek Walcott to Linton Kwesi Johnson. As a poet straddling two Caribbean islands, born in St Lucia and residing in Trinidad, Lucien speaks fervently of his socio-spiritual grounding in St Lucia and describes Trinidad as the place where he began composing verse seriously and where his poetic maturity is taking root. He is currently working on completing both a first collection of poems for publication and a master’s degree in cultural studies. Happy 37th Independence | 67

Miss Independence 2016 Six Ladies Battle It Out!

It happens every year, the Miss Independence pageant takes place as part of the annual Independence Anniversary celebrations in Saint Lucia. The highly anticipated pageant held at the National Cultural Centre took place on Saturday February 20. Six contestants vied for the coveted title on stage as seemingly enthused Saint Lucians looked on in delight. The audience got their first glimpse of the contestants after the opening remarks. The girls came to life in swimwear, promotional speech, business attire and talent round. They then paraded the stage in evening wear, and at the of it were grilled in the interview segment. At the end of the night it was Akina Randolph who emerged victorious gaining the crown of Miss Independence 2016. She also won awards for best swimwear, Best Promotional Speech and Best Talent. Lisa Eugene and Tata Gonzague placed second and third respectively. Happy 37th Independence | 68

Akina Randolph Miss Independence 2016

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Sports Personalities Get Their Recognition at

National Sports Awards 2016 The highlight of the Sporting Activities for the Independence Awards were also presented on Saturday evening for celebrations this year was the National Sports Awards. winning athletes, teams, coaches, administrators, and districts. The awards ceremony took place on February 13 where Levern Spencer and Jordan Augier were named as Saint Although he was unfortunately unable to attend the Lucia’s Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year. ceremony, Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony extended his felicitations to the nominees, the winners, and Spencer, a 31-year-old world-ranked high jumper, and the organisers, setting Ms. Spencer for specific mention. 2015 Pan American Games champion, won her 13th title. Augier, an Olympic hopeful swimmer, won his first senior title, having been named Junior Sportsman of the Year in 2011.

Levern Spencer Saint Lucia’s Sportswoman of the Year

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Jordan Augier Saint Lucia’s Sportsman of the Year

Said Dr. Anthony: “I must congratulate all of the award recipients, the teams and individuals who represented themselves, their families, their communities, and indeed all of Saint Lucia, to the very best of their capability through the 12 months past. It is truly heartening to see the volume of sport that has been included in the programme for Independence 37, and it is really gratifying to witness our youth benefitting from and taking full advantage of the investment that this Government has made in positioning them for success on and off the field of play. “But amongst all of the winners, I think it is fitting that we single out Levern Spencer for special attention. What a tremendous example she is for our young people, our up and coming athletes in particular. But Levern is an exceptional example for all of us as proud and patriotic Saint Lucians. Her dedication to her craft, her tremendous self-confidence and ambition, her dignity, and above all, her ability to compete with the very best in the world – these are the attributes that make her a champion worthy of celebration, and worthy of emulation. “This is part of the fabric of who we are as a people, and it was telling that Levern once again matched her Caribbean record on the same day she was being lauded by the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, who staged an excellent and well-received ceremony. “To those who were not recognised on the night, I encourage you to keep striving for the top. Remain steadfast, and you will reap the rewards.”

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Among the other winners, Jamaica-based sprinter Julien Alfred and West Indies youth cricketer Johnnel Eugene were named Junior Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year, whilst Soufriere were named as the top sporting district.

Johnnel Eugene Saint Luciaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Junior Sportsman of the Year

Julien Alfred Saint Luciaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Junior Sportswoman of the Year

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Saint Lucians branded in their colours

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CELEBRATIONS 2016 IN THE DIASPORA The journey continues in many ways and many lands. St. Lucians, like other Caribbean peoples have been a migrant people from South America, Europe, Africa and India. Some of the early immigrants returned to their countries. For those who remained, outward migration became necessary from the late nineteenth century. Here is the history of the journey of one of them, Louis St. Juste.

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Louis St. Juste AFaceNeverForgotten

By Junior Douglas

There are many uncelebrated St. Lucians whose stories and profile are as interesting as our well known faces and personalities. Many are in the public eye, yet remain invisible. One such man is Louis St. Juste- Actor, dancer, model and social conscious activist. Louis St. Juste left St. Lucia in June 30th and arrived in England on July 1956. He tells the story of that journey in a manner that gives the impression it has left a lasting legacy. He becomes animated as he recalls the “Franca C” left St. Lucia at midnight. We picked passengers up in Guadeloupe and our next stop was in Africa. From there we went to Barcelona. Italy fascinated me, as I made my very first train journey to Genoa. All of us were unaware of the many underpasses and stairs from the underground transport system. We just saw people piling into the street from under the ground. So one of us asked, “why are all those people coming from under the ground?” An Italian lady looked and burst into laughter. Dressed in their best Sunday clothes Louis remembered how his fellow St. Lucians and Black passengers were waved at, as they made their journey to France on rail way. From Calais in France they crossed the channel to Dover. To quote Louis in two weeks I had touched down in

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Guadeloupe, set foot in Africa, travelled through two major European countries, experienced a long train journey and finally landed in a place that would become my home for the next sixty years. His first job in London at the age of twenty five years saw him working as a kitchen porter at the Royal London Hospital. He learnt about English Cuisine first hand, and can serve you any British dish at the drop of a hat. Two years later in 1958 he applied to British Telecom. When he was asked why he wanted to leave a secure job at the hospital, the young St. Juste replied that as he worked shift he was unable to attend night classes. His reply impressed the interviewer and Louis was asked where in the Caribbean he came from. As the words Saint Lucia left his mouth, the interviewer replied, “so you do know about the 1948 fire?” Surprised Louis asked him, how he himself was acquainted with information from such far away shores. It turned out that the interviewer was one of the architects involved in building sections of the CDC buildings. His first job at British Telecommunications was that of telephone operator. Staff at BT were trained and learnt elocution from the BBC. Not one who is afraid to take the micky out of himself he joked, “I had learnt how to break my

biscuit and dunk it in a cup of tea, now I could sound as British over the phone like a native.” True to his word he also started night classes at the City Literary Institute, where he took classes in Drama, Movement and Voice. His very distinguished and strong appearance brought him to the attention of model agencies and he became a photographic model. A former Scout in St. Lucia he joined the overseas Scout Movement in London. When the Queen opened Lady Baden House, he was asked to be part of the guards that lined the pathway for her majesty. A well framed black and white photo of him meeting the queen hangs proudly in his hall way among his many Theatrical posters. He is a self-taught fire eater and limbo dancer. He took his cabaret show all over the far and Middle East. His most memorable performance easy, he says with a smile as wide as the Atlantic. “ I performed at the British Ambassador Residence in Cairo, for the Queen’s diamond jubilee celebrations in 1977. Those nights become more special as the years run away with time.” Often mistaken for hailing direct from the mother land, because of his strong features, he researched and believes his forefathers were Fulani before they made the trip across the Atlantic in chains. His is a face once seen, becomes memorable that has led to many commercials on British Television. You name the consumer good and he has sold it. His commercials include, Typoo Tea bags, Pimms No.1, glasses for Spec Savers and .H.S.B.C bank and Air South West, to name a few. He has appeared in many British TV programmes including East Enders and Norman Beaton’s comedy classic Desmonds, currently being repeated in some British regions. He appeared in Roger Moore’s first outing as James Bond in Live and Let Die, the year 1973. Directed by Guy Hamilton, it would be Jane Seymour’s first major film, long before Medicine Woman on TV. The film also boast a host of top black talent in the person of Yaphet Kotto, who played the baddie, Julius Harris with a hock hand, Geoffrey Holder Voodoo King and Kubi Indi. Louis St. Juste played the tribal leader. His performance is often remembered and was recently invited to a James Bond Convention at the National Exhibition Centre in the Midlands, just outside Birmingham. Memorabilia hunters were quick to flock to his table for signed autographs and more than happy to pay £15.00 about fifty EC dollars for the privilege. After sixty years living in England he is as proud a St. Lucian as the day he left his native shores. All that has changed is his face has been recognized by casting agents, directors and producers all wanting to share his profile with the world.

THE WAY HOME SINCE 1968 Our commitment has stood the Test of Time. Our Devotion is Legendary! Interest rates are at an all-time low so build Today and Celebrate Forever. At SMFC we have something for everyone: From as little as $10,000 to our “High 5”- $500,000. Come, talk to us, and together we can develop the mortgage plan that best suits your needs.

So make that call! Join the thousands of St. Lucians enjoying life in their own homes! St. Lucia Mortgage Finance Company Limited Brazil & Laborie Streets, P.O. Box 455, Castries Telephone: 452-3464/7/8 – Facsimile: 452-6944 – Email: smfc@candw.lc

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UK ST LUCIAN ASSOCIATIONS celebrate Unity was established as a direct result of groups sharing a common purpose, coming together to achieve greater unity and simultaneously raising funds for charitable and needy causes in St. Lucia. At a time when St. Lucia is facing a number of challenges e.g. restructuring in the banana industry â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the backbone of our economy for over 40 years; diversification into other crops and industries such as offshore businesses and telecommunications, and withstanding the increasing globalisation and competition, it is important that Unity contribute and play a part in assisting our country face those major challenges. Our mission is to forge strong, active and relevant links between St. Lucians and other nationalities and to create a strong community spirit based on trust and support through which our community can be both inspired and also realise its full potential.

BUCKEYE ST. LUCIA TERMINAL LIMITED Cul De Sac, Box 811, Castries Tel: (758) 456-1600 Fax: (758) 453-2251

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How St.Lucians in Miami Celebrated St.Lucia’s 37th Independence

The Journey Continues was the theme for St.Lucia’s 37th Independence anniversary. With great enthusiasm and national pride St.Lucians in the Miami area congregated at the United Methodist Church in Miramar to celebrate their homeland’s 37th Independence Anniversary. Displaying colors of blue, yellow, black and white and flying the islands iconic symbol of sovereignty — the National Flag, they gathered to worship, socialize and break bread together. Immediately following the service participants made their way to the social hall to indulge in a complimentary creole inspired breakfast — bread and saltfish, cocoa tea, squash, coconut cake and much much more. Among the attendees were Consulate General Mr.Kent Hippolyte, past presidents and members of the St.Lucia Association of South Florida, Inc. During the mass Mr.Hippolyte gave members of the congregation (included non-St.Lucians) a brief history on St.Lucia, lauded her most accomplished sons and daughters and boasted Mother Helen’s undeniable beauty. Following the service, he also delivered the Prime Ministers message to St.Lucians living abroad.

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St. Lucian Community in South Florida Local Association Celebrate with Food, Culture & Community

Edward Elliot and Suria Plante, St. Lucian community in South Florida were all smiles as they hung out at the St. Lucia Independence Brunch held in Miramar Sunday, February 21st.

It was food, music and community, as members across the St. Lucia Diaspora in South Florida gathered to celebrate with compatriots back home honoring St. Lucia’s 37th anniversary of independence on February 22nd. The newly revamped St. Lucia Association of South Florida celebrated with a special church service and brunch at the Miramar United Methodist Church. Pastor David Range delivered a moving blessing over the ceremonies, which included a feast of authentic St. Lucian delights, from sautéd “lanmowi” salted cod and freshly baked bread. Newly elected Association President Monica Victor also presented the group’s new executive board, and encouraged attendees to get engage with the association’s upcoming activities and initiatives. St. Lucian Consul General Kent M Hippolyte also officiated the event, delivering Prime Minister Kenny Anthony’s official message to the Diaspora. Though the St. Lucian community in South Florida did not get Independence Day off, Consul Hippolyte encouraged attendees to find small, personal ways to honor the day and strut their cultural pride – by wearing the national colors, or teaching friends, neighbors and coworkers a Kreyol phrase and a bit about the country’s rich heritage Also on that day, the Children of Helen Alliance Inc. continued the celebrations in Lake Worth, at the Lakes of Sherbrooke Clubhouse. It was also a celebration of food and culture, with traditional dishes, and a poem recital honoring the independence anniversary by the Children of Hellen Alliance Inc. Youth group. Proud, beaming St. LucianAmericans, decked in their flag colors, confidently recited their love for their ancestral home, proclaiming “St. Lucia, St. Lucia, my beautiful daughter” – a touching end to a day filled with patriotism and pride. Happy 37th Independence | 82

Message from the President of the Children of Helen Alliance Inc. “Happy Independence Day. I would like to thank all of our members for the great, wonderful, united, strong and determined effort that was on display yesterday. It was a proud moment for all of us as we continued on our mission to preserve, promote and share our St . Lucian heritage. We had guests from other islands, we had new St. Lucians and we had alot of our continued supporters. That is a sign of growth and a signal that we are moving in the right direction. So today on our 37th Independence Anniversary of our sweet Helen, our island of heritage, I am asking that we all continue to stay and grow together in unity, peace and love. Thanks a million & more. “Together we achieve the extraordinary “

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Gospel Fest Kicked Off Consulate’s Independence 37 Activities in NYC In observance of Saint Lucia’s 37th anniversary of independence, the Consulate General of Saint Lucia in New York organized a number of celebratory events throughout February.

United Nations, was in attendance and addressed the gathering.

The next activity was an Independence 37 flag-raising ceremony in Brooklyn. Remarks were made by Julian Du Activities began on February 6 with an Bois, Saint Lucia’s immediate past Independence Gospel Fest. This annual Consul General in New York, and also event, a longtime favorite, took place at by Brooklyn Borough President Eric the Mt. Zion Church of God in Brooklyn. Adams. Featured were performances at the Gospel Fest were by a host of Saint Lucian gospel artists and groups, including Emrand Henry, Shem Meluce, PJ Stanislas, Ashley Norbert, Billy Poyotte, Vessels of Honor, and Saint Lucia’s Children of Culture. Ms. Menissa Rambally, Saint Lucia’s Permanent Representative to the

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the Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church, also in Brooklyn, to be followed by a special reception at the Saint Lucia House.

Other planned Independence 37 activities in New York included the Independence Lecture, a flag-raising ceremony, the Independence 37 Gala, the Independence 37 Ecu menical Service, the Young Saint Lucian Several local elected officials Professionals Mixer, and the Saint representing the City of New York were Lucia Cultural Explosion. also invited. Meanwhile, the New York Independence 37 festivities con tinue The Consulate General of Saint Lucia today (Saturday) with a production of in New York invited all Saint Lucians in the play “Zingay,” to be performed by the tri-state area to participate in the planned events and help strengthen an all-Saint Lucian cast. bonds within the Diaspora community. On Sunday (February 21), an ecumenical service will take place at

Saint Lucians at UWI Cave Hill Celebrate Independence 2016

Saint Lucians at the UWI Cave Hill Campus are sharing in the Independence celebrations this year. Members of the St. Lucian Students’ Association at Cave Hill (LUSAC) gathered for a Church Service on Sunday February 21st, 2016 and a social was also held in collaboration with the St. Lucian Community residing in Barbados.

On February 22, activities climaxed at the University with a series of activities included a flag raising ceremony, “Photo 37” call to action which brought students from all nationalities together on the guild lawn to form the number 37 with LUSAC and a display of cultural items at the Halls’ Week Cultural Expo in the evening. A display was also set up in the Sidney Martin Library to mark the occasion.

Following the church service local cuisine was sampled by St. Lucians and Barbadians alike and consisted of bouillon, bakes and saltfish, green fig and saltfish, cocoa tea, pone and other delicacies. There was also a short drama piece and fashion fair put on by the students. The pieces which were modeled are the work of a young St.Lucian designer, Alpha Bellas who is the mastermind behind Amori designs.

ZINGJAY Brings Local Laughter to Brooklyn for Independence 37 Producer, Host and Actor Marlon Gervis, along with his cast brought a belly full of laughs to Brooklyn, in celebration of St. Lucia’s 37th Anniversary of Independence. Marlon, who is loved around Brooklyn for hosting events and producing shows, will take to the stage in ZINGAY. The play is a comedy which revives our addiction to Fork Tales of the Soucouyant, La Diablese and Obeah Woman. ZINGAY was written by celebrated play write Freddie Kissoon of Trinidad & Tobago. The other cast members are St. Lucian and collectively bring a wealth of stage experience to the production. Marlon has acted in ‘The Sea at Dauphin’, ‘Mascaraed’ and ‘Still We Rise’, among others. He says he is excited about this staging of ZINGAY, especially since it is being presented in celebration of St. Lucia’s Independence Anniversary. The play was held under the auspices of the Office of the Consulate General of St. Lucia to New York. Happy 37th Independence | 85

List of Saint Lucia Overseas Missions Canada

Washington

Toronto

United Kingdom

Cuba

French Departments of the Americas

New York/United Nations

Taiwan

High Commission for Eastern Caribbean States 130 Albert Street Suite 700 Ottawa Ontario K1P 5G4 Canada Tel: +1 (613) 236-8952 Fax: +1 (613) 236-3042 Email: echcc@travel-net.com Ambassador: H.E. Brendon C. Browne Consulate of Saint Lucia 65 Overlea Blvd. Suite 250 Toronto, ON M4H 1P1 Canada Tel: +1 (416) 203-8400 Fax: +1 (416) 203-8486 E-mail: infoslutorconsulate@rogers.com Consul General: Mr. Michael Willius Embajada de Santa Lucia en la Republica de Cuba Calle 12 No. 551, entre 5ta y 7ma, Miramar Ciudad Habana Cuba Tel : + (537) 206 9609 Fax : + (537) 206 9610 E-mail : embslu@enet.cu : embslu@yahoo.com Ambassador : H.E. Dr. Charles Issac Saint Lucia Permanent Mission to the United Nations 800 2nd Avenue 9th Floor, N.Y.10017 New York U.S.A. Tel: +1 (212) 697-9360 Fax: +1 (212) 697-4993 Email: slumission@aol.com Ambassador: H.E. Ms. Menissa Rambally Consul General: Mr. Jullian Dubois

Miami

Consulate General of Saint Lucia 3700 Cocoplum Circle Coconut Creek FL 33063 MIAMI Tel: +1 (305) 586-3076 Fax: +1 (954) 977-7660 Consul General: Mr. Kent Hippolyte

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Embassy of Saint Lucia to the United States and OAS 3216 New Mexico Avenue, N.W. Washington D.C. 20016 U.S.A. Tel: +1 (202) 364-6792/95 Fax: +1 (202) 364-6723 Email: eofsaintlu@aol.com Ambassador: H.E. Sonia Johnny

Saint Lucia High Commission 1 Collingham Gardens Earls Court London SW5 0HW Tel: + (44) 207 370-7123 Fax: + (44) 207 370-1905 Email: enquiries@stluciahcuk.org Web: www.stluciahcuk.org

Consulat Général de Ste Lucie 3 Rue de La Libération 97200 Fort de France Martinique Tel : + (596) 596 71 83 50 Fax : + (596) 596 63 82 58 Email: consulateofsaintlucia@wanadoo.fr Consul General: Dr. Yasmin Walcott

Embassy of Saint Lucia 333 Keelung Road , Taipei World Trade Centre 24th Floor, Section 1 Suite#2407 Taipei City Tel: +(8862) 2757-6900 Fax: +(8862) 2757-6800 Email: sluembassy.tw@gmail.com Ambassador : H.E. Mr. Hubert Emmanuel

List of Countries With Which Saint Lucia has Diplomatic Relations St. Lucia has established diplomatic relations with almost 100 countries in every corner of the world since Independence in 1979. The island is also a member of all international governmental organizations associated with the United Nations (UN), as well as a member of the Organization of American States (OAS), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). Following is a complete list of all the countries with which St. Lucia has Diplomatic Relations:

Country

Year

Albania 2010 Antigua and Barbuda 1983 Argentina 1979 Armenia 2000 Australia 1979 Austria 1999 Azerbaijan (Republic of) 2010 Bahamas, Commonwealth of the 1979 Barbados 1982 Bangladesh 1983 Belarus 2000 Belgium 1980 Belize 1988 Bosnia and Herzegovina 2013 Brazil (Federative Republic of) 1979 Brunei 1996 Canada 1979 China (Taiwan), Republic of 2007 Chile 1991 Colombia 1979 Costa Rica 1991 Croatia 1997 Cuba 1979 Cyprus 1980 Czech Republic 1996 Denmark 1982 Dominica, Commonwealth of 1979 Dominican Republic 1988 Ecuador 1980 El Salvador 1995 Estonia (Republic of) 2009 Egypt (Arab Republic of) 2010 Finland 2009 France, Republic of 1980 Germany, Federal Republic of 1979 Georgia 2010 Greece, Hellenic Republic 1980

Country

Year

Grenada 1982 Guatemala 1992 Guyana – Cooperative Republic of 1979 Haiti 1979 Honduras 1992 Hungary 2005 Holy See 1984 Iceland, Republic of 2006 India 1982 Indonesia 1994 Iraq 1980 Ireland 2000 Israel 1982 Italy 1979 Jamaica 1979 Japan 1980 Kazakhstan, Republic of 2012 Korea, Democratic People’s Republic of 1979 Korea, Republic of 1979 Kosovo (Republic of) 2011 Kuwait 1996 Latvia, Republic of 2006 Libya (Great Socialist People’s Arab Jamahiriya) 2009 Lithuania 2009 Luxembourg (The Grand-Duchy of) 2009 Macedonia, Republic of 2000 Malaysia 1992 Malta 2010 Maldives, Republic of 2011 Marshall Islands, Republic of 1992 Mauritius (Republic of) 2014 Mexico 1979 Mongolia 2014 Montenegro 2010 Morocco 1988

Country

Year

Netherlands 1980 New Zealand 2013 Nicaragua 1992 Norway 1990 Oman (Sultanate of) 1984 Panama 1995 Paraguay 1993 Peru 1985 Poland 2000 Portugal 1996 Qatar (State of) 2013 Romania 1979 Russia 2004 Saint Kitts and Nevis (Federation) 1983 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1979 Saudi Arabia 2000 Singapore 1994 Seychelles 1988 Slovakia, Republic 2009 Slovenia, Republic of 2005 South Africa 1997 Sovereign Order of Malta 1999 Spain 1985 Suriname 1980 Sweden 1981 Switzerland 2005 Tajikistan 2005 Thailand 1989 Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of 1979 Turkey, Republic of 2005 Ukraine 2010 United Arab Emirates 2010 United States of America 1979 United Kingdom 1979 Uruguay 1989 Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of 1980

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Index of Advertisers COMPANY

PAGE

Auberge Seraphine

Buckeye St Lucia Terminal Ltd Business Tech Research Inc Concrete & Aggregates Consolidated Foods Cool Breeze Jeep & Car Rental ECCO ECFH ELKS Credit Union Embassy of Mexico Essential Hardware E Zone Express Couriers Ltd FICS Freezone Management G4S Security Grant Thornton Guyana & Trinidad Mutual Interisland Architect Kenty's Wholesale KPL Logistics Laborie Credit Union Libyan Embassy in Saint Lucia M&C Group of Companies Monroe College Montessori Centre Nagico ( St Lucia ) Ltd National Community Foundation National Conservation Authority National Insurance Corporation North American Assemblies Paradise Springs Physiotherapy Services Poseidon Investment Raj Communications Renee's Construction Saint Lucia Solid Waste Management Sir Arthur Lewis Community College

80 80 47 5 47 1 2 39 83 65 82 17 51 51 39 41 49 73 82 21 57 85 77 21 29 77 13 81 73 9 83 83 75 65

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25 67

COMPANY

Soufriere Regional Development Foundation St Lucia Civil Service Credit Union St Lucia Workers Credit Union The Embassy of the Republic of China The Hummingbird Beach Resort The Landings St Lucia Total Health Care Pharmacy Travel & Leisure Centre United Shipping Agencies West Indies General Insurance

COVERS BMCO / Shop Box Blue Waters St. Lucia Windor Trading Co

PAGE

45 73 27 45 75 25 37 75 75 81

ISFC OSBC ISBC