Saint Lucia 40th Independence Magazine by AMS St. Lucia

SAINT LUCIA INDEPENDENCE

MAGAZINE Issue 10 / 2019

SAINT LUCIA

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Contents 4. 6. 8. 10. 14. 16. 18. 20. 22. 24.

Editor’s Note Our National Symbols Our National Pledge & Anthem All In For Independence 40 Address From Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet Message From Senator Hon. Fortuna Belrose Message From Hon. Jeannine Giraudy-McIntyre LUCELEC - Powering Saint Lucia’s Independence 8 Prime Ministers in 40 Years 6 Governors General in 40 Years Our History: We Were Always Fighting

54 Calypso Legacy Independence Edition 53. The Big 40 is here! 56. Mindoo Phillip Monument: A Legend is Honoured

Miss Independence Pageant 2019 26. Evolution of Women 28. Map of Saint Lucia 32. Saint Lucia - 40 Years of Independence 37. 40th Independence Calendar of Events 38. Invest Saint Lucia - Building Our Nation, Building Our Future 40. Nobel Laureate Festival - A Celebration of Excellence 40. Sir William Arthur Lewis, The Social Activist 42. Sir Derek Walcott and the Significance of Birds in His Literature 44. 2019 National Awards of Excellence 46. Nobel Laureate Youth Art Exhibition 48. Walcott House Open Week: Let Them Inspire You 49. Wreath Laying Ceremony 50. Atwell Dalgliesh Co. (St. Lucia) Ltd. - Still Standing Through Testing Times

60. Inaugural Mr. Independence Wows! 62. 39th Annual Sports Awards 64. National Youth Council’s Strides of Unity 66. Independence Anniversary Awards 2019 68. Independence Military Parade 72. Winners of Grand Independence Day Parade Announced! 74. Prime Minister’s Luncheon

76. Glitz and Glam for Prime Minister’s Independence Ball 80. Celebrating Our Youth - Jallim Eudovic 82. Celebrating Our Youth - Johanan Dujon 84. A Millennial’s Perspective of Independence 88. SALCC’s Youth Parliament 90. HRH Prince Charles and PM Chastanet - Highlight Climate Change During Royal Visit 92. Washington DC’s Independence Anniversary Activities 94. Saint Lucia Strengthens Its Diaspora Affairs 96. The Time for Progress is Now 98. A Brief Look at the Creole Architectural Heritage of Saint Lucia 102. Where Are Our Monuments? 104. The Roman Catholic Church: A Force for Good in Saint Lucia 106. Pleas of a Patriot 108. Our Eyes at 40 …and Beyond 112. Advertiser’s Index

86 Another Successful Record for DASH Charity Colour Run!

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Editor’s Note

EDITOR’S

NOTE Lokesh Singh Editor / Managing Director Advertising & Marketing Services

Happy 40th Independence Anniversary SAINT LUCIA. What a Celebration it has been to date under the theme “ALL IN. Our Journey. Our Future”. Kudos to the 40th Independence Anniversary Committee under the leadership of Senate President Jeanine McIntyre-Giraudy and her Team for an exciting and well executed Programme of Events hosted to date. The energy and cooperation between event planners and artistes, plus the use of technology and the media to energise and excite Saint Lucians to support and participate and be “ALL IN” was commendable. The year started with the hosting of a number of well-planned events to celebrate Nobel Laureates Month, under the Patronage of former Governor General Dame Pearlette Louisy, to celebrate the lives and achievements of our two outstanding sons and Nobel Laureates – Sir Arthur Lewis and Sir Derek Walcott. The demonstration of support, reverence and admiration for these two great sons of Saint Lucia continue to Inspire. Independence 40 Celebrations got off to a rousing start in early February at the National Cultural Centre, with the hosting of a Vintage Calypso Show featuring the Kings and Queens of Calypso over the years, to a solidly packed venue enjoying the popular tunes belted out by their favourite performers. Saint Lucians turned out in their numbers to support other events hosted, with the largest crowds seen in Castries, to witness the Cultural Presentation coordinated by Dr. Adrian Augier and the Governor General’s Reception at Pointe Seraphine, culminating with the splendid display of Fireworks over the Castries Harbour. The Military Parade and the Independence Day Parade on February 22nd through the city streets were a sight to behold with a record-number of floats being showcased. Prime Minister Allen Chastanet presented his 40th Independence Anniversary Speech, and hosted the Diplomatic Corps including the Heads of Saint Lucia’s Overseas Missions and other Invitees, at a Special Luncheon. The second annual Prime Minister’s Grand Independence Ball was hosted at Sandals Grande St Lucian Resort with the purpose of raising funds for charity. The event was well organised by First Lady Racquel Du Boulay-Chastanet and her Team with all of the Glitz and Glamour befitting of such a formal occasion and featured performances by Saint Lucia’s iconic Ronald Boo Hinkson and Barbara Cadet and others. Our Saint Lucian brothers and sisters in the Diaspora were not to be outdone, hosting a number of events celebrating our nationhood across the Caribbean, the United States, Canada and London. For the first time in our history, the celebrations will continue throughout the year and we urge all Saint Lucians to continue to be involved and participate fully in all of the events planned over the coming months. This colourful glossy Magazine continues to capture the spirit and pride of Saint Lucia and its people as we celebrate this special 40th Anniversary of Saint Lucia’s Independence. We wish to express our sincere thanks to all of the people who have played a part in making this publication a reality and trust you will enjoy reading. “ALL IN. Our Journey. Our Future”. Happy 40th Independence | 4

Saint Lucia’s 40th Anniversary of Independence Magazine Published by Advertising & Marketing Services Ltd.

Managing Editor

Lokesh Singh - lokesh@amscaribbean.com

Project Manager

Ashwini Singh - ashwini@amscaribbean.com

Editorial Contributors

Graphic Design

Tannel George | Carlisle Searles

Advertising Sales

Cennette Flavien - cennette@amscaribbean.com

Webmaster

Advertising & Marketing Services Ltd.

Photography

Cover Photography

Image 1; Jemy Altenor | Image 2, 3, and background; Bill Mortley | Image 4; Shaun Alcindor

Credits

We thank the Sponsors, Contributors and every one who has 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 40th Anniversary of Independence.

Editorial, Advertising, Design & Production

Advertising & Marketing Services P.O. Box 2003, Castries, Saint Lucia Tel: (758) 453-1149; Fax: (758) 453-1290 Reproduction of any material contained herein without written approval, constitutes a violation of copyright. © Advertising & Marketing Services Ltd. Castries, Saint Lucia April 2019

On The Cover:

Various images captured as part of Saint Lucia’s 40th Independence Anniversary celebrations.

The Libyan Embassy in Saint Lucia His Excellency Mr. Hisham Tayeb, the Chaegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; deâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Affairs of the Libyan Embassy to Saint Lucia participates in the 40th Anniversary Independence celebrations of Saint Lucia for the year 2019 and extends warmest congratulations to the Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet and the Minister for External Affairs Hon. Mrs. Sarah Libyan Embassy Saint Lucia Flood-Beaubrun, and he also conveys the The congratulations of the in President of the Presidency Council of the Government of National Accord, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the people of the state of Libya to the Government and people of Saint Lucia.

Quick facts about the state of Libya Location Major Cities Official Language Currency Economy Capital Religion Area Population

: North Africa : Benghazi, Misurata, Sabha : Arabic : Libyan dinar (LDY) : one of the largest producers of oil & natural gas. : Tripoli : Islam : 1,759,540 sq km. : 6,733,620 (2012) statistics

The Libyan Embassy in Saint Lucia was the first Arab African Embassy to be opened in Saint Lucia; the purpose of the Embassy is to strengthen the relations between the State of Libya and Saint Lucia and the member states of Eastern Caribbean in all fields.

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OUR OUR NATIONAL NATIONAL SYMBOLS SYMBOLS Our National Symbols

FLAG

The cerulean blue represents fidelity and epitomizes the sky and the sea, specifically the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea which encircle the island. The black and white stand for the cultural influences – a reference to the black and white races living and working harmoniously and in unity. The yellow symbolizes the prevailing sunshine, as well as prosperity while the triangles represent the island’s famous twin Pitons located in Soufriere. The flag was designed by native Saint Lucian artist Dunstan St Omer.

COAT OF ARMS The Saint Lucia Coat of Arms was designed by Sydney Bagshaw in 1967 and is an amalgamation of different symbols. The Tudor Rose represents the English influence on the island while the Fleur-de-lis represents the French influence. The small brown stool in the center of the shield is a symbol of the African heritage. The torch represents a beacon lighting the path and is flanked by two parrots, the Amazona Versicolor, our national bird. The national motto – The Land, The People, The Light – is found at the bottom.

AMAZONA VERSICOLOUR The Saint Lucia Parrot (Amazona versicolor) is predominantly green in colour, and typically has a cobalt blue forehead merging through turquoise to green on the cheeks and a scarlet breast. There are no visible diﬀerences between the two sexes. This parrot is endemic to Saint Lucia and is the country’s national bird.

CALABASH The Calabash is the national tree of Saint Lucia. It is a genus of six species and is otherwise known as crescentia, huingo, krabasi or kalebas. The species are small trees growing to 10 m (35 ft) tall, and producing large spherical fruits, with a thin, hard shell and soft pulp, up to 25 cm (10 in) in diameter. Calabash can be used for utensils, such as cups, bowls, basins and for carrying water or items, such as ﬁsh, when ﬁshing. It is also used by local artisans in craftwork and for creating accessories such as handbags.

LA MARGUERITE

LA ROSE

They emerged as winners of the National Flower Competition in September 1985. The national flowers are associated with the Flower Festivals. They are the symbols of the two flower societies of Saint Lucia – singing societies whose members are dedicated to the praising of those respective flowers. Each society has a patron saint on whose feast day the grande fete is celebrated – St. Rose of Lima on the 30th August; and that of St. Margaret Mary Alacocque on 17th October. Happy 40th Independence | 6

M & C Group of Companies

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OUR OUR NATIONAL NATIONAL PLEDGE PLEDGE & & ANTHEM ANTHEM Our National Pledge & Anthem

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.

ANTHEM

KWÉYÒL VERSION

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

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

Gone the times when nations battled for this Helen of the West. Gone the days when strife and discord, dimmed her children’s toil and rest. Dawns at last a brighter day, stretches out a glad new way.

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

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.

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!

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Bank of Saint Lucia

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“All In for Independence 40” Address From

Prime Minister Honourable Allen Michael Chastanet Happy 40th Independence Anniversary to All. Today is a day of celebration. It is also a day for earnest reflection. Those of us old enough to remember when we attained Independence in 1979, will also know the occasion was not without its challenges. On this day we can all look back with pride, keeping in mind our Founding Fathers who dared to dream of an Independent Saint Lucia. As proud citizens of Saint Lucia, and for the benefit of future generations, it is our duty to honour this great legacy. As we reflect on this journey, we must also keep in mind the things that bind us together: our faith, our values, our community, our shared accomplishments, our families. Together as one nation, we have achieved much. But we must admit there have been times when it seemed we had lost sight of our goals; our aspirations. We started to see ourselves as victims and in the process gave up control of our own destiny. Instead of sticking together as a small island threatened by a new world order, we permitted ourselves to turn on one another. To tear each other down. Only by standing together in pursuit of a common cause; only by holding on to our faith in ourselves, in our values, will we find the strength to take care of our country. Let us demonstrate, to ourselves and others, that we have not lost our ability to love, to care for one another as Saint Lucians. Let us also stop blaming others; let us instead acknowledge our own shortcomings. Only then will we be able to begin to overcome them. So here we are: An independent nation that has come through a period when our survival depended on the generosity of others who may not have shared our own priorities. Happy 40th Independence | 10

Now at 40, we have no choice but to accept our responsibilities, the first being to guarantee ourselves, and those who rely on us, a better now and tomorrow—regardless of impediments; come rain or shine. We can no longer afford to be distracted by small-mindedness and selfish considerations.

All In For Independence 40 - Address From Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet

Even as we celebrate our achievements, we must also look back on our shortcomings; on the past actions that made our national goals that much more difficult to achieve. We must now recognize the difference between difficult and impossible. With united determination, we can reverse negative trends and get back on the road to national fulfillment. It is never too late to recommit ourselves. We must be ready to pilot the restoration of the economic and social fortunes of our country. We are painfully aware that too many Saint Lucians are living in less than ideal circumstances. We need to provide proper health care for all our people; we need better housing; we need to establish an education system that meets the demands of the modern workplace. Above all, it will take a united effort between Government and all Saint Lucians to guarantee safety and security for all. Success will only be achieved if we work harder and smarter as a country. And we must do so, together. In my New Year’s address, I urged all Saint Lucians to turn our eyes collectively to the world outside; to witness what is

taking place, and to understand the need for us to fashion a nation that is ready and equipped to take its own place in this new international environment. This is why, the theme of this year’s Independence anniversary is a strong call to all Saint Lucians everywhere, to stand up and play our part in pushing our country forward. The message in the Independence song penned by Ronald Boo Hinkson, one of our inspiring national icons, could not be clearer. It says in part: “We’re all in the journey. Let’s shape and share a brighter future. This is a call to action, to every Saint Lucian. Lift one another, so we can progress together…” The truth is, we are stronger together. And we only do more damage to ourselves when we turn away from our neighbour in need. Recently, upon reflection on the theme which was chosen for Independence two years ago: “I am Saint Lucia”, I realized that although it was about instilling pride

in our individual Saint Lucian heritage; it missed a fundamental truth: “We are Saint Lucia.” No one is in this journey alone. Regardless of our colour, our gender, our age, together we own and must protect our country. The sooner we embrace that truth, the sooner we will achieve our national goals. We can start with the little things: • There is no reason we should be dumping garbage indiscriminately, tossing trash out of car windows, parking derelict vehicles anywhere we please, and paying no mind to our community members who roam the streets. • There is no reason why we should be allowing motorists to run riot in our capital blaring music, even on quiet Sundays. • There is no real reason why we should be resorting to physical aggression as a solution to disagreements. • There is no reason why we should steal from each other or take advantage of guests to our country. In all these things, we hurt ourselves. This is not who we are. We are the Saint Lucia of Sir Derek Walcott, who left us this message: “Break a vase, and the love that reassembles the fragments is stronger than that love which took its symmetry for granted when it was whole.”

Prime Minister Allen Chastanet and Mrs. Raquel Du Boulay - Chastanet with other officials at the Military Parade. Photo by Bill Mortley

Today, I say let Saint Lucia be that vase. Let the love that puts her back together be ever stronger. Let us no longer take Saint Lucia for granted; let us appreciate this blessing of an island we call home; let us also recognize our unsung heroes. • Our nurses, who attend to our sick at all hours whenever and wherever. • The coaches who volunteer their time to nurture our next generation of athletes, such as Mr. Cuthbert Modeste. • The teachers, such as the legendary Sister Claire. Let’s not forget Augusta Ifill, and Phillip “Ninja” Etienne, who have helped to educate generations and kept teaching

lessons after-school knowing that some parents will never be able to pay. • Our compassionate community heroes, who take care of our less fortunate and elderly, such as Mrs. Anista Brown who has been running a Soup Kitchen in Soufriere for several years and the Operators of Cornerstone Humanitarian Society, Mrs. Juliet Brathwaite and Mr. Desmond Phillip, who provide a safe haven for our homeless. These are just some of the people, who give of themselves every day; never asking for a thank you; never asking for anything in return. They use their individual strengths for the greater good and in the service of others; in service of country. Let us remember and recognize this Independence Day the everyday Saint Lucians, who go about their daily lives in spite of their individual hardships: • The mothers who worked all their lives to put a hot Bouyon on the family table. • The vendors who saved every dollar to put their children through school. • The dedicated farmers who gather the strength to plant and replant their crops even after devastating storms. • The fishermen who continue to venture out to sea, even after getting lost in the Atlantic. cont’d pg 12

(L to R) Hon. Edmund Estephane, Mrs. Raquel Du Boulay - Chastanet, Prime Minister Allen Chastanet and President of the Senate Ms. Jeannine Giraudy-McIntyre Photo by Bill Mortley

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• The bus driver who takes home that last load of passengers from the bus stop, even in the rain. • The hotel workers, without whom, we would never be named World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination. • The media personalities who have become legend: Rick Wayne, Tim Poleon, Dave Samuels, Primus Hutchinson, Winston Springer, Juk Bois; and the many others, who challenge us to be better leaders. • The Taxi Drivers who are great ambassadors for our country. • The sanitation workers who clean up the city in the wee morning hours. These are our soldiers of patriotism! These are the people to be celebrated. The everyday people who understand that Independence came with a responsibility to ourselves and to our country. Of course, Government has a role to play. But no Government can be successful without a people, united in the commitment to others, a devotion to charity, to duty and to patriotism. It’s that humility; that community spirit, that “All-In” mindset that strengthens us to work for the good of Saint Lucia. As we mark our 40th Anniversary, one important agenda item before our country is that of truly recognizing what our country is capable of. Just look at some of our achievements: two Nobel Laureates in one generation in Lewis and Walcott, outstanding medical doctors, engineers, public and private sector workers, sportsmen and women, musicians and artistes recognized internationally, legal luminaries, and a world heritage site. Is this not who we truly are capable of being? Innovators, builders and achievers? Let us make the choice to build a nation where we nurture our young talent, such as the next undiscovered Daren Sammy, Mindoo Phillip or Levern Spencer. Let us encourage and get behind the next Chef Nina, the next Jallim Eudovic. Just look at what young Mr. Dujon has been able to achieve by turning seaweed into fertilizer. We must as a nation get behind initiatives such as the Sports Academy and the After Happy 40th Independence | 12

Prime Minister Allen Chastanet and Mrs. Raquel Du Boulay Chastanet at the Prime Minister’s Independence Ball at Sandals Grande St. Lucian Resort

Schools Coaching Programmes. Where we can discover raw talent early on and give our young people an alternative to join clubs and not gangs. As a Government, we continue to call on Saint Lucians to rise up and take control of our destiny, to feel so inspired by the achievements of our outstanding sons and daughters that we begin to change course in our habits, attitudes and thinking and commit to higher principles and ideals of responsibility for our national development.

Photo by Bill Mortley

As a grown up nation of 40, we need to be bold and confident, to be disciplined, family-oriented, show maturity and above all remain humble. On this 40th Anniversary of our independence, let us as Saint Lucians make a solemn pledge to turn over a new leaf. Recognizing our ability as a small country to compete with the rest of the world. When people think of Saint Lucia we must be seen as innovators, a country of excellence, a nation that is peaceful and God-fearing.

We must make the next 40 years count! We must make the next year count and the year after that.

Let us get “All In”. Let us aspire to build a better Saint Lucia, so Saint Lucia can inspire the world.

There is still a lot of work to be done in the areas of crime, education, health care, agriculture, housing, environment, and in the eradication of poverty. But I am confident, now more than ever, that together we will solve these problems.

I once again wish all Saint Lucians, at home and abroad, Happy 40th Anniversary. May God bless you all, and may God continue to bless Saint Lucia. ¤

Saint Lucia Distillers

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Message From Senator Hon. Fortuna Belrose

Message From

Senator The Honourable Cathelina Fortuna Belrose Minister for Culture and Creative Industries

Dear Readers, Over the last three years, we have selected independence themes that caused us to reflect and focus on who we are as Saint Lucians. The Themes ‘the journey continues’ and ‘I am Saint Lucia’, sought to keep us in perspective as we sailed towards this major milestone of 40 years as an independent nation. This year’s theme, “All In: our journey, our future”, is a natural and seamless progression and call to action for every Saint Lucian to demonstrate their patriotism, find their passion and inspire those around them to become involved in the development of our country. To become and remain involved requires adherence to some fundamental principles, some of which include: • having the right attitude for team work • learning the value of respect to and for our fellow men • believing in the golden rule of doing unto others as we would have them do unto us • believing in giving and taking and working out the best solution • Not biting the hand that feeds us and believing that everything will be alright • Being prepared to work • Acknowledging that there is no free ticket to lunch and success • Being committed and disciplined to reap the rewards that we aspire to • Believing in our ability to be innovative and continually striving for excellence We are confident that once our citizens adhere to these basic principles, then the vision, as outlined by the Prime Minister of our nation, will be realized. We certainly thank him for his unwavering support, belief and commitment to our country. Special thanks must be extended to the Independence Committee, under the able leadership of President of the Senate Hon. Jeannine Giraudy-McIntyre and the staff of all the agencies that continue to work towards the delivery of the yearlong celebrations. We also want to highlight the contribution of the National Youth Council and all our young people who have demonstrated their passion and love for country during the celebrations thus far. I trust that the Good Lord will continue to guide us as we each find our purpose for being born into this land so that we can continue to be ALL IN long after the celebration is over.

Happy 40th.¤

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Message From

Message From Hon. Jeannine Giraudy-McIntyre

Hon. Jeannine Giraudy-McIntyre

Chairperson 40th Anniversary Independence Committee Committee Secretariat, Parliament Office

It was with great pleasure that I accepted the post of Chairperson of the newly appointed Committee for our 40th Anniversary of Independence. I wondered how was I going to be the heart and will of this Committee but I need not have feared because I was blessed with an industrious, hardworking team. Our mandate was clear. The celebrations must be different, grand, all inclusive and must provide economic spin offs for as many persons as possible. I was certain of our patriotism! All we needed was an opportunity or occasion to display our national pride. Our committee set to work on a yearlong program of celebrations that would reflect our journey and unite us for a brighter future. With this in mind, the theme for Independence 40 was born.

All In Our journey, Our future For months, the Independence Committee worked on ideas and concepts that eventually spawned the events and activities the population is now enjoying. There were budgets, meetings, sub-committee reports, logistics, egos to manage or massage, constant public queries and demands, personnel to manage, agencies and stakeholders with which to consult, purchase orders to make, productions to oversee, infrastructure to build, persons to placate, proposals and tenders to consider, contracts to vet, government bureaucracy to maneuver, too many decisions to make and time was of the essence. But the rigorous preparation soon bore fruit. The Saint Lucia Diaspora, skillfully integrated by our social media team of millennials, (a first of its kind for Independence celebrations) and the public and private sector worked hand in hand and eventually the Independence 40 Calendar listed a myriad of events and activities (thus far 150) in sports, drama, creative, the arts, debating, tourism, agriculture, crafting, fishing, industry and commerce, entertainment, pageantry and mentoring.

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The religious community started off the year with community prayers and fasting, culminating in ecumenical services in five (5) districts, followed by calypso shows, Independence pageants, fun walks, Strides of Unity baton run, creative military parades, folk dance and music extravaganzas, a spectacular flag raising and fireworks display, a dramatic stage production, a grand Independence parade, various community activities and more. The best of Saint Lucia was brought to Saint Lucians and we turned up en masse to witness and participate in the activities. We have many more activities to enjoy for the rest of the year. Independence has clearly brought us self-governance, autonomy over our political, social and economic affairs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; freedom to make choices as a nation. Our research, especially through social media reveals that our youth are eager, grasping for opportunities to move steadily into the future. I proffer the view that Independence has caused us to define ourselves. What we have always offered the world is our uniqueness. Sir Arthur Lewis, as a citizen of a small state offered economic theories for developing countries. Sir Derek Walcott offered an epic poem of a fisherman from Gros Islet and the world applauded their Saint Lucian-ness. I take this opportunity to acknowledge and praise Team Independence 40 for its dedication and hard work! It has been a rewarding experience; a mixture of long hours, occasional frustration, and sheer joy! If nothing else, let us remember that moving forward in godliness and unity are the best ingredients for a brighter future. Happy Independence! Â¤

CPJ St. Lucia

Happy 40th Independence Saint Lucia

CPJ St. Lucia

Cul-De-Sac, Castries Tel: 1 (758) 458-7551 | Fax: 1 (758) 451-5148 | custsvc@slupj.com | www.cpj.com

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Powering Saint Lucia’s Independence Throughout its history, St. Lucia Electricity Services Limited (LUCELEC) has grown to meet Saint Lucia’s electricity needs and power the country’s development. Perhaps the greatest manifestation of this has been in the 40 years since independence. years ago maximum demand for electricity was 10.6 megaLUCELEC - Powering Saint40 Lucia’s Independence

watts (MW). LUCELEC was operating two power plants – one at Union and another at Vieux Fort with a total generating capacity of 14.7 MW. Some will recall the regular and fairly long power outages in the early 80s. But the company has emerged from those early challenges and grown into a model of utility operations second to none in the region. This transition had its genesis in the 80s with the push to develop the human resource base as the company prepared for expansion to meet the needs of a rapidly developing economy. The commissioning of the Cul De Sac power station in 1990 with 2 engines and a total generating capacity of 12.6 megawatts was a major milestone in that developmental push. Another was in 1994 when the company was privatised through the sale of shares to the public and a new corporate identity, culture, mission and vision was created that would promote self-sufficiency, efficiency, and reward investors. This would begin an era of significant expansion of the transmission and distribution electricity infrastructure around the island and the introduction of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system that allows 24/7 remote monitoring of Saint Lucia’s electrical grid. These enhancements would lead to improved reliability of the electricity system. For customers that meant fewer and shorter power outages.

Today, maximum demand for electricity is 61.7 MW and LUCELEC’s total generating capacity is 88.4 MW. This includes an 86.2MW diesel-powered generation facility at Cul De Sac comprising 10 engines and a 2.2 MW standby facility at Belle Plaine in Soufriere. The infrastructure also includes a 3MW solar farm at La Tourney in Vieux Fort, seven substations, 73 miles of 66kV transmission lines and 2,566 miles of 11kV distribution lines and an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) that bring electricity to our customers. These technical improvements have been matched with training opportunities to develop a highly skilled workforce that is 100% Saint Lucian and the backbone of the Company’s ability to meet the demand for electricity. As Saint Lucia celebrates 40 years of Independence, LUCELEC knows what was true then, remains true today. A modern, efficient, reliable and cost effective electricity infrastructure is critical to Saint Lucia’s development aspirations. LUCELEC has made significant investments in modern technology in recent years to upgrade key systems to lay the foundation for a smarter grid for managing the energy environment of the future. The new smart grid platform allows LUCELEC to remotely reconfigure the system Happy 37th 40th Independence | 18

when faults occur, significantly reducing fault finding and response times and the length of outages. It also allows the integration of renewable energy systems (roof top or utility scale solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, wind, geothermal or other technologies) for distributed energy resource management and micro grid management. Together with an advanced Geographic Information System and smart meters, the upgraded technology will facilitate real time outage detection, wireless fault location, and improved data collection, monitoring and alert capabilities. Similarly, investments in renewable energy are in keeping with LUCELEC’s commitment to the modernisation of the electricity sector and ensuring the success of the next generations of St. Lucians. The Government of Saint Lucia has committed to having thirty-five percent (35%) of the country’s demand for electricity being met by renewable energy by 2025 to offset the country’s dependence on imported fossil fuels. In working towards that goal LUCELEC established a 3MW utility-scale solar farm located in La Tourney, Vieux-Fort that began feeding the grid in April 2018. The solar farm built on a pilot project LUCELEC began in 2009 to introduce small scale grid-tied solar systems into the energy mix for Saint Lucia. As of the end of December 2018, there were 101 such systems feeding just over 800kW to the grid. And LUCELEC is working with the National Utilities Regulatory Commission (NURC) to facilitate the integration of more such systems into the grid. LUCELEC is also working on developing battery (energy) storage facilities, a 12 MW wind farm, and additional utility scale solar. If all goes according to plan, LUCELEC expects to have a total of

31 MW of renewable energy and 9 MW of battery storage by 2023. Very shortly in 2019, the company will install several charging stations for electric vehicles around the island. These renewable energy investments and plans are consistent with the National Energy Transition Strategy (NETS) designed by the Government of Saint Lucia and LUCELEC with the assistance of international, independent consultants. The NETS is a “road map” for the electricity future of Saint Lucia. It outlines the economically optimal electricity system for the country made up of solar, wind, energy storage, energy eﬃciency, and existing diesel generation. It merges the expertize LUCELEC has developed in delivering electricity with the Government’s policy agenda and is premised on reliability (meaning there’s always electricity when you need it); cost containment (so that energy costs remain aﬀordable); and energy independence (that is, we’re not relying only on imported diesel to generate electricity). As the electricity industry moves towards a green future, LUCELEC is delivering the supporting infrastructure to facilitate this. LUCELEC’s Managing Director Trevor Louisy says this is a fundamental aspect of the company’s philosophy. “Our vision is to be the energy that powers our nation’s success. To achieve that we must, of necessity, be thinking about not just the next 5, 10 or 15 years or just about electricity and energy, but very importantly about the country - what it will take to achieve the success that we’re looking for as a people, and the legacy and foundations that we are building and contributing to for the next several generations of St. Lucians. It’s our future. We’re completely invested in it. We’re all in.”

LUCELEC

Happy 40th Saint Lucia!

ALL IN

OUR JOURNEY OUR FUTURE Happy 40th Independence | 19

8 PRIME MINISTERS IN

YEARS

6 4 2

8 Prime Ministers in 40 Years

5 3 1 - The Right Honourable Sir John George Melvin Compton

Called the ‘Father of the Nation,’ Sir John led Saint Lucia from Associated Statehood into Independence (1964-1979). He assumed the Prime Ministership of the newly Independent nation Saint Lucia on February 22, 1979 serving until July that year when the ruling United Workers Party (UWP) was ousted by the Sir Allen Louisy-led Saint Lucia Labour Party. Sir John began his second tenure in office in 1982, succeeding Prime Minister Michael “Mikey” Pilgrim. Sir John served three terms over thirteen years, triumphing in the 1987 and 1992 General Elections (two General Elections were held in 1992). He remained in office until 1996 when he resigned just prior to the scheduled 1997 General Elections. Sir John’s third and final tenure in office began in 2006 at the age of 80 after his UWP unseated the Dr. Kenny Anthony-led government. Prime Minister Compton passed away a year later in 2007.

2 - Sir Allan Louisy

Sir Allan Louisy entered office in 1979 though he was elected to Parliament in 1974. He remained in office until 1981, when during a period of political unrest on the island, Prime Minister Louisy’s government was defeated by a ‘No Confidence’ motion causing him to resign.

3 - Winston Cenac

Winston Cenac, who was the AttorneyGeneral under the Louisy Administration, succeeded Sir Allen Louisy and served as Prime Minister for about eight months from May 1981 to January 1982. He too demitted office during a period of political unrest. The collapse of the SLPled Government required Prime Minister Cenac to resign from the post. Happy 40th Independence | 20

4 - Michael “Mikey” Pilgrim

After Prime Minister Cenac’s resignation in 1982, an Interim Government led by Michael “Mikey” Pilgrim was brokered by the Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce and the Roman Catholic Church. Prime Minister Pilgrim served for four months before General Elections were called. He demitted office after his party was defeated at the polls.

7- Stephenson King

Prime Minister Dr. Vaughn Lewis was a new political inductee when he took up office in 1996. Sir John had resigned ahead of the 1997 General Elections. Dr. Lewis, the former founding Director General of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), had a short-lived tenure after his UWP Government was defeated in 1997 by the Dr. Kenny Anthony-led SLP.

Stephenson King was elected as the first President of the UWP’s Youth Arm in 1981. He entered elective politics in 1987, defeating former Prime Minister Michael Pilgrim and Oswald Augustin for the Castries North-East constituency. He served as Cabinet member under the Sir John-led administration for that term. Following the UWPs defeat in 1997, King took a sabbatical from elective politics until he returned in 2006 securing a victory in Castries North. After Sir John passed in 2007, Prime Minister Stephenson King was sworn into office. In December 2011 the King-led UWP lost the General Elections resulting in Dr. Kenny Anthony returning to the helm of Government.

6 - Dr. Kenny D. Anthony

8 - Allen Chastanet

5 - Dr. Vaughn Lewis

Kenny D. Anthony served as a Special Advisor and later, as a member of Cabinet under the Allan Louisy regime. He was a employed at the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat from 1995 before returning to Saint Lucia to become political leader of the SLP. Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony led the SLP to victory over his predecessor in 1997. He served for two consecutive five-year terms (1997-2001 and 2001-2006). He returned to office in December 2011 until June 2016 when he was defeated by the Allen Chastanet-led UWP. The defeat prompted Dr. Anthony to resign as political leader of the SLP.

Allen Chastanet served as Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation during Sir John’s third return to office in 2006. He was elected political leader of the UWP in 2013 and led the party to victory in the 2016 General Elections. He is the 7th elected Prime Minister of Saint Lucia. Note: Sir John Compton and Dr. Kenny D. Anthony were the longest serving Prime Ministers of Saint Lucia and the only two to hold office more than once.

1st National Bank

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Dame Pearlette Louisy

Sir George Mallet

6 Governor Generals in 40 Years

Sir Stanislaus James

Sir Neville Cenac

Boswell Williams

Sir Allen Lewis

6 6 Governors Governors General General In In 40 40 Years Years Sir Allen Lewis

Saint Lucia’s first Governor General was an acclaimed jurist and the first Chief Justice of the West Indies Associated States Supreme Court. He is brother to Saint Lucia’s first Nobel Laureate Sir Arthur Lewis. Sir Allen Lewis was initially appointed at Independence in 1979 but was replaced shortly after the July elections that year. He began his second tenure in 1982 and served as Head of State until 1987. He was succeeded by Sir Stanislaus James.

Boswell Williams

Boswell Williams, a popular local legal advocate, was installed as Head of State following the July 1979 General Elections. He served until December 1982, resigning amidst a crucial period in Saint Lucia’s history – the rejection of Prime Minister Allan Louisy’s budget proposal. He was replaced by Sir Allen Lewis.

Sir Stanislaus James

Sir Allen Lewis was succeeded by Sir Stan James in 1988, serving until 1996. Sir Stan was a retired public servant who served in the fields of education and administration.

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Sir George Mallet

Former political leader George Mallet was given the mantle of Head of State from 1996 to 1997. He was a veteran businessman and Cabinet member in the Sir John-led postindependence government.

Dame Pearlette Louisy

Former educator Dame Calliopa Pearlette Louisy is the longest serving Head of State in the Commonwealth (1997-2017). She resigned as Governor General in 2017 after twenty years of service. She is Saint Lucia’s first female Governor General and the first of her post to be consistently retained in the post by both the SLP and UWP Administrations.

Sir Neville Cenac

Former foreign minister under the UWP (1987-1992) Emmanuel Neville Cenac succeeded Dame Pearlette Louisy in 2018. Sir Neville served as Opposition Leader in 1982 for the SLP and President of the Senate from 1993-1997. ¤

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We were always fighting! The early native people migrated from South America and occupied the whole island. As later comers arrived from Europe, the original inhabitants welcomed them as transients, but fought against them if they tried to settle. The native people fought against the British in 1605 and 1639 and later against the French in 1654. In time the later arrivals, French and British, fought each other over colonial mastery of the island. The Saint Lucians, now expanded to include Europeans and Africans who identified with the island as their belonging place, fought for their home.

Our History: We Were Always Fighting

Battle of Native people against the English, 1605

Our History:

We Were Always Fighting By Gregor Williams

Our Saint Lucian poet Sir Derek Walcott in his provocative poem, “The Sea is History”, challenged us with the opening lines, Where are your monuments, your battles, martyrs? Where is your tribal memory?

Saint Lucians were always skilled at recognising useful alliances. They avoided the Spanish, who seemed to be coming to stay, but were friendly towards those who only needed wood and water for their ships. When the English sailors in 1605 showed signs of wanting to take over the Saint Lucians fought and expelled them. The main rivals for Saint Lucia were the French and the British. The most intense conflicts between the French and British were those of the American War of Independence and the French Revolution. The foreign navies brought the foreign armies to fight. The Saint Lucians embraced the liberte egalite fraternite of the French Revolution, so they allied themselves with revolutionary France against royalist France and the British. Slaves escaped and pillaged the plantations. The maroons caused major problems for the royalist French governor, the Baron de Laborie.

Saint Lucians love fighting, but then Saint Lucians have always had to fight. Saint Lucia’s history has been intertwined mainly with French and British histories. However, the intense involvement of the island in military activity connects its history to that of others in addition, to Central and South America, to other islands of the Caribbean, and to the United States. The island was one of the most fought over islands of the Caribbean, particularly between the French and the English. The French were the first colonisers in an interlude that lasted 152 years. The British colonial occupation lasted 181 years including sixteen years of military occupation. The Saint Lucians, those who identify with this island, have been fighting on and on for the island for at least 2000 years, with written evidence from the early arrival of Europeans in the Caribbean. Walcott asked, “Where is your tribal memory?” We hide it! Happy 40th Independence | 24

Sir Derek Walcott at Walcott House

The results of the fighting in Saint Lucia have not been recognised. The occupation of Saint Lucia by British troops from 1778 to 1783 tied down the best British regiments stationed on the island. This forced the British to use less dedicated mercenary troops in the American war and contributed to the Americans winning their independence from Britain. Two major guerrilla wars took place. In the first one, 1794 to 1795 the population, free people and maroons, fought against the British. In the other, 1796 to 1797, maroons and slaves, freed earlier by the French Revolutionary government in Paris in 1794, fought to a standstill. The Commander of British troops in Saint Lucia during the famous battle of 1796 admitted to the French Commander whom he met after the fighting during the French Revolutionary War that the long defense of Saint Lucia prevented him from carrying out his task of defeating the French in Haiti and contributed to the end of slavery there and subsequently everywhere in the Americas. British sovereignty was formalised at the Treaty of Paris in 1814 after which there was no more military fighting over Saint Lucia. Some years after emancipation, free people

Monument to Jean Baptiste Bideau, Bideau Park, Castries Photo - Gregor Williams

rebelled and rioted against the British over the obligation to maintain the roads and over land tax. Later strikes and riots in the Mabouya Valley, Roseau and Cul de Sac ended the abuses of the sugar companies and planters.

Today we fight each other in our politics. Who are we now? The last time we reflected on that question two years ago we celebrated “I am Saint Lucia” in our Independence celebrations. We decided that we were Saint Lucia! Is it still so? Are we still prepared to fight for what is important to us? ¤

RBC

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Evolution of Women Before and After Independence

By Paula Calderon

I recall traveling to Ghana in 1994 when I had the opportunity to visit their Museum which showed the history of the African Slave Trade. It was then I realized that most of our slave trade came from West Africa, Ghana being one of the main countries. I knew little of slave women then, only what I read, that women had to be available twenty-four hours a day when the “Massa” called, working very hard both in the field and at home. Before Independence, women in Saint Lucia spent most of their time at home – raising their children, cleaning the house, cooking and ironing. The Grandmothers also took on the role of mentoring their grandkids. Men were the “breadwinners”, and participated in all aspects of our culture, sports and politics. The extended family was paramount with women being the glue that kept the family together. We lived in an era of values, morals, and integrity which shaped our children and these values formed the basis of our society. Over time women needed to go out to work to help the family financially. They were given the menial jobs with little pay and even if women had the same job as men, their pay was substantially lower, and in most cases, they were not allowed to do the jobs that men performed. You will recall in the early days the women standing majestically one after the other in long lines carrying bananas on their heads to the ships in the Castries harbor. Women were very involved in the Agriculture sector at that time. By the twentieth century Saint Lucian women had become educated, and realizing their ability, moved from agriculture to jobs in other commercial sectors. Then came Women’s Rights which became a huge international fight for equal rights; the right for gender equality in education, work, health, and sport, the right to decide if and when they wanted children, the right for equal pay, the right to own property, and to live free of discrimination. With the introduction of technology, computers, cell phones, and the new social media frenzy of Facebook, Snap Chat, Facetime, the development of women took off with women surpassing the men in Saint Lucia owning their own homes and businesses, engaging in more sporting activities, politics and taking up leadership roles. Congratulations to the women of Saint Lucia with 52 percent of our women owning businesses and in leadership positions ranking third in the world after Jamaica and Colombia. While men still maintain the majority of the leadership of most institutions, women have now taken centerstage in achieving these roles. Women acquired the right to be Members of Parliament and be involved in the life of politics, however it was not until 1974 a woman entered into the political arena of Saint Lucia and became a Member of Parliament.

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Evolution of Women

Mrs. Ives Heraldine Rock, MBE, JP – created history in 1974 by becoming the first woman to be elected as a Member of Parliament, appointed to the post of a Minister of Government and became a member of the Cabinet of Saint Lucia. Apart from her involvement in politics, she was a farmer, an active social worker and a leading personality within the women’s movement.

Since that time many women have evolved as politicians. Menissa Rambally, Sarah FloodBeaubrun, Lilia Haracksingh, Jeannine Compton-Antoine, Emma Hippolyte, Alvina Reynolds and Dr. Gale TC Rigobert. Other iconic women who have impacted the history of Saint Lucia include: Euralis Ethel Therese Bouty, MBE – affectionately known as “BOOTS” was involved in many areas of society. She served as the first female President of the Carnival Development Committee and was well known for her Carnival bands. ‘Boots’ was the founder and first President of the Saint Lucia Netball Association serving in that capacity for twenty-five years until her retirement. She was also active in the Flower Festivals. Suzie Agnes-Ida d’Auvergne CMG, SLMH, LL.B. (Hon) – Justice Suzie d’Auvergne was respected for her delivery of justice. She became the first Saint Lucian born female to be made a Magistrate in her home town. On September 1st 1988 she was appointed the first ever Solicitor-General of Saint Lucia. Her dream of becoming a Judge was fulfilled when she was appointed Puisne Judge of the Eastern Caribbean States. Iona Erlinger-Ford, SLMH, MBE – was very active in women’s community organizations and was the leading voice calling for the elimination of violence against women and children with her efforts subsequently leading to the formation of the Crisis Center. Erlinger-Ford was also very involved in the tourism Industry in her early years as Managing Director of the first Beach Hotel – the Blue Waters at Vigie.

Acynthia Francis Auguste, SLPM – “Auntie Popo” as she was known by all was one of the most electrifying netball players of her day. She was involved not in playing but also in the Administration of the game. She became involved in Cricket which won the interisland championship tournament five consecutive years spanning 1998-2002. H.E. Dame Calliopa Pearlette Louisy, GCSL, GCMG, Ph.D, LL.D, (Hon) FRSA – is the first female and longest serving Governor General in Saint Lucia’s history. Having spent most of her professional life as a teacher including being the Principal of the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, Dame Pearlette Louisy contributed significantly to the development of education and culture in Saint Lucia and currently serves as the Chair of the Annual Nobel Laureates Celebrations. Dr. Charmaine Gardner – is currently the Managing Director of Carasco & Sons Ltd. She is a former President of the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce and the Caribbean Association of Industry and Commerce. She served as President of the Saint Lucia Senate, President of 1st National Bank of St. Lucia Ltd and Chairperson of the Cave Hill School of Business at the University of the West Indies. Dr. Gardner is the recipient of the St. Lucia Medal of Honor and an Honorary Doctor of Laws, LLD was conferred on her by the University of the West Indies. Joyce Destang – a former school teacher, became an Entrepreneur investing in a Fabric Store and moving into Real Estate. She later entered the hospitality industry with the launch of Bay Gardens Hotel at Rodney Bay. She has since created a chain of Hotels under the Bay Gardens Brand making her the largest local investor in the hotel industry. Joyce Destang is a successful Saint Lucian and should be admired by all for moving into an area dominated by men. She is a member of the St. Lucia Hotel & Tourism Association and was granted “Ordinary Officer of the Civil Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire” for her dedicated services to Saint Lucia’s Tourism Industry.

Dame Marie Selipha Descartes, DBE, BEM – best known as Sesenne, was a Saint Lucian singer and cultural icon. Singing in her native patois language, at a time when authorities barred its use, Sesenne developed a wide following in the rural area in which she grew up. Patronage by Saint Lucia’s first woman legislator led to the singer’s “discovery” by a cultural preservationist, who in turn introduced Sesenne to an American anthropologist to make recordings of her songs.The recordings were played on the radio, leading to her being selected to be one of the representatives for St. Lucia at the CARIFTA Expo in 1969. Her performance won the competition and many accolades followed. She was inducted into the Caribbean Broadcasting Union Music Hall of Fame and designated as St. Lucia’s “Queen of Culture”, in addition to having many other awards bestowed upon her. Other Iconic Saint Lucian women of note are: Marie Grace Augustin, Denise Joyce Auguste, Agatha Jn Panel, Catherine Francoise Joseph, Rumelia Veronica Elwin, Marcella Jeanne Niles and Lucille Arlington Lorde. This list is by no means exhaustive. We should be proud of our Saint Lucian women who stand tall as our standard bearers and encourage the development of the next generation of women to follow their lead by making selfless and valuable contributions to the economic, social and cultural development of our beautiful and beloved Saint Lucia. ¤ About the Author Paula Allayson Calderon, SLPM, JP Paula has made a formidable contribution to the national development of Saint Lucia. She has displayed leadership and dedication to service which distinguishes her as a shining example of a successful businesswoman and Community Leader who is always ready to assist others. She is a Queens Guide and the first female recipient of the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award; being presented with an Insignia by Prince Phillip in 1975 at the first Caribbean Gold Award Conference. She is the recipient of a Les Piton Gold Award, highlighted in the 2009 edition of Iconic Saint Lucians and was inducted into the Iyanola Hall of Fame. She has served as President of the St. Lucia Manufacturer’s Association; Founder and President of the St. Lucia Sickle Cell Association for 30 years; President of the Caribbean Sickle Cell Association and is currently the Managing Director of Caribbean Awning Production Ltd. Happy 40th Independence | 27

Map of Saint Lucia 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

Map of Saint Lucia

Lushan Country Life

Bel Jou Hotel

La Haut Resort

Rabot Estate Tet Paul Nature Trail

Gros Piton Trail

Attractions

Happy 40th Independence | 28

ATV Paradise Tours

The National Archives gives lectures to schools and other non-proﬁt groups.

User Services

Her Excellency Dame Pearlette Louisy, Hon. Derek Walcott & National Archivist Mrs. Margot Thomas

National Archives staff

th Happy 40 Independence Saint National Archives Authoriy of Saint LuciaLucia Archives Publications

National Gallery; Paid Tours Available Research Library

General Research can be conducted on any aspect of Saint Lucia’s history using primary sources such as government files and secondary sources including periodicals, books, newspapers and more. This is a free service.

Genealogical Centre

Patrons can access primary sources including civil status, and land registers. Because of the fragility of these records, only Archives staff can access the information. Searches can be conducted for records pertaining to birth, death, marriage, wills and deeds. Family research can be conducted and family trees constructed. This is a paid service.

• Twin Peaks of Excellence: Saint Lucia’s Nobel Laureates • From Slavery to Freedom: Some aspects of the impact of slavery on Saint Lucia • Paintings and Profiles: National Portrait Gallery of Saint Lucia • Pioneers and Forerunners: Saint Lucia’s First Ladies

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES COLLECTION

The collection consists of government files, registers, photographs, portraits, paintings, plans and maps. The 1787 Le Fort de Tour map is the oldest record. There are deeds dating back to 1807. There is also a newspaper collection from the 1800’s - present.

P.O. Box 3060 Clarke Avenue, Vigie Castries, Saint Lucia Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. •

Tel: (758) 452-1654 / 453-2519 Fax: (758) 453-1405

Email: stlunatarch_mt@candw.lc

Friday 8:30 to 2:00 p.m

Cultural Development Foundation

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Saint Lucia 40 Years of Independence

Saint Lucia - 40 Years of Independence

By Richard Peterkin In the excitement of celebrations leading up to Saint Lucia’s 40th Anniversary of Independence on February 22nd, 2019 it was easy to forget nagging reminders as to the extent of our development over the last 40 years, and whether we have made the progress that was promised and hoped for when we became an independent country in 1979. This article looks back at the four decades since independence, and asks the rhetorical question that children shout from the back seat of the car as they are driven on journeys to somewhere new and exciting – “are we there yet”? Psychologists have long established that a person must go through three stages of development to reach full maturation; Dependence, Independence and Interdependence. There are also four stages before a person, or a country reaches middle age; Infancy and childhood, adolescence, young adulthood and middleage adulthood. I will attempt to use these stages in looking at Saint Lucia’s decades of development since Independence to determine what progress Helen of the West Indies has made over the years.

Infancy

Before we attained Independence in 1979 Helen was a self-governing country in internal affairs, with Britain remaining in charge of external matters and defense. The Happy 40th Independence | 32

road to Independence was traumatic and politically divisive. The country and the region were going through a philosophical and ideological struggle to determine the best way to govern and develop a small island-state, after the collapse of the West Indies Federation in 1962, and the subsequent failure of efforts to set up a Federation among “The Little Eight”. Like an unwed single mother, Britain was eager to dump Helen, and she went through a difficult labor of protracted and acrimonious contractions before she was eventually granted Independence on February 22nd, 1979. In the process she missed her due date of December 13th, St. Lucy’s Day and the day we still celebrate as our National Day. It was a difficult birth, epitomized by political instability, a declining economy and social incohesion. While he led us into Independence, the father of the Nation, Sir John Compton, would ruefully admit later that Independence was not his first choice. Helen’s delivery in 1979 was followed by a change of administrations after elections on July 2nd, 1979. We then had a population of about 115,000 a GDP (at current prices) of approximately EC$351M and a GDP per capita of only EC$3,052. The economy stagnated despite improvements in the tourist industry and a modest rise in manufacturing output. After a six-week strike of civil servants early in the year, and a work stoppage at the Hess Oil site, retroactive wage increases of between 25% and 70% were enacted and the Government’s fiscal position deteriorated. The unemployment rate was 13%, inflation was 13% and Bank lending rates were high due to the tight liquidity. It was a rough infancy for baby Helen, and the worst was yet to come. The only bright spot on the economy was the growth in tourist arrivals, which stretched existing hotel capacity to its limit, with annual occupancy rates of 85%. In addition, because of the availability of large amounts of concessional financing through the UK independence contribution,

the national debt and debt service was favorable. The greatest achievement of the year, however, was the receipt by native son Sir Arthur Lewis, of the Nobel Prize, in Economics, for his work on and abiding interest in economic development. In doing so he became the first Saint Lucian and person of African descent to receive a Nobel Prize in a category other than peace. His accomplishments were monumental and will remain visible and significant long after all of us are gone. In most other respects, 1979 was an anus horribilis, and Helen’s difficult infancy continued for the next three years. In August 1980, Hurricane Allen wiped out her Banana industry, then the mainstay of our economy, and caused considerable damage to the island’s infrastructure. Political divisions within the newly elected Saint Lucia Labor Party (SLP) led to political unrest, which culminated in fresh elections in 1982 and the return of John Compton, the leader of the United Workers Party (UWP), as Prime Minister. One interesting footnote during this period was the rare unity of national institutions, including the church, opposition political parties, the trade unions, the private sector and concerned citizens, in calling and marching for an end to the political turbulence. This has never happened since.

Sir Arthur Lews

Childhood Helen’s childhood was a lot happier. From 1982 to 1990, the economy and political stability improved, and Bananas became green gold as the industry boomed following the losses suffered under Hurricane Allen. The industry provided employment for about 10,000 Saint Lucian farmers and at one point earned up to EC$87.6M for our local economy. Banana exports reached as high as 182,000 tons annually, representing as much as 70 % of export income. Government implemented a long-term development program aimed at creating a diversified economic structure and gaining access to foreign markets. There was extensive public sector investment, as well as private and public foreign assistance and investment. The main productive sectors were agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing, which provided 14.2%, 9.6%, and 7.3 % of GDP. The national economy still depended on the agricultural sector for most of its foreign exchange, but gains were made in developing the manufacturing sector, as well as growing the tourist industry.

By 1989 Helen’s GDP had grown to EC$1.13B, and with a population approximately 135,000 the GDP per capita had increased to EC$8,400. The unemployment rate was still stubbornly high at 17%, with youth unemployment at 32%, but inflation had reduced to 4.4% and Government’s fiscal position had strengthened during the decade. Economic growth was robust, and the national debt and debt service was well within prudential levels. Bank lending rates had reduced to an average of 10% due to improved liquidity and the IMF economic growth forecast was positive, despite concerns for the future of the Banana industry. Notwithstanding the improvements in the economy during the 1980s, when scheduled elections were held on April 6th, 1987 the governing party (UWP) won only 9 of the 17 seats to the House of Parliament. Prime Minister John Compton was disappointed with the results and ignored the advice of unpaid consultants at the time, who indicated that the results were not due to low voter turnout. The Prime Minister called early elections, which were held on

Saint Lucian Farmer 30 April, 1987 in order to try to increase the party’s majority. Although the UWP’s share of the vote rose to 53.2%, the SLP retained their eight seats, prompting the Government to adopt unorthodox tactics to entice one elected opposition member to cross the floor and join the UWP.

Adolescence Adolescence typically describes the years between ages 13 and 19 and can be considered the transitional stage from childhood to adulthood. Following a reasonably happy childhood, Independent Helen looked forward with optimism to her teenage years, but this optimism was shortlived. Helen’s banana industry was troubled by uncertainty and crisis during the 1990s. The World Trade Organization (WTO) ruled in 1995 that the European Union (EU) went against free trade legislation by giving preference to Caribbean banana exports. The banana industry lost its most profitable fruit market and with low prices and declining exports, many farmers abandoned banana cultivation. The government-supported St. Lucia Banana Growers’ Association was bankrupted in 1994 under rumors of corruption, and the dramatic fall in banana earnings caused unrest in the Banana industry, and demands by farmers for Government intervention to provide better prices to growers. Although the Government and the industry had been warned well in advance about the global threats to the industry, not enough was done to cushion the impact of low prices and reduced demand from traditional export markets. Incited farmers and sympathizers took to the streets, threatening strikes and blockades of the main highway, and two

young farmers lost their lives during one of the protests in 1993. The tourism industry continued to grow, with increased arrivals and investment in new and existing hotels. During the 1990s the international cruise ship industry aggressively promoted the Caribbean region and increased the number of cruise ships to 71. Cruise ship passenger arrivals in Saint Lucia spiked, even though the contribution to overall visitor expenditure

Banana Cultivation

was significantly less than expenditure by stay-over visitors. The Sandals group of Companies purchased the Cunard La Toc hotel in 1992 and the Halcyon Beach hotel in 1993, giving Saint Lucia considerably more marketing clout and airlift for the destination. Tourism strengthened its position as the biggest industry and foreign exchange earner in Saint Lucia. Manufacturing remained in the doldrums. The Sir Arthur Lewis model of industrialization by invitation, aided by generous fiscal incentives and the construction of factory shells in the 1980s, had attracted investments in the assembly of clothing and light electronics, but these industries failed to generate the levels of jobs and skills that had been hoped, and many foreign companies found it difficult to compete with similar operations in countries with lower wages than Saint Lucia. Helen was aware that this was not a failure of the development model envisaged by Sir Arthur Lewis. He had pointed out in the 1980s that “the principal errors of omission and commission…have prevented the developing countries from fully exploiting their economic potential”. He strongly advised that countries like Saint Lucia needed to get the balance of industry Happy 40th Independence | 33

and agriculture right, by getting on top of population growth early, recognizing the duality of the modern urban sector, understanding that foreign exchange can be a separate bottleneck in economic growth, and improving the condition of the poor. The dramatic collapse of the Banana industry, and the decline in economic development had an inevitable consequence on the political governance of fair Helen. While John Compton and the UWP had won a renewed mandate in the 1992 elections, he elected to resign as political leader and Prime Minister in 1996 and handed over the reins of government to Vaughan Lewis. The UWP was decimated at the general elections in 1997, with the SLP winning by 16 seats to 1. The margin of victory was 17,878 votes (25% of the votes cast) with a voter turnout of 66.1%. The SLP under the leadership of new political leader, Dr. Kenny Anthony, was given the unenviable task of reforming the country and turning around the economy at a difficult period in the global economy. The SLP administration proceeded to implement an ambitious program of social and economic reforms. The economic program was underpinned by a philosophy of growth and development with equity, including a broader distribution of the benefits of development and growth. The SLP believed that this would be achieved by “increasing output, increasing investment and building and sustaining confidence at all levels of the society.” The SLP promised an economic thrust that would be led by tourism with incentives to encourage investment, and an overhaul of the tax regime. The new SLP administration also recognized, for the first time in Helen’s

Caribbean, the harsh legacy of colonialism and the complexities of living and writing in two cultural worlds. By 1999, at the age of 20, Helen had a GDP of EC$2.2B, a population of 155,000 and a GDP per capita of EC$14,353. The

Hon Dr. Kenny Anthony history, the People’s Republic of China (China) instead of the Republic of China on Taiwan (Taiwan). As a reward for this change, China financed and constructed a new sports stadium in Vieux Fort and a new mental hospital in Castries. This change was pragmatic and financial rather than ideological, and China provided Saint Lucia with financial and other support until Helen reverted to Taiwan in 2006. The development that gave Helen the greatest pride during the 1990s was the award, in 1992, of the Nobel Prize in Literature to native son Derek Walcott. Derek was knighted in 2016 and died in 2017. Coincidentally, Derek was born on the same date (January 23) as Sir Arthur Lewis, who had died in 1991, but was 15 years younger. It was almost as if Sir Arthur was handing off the baton of individual Saint Lucian exceptionalism to Derek. Derek Walcott’s intricately metaphorical poetry captured the physical beauty of the

Sir Derek Walcott unemployment rate had jumped to a high of 18.9%, with youth unemployment at 34.66%. Inflation had reduced to 3.5% and Government’s fiscal position had weakened during the decade. The national debt as a percentage of GDP had increased to 36%. Bank lending rates had increased to an average of 11.4% due to decreasing liquidity. The IMF was projecting zero economic growth in 2000 and a decline of 3.32% in 2001, with the likelihood of decreasing tax revenues and increasing Government expenditure. Helen was worried, but hopeful.

Young Adulthood The roaring 20s were a mixed bag for Independent Helen. There was political stability and continued growth in the Tourism industry, but unemployment remained stubbornly high, and Government had increased the public debt and the debt to GDP to finance current and capital expenditure. Concessional loans and grants were now more difficult to access, and the cost of borrowing had increased. There was not much foreign direct investment, in the early years, but by 2005 this started to accelerate due to Saint Lucia’s success in getting one of the four groups and a semi-final for the Cricket World Cup (CWC). The matches were to be played Happy 40th Independence | 34

at the new Beausejour Stadium which had been built in 2002 and refurbished for the CWC. The hype generated by the CWC, coupled with generous incentives for investments in accommodation, led to a spike in foreign direct investment, and government expenditure on infrastructure for the CWC. Purchases of property in Saint Lucia surged, fueled by lax regulations on global financial institutions and the availability, for foreign investors, of easy credit with low interest rates from an Icelandic-owned bank, which subsequently collapsed. There were at least 6 proposed investments for golf-related resorts and condominiums, but not one

of these developments came to fruition, and almost all the companies involved went into receivership or liquidation. These developments increased the cost of

Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium

property, and the cost of construction in Saint Lucia but little employment or foreign exchange earnings was generated. The CWC turned out to be a major disappointment in terms of the number of overseas visitors coming for the matches, and the level of visitor expenditure. The global financial meltdown and recession did not immediately impact Saint Lucia as much as the developed countries, because OECS banking regulations had served to prevent the irresponsible lending and sub-prime mortgages that affected financial institutions in the US and Europe. Nevertheless, the negative impact of this global crisis on our major tourism and foreign direct investor markets had a lag effect which began to be felt towards the end of the decade.

citing the decrease in unemployment from 22% in 1997 to 15% in 2006, and increases in GDP since 2002, including growth of 5.4% in 2005. As happened with the UWP in 1987, these successes were ignored by voters at the polls, which gave the UWP a resounding victory in terms of seats, but only a 3% margin of victory (2,372 votes) in terms of the popular vote. Due to poor health, Sir John was unable to serve out his term of office and died in September 2007. In his classic Budget address in April 2007, replete with plans for tunnels and roads, Sir John warned “This world demands discipline. It craves innovation and competition. It embraces franchises and niche markets. It does not tolerate mediocrity. We, as a people, have to

Helen ended her young adulthood more indebted than ever, with fewer employment and growth prospects, greater social and economic inequality, and growing political polarization with allegations of corruption made against both administrations that had governed during the decade. While the SLP under Dr. Kenny Anthony easily won re-election in 2001, with a 14 to 3 seat majority, Sir John Compton returned to lead the UWP to victory in the 2006 elections with a 11 to 6 majority. Prime Minister Kenny Anthony had called on voters to support the SLP Government’s achievements in the previous two terms,

Sir John Compton

accept these realities and to live and breathe these ideals every single day for the rest of our lives”. Stephenson King became the Prime Minister after Sir John’s death, and Saint Lucia reverted to the recognition of Taiwan. The global recession was now taking a toll on Saint Lucia’s economy, and while the GDP had increased to EC$3.2B, the economy grew by an anemic 0.3% in 1999. The annual increase in the population had been slowing over the last 20 years and now stood at 164,728. GDP per capita was $19,425, unemployment was persistently high at 15.7%, and inflation was 0%. Government debt to GDP which had spiked to 61.4% in 2005 was back down to 57.5% but climbing after a decade of annual budget deficits. Banana exports had decreased over the decade from 70,282 tonnes in 2000 to 33,925 tonnes and Manufacturing output was low and declining. Helen’s economy was now dominated by tourism. Her visitors (arrivals) exceeded 1 million persons for the first time ever in 2008, 69% of which was now from Cruise ships. The country of origin of stayover arrivals was now predominantly the USA (35%) and the UK (25.8%). Tourism expenditure was $1.1B but had declined from a high of $1.4B in 2007 and there were signs which indicated that the global recession was having a serious negative impact on our main industry.

Middle-Aged Adulthood It was 2010. Independent Helen was now in her thirties and heading towards middle age. The economy was stagnant, unemployment was high and rising, foreign direct investment had dried up, Government deficits were unsustainable and national debt was high, making it difficult for Government to borrow to finance capital expenditure. The outlook for the medium-term was gloomy. Politics in Saint Lucia was as tribal and toxic as ever. At the general elections in November 2011 the SLP won 11 of the 17 seats and Dr. Kenny Anthony was reelected to serve his third term as Prime Minister since 1997. Voter turnout at 56.8% was identical to turnout in 2006 and the overall margin of victory over the UWP was less than 4%. The allocation of seats was a reverse of the results in 2006, but the nation was still politically divided. The new Government stabilized the economy which was being impacted by the continuing trickle-down effects of

no growth or slow growth in the global economy. Given the high unemployment, the SLP administration reinstated policies, among others, of job-creation, job training, and public sector investment in capital expenditure. These programs were costly and required borrowings because of the absence of grants and concessional loans. Over the next five years, the annual average economic growth was less than 1%, and there was a contraction of 1% in 2014. The unemployment rate increased, spiking at 24.4% in 2014 and youth unemployment increased to 43.1% by 2016. Central Government’s overall deficits were held in check, decreasing from $227.7M in 2011/2012 to $67.8M in 2016/2017 due to increases in tax revenues and controls over current and capital expenditure. With little economic growth and increased borrowings to finance deficits, the official public debt increased over the five years from $2.3B to $3.0B and the Debt to GDP increased from 58.6% to 69.5%. Faced

Marigot Bay with difficult economic realities, and diminishing policy options, Government had little choice but to follow the example of other countries in the Caribbean, and the advice of regional technocrats, and implemented a regime of Value Added Tax (VAT) in October 2012. Tourism remained the largest economic sector, but total visitor arrivals grew by only 3% over the five years. Stay-over arrivals from the US now accounted for 45% of total Happy 40th Independence | 35

stay-over arrivals while arrivals from the UK declined. Visitor expenditure reached $2B for the first time in 2015, but with the high cost of inputs and high leakage rates the perception was that the benefits of tourism was skewed towards large international hospitality conglomerates rather than the local community. Helen was disappointed. When general elections were held on June 6, 2016 the UWP won 11 of the 17 seats. The voter turnout was lower (53.45%) than in previous elections, but the UWP’s margin of victory over the SLP was 8,983 votes or 10.7% of the valid votes cast. Following the defeat of Stephenson King as political leader of the UWP in 2013, and his election to Parliament at the 2016 general elections, Senator Allen Chastanet became the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia.

Helen is now back, politically, to where she was on Independence Day on February 22, 1979. The same cannot be said of her economic and social development over the 40 years. At the end of 2017, Helen had a nominal GDP of $4.6B and a population of 174,417. She had a GDP per capita of $26,597, public debt of $3.2B and a debt to GDP of 68.5%. The rate of unemployment was 20.2% and the annual rate of inflation was 0.1%. Tourism was the main driver of the economy, but the banana industry, with exports of 13,744 tonnes was a shade of its former self.

Prime Minister Allen Chastanet

Are We There Yet? Independent Helen is now 40, and moving towards her middle age, and possibly a mid-life crisis if she is unable to undertake the urgent reforms necessary to increase economic growth and achieve a level of development that will provide good education and health, sustainable employment, a higher standard of living and happiness for her fellow citizens. The most common measures for evaluating and measuring the degree of economic development of a country are GDP and GDP per capita, the level of industrialization, the amount of widespread infrastructure and the general standard of living. We have experienced growth and improvements in all these measures since 1979 but have not yet met the expectations of our founders or our population. The Human Development Index (HDI) is a statistic composite index of life expectancy, education, and per capita income indicators, which are used to rank countries into four tiers of human development. A country scores a higher HDI when the lifespan is higher, the education level is higher, and the GDP per capita is higher. The HDI is an alternative approach to a single focus on economic growth, and is focused more on social justice, as a way of understanding progress. The UNDP defines human development as “the process of enlarging people’s choices allowing them to lead a long and healthy life, to be educated, to enjoy a decent standard of living,” as well as “political freedom, other guaranteed human rights and various ingredients of self-respect.

Saint Lucia’s HDI value for 2017 was 0.747, which puts the country in the high human development category, positioning it at 90 out of 189 countries and territories. The first time that Saint Lucia was ranked, in 1985, it was given a value of 0.795 which positioned it at 72 out of 159 countries. Between 2000 and 2017, our HDI value increased from 0.690 to 0.747, an increase of 8.3%. Between 1990 and 2017, Saint Lucia’s life expectancy at birth increased by 4.6 years, mean years of schooling increased by 1.9 years and expected years of schooling increased by 1 year. By these measures, our human development index has increased, but our ranking against other countries has deteriorated, as we have not made the improvements that many other countries have made, including some in the OECS, in social economic and political conditions, such as literacy rate, human capital (Education and Health), economic equality, access to resources, social services and building human capabilities, political governance, strong and responsive institutions and human rights and freedoms.

open dialogue with the people of Saint Lucia, needed more analysis, and a special committee would be set up for that purpose. They kicked the can down the road, and nothing has happened since. There is no reason, however, for Helen to be pessimistic about her future. In “White Egrets”, Derek Walcott wrote that “The perpetual ideal is astonishment”. He sees no point in aiming for anything less than great poetry, and he achieved it. We should share a similar obsession in attempting to make Saint Lucia a country that provides opportunity, justice and equality for all that live here. Helen has many examples of Saint Lucian exceptionalism which allow us to believe that she can still achieve greatness. Excellence resides within us, and we can still be different from, and even better, than most others. That brighter day that our national anthem promises us may not yet have dawned, and a glad new way is not stretched out as clearly for Helen as we would have wished. We aren’t there yet, but we can, and she will, get there in good time and in good shape. ¤

Our political system, which we inherited from the UK, is democratic, but is based on a model which has remained unchanged since 1979. Our Constitution, which was enacted in 1978, has remained untouched. Our politicians were given the opportunity by the Saint Lucia Constitutional Reform Commission to disallow the law to become the hostage of history. The final report of the Commission was debated in Parliament on April 2, 2013 but Parliament decided that the proposals, which had come from Rendering of new Hewanorra Int’l Airport

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40th Independence Calendar of Events

2019

April

July

October

Good Deeds Day | Apr 7th

International Cooperatives Day | July 6th

Soleil Saint Lucia Arts & Heritage Creole Festival | Oct 1-31st

Soleil Saint Lucia Carnival “Parade of the bands” | July 12-16th

World Food Day | Oct 16th

National Youth Debate | Apr 8th Ministry of Commerce Sa Nou Sent Lisi Creativity Showcase | April 10-12th Choiseul Talent Show | Apr 21st Country & Western Dance | Apr 21st

Emancipation Panel Discussion | July 27th

La Magwit | Oct 17th Creole Festival/Jounen Kweyol | Oct 27

Emancipation Exhibition Launch | July 31st

Total Praise Gospel Concert | Apr 21st World Book and Copyright Day | Apr 23rd National Arts Festival | Apr 26-29th Independence Sports Fun Day

May

Homecoming | TBC ARTSFUZION | TBC

November

Pli Bel Vilaj (Judging) | TBC

St. Cecelia’s Day “Feast of Musicians” | Nov 22nd

August

Business Month | Nov 22-24th

Pli Bel Kaye Komesyal (Judging) | TBC

Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) | Nov 24th

(Philip Marcellin) | Apr 28th Reading Month | May 1-31st

Emancipation Art Exhibition | Aug 1-17th

December

World Press Freedom Day /Launch of Reading Month | May 3rd

Soleil Saint Lucia Mercury Fest | Aug 9-10th

ARC Yacht Cruisers Flotilla | Dec 7th

Soleil Saint Lucia Jazz Festival | May

Soleil Saint Lucia Roots & Soul Fest | Aug 23-25th

Report on Community Legacy Projects | Dec 12th

La Woz Festival | Aug 24-30th

Report on 20 Meets 20 Mixer (Mentorship Programme) | Dec 12th

June

ARTSFUZION | TBC

4-11th Soleil Saint Lucia Carnival | June/July (culminating July 12-16) Culinary Event Competition | Jun 7th

September

Grand Finale Church Service (Micoud) | Dec 13th

Soleil Saint Lucia Food & Rum | Sep 1922nd

Public Service Week | June 7th Schools Calypso Competition | June 12th

ARTSFUZION | TBC

Fisherman’s Feast | June 29th

Visit www.independence.lc for more info Happy 40th Independence | 37

Invest Saint Lucia - Building Our Nation, Building Our Future Invest Saint Lucia

Building our Nation, Building our Future Happy 40th Independence | 38

At its inception in 1971, almost a decade before Saint Lucia took the bold step of becoming an independent nation, the National Development Corporation (NDC) functioned as an investment, trade and export promotion agency, providing a range of business oriented services to the public, including attracting foreign direct investment to Saint Lucia; sourcing technical assistance for business enterprises; promoting locally manufactured products through regional and international trade missions and exhibitions; and identifying sites for hotel development.

Up until 2009, when a complete rebranding of the NDC was undertaken, the Corporation was recognized for its asset management – having owned and managed several greenfield properties earmarked for tourism development, as well as seven industrial estates comprising over 20 factory shells that were used primarily to facilitate foreign operations within the then thriving manufacturing sector. NDC’s rebranding into Invest Saint Lucia (ISL) - a full-fledged Investment Promotion Agency (IPA) – resulted in the agency placing greater emphasis on promoting, stimulating and facilitating direct investment to advance Saint Lucia’s socio-economic development. As a statutory agency, ISL is governed by a very active private sector-led Board of Directors through legislation (Act No. 14 of 2014), with oversight by the Minister for Investment. Unlike most statutory corporations, Invest Saint Lucia funds its own operations, being the custodian/owner of several physical assets. Throughout its forty-eight years of operation, Invest Saint Lucia has engineered the framework and conditions that were required to attract and retain some of our most successful businesses – both local and foreign – that have added tremendous economic and social value to Saint Lucia. An estimated three hundred (300) investors from at least four continents and as many as twenty-five countries, have influenced, and continue to contribute to the sustainable development of our country. Since that time, ISL has been responsible for the attraction and facilitation of over USD $2 Billion in inward investment and an estimated 20,000 sustainable jobs. With each era of investment facilitation, there has been an evident shift in the nature and types of investments that Invest Saint Lucia has attracted and facilitated. As of 2018, tourism investments account for 96% of businesses facilitated; manufacturing, 1% (this comprises food and beverage, apparels, electronics and paper, and chemical related manufacturing); soft infrastructure - mainly Business Process

Outsourcing (BPO)/Contact Center/AI Subsector - accounts for 2% and other sectors such as Financial Services and Retail/Distribution, account for a further 1% of investment facilitation. Saint Lucia is not an energy rich or large industrial nation. By necessity, ours is a services-based economy and as such, our focus is on driving investment and jobs in the areas of tourism, agro-processing/light manufacturing and infrastructure (primarily soft infrastructure). These sectors are standalone, but in our small, open economy, rely on each other for their survival. They are the consumers and enablers of each other. Our industrial estates strategically placed throughout the island’s economic hubs have been a vital component of ISL’s facilitation process, making business set-up much easier. In the last four decades, ISL has enabled the smooth transition from labour-intensive apparel companies, to those agro-processing and distribution, BPO and AI-centered businesses that are currently being housed in our factory shells. This evolution of sorts, gives credence to the changing needs of Saint Lucians, particularly the younger generation who are more technologically-inclined. Further complementing the facilitation capabilities of Invest Saint Lucia, is its portfolio of strategic real estate as well as its duty-free shopping complex. The latter is undoubtedly one of ISL’s most significant contributions to Saint Lucia’s economic landscape. Officially opened in December 1986, Duty Free Pointe Seraphine has welcomed millions of cruise ship visitors on ships that boast a capacity of up to 6000 passengers and crew. Over fifty (50) tenants employing scores of Saint Lucians

occupy the duty-free outlets and eateries at the island’s oldest mall. The 2017 berth extension created an even greater opportunity to welcome quantum class vessels – a feat that may have seemed unattainable during the mall’s construction over thirty (30) years ago. We are cognizant of the fact that investment cannot operate in a vacuum. The suitability of any investment for our economy requires ISL to partner with various key government agencies and private sector stakeholders to enable an expeditiously seamless process in obtaining business licenses and approvals, as well as securing the necessary incentives to develop the respective industries. Moreover, we believe that the concept of fulﬁlling employment and embedding our investors into the economy through local linkages with the private sector is crucial. In this regard, ISL is excited about the future for business development in Saint Lucia. One of our major priorities is improving the island’s entrepreneurial landscape, through the establishment of an Angel Investment Fund, as well as an Incubator and Accelerator Programme for budding local entrepreneurs. Moreover, ISL is looking forward to creating at least 600 land owners through land rationalization and anticipates a further 150 persons owning property through the development of at least four of its land assets. All of these prospects demonstrate ISL’s commitment to eﬀectively promoting and facilitating potential investors’ access to business development and investment opportunities. We therefore look forward to working towards another 40 years of prosperity and growth for our island nation. Happy Independence Saint Lucia!

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Nobel Laureate Festival A Celebration of Excellence By Jacques Hinkson-Compton

Saint Lucians throughout history have made notable contributions all over the globe. However, our people can say with pride that Saint Lucia holds the record of the most Nobel Laureate Awardees per capita in the world. This year’s theme for the Nobel Laureate Festival was Celebrating Excellence: 40 Years On. As is customary, the events on the calendar of activities included the stable Memorial Lectures.

SIR WILLIAM ARTHUR LEWIS, THE SOCIAL ACTIVIST

Nobel Laureate Festival A celebration of Excellence

Sir William Arthur Lewis, The Social Activist

2019 sees two milestones in Saint Lucian history. The first is the celebration of the island’s 40th anniversary of independence from Great Britain. Coincidentally the second is the 40th anniversary of Sir William Arthur Lewis’ winning the Nobel Memorial Prize for Economic Sciences, most commonly referred to as the Nobel Prize in Economics. Many Saint Lucians know of Sir William Arthur Lewis as the economist and educator, but few know of his efforts as a social activist. As is custom, the life of Lewis is commemorated with the annual Sir Arthur Lewis Memorial Lecture. This year Saint Lucians were treated to a lecture delivered by Economics professor from the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom, Paul Mosley. Mosley, an admirer of Lewis as the founder of development economics, unveiled a side to Lewis unknown to many. The theme of this year’s lecture was Arthur Lewis as thinker and Happy 40th Independence | 40

social activist. The University of Sheffield Economics professor is one of the foremost experts on the work of Sir William Arthur Lewis and with colleague Barbara Ingraham, has recently written and published a biography on the Nobel Laureate’s life. According to Mosley, Lewis became a social activist as a direct response to the awful conditions of inter-war global depression between the end of World War I in 1918 and the launch of World War II in 1939. In addition to much of the world, these conditions specifically afflicted Saint Lucia and the other islands. Lewis would regularly travel to the islands such as Saint Kitts, to investigate the labour conditions and disputes. The poor labour conditions would

Bust of Sir Arthur Lewis at the Derek Walcott Square, Castries

eventually lead to riots in Saint Kitts and subsequently, Trinidad, Jamaica and other islands. The research would delve into the idea of the vicious cycle of poverty which is now a common study. Mosley admits that the analysis of poverty and development was not as popular a study as it is today. Mosley’s lecture unveiled Lewis’ work aiding the Afro-Caribbean community in the city of Manchester in the United Kingdom. The community known as the ‘Windrush Generation’ were West Indians who migrated to the United Kingdom following the conclusion of the second World War. These West Indians would face harsh racism. Lewis used his clout to call evening meetings of all the minority ethnic groups in the city. Mosley also notes, “He got his best friend in Manchester, the social anthropologist Max Gluckman to do a survey of the Afro-Caribbean communities of Manchester to see the extent of discrimination”. This study led to Lewis launching community centres, not just to educate and to teach skills to the members of the community, but to establish networks among them and connect them to persons in positions of authority. These social centres introduced members of the community to “friendly landlords, pubs and restaurant owners, access to legal advice, access to financial support,” Mosley adds. Lewis’ involvement in the community led to linkages with financial leaders, banks and church leaders. In 1959 he was appointed as Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University of the West Indies (UWI). During his tenure, he spearheaded a process of completely reforming the institution. In his lecture Mosley notes UWI was seen largely as a finishing school for upper class West Indians at the time. Lewis aspired to change the school into an internationally competitive global university.

The project that ended Lewis’ social activism was the attempt at an establishment of a federation of all the not-yet independent territories. According to Mosley, Lewis believed the islands served a better chance at alleviating poverty and competing with the rest of the world by working together. As many know, this dream was not meant to be. Islands with larger economies such as Jamaica and Grave Site of Sir Arthur Lewis, The Morne Castries Trinidad pulled out of history lecturer. Following the debacle the project first. When Trinidad pulled out in 1961, one of the of the Federation, Lewis “retreated from notable consequences was the dissolution the part of economics which gives the most of the friendship between Lewis and close exposure to the outside world which is policy friend Eric Williams. Williams was Prime advocacy,” Mosley says. Lewis would go Minister of Trinidad at the time and was to work at the university for the next two accused of not informing Lewis of the decades. During his tenure he molded the decision to pull out of the West Indies minds of generations of economists and students. Federation. Soon after, Lewis joined the faculty of Princeton University as an economics

into the soul of the man. He notes, “In Britain in the 1940s he was part of the Labour Party, but he attacked the trade unions that financed the Labour Party... because by trying to force wages up too high they reduced the number of jobs on offer,” Mosley describes Lewis as an independent thinker who never sided with anyone simply out of friendship. ¤

Mosley’s anecdote of Lewis political activities in Great Britain reveals a window

Buckeye St. Lucia Terminal Ltd.

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

Happy 40th Independence | 41

Sir Derek Walcott and the Significance of Birds in His Literature

SIR DEREK WALCOTT AND THE SIGNIFICANCE OF BIRDS IN HIS LITERATURE By Jacques Hinkson-Compton

If one were to get wind of an entire lecture on the imagery of birds in poetry, one would be inclined to decline the offer of attendance. That was the case with the 2019 Derek Walcott Memorial Lecture. However, the scope of Walcott’s brilliance with imagery was revealed during this lecture. The imagery in question is that of landscape and birds in Walcott’s poetry.

of academia and a personable approach. The research professor unveiled the details of his personal relationship with the Nobel Laureate via an anecdotal story of one of their meetings. He makes note of the occasion Walcott signs a copy of his magnum opus, Omeros. In the cover, Walcott signs the words, “From one small islander to another.”

Antiguan born professor N. Gregson Davis delivered this year’s lecture on Walcott. As noted in the introduction of this article, his focus was on the use of birds in Walcott’s poetry. Gregson is currently an Andrew Mellon distinguished research professor in the Humanities department at Duke University in the United States. The research professor is also known for his extensive body of published articles on the poetry of Derek Walcott. Gregson’s style of lecturing encompassed a mixture

Gregson’s analysis of poems such as ‘White Egrets’ reveals a conscious effort of Walcott to highlight parallels of Euro-centric and Caribbean landscapes. In the very early stage of the lecture, Gregson discusses Walcott’s use of the geographical interface. As he explains, the geographical interface is that of the common mention of shorelines in Walcott’s poetry which would not be entirely unusual for an islander. Gregson focuses on the interfaces cultural and thematic implication’s throughout the work. He comes full circle when making

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Bust of Sir Derek Walcott at the Derek Walcott Square, Castries

note of the use of the landscape as the egret’s habitat. “He uses landscapes to evoke common emotions with others who even live outside of the island but show common physicality,” Gregson notes. “He fuses North American with West Indian landscapes to convey common emotional and aesthetic experiences.” In his analysis Gregson makes use of extractions from poems such as Pond Life. “The resemblance as the poet describes his vision between a snowy northern Atlantic landscape and a Southern Caribbean/ Trinidadian one comes across as symbolic equivalence,” The Antiguan Professors notes. “Two different heritages yet either one could bring the same excitement with bright air.” The professor notes in Omeros, the image of the swift, a species of aerial bird is integral to his poetry. “In the copious canvas of Omeros,” Gregson says. “Whether at rest or in flight is there a current motif that among things marks a pivotal transition in the thematic itinerary of the poem.” Gregson adequately illuminates his audience as to the wide appeal of Walcott’s work and the ability for the poet to connect with not just West Indians, but persons outside. ¤

Sir Derek Walcott with Dr. Didacus Jules

Soufriere Regional Development Foundation

Happy 40th IndependenceSoufriere Anniversary to the Regional Development Foundation Government and people of St. Lucia Thank you for your interest in the Soufriere Regional Development Foundation and our picturesque community of Soufriere, St. Lucia. We are a stellar development organization located in the heart of the most beautiful place on earth; Soufriere, St. Lucia. The Soufriere Foundation is a non-profit company established by the people of Soufriere to promote, encourage, support, facilitate and coordinate local development initiatives in the Soufriere region.

P.O. Box 272, Bay Street, Soufriere, St Lucia Tel: (758) 459-7200/7201/5212 • Fax: (758) 459-7999 www.soufrierefoundation.org soufrierefoundation@gmail.com Happy 40th Independence | 43

2019 National Awards of Excellence

op Performers gathered at the National Cultural Centre on January 15th for the 2019 National Awards of Excellence. The Division of Education hosts the annual event, which began in 2004, to recognise the outstanding performance of students in arts, sports and academics.

to empower every learner to achieve their maximum capabilities which, according to the Minister, will enable them to excel in their areas of interest. Minister Rigobert hopes this structure will engender a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship from within the school system.

During the ceremony Minister with responsibility for Education, Hon. Dr. Gale Rigobert, reiterated her vision for the education sector – a more inclusive and better equipped sector to realise the full potential of students. Dr. Rigobert envisions the introduction of smart classrooms, with the relevant ICT teacher training and various learning modalities, as integral to supporting a culture of excellence in education. The overall vision for the ministry is to foster equity and equality coupled with the necessary resources and opportunities

Ministry-Representative on the Nobel Laureate Festival Committee Kentillia Louis, said: “The first week of the Nobel Laureate Festival is dedicated to the schools, especially in the arts. So, in terms of ensuring the students are exposed to the art and understanding what this time is about and what we are celebrating, I think we have done a great job. With the Awards ceremony we were able to ensure that we highlighted all of the students and the employees who have done, in some way something to ensure the ministry continues its excellent work.”

Here are the list of 2019 National Awards of Excellence Awardees!

Common Entrance Awardees Top Performer: April Dagana Top Performing Schools: Fond St. Jacques Combined (small school) Dame Pearlette Louisy Primary (large school) Montessori Centre (private school)

Special Education Awardees Student Award: Shomari Regis Teacher Awards: Johnson James Miranda Austin

CXC – Humanities Additional Mathematics: Mathematics: English A: English B:

Kaela George Mya Symister Shirres Joseph Khadijah Halliday

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Visual Arts: Raeyne Fontenelle Theatre Arts: Yhasha Satney Music: Zoe Regis French: Kay-Leigh Michaud Spanish: Kay-Leigh Michaud

CXC – Natural Sciences Human $ Social Biology: Velindel Esnard Biology: Kaela George Physics: Matilda Angeloni Chemistry: Pavana Dalsou Integrated Science: Noah Joyeux Agricultural Science (DA): Darla Willie Agricultural Science (SA): Velindel Esnard Physical Education:

Matilda Angeloni

CXC – Social Sciences Caribbean History: Neysa Francis Social Studies: Javern Joseph Geography: Arizain St. Paul

Principles of Accounts: Kelli Henry Principles of Business: Birindar Bahia Economics: Kaela George Information Technology: Kay-Leigh Michaud

CXC – Technical and Vocational Office Administration: Electronic Document Preparation & Management: Industrial Technology (Building): Industrial Technology (Electrical): Technical Drawing: Family & Resources: Textiles, Clothing & Fashion: Food, Nutrition & Health:

Christal St. Ange Torry Adonis Davie Ferdinand Obadele Ellevic Kenrick Albert Dannika Augustin Zandille Emmanuel Johnette Joseph

Tertiary Education Top Performer – Division of Arts, Science & General Studies: Daniel Cotter Top Performer – Division of Technical Education & Management Studies: Cheyenne Quinlan Top Performer- Division of Teacher Educational and Educational Administration: Stacy Feveriere Top Performer – Division of Agriculture: Tyrick James Top Performer – Division of Health Sciences: Hannah Regis, Talia St. Rose Most Outstanding Graduate – National Enrichment Learning Programme: Steven James

SOL

Special Awards Top Performing School: St. Joseph’s Convent Secondary School Best Overall Performer: Pavana Dalsou Departmental: Mrs. Gertrude Jn. Charles Mrs. Angela Felicien Mr. Philip St. Clair ¤

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art work created was by Young Saint Lucian Artists from across different schools on the island. The art work displayed was based on their own interpretation of poetry by Sir Walcott with the pieces ranging from photography and sculpture, to paintings.

Nobel Laureate Youth Art Exhibition

The opening of the event was led by young violin player, Jory James of St Mary’s College, who serenaded the guests and filled the space with his instrumental renditions. The exhibition was attended by Dame Pearlette Louisy herself, as well as Mrs Ruffina Charles – Chief Education Officer, along with many of the young students who excitedly came to see their work hung and displayed within the Gallery. Those who attended were not disappointed by what they saw and heard. Works by Marlyn Joseph of Choiseul Secondary School, Shianah Marshall of Gros Islet Secondary and Gabriel Esnard of Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary and many others all adorned the walls of the gallery.

Tree Book by Shakira Clements, CCSS

NOBEL LAUREATE Youth Art Exhibition

s proud Saint Lucians, we welcomed 2019 with high expectations of what the year would have to offer. Dame Pearlette Louisy reminded us that we must Celebrate Excellence and for this to happen we must first start with the Youth. The beginning of the year did not disappoint – with the Nobel Laureate Committee hosting a range of activities to welcome 40 Years of Excellence and to give homage to our greatest achievers, Sir Arthur Lewis and Sir Derek Walcott. Among the selection of activities that comprised the Nobel Laureate Festival, was the Nobel Laureate Youth Art Exhibition curated by Mrs. Buki Cahane, and launched at the MeCurator Art Gallery on the 17th January 2019. The collection had a unique twist as all

Missy Griffith, CCSS The exhibition was a success, highlighting the often unheard, but yet talented voices of the artistic youth of Saint Lucia. There were a number of pieces sold on that night – further highlighting the need for regular platforms for young artists to exhibit their works. The MeCurator Art Gallery brought to focus this demand, providing a visual space for emerging Saint Lucian artists to be showcased. Mrs. Cahane spoke words of encouragement to the Young Artists, congratulating them on their talents and efforts on their pieces submitted to the exhibition. She urged them to continue to create and never cease nurturing that talent, and let them know that the doors of the MeCurator Art Gallery would always be open to their submissions. She also appealed to friends and family members of the young artists to incite them with their passion. Simply put, one must be inspired by our great Nobel Laureates while also being an encouragement to our future Nobel Laureates. The MeCurator Art Gallery is located in Massade Gros Islet and features a vast array of contemporary local art. Open Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 3.00pm, and by Private Appointment, for more information please contact at buki.cahane@mecurator.com or +1 785 722 8303 ¤

Happy | 46Lewis by Jervel Sealys, SALCC Drawings of Sir40th DerekIndependence Walcott & Sir Arthur

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Refurbished Walcott House on Chaussee Road

Walcott House Open Week: Let Them Inspire You

Walcott House Open Week: Let Them Inspire You No. 17 Chausee Road serves as an inspiration for Saint Lucians. It is the childhood home of acclaimed artisans the late Sir Derek Walcott and his twin brother the late Roderick “Roddy” Walcott. The Saint Lucia National Trust together with the Government of Saint Lucia spearheaded the project to turn the old plywood structure into a museum to honor the lives and works of these extraordinary men. The Walcott House exhibition holds the artistic, literary and intellectual contributions the brothers made to their country, the region and the world. This year, the Open Week ran from January 21st to January 25th with contemporary additions to the programme such as video documentaries, life events of the Walcott brothers and interactions with literary icons. Throughout their lives, the twins received several awards and recognition for their written and painted works.

Though the brothers traveled the globe to promote and refine their craft, Saint Lucia would remain a source of inspiration, connecting them to their island-home. Roderick passed away on March 6th, 2000 at the age of 70 after a long illness. Derek would follow some seventeen years later on March 17th, 2017 when he was 87 years old. The Walcott Open House is a catalogue of the grand adventures of the Walcott brothers, who came from modest means and took the world by storm. The museum is a homage to their brilliance but also serves to inspire a new generation of creative talent, showing them that they too can soar to unimaginable heights no matter their circumstance. This integral activity on the Nobel Laureate Festival calendar commendably keeps the lives and works of the Walcott brothers alive and relevant to generations of dreamers. ¤

Roderick and Derek Walcott were born on January 23rd, 1930 to Alix and Warwick Walcott. The twins lost their father at an early age. Both were able to attend the Saint Mary’s College, an exemplary feat at that time, especially for two Methodist boys. In 1950, Roderick, Derek and their friends founded the St. Lucia Arts Guild. Roderick went on to become a Caribbean gem – an acclaimed playwright, screenwriter, theatre director, painter, lyricist, literary editor, costume and set designer. His brother, Derek, on the other hand, would go on to become a world-renowned poet and playwright, earning the 1992 Nobel Prize for Literature for Omeros. Roderick was Saint Lucia’s first Director of Culture (1977-1980). Derek would hold professorships at several universities including the University of Alberta (Canada), the University of Essex (United Kingdom), and Boston University (United States of America). Brothers Dereck and Roderick Walcott Happy 40th Independence | 48

Wreath Laying Ceremony

Governor General Sir Neville Cenac pays his respects to Sir Arthur Lewis

he calendar of activities for the Nobel Laureate Festival would not be complete without the annual Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College – the resting place of both Sir Arthur Lewis and Sir Derek Walcott.

Held on Friday January 25th, the ceremony drew the Chair of the Nobel Laureate Committee, Governor-General Emeritus Dame Pearlette Louisy as well as the family members of the deceased laureates and well-wishers. Sir Arthur Lewis won the Nobel Prize for Economic Sciences in 1979, the same year that Saint Lucia was granted its Independence from the British Monarchy. Born in 1915, Arthur Lewis navigated some of the most turbulent periods of the 20th century – two world wars, the civil rights movement, racism and the genesis of the post-colonial world for the British West Indies – to shatter the glass ceiling for Caribbean people and people of colour in general. His Nobel Prize win was attributed to his pioneering research into economic development for lesser developed countries, of which Saint Lucia is a member. He developed two economic models that map the causes of poverty among the population of developing countries alongside the contributing factors of the inadequate pace of development. Lewis died in Barbados in June 1991.

L to R Dr. Vaughn Lewis (Former Prime Minister), Dame Pearlette Louisy (Former Governor General), Sir Neville Cenac Governor General and Lady Cenac

Derek Walcott was born some fifteen years after Lewis, in 1930. Growing up in Saint Lucia had a strong influence on Walcott’s life and work. His magnum opus, “Omeros”, is a spin on the Greek’s “The Odyssey” with more of a West Indian twist, the creation of which secured him a Nobel Prize in Literature in 1992. Walcott’s commitment to Caribbean culture and heritage is obvious in his body of work. Though he travelled the world, he remained deeply rooted to his West Indian culture – a fusion of African, Asiatic and European influences. Walcott died in Saint Lucia in March 2017. Saint Lucia remains the only country in the world to have the most Nobel Laureates per capita. ¤ Happy 40th Independence | 49

Atwell Dalgliesh Co. (St. Lucia) Ltd. - Still Standing Through Testing Times

Atwell Dalgliesh Co. (St.Lucia) Ltd.

Atwell Dalgliesh Co. (St. Lucia) Ltd.

STILL STANDING THROUGH TESTING TIMES The Success Story of Atwell Dalgliesh Co. (St. Lucia) Ltd. Atwell Dalgliesh Co. (St. Lucia) Ltd. is among the few companies that have blazed the entrepreneurial trail for decades and still remain popular household names in Saint Lucia. Such tenacity and sterling achievement cannot be underestimated, especially in an environment where other iconic homegrown businesses have been forced to wind up operations due to globalization and other factors. Clearly, Atwell Dalgliesh Co. (St. Lucia) Ltd. truly has made its mark and stood the test of time. The company was established in June 1974 and was previously located on High and Peynier Streets in downtown Castries. It initially offered customers a variety of small household items: pharmaceuticals, pots and pans, canned juices, and so on. The store quickly became a popular spot for customers. As the business evolved, it also focused its attention on the growing hotel sector, providing a wide range of disposable items used in food and beverage. Haircare, hardware, plumbing and electrical products were also added to the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growing inventory. Happy 40th Independence | 50

Happy

Independence

Saint Lucia Today, Atwell Dalgliesh Co. (St. Lucia) Ltd. is a major distributor for disposable food and beverage containers and tableware such as knives, forks, spoons, etc. In keeping with social and environmental consciousness, these items are available in both biodegradable and plastic options. They also specialize in cleaning products for home, commercial, industrial and laundry care, such as softeners and detergents. The company, which has now relocated to La Pansee, Castries, is a reliable retailer and wholesaler for a wide range of quality brands and its excellent delivery service covers the length and breadth of the island. Not forgetting its friendly after sales service. Managing Director, Karen Hippolyte, attributes the company’s growth and longevity to the quality service offered by its 20 dedicated team members and its growing list of quality products.

Atwell Dalgliesh Co. (St.Lucia) Ltd. La Pansee Road, P.O. Box 732, Castries, St.Lucia, W. I.

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“There are many dynamics in the business but customers still return to us,” she said. “I think it’s primarily because of our high level of service and the goods we provide. We deal in quality products – that’s the difference. The hotel sector especially does not compromise on quality and neither should we.” After 44 years in business, Atwell Dalgliesh Co. (St. Lucia) Ltd. continues to seek ways of extending its quality service to customers as the company also focuses on expanding its operating space and network. The company hopes this winning formula remains its benchmark as it extends its decades-long quality service to its customers.

DISTRIBUTORS OF CLEANING PRODUCTS Cleaners, Sanitizers & Laundry Care for Food Processing, Hospital, Janitorial & Household needs

Happy 40th Independence | 51

758Books - New Bookstore At Gablewoods Mall Has Big Plans

ia uc L nt ai S e nc de en ep nd I 0 4 py ap H th

New Bookstore At Gablewoods Mall Has Big Plans 758Books #saintluciabooks is the latest addition to the food court at Gablewoods Mall in Sunny Acres. It is a trendy space with a rich catalogue of books and delicious menu of teas, local juices and pastries to put you in the mood to come up with the next best creative idea. There are a wide range of books from Saint Lucian authors, with a mandate to broaden the store’s catalogue over time. There’s also open Wi-Fi to keep you even more connected!

hopes the new bookstore ﬁlls the void that was left with the closure of Sunshine Books. Parent Company 758 Books #saintluciabooks opened its 1st Nobel Laureate Exhibition in 2015, a National event, under the theme “Celebrating Our Local Authors” along with several pop-up shops that have since gained momentum over the years.

Francois became invigorated to establish a central location for the books. Her dream of encouraging a Operated by Dahlia Francois, 758Books local reading and writing culture was #saintluciabooks aims to become the especially nurtured after attending number one creative hub for people CARIFESTA XIII in Barbados in 2017 who lament the lack of venues that where Saint Lucia Books participated stimulate their creative juices. Francois and was featured over the course of

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Gablewoods Mall Food Court, Sunny Acres, Castries (758) 456-0043 | saintluciabooks@gmail.com 758BooksCafe

two days at UWI Open Campus in Barbados. This prompted an invitation for book reviews and interviews of our Authors/Writers from UWI TV which is currently scheduled for April 2019. 758 Books continues to market its Author for Reading Month in May, Summer Fun with Words 2019 and Kiddies Carnival Band with characters from the Authors of our children’s books and CARIFESTA 2019. The Women in Poetry competition will soon be launched, and is opened to women 18 and over, with the theme “The Windows of Her Mind”. Interested persons are encouraged to email saintluciabooks@gmail.com for more information.

The Big 40 is here!

Photo by Shaun Alcindor

Photo by Jemy Altenor

Photo by Bill Mortley

Why should we be All In? And what is this about a journey? Whose future are we referring to? Should this really concern me?

– a time for wonder, growth, mistakes and beauty. And for such a young state, we have faced quite a bit in our short span of existence.

Scepticism about patriotism is understandable given the inherently fragmented nature of Saint Lucian society. The crux though, the fundamental point to keep in mind, is that our predecessors – who existed before the Europeans pilfered and pillaged our land – survived through enslavement, war, colonialization, adult suffrage and civil rights movements to ensure that we enjoy the freedoms that today we take for granted.

For this reason alone, we should celebrate and enjoy the journey because none of us know where it ends, or can say whether we will be there at the end of Saint Lucia’s story. This year-long calendar of celebrations caters to every facet of our Saint Lucian culture, personality and identity.

February 22, 1979 is significant. Yes, it was the day the monarchy officially deigned to grant a nuisance colony control of its own affairs; but it is also the day that Saint Lucians began to plot and embark on a journey for the future of this small island state. Political alignment aside; every decision taken by empowered government, civil society, and by each and every one of us has set this country on an undeniable path. To where you may ask? Well, it’s a bit too early to tell. While 40 may seem a grand number, in the scheme of a global age, Saint Lucia is still in its spring season

The onus now is on every Saint Lucian to foster within ourselves that spirit of patriotism, an acknowledgment of our past and a hope for our future, by being actively involved in the affairs of our country. That means putting aside superfluous differences to focus on pushing our country’s development towards a more competitive economy for all of its citizens. Let 2019 see a pivotal change in the cultural and societal mindsets of our people. Let 2019 be remembered as a true milestone in the journey. Let 2019 be the year that we take positive action for our country. Happy 40th Independence Saint Lucia! ¤ Happy 40th Independence | 53

Calypso Legacy Independence Edition

Calypso Legacy Independence Edition Photos by Bill Mortley

Calypso Legacy – Independence Edition aptly jump started the festivities for the island’s 40th anniversary celebrations. From start to finish, the show was nothing short of spectacular with barely any standing room at the National Cultural Center. Organised by Pioneer Productions and supported by the Independence 40 Committee and the Government of Saint Lucia, February 2nd was a night of great showmanship, nostalgia and truly memorable performances as calypso’s finest whipped the crowd into a frenzy. Some of Saint Lucia’s best calypsonians, including several past Monarchs like Invader, Ashanti, Pep, Walleigh and Mr. Brown, ran a tight and engaging programme. The party atmosphere was amplified by the prowess of veteran MC Ezi Hall. Invader kicked off the session with “Just as I am” to the screams of encouragement by the audience. Most were on their feet ready to fete with the former Monarch by the second half when he performed “Carnal Knowledge” and “L’Argent.” West coast star Herb Black delighted the crowd with “Calypso Jail” and “All in Me” with former Monarch Nintus surprising the audience when he joined in the rendition of “All in Me.” No Saint Lucian legacy calypso production would be complete without the people’s king De Ashanti who gave a strong performance in the first round with the song “Lucian Population.” Black I (alongside Yatty) followed Ashanti doing “Rambo Diplomacy” – an acclaimed piece in the Saint Lucia music fraternity.

Herb Black Performs

Robbie hyped up the crowd with “Castles in the Sky” and “Can’t Stop” before leaving the stage to Pep who did “Bab Kamawad.” Lady Leen, in her usual fashion, took the show to another level when it was her turn to grace the stage. She was the lone female performer advertised for the night. Dressed in military fatigues, she performed “Woman in a March” and was joined by two of calypso’s most powerful female vocalists, Menel and Oshun, who created a happy melee in the crowd by forming a conga line. Of course, Saint Lucia’s Road March classic “Guy Love Dance” had to make an appearance with Jackson helping to keep the high energy crowd pleased. Reigning Monarch Mr. Brown whet the appetite of patrons with “Rasta in Kaiso” before performing the song that gained him his first kaiso crown “I Like.” Two Saint Lucian performers who are based in the United States of America were flown in for the auspicious occasion. One of them, Jaunty, made waves with “Ou La Lay,” “Bobolist,” and “We Shall Hop.” After a 26-year hiatus from the stage, Exterminator returned to a resounding welcome from his Saint Lucian people as he performed “Entertain.” The Saint Lucian performers ensured patrons got more than their monies’ worth at the show. But that wasn’t all. Baron from Trinidad and Tobago lit the crowd on fire with hits like “Say Say” and “Sweet Soca Man.” De Ashanti closed the show, proving that he is deserving of the title of the people’s king as everyone got on their feet when he performed “Empty Promises” and “Malayway.” Calypso Legacy – Independence Edition definitely set the tone for the grand celebrations for Independence 40. ¤

Happy 40th Independence | 54

The Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s King - Ashanti

Lady Leen

The Mighty Pep

Robbie wows the crowd

The ever popular King - Invader engages a fan

TC Brown

Happy 40th Independence | 55

Mindoo Phillip Monument: A Legend is Honoured

Dunstan Du Boulay with Mindoo Phillip family members at Monument launch

Mindoo Phillip Monument:

A Legend is Honoured By David E.M. Du Boulay

He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much; Who has enjoyed the trust of pure women, the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children; Who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; Who has never lacked appreciation of Earth’s beauty or failed to express it; Who has left the world better than he found it, Whether an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul; Who has always looked for the best in others and given them the best he had; Whose life was an inspiration; Whose memory a benediction Bessie Anderson Stanley

Far be it from me to attempt to find words more befitting than these to describe the life and times of Mr Francis Phillip; a hero in every aspect of the word and one of Saint Lucia’s most noble sons. Our eulogies are delivered by another person but it is us who write them during our life. Mindoo, as he became affectionately known throughout the island, embodied everything which Happy 40th Independence | 56

makes us proud to be human and proud to be Saint Lucian. Francis Phillip was born on August 9th, 1929 in the community of Marchand in the Capital City of Castries and went on to attend the St Aloysius Roman Catholic Boys School. At the time Saint Lucia was a vastly undeveloped country and the next decade would bring much change to the island’s landscape. By 1940, a World War was occurring and a teenager only recently out of school was thrust into the harsh, unfamiliar territory of self-sufficiency. Soon after graduating he entered the workforce and began to earn a living for himself. He would focus on his sporting disciplines as much as he did on his employ. Through hard work, both on and off the pitch, he was able to manage both aspects of his life with diligence and in 1947, at the age of 18, he made his first breakthrough; being selected to represent the national cricket team. He excelled as a batsman and his leadership became evident to everyone who witnessed his interaction with his team in training and during matches. His undeniable talent would also land him a spot on the Windward Islands team where he continued to excel.

Our national football team was also graced with the unforgettable mark of Mindoo who played numerous positions as the team required, most notably as left winger, left sided full back and even as goalkeeper. He was equally prolific in each position and performed in all three when called upon to do so. During his tenure the national football team achieved its first win over Barbados, then considered a regional powerhouse in sports. It was a monumental occasion for a “small island” team and one of many accomplishments Mindoo would accumulate throughout his career. Mindoo retired from playing in 1969 at the age of 39 and thereafter assumed the roles of National Coach for Football and Cricket for both the male and female teams. Much like his adaptability in football, performing in whatever role the team needed, he would mimic this versatility and eagerness in his administrative life also assuming roles as Umpire, Referee, Groundsman, Linesman, Selector and President of the Marchand Football League and President of the Umpires Association. A true all-rounder in every aspect of the term.

Mindoo eventually left us on May 5th, 2006. Subsequent to his passing a committee was formed by his long-time friend and admirer, Stanley French, with a view to honouring the sporting legend. Mr French sought the assistance and input of Dunstan Du Boulay, who acts as Chairman, chief cook and bottlewasher, as well as members McDonald Dixon, Tyrone Maynard, Rupert Branford and Eglon Flavien. This team accepted the challenge and proceeded to build a magnificent monument in his memory in his beloved community of Marchand. On Saturday 9th February, 2019 the Committee unveiled the Francis Mindoo Phillip Monument in memory of the sporting giant to a wide array of attendees including the Prime Minister, the leader of the Opposition, the Mayor of Castries, the President of West Indies Cricket, various members of the sporting fraternity and the friends and family of Francis Phillip. In his address Prime Minister opined that “the true characteristic of a country is how it remembers its elders …and I think this monument to Mindoo is a great statement by Saint Lucians”. Of interesting note is the fact that the only other monument of this nature in the entire Caribbean is located at the 3 W’s Oval in Barbados and dedicated to one of the greatest cricketers in the history of West Indies cricket, Sir Frank Worrell. The Victoria Park, as it was formerly known, was renamed in Francis Mindoo Phillips’ name in March of 1979, less than one month after our declaration of Independence so it is particularly fitting that this ceremony formed part of our Anniversary celebrations 40 years later. The monument features 10 overhanging bats mimicking the standing bat salute given to a batsman who has broken a record or had a

The late Francis ‘Mindoo’ Phillip’s wife, Helen Phillip, pictured with Prime Minister Allen Chastanet match winning performance, with the final bat directly atop the resting place of our beloved son. The pillars which represent the players holding the bats each bear a plaque which outline the vast array of accomplishments accumulated by Mindoo over the years. It is indeed an education to visit this site and I urge you, and every Saint Lucian, do so. We owe it to those who have gone before us to tell their story. The Chairman of the Committee noted in his address that “Francis Mindoo Phillip was likely the greatest Sportsman of his generation and arguably the greatest ever produced by Saint Lucia …

the members of the committee decided we had to do something to recognise Mindoo’s contribution and to preserve his legacy and memory for future generations. We hope that we have succeeded in this endeavour for his sake and for the sake of preserving this cornerstone of Saint Lucia’s sporting history”. It is my humble submission that they have succeeded glowingly in their efforts. It is now up to us to continue this fantastic work to ensure that our national icons are never forgotten for it is their stories which form the rich history which defines us and binds us together as a nation. ¤

From L to R Sir Everton Weekes, Francis Mindoo Phillip and Sir Garfield Sobers Happy 40th Independence | 57

Miss Independence Pageant 2019

Photo by Shaun Alcindor

Miss Independence Pageant 2019 Ten beautiful ladies took to the stage at the National Cultural Centre on February 15th to vie for the title of Miss Independence 2019. The journey to the crown, as with every pageant, was filled with hard work, determination and lots of nerve-wracking moments. The audience was smitten with the ladies whose energy and charisma were certainly contagious. The contestants were chosen by their Constituency Council to be ambassadors of their communities. The participants were:

and Best Evening Wear. Timiqua Deterville came in second place while Tunisha Lansiquot, representing Anse La Raye/Canaries secured third place and Best in Swimwear. Tunisia President came in fourth place. Kieara Leon nabbed the Miss Photogenic award. Throughout the production, it was evident the contestants, chaperones and their respective teams put tremendous effort into

Tunisha Lansiquot (Miss Anse La Raye/Canaries) Kieara Leon (Miss Babonneau) Kershel Bousquet (Miss Castries East) Jenny Joseph (Miss Castries North) Keahni Hippolyte (Miss Castries South-East) Timiqua Deterville (Miss Dennery North) Kamani Alphonse (Miss Gros Islet) Trish Placide (Miss Laborie) Tunisha President (Miss Micoud) Sancia Charlemagne (Miss Soufriere) Sancia Charlemagne, a music teacher at the Soufriere Infant School, snatched the title of Miss Independence 2019 with 435 points for Sulphur City to the delight of her supporters. She also captured the titles of Miss Congeniality, Best Talent, Best Promotional Speech Photo by Bill Mortley Happy 40th Independence | 58

Photo by Bill Mortley preparation for the pageant, underscoring the usually forgotten fact that pageants can be used as a tool for personal development for participants. The Promotional Speech segment allowed the ladies to express their thoughts about what made their community unique while the Talent section connected with the theme for this year’s Independence anniversary celebrations All in, Our Journey, Our Future. Each participant translated their interpretation of the theme through drama or dance portrayal. Quite apart from the contestants, designers brought their patriotic creations to life in vivid, vibrant, elegant portrayals with an inherent Saint Lucianness embedded in each gown. An interesting aspect to this pageant is that the Interview segment was dropped in favour of a freebie “Chat.” Five contestants at a time sat on stage with the inaugural Mr. Independence Jamieson Edward to have a light conversation. No points were allocated to this segment as the sub-committee responsible for the event wanted the audience to have an insight into the character of each contestant.

Photo: Bill Mortley

Photo by Shaun Alcindor Senator Hon. Fortuna Belrose, Minister in the Ministry of Tourism, Information and Broadcasting, Culture and Creative Industries with responsibility for Culture and Creative Industries, believes the Miss Independence Pageant provides a platform for young women to grow, develop and gain exposure in a meaningful way. Though only one person was crowned, each contestant deserves kudos because it takes quite a bit of bravery and fortitude to volunteer to be judged (officially and unofficially) by strangers. ¤

Photo by Bill Mortley Happy 40th Independence | 59

Inaugural Mr. Independence Wows!

Inaugural Mr. Independence Wows! Photos by Bill Mortley

t’s one thing to talk about gender equality but it’s another thing to see it in action. For the first time in the history of Saint Lucia, we have crowned a Mr. Independence. Creating history will always peak the interest of the public and this event was no different. The pageant was organised by Gregory Lorde Productions under the theme Embracing Diversity, the Key to Unity. The audience gathered at the National Cultural Centre on February 9th to see if the contestants could deliver on the promises they made during the media appearances prior to the event. They promised an explosive night of talent and showmanship. As anticipation built before the curtains came up, the question as to what to expect was rife in the audience. The contestants wowed the audience from the moment the

Happy 40th Independence | 60

show began straight through to the end. Animated and captivating, the gentlemen certainly set the bar for next year’s pageant. The participants were:

thought and effort went into preparing each contestant for this production, which was defined by flair, confidence and humour by young Saint Lucian men.

Brendon Joseph (Castries South) Cardious Constantin (Dennery) Deshawn Augustin (Vieux Fort) Jamal Springer (Castries Central) Jamieson Edward (Castries South-East) Franeil Charlery (Gros Islet) Treasure Actille (Castries North) Sherquil Florence (Micoud)

In the end, although all the gentlemen put on impressive performances, Jamieson Edward emerged as the first-ever Mr. Independence. Deshawn Augustin took second place while Treasure Actille came in third place. Had it not been for the crown, it would be difficult to tell who the winner was as the top three contestants were beaming with smiles of wonder and elation. This, of course, reflects the overall aim of the pageant. Organisers say the objective behind the pageant is to empower young men to make informed decisions through deepening their understanding and consciousness. ¤

The Opening Number was riveting and set the tone for the rest of the evening. The gentlemen had to prove themselves in Promotional Speech, Sport Wear, Formal Wear, Talent and Interview segments. The audience was whipped into a fervour as the evening progressed. It was evident that much

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Happy 40th Independence Saint Lucia Tel: (758) 459-6900 | Fax: (758) 455-9289 Email: info@mylaboriecu.com

Web: www.mylaboriecu.com Facebook: facebook.com/laboriecooperativecreditunionltd Happy 40th Independence | 61

39th Annual Sports Awards

It was a night of celebration! Contributors to the sporting field were fittingly recognized at the 39th annual Sports Awards Ceremony. Saint Lucian High Jumper Levern Spencer set another record for 2018, capturing the title of Sportswoman of the Year for the fifteenth time. Spencer picked up four gold medals in January 2018. She followed this up in April with a bronze and a gold medal. In June and July she continued her streak with four gold and one silver medal. Notably, she is the first athlete to hold the North and Central American and Caribbean (NCAC), as well as the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) championship simultaneously. Spencer earned a bronze medal in September at the IAAF Continental Cup with a jump of 1.93 meters. Her crowning moment for the year was at the Commonwealth Games in April where she secured a gold medal with a leap of 1.95 meters, making her the first Saint Lucian Commonwealth champion. Spencer has been representing Saint Lucia for about two decades. The other nominees for SportsWoman of the Year were West Indies Cricketer Qiana Joseph and National Football Captain Ellaisa Marquis. Albert Reynolds held onto the title of Sportsman of the Year for his prowess in javelin. He captured a gold medal at the National Independence Games with a throw of 73.56 meters. Reynolds was a leader in his field for 2018 at the OECS/Martinique Championship and Elite French Championship. He made the finals for the CAC and Commonwealth games. The other nominees in this category were boxer Lyndel Marcellin and cricketer Larry Edward. Julien Alfred was also a repeat winner having been dubbed Junior Sportsman of the Year. She secured a silver medal in Argentina at the Youth Olympic Games for the 100-meter dash. She prevailed over fellow nominee swimmer Katie Kyle and tennis player Meggan Dawn William. Happy 40th Independence | 62

Junior Sportsman of the Year went to West Indies Youth Cricketer Kimani Melius, another repeat winner, for his stellar performance on the Windward Islands and West Indies B team. Sprinter Shelton St. Rose, swimmer Jayhan Odlum – Smith, and table tennis player D’Andre Calderon were nominees in this category. Association of the Year went to the St. Lucia Amateur Swimming Association while Mr. Hollis Bristol received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his continuous commitment to the development of sports. The Minister’s Award was given to Dunstan and Jane DuBoulay for their impact on the sector and their efforts in the development of sports on island. The Long Service Award was delivered posthumously to Leo “Spar” St. Helen who is one of an elite group of athletes to represent Saint Lucia in five sporting disciplines. Other recipients included: Lightning Aquatic Swim Club – Club of the Year Yasmine Tyson (Swimming) – Administrator of the Year Peter Rupert James – Coach of the Year (Swimming) Chris Wells – Coach of the Year (Table Tennis) Conrad Fredericks – Coach of the Year (Boxing) Emmanuel Bellas – Coach of the Year (Football) Hilroy Emmanus (Swimming) – Technical Official Benvick Winifred – Special Olympian Zadie St. Louis (athlete) – Community Award Vieux Fort Stanislaus Felix (coach) – Community Award Dennery Five national teams were recognised for their wins in 2018: the Under 15 and Under 19 Cricket teams; Senior Women Volleyball Team (winners of the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association Women’s Championship); the Under 23 Netball team (Winners of the OECS Championship); and the Rugby Sevens Female Team. ¤

CIBC First Caribbean

St. Lucia Mortgage Finance Company Ltd. (SMFC)

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Governor General Sir Neville Cenac & Lady Cenac hand over the baton to start the NYC Relay. Photo: Shaun Alcindor

National Youth Council’s Strides of Unity

oung people came out in full force to celebrate the island’s 40th Independence anniversary. One of the most prominent youth participatory activities was an initiation by the Saint Lucia National Youth Council (NYC) dubbed Strides of Unity.

The island-wide baton relay began at Government House at Morne Fortune from 7am on Sunday February 17th. Participants carried a specially crafted baton around Saint Lucia, going down the West coast and making its way back up the East coast then finally moving into Castries then up to Gros Islet. NYC affiliated clubs, district Youth and Sports Councils, Constituency Councils, sports clubs and other organisations were used to actively mobilize young people to be part of this activity and lobby the communities to come out to encourage this tremendous effort. Commendably, the participants were as varied as they were diverse with walkers, runners, bikers, cyclists, skateboarders and the differently-abled all playing a role in getting the baton to the finish line. Saint Lucian athletes and parliamentarians including Hon. Herod Stanislaus (MP Soufriere), Hon. Shawn Edward (MP Dennery North) and Hon. Lenard Montoute (MP Gros Islet) joined in the relay. Perhaps one of the most striking features of this initiative to promote unity was communities coming out, hoisting banners, and lobbying against several common societal causes. Residents pledged to unite to end gun violence; to unite for better healthcare; to unite to end child abuse; to unite for peace; and to unite for gender equality. Happy 40th Independence | 64

NYC called Strides of Unity a “resounding success” attributing it to the commitment of the Governor General of Saint Lucia, His Excellency Sir Neville Cenac, and the overwhelming participation of the country. NYC expected about 350 participants in the relay but far exceeded that number on the day of the event. The premise of this activity by NYC was to promote unity, peace, healthy living and to foster an inclusive society throughout the length and breadth of the island. Strides of Unity, according to organisers, signals a revolution in their approach to youth development, inspiring young people to start the changes they want to see in their country. ¤

Digicel

Happy 40th Independence

St. Lucia

Digicel congratulates the proud nation and Saint Lucian people on 40 years of Independence

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Happy 40th Independence Day, St. Lucia

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Independence Anniversary Awards 2019

he 40th Independence Awards were conferred by Governor General of Saint Lucia His Excellency Sir Neville Cenac. The ceremony, which was held at the Sandals Grande Beach Resort & Spa, saw some thirty outstanding Saint Lucians receiving acknowledgements to their tireless development of all sectors of the country. The awards are divided into the following categories: Grand Cross of the Order of Saint Lucia Knight/Dame Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia Saint Lucia Cross Saint Lucia Medal of Honour Saint Lucia Medal of Merit Saint Lucia Les Piton Medal National Service Cross National Service Medal The Order of Saint Lucia is an order of chivalry established in 1986 by Queen Elizabeth II. Commonly referred to as the Independence Anniversary Awards, the insignia of the Order are conferred annually on Independence Day to citizens of Saint Lucia and other persons for achievement, acts of bravery or meritorious service. The number of persons appointed in each class and division is set out in the Constitution of the Order of Saint Lucia, which explains the quota system used to confer the awards on an annual basis. The King/Queen is Sovereign of the Order and the GovernorGeneral is Chancellor. The Governor-General has the right to exercise all powers and authorities of the Sovereign in respect of the Order. The Governor-General bestows the Order on behalf of the Sovereign, on the advice of the Prime Minister. The Private Secretary to the Governor-General is the Secretary of the Order and maintains the records of the Order, arranges for investitures and performs such other functions in respect of the Order as the Governor-General shall direct. The Awards Committee reviews nominations and makes recommendations to the Prime Minister on the merit of each nomination received for consideration. On the occasion of Independence Day 2019, His Excellency Sir Neville Cenac, the Governor General of Saint Lucia as Chancellor Happy 40th Independence | 66

of the National Societies of Honour, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 25 of the National Honours and Awards Act, have been pleased to make the following appointments: ORDER OF SAINT LUCIA The Saint Lucia Cross (SLC) Mr. Kenneth Allan Patrick Monplasir For distinguished service in the field of Arts, Law and Humanitarian Dr. Stephen James King For distinguished service in the field of Medicine, Youth Development and Societal Reform Mr. Cecil Edmund Columban Goodman (For distinguished service in the field of Community Development) The Saint Lucia Medal of Honour (Gold) Dr. George Joseph Forde For eminent service rendered in the field of Education and Martial Arts The Saint Lucia Medal of Honour (Silver) Mrs. Angela Mariatte For eminent service rendered in the field of Education The Saint Lucia Medal of Merit (GOLD) SLMM Mr. Augustin Julian For long and meritorious service in the field of Music and Storytelling Mr. Arthur Williard Lisson For long and meritorious service in the field of Music Mrs. Cynthia Weekes For long and meritorious service in the field of Special Education and Voluntary Service to the National Council of and for persons with Disabilities The Saint Lucia Medal of Merit (Silver) SLMM Mr. Patrick Gilson Simeon For long and meritorious service in the field of Music Mr. Bryan Ignatius Daher For having performed long and meritorious service in the field of Entrepreneurship and Community Development

The Saint Lucia Les Pitons Medal (Gold) SLPM Mr. Karlis Modestus Neville Noel For having performed long and meritorious service in the field of Entrepreneurship and Community Development Mr. Andre Abel Lansiquot For having performed long and meritorious service in the field of Education and Community Development Ms. Paula St. Luce For having performed long and meritorious service in the field of Education, Sports and Youth Development The Saint Lucia Les Pitons Medal (Silver) SLPM Ms. Theresa Jn. Charles For having performed long and meritorious service in the field of Education and Sports Mrs. Teresa Du Boulay For having performed long and meritorious service in the field of Social Development Mr. Paul Lorde For having performed long and meritorious service in the field of Youth and Community Development The Saint Lucia Les Pitons Medal (Bronze) SLPM Ms. Theodora Charles For having performed long and meritorious service in the field of Community Development National Service Cross Mr. Severin Monchery For rendering loyal and devoted service beneficial to the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, the Government and People of Saint Lucia National Service Medal Mr. Gabriel Harrow For outstanding and meritorious service to the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, the Government and People of Saint Lucia The Public Services Long Service Award St. Lucia Public Service Mr. Cyrus Johnathan Reynolds Mr. Mark Anthony LOUIS St. Lucia Teaching Service Mrs. Jillian Alison Welch- Elliot Mrs. Elizabeth Prudent Royal Saint Lucia Police Force Inspector, Marcellinus Timothy Alfred Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (Ports Police) Constable Albert Leo Inspector, Camillus Alexander Saint Lucia Fire & Emergency Services Leading Fire Fighter, Brian Solomon Leading Fire Fighter, Regis Joseph Saint Lucia Prison Service (Bordelais Correctional Facility) Acting Corrections Classifications Supervisor, John Samuel Assistant Director of Corrections, Christ Anthony Felix Â¤ Happy 40th Independence | 67

Independence Military Parade Photos by Jemy Altenor

Independence Military Parade

martly dressed platoons executed a memorable parade for the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 40th Independence Anniversary celebrations. The Drum Major stole the show as he let the exquisite music from the Royal Saint Lucia Police Band feed his spirit and lighten his feet. The last time drills like these were seen was in 2014 when the island marked its 35th milestone. The police band proved that their talents were as diverse as it was mesmerizing as they played instruments while simultaneously executing moving formations. Not to be outdone, the Number One Platoon did laser precision drills as testament to the hours of practicing. The drills lasted about twenty minutes with many different formations: there was a star; an arch inside of an arch; a stacking formation; a number 40 and; a beautiful cascade. Â¤

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Photo: Shaun Alcindor

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Sun General

Top Stone Fabrication Ltd.

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Automotive Art

le ebrati

C ECCO

le ebrati

Years

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve come this far Mastered, monetized but here we are The drum beat still echoes from our distant pastsetting the pace, forging our sights... To forty years, we say cheers!!

Our Independence... Our Rights

Julian Charles Road. Sans Souci, Castries, St. Lucia | Tel: (758) 451-6436 / 452-6102 | Mobile: (758) 285-0404 (WhatsApp) Email: ecco@eccorights.com | Website: www.eccorights.org | Facebook: ECCO Inc. | Instagram: @eccorights ECCO Territories are: St. Lucia, Commonwealth of Dominica, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, St. Kitts & Nevis, Grenada, Antigua & Barbuda, Anguilla, Montserrat, and the British Virgin Islands. Happy 40th Independence | 71

Winners of Grand Independence Day Parade Announced!

aint Lucians and visitors alike were in for a special treat on Independence Day, with the staging of the first ever Independence Parade. “Anou We’y” a parade with a difference, was held on February 22, Independence Day and featured various aspects of Saint Lucian life- sporting, cultural, commercial and more, through exciting portrayals. And, the positive feedback from the event, which was witnessed by thousands, has been overwhelming. Several groups, organizations and companies depicted their various themes through art, colour, costume and creativity, as they traversed the John Compton Highway through the city of Castries. The parade was headed by the phenomenal Royal Saint Lucia Police Band whose antics and performance have since gone viral. As the contingents streamed by, they were accompanied by floats and music trucks, cheered on by gleeful spectators showing their appreciation.

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Photos by Jemy Altenor

“It is nice to be in Saint Lucia at this time to witness something like this and share in a bit of your history and your culture,” Ron a visitor who had just come off a cruise ship remarked. “This is the best Independence celebration I have witnessed, starting last night with the Story of Saint Lucia, the fireworks and the different activities and now this. It’s amazing and my kids are actually learning something,” Shirley a mother of three said. The “Anou W’ey” Parade which got underway at about 2 PM lasted about four hours with the grand independence fanfare culminating at the Sab Playing field, Vigie.

A special “People’s Choice Award” will be given to The Babonneau Development Committee. The other participating contingents at the parade were the Department of Fisheries, Caribbean Metals, The Saint Lucia Swimming Association, Hibiscus Trolley Trains, Socafit, Miss Independence contestants, Youth in Arts, BOSL, Avot Sevis, Aux Leon La Magwit Group, 758 Books, Teddyson John and Friends, Xuvo Carnival Band, Insomeil Carnival Band, Looshan Revelers, SALCC Lions Cheerleaders, Volunteer Saint Lucia, Ferrands, Baron Foods, 4x4 Trailfinders Club, 758 Bikers, Karate Association, National netballers, Saint Lucia Distillers, KFC, Digicel, Bay Gardens and Sandals Resorts. The contingents were judged in various categories with the following winners emerging: “Most Impressive contingent”

Silver Shadow Performing Arts Academy “Most Innovative Design”

Silver Shadow Performing Arts Academy “Best Interpretation of Independence Theme”

Helen Folk Dancers

“Best Decorated Truck/Float”

Events Company of Saint Lucia

A prize giving ceremony for the winners was held on Thursday March 7. Prizes will also be presented to the winners of the Independence Song Competition, which was won by Menel, with Nintus and Michael Robinson placing second and third respectively. The Independence 40 Committee would like to thank all of the participants, as well as the sponsors for their input into the success of the events. Independence 40 activities continue through to December 12, 2019. For more information visit www.independence.slu. ¤

“Truly Lucian Portrayal”

Tribe of Twel

Photo by Shaun Alcindor Happy 40th Independence | 73

Prime Minister’s Luncheon

Prime Minister’s Luncheon T Photos by Jemy Altenor

he Financial Administration Centre was the venue for the inaugural Prime Minister’s Luncheon. The dynamic group of invitees all lent a listening ear, as the host, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia Hon. Allen M. Chastanet, delivered his Independence Address. Underlying this auspicious event was the motive behind such a gesture. For the Prime Minister, he wanted to celebrate ordinary Saint Lucians – those who persevere daily despite their individual hardships. This, he says, is undoubtedly patriotism at its finest. The Prime Minister wrote on his social media account: “These are our soldiers of patriotism! These are the people to be celebrated. The everyday people who understand that Independence came with a responsibility to ourselves and to our country. Of course, Government has a role to play. But no Government can be successful without a people, united in the commitment to others, a devotion to charity, to duty and to patriotism.” Here are some highlights from the luncheon. ¤

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Glitz and Glam for Prime Minister’s Independence Ball

Photo by Jemy Altenor

Glitz and Glam for Prime Minister’s Independence Ball

t was a star-studded night! Members of the Diplomatic Corps, the business community and other Saint Lucia guests donned their most fashionable costumes on Saturday February 23rd to patronize the Prime Minister’s Independence Ball. This is the 3rd year the ball was hosted, having raised over $150,000 in the past for the benefit of the Saint Lucia Blind Welfare Association, Cornerstone House, the Children’s Home at Ciceron, the Saint Lucia School of Ballet and Modern Dance and the Upton Garden’s Girls Centre.

Photo: Richard Peterkin

This year’s Ball featured performances from a number of talented Saint Lucians including the Royal Saint Lucia Police Band, Barbara Cadet, Shannon Pinel and Ronald “Boo” Hinkson with presentations being made by young Entrepreneurs Johanon Dujon and Jallim Eudovic. That’s not all. This year’s Ball, being a part of the milestone celebration for the 40th anniversary, attracted some star power as the Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet invited renowned son of the soil Joseph Marcell to host the event and scheduled famed music executive and entrepreneur, Steve Stoute, to be the keynote speaker. Happy 40th Independence | 76

Photo by Richard Peterkin Richard Peterkin with Ram Rathod, Vice-President of Tax at Sunwing, Raquel Du Boulay and Dominic Fedee

Photo by Jemy Altenor

Photo by Jemy Altenor Photo by Jemy Altenor

Photo by Jemy Altenor

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Photo by Jemy Altenor

Marcell is an acclaimed actor, best known for his role as Geoffrey on the 90s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air starring Will Smith. His base is currently in the United Kingdom where he has gone on to be a force on Britain’s theatre scence, serving on the board of the Shakespeare Globe Theatre and playing lead roles such as the mad King Lear (King Lear) and Leonato (Much Ado About Nothing). He hosted the event alongside local radio personality Masana Morrison. Stoute is used as the poster image for “a great symbol of the American success story.” He became famous as a record executive in the 90s, before moving on to become an innovator in the field of advertising and marketing in the new millennium.

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Photo by Bill Mortley

Photo by Jemy Altenor

Photo by Bill Mortley

Photo by Jemy Altenor

Photo by Bill Mortley

Photo by Jemy Altenor

Photo by Bill Mortley

He was an executive at several music labels including Sony Music Entertainment (where he had a hand in launching then unknown artists Will Smith and Nas) and Interscope Geffen A&M Records. He left his career as a music executive behind in 2004 to launch Translation, an advertising agency that prides itself on navigating cultural nuances to allow consumers to differentiate between marketing communications intended to relate to them versus those that intend to exploit them. Stoute made waves in 2012 by scoring the Bud Light account and later, positing Translation as the agency on record for the NBA and other high-profile clients like State Farm, Apple Music and McDonalds. Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet posted on his social media: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to express my deepest thanks and appreciation to my wife Raquel and the team who assisted in organizing the event, everyone who supported in one way or the other and contributed towards helping us raise more resources for charitable causes than ever before!â&#x20AC;? Â¤

Photo by Bill Mortley

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Celebrating Our Youth

Celebrating Our Youth My father the venerable Joseph Eudovique who had taken the art world by storm in the past decade and was still in his prime, was no exception. He drilled my five siblings and I, two girls and four boys, to stay our feet away from mediocrity because the world that we were now a part of demanded excellence. And as he had sculpted the roots and stumps of the Laurier Canelle, which he rescued from decomposition on the forest floors, he decided to rescue us by sculpting us into men and women. By his own insistence we had no television, but instead a set of children’s encyclopedia. He wanted our minds to flourish between their pages because education for his generation was a privilege granted to a select few. By the age of five he hoisted me onto one of the many high stools in his studio, alongside his many apprentices and gave me my first chisel and block of wood. I was a man now and had to prove my worth and being the last of the Eudovique bunch playing catch up with my other siblings was no joke. Added to that my father seldom wore kid’s gloves. The years that ensued were challenging and fiercely competitive. My father and mother struggled to sustain a business designed for tourism in an era when bananas was king and my siblings and I struggled for superiority on my father’s workbench.

Do Not Be Afraid to Dream Big or Be Epic

Do Not Be Afraid to

Dream Big or Be Epic By Jallim Eudovic

At school, my talent had become apparent and the commissions came flooding in as early as Kindergarten. I was an artist for hire. I did everything from alphabet charts to carnival costume designs. I participated in lead roles in plays, dabbled in paint and poetry, yet under the veneer of it all I struggled desperately with identity. I had a voice that was not mine and perhaps my speech impairment was an act of rebellion by my tongue, which felt betrayed by my narrative. A narrative which parroted that of my father’s. I had to find my own voice and purpose. I was an ant under a canopy of Giants. Sir Derek Walcott, Sir Dunstan St. Omer, Leeroy Clarke and countless other national and regional icons converged regularly at my fathers’ studio. They were constant reminders that it was not ok to be good, you had to be great!

So upon graduating from St. Mary’s College in 1999, I seized the moment and decided to be a career artist who would take on the world head on. My participation in the M&C Fine Arts Competition won me a few accolades and put me on the national radar. Within a short space of time the regional and international world came calling. I exhibited in Ottawa Canada, London, New York, Miami, Paris and extensively in Martinique.

I was born into a creative family on December 6th 1980 in a country that a year earlier received it’s independence from the British Empire. And although I was not aware of it at the time, the society that I was born into was a wide-eyed, optimistic, hopeful one, jaded by the angst of colonialism, projected all its hopes on the first generation to be born into sovereign Saint Lucia.

However, it was my sojourn to Niger, Africa in my midtwenties that changed my life forever. Not only did I reconnect to the motherland, but it was there I came face to face with an undeniable truth which chased my lies, insecurities and excuses like light chases

want to introduce you to a young, vulnerable boy. Too shy to speak and when he did stuttered uncontrollably and with a heavy lisp to top it off. A young boy with an unbridled imagination, who saw too much in the clouds, wood-grains, puddles of water, shadows, chewing gum and peeling paint. A young boy who today would be easily diagnosed with ADD because he was seldom in the room as he drifted too easily into space, floating amongst the stars as if they were fireflies, only to be brought back to earth by the strident voice of some unfortunate school teacher, already agitated by the graffiti on the walls, etchings on the desk, and scribbles in the exercise book margins... Demanding that he stop daydreaming at once. I guess by now you’ve figure out that, that young boy was me, so please take this journey of self-actualization with me.

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Happy 40th Independence Saint Lucia

darkness. In the most impoverished country in Africa, I discovered that our true wealth is not money, resources or material acquisition but in the value of the lives that we share with others. I learnt that we are our brother’s keeper and that our greatest responsibility was to each other. It was the only thing that kept millions going in the face of destitution. They had tapped into an infinite source of creativity through spirituality and had dispelled the popular notion that poverty begets crime. It was then and there I found my purpose. My narrative had instantly changed, I was going to use my art as a catalyst for introspection. I did not want to create just another sculpture any more but rather beacons that shone light into the depths of the soul and at the core of humanity. I returned home and started to develop a style of my own, I’d found my voice now, I needed a new language to express it in…and not before long one of my most seminal moments happened. China came calling. The city of Changchun wanted me to propose for the world’s largest sculpture park but I had to compete with thousands of Chinese and International sculptors and to make a long story short I won a spot. However there was a catch. The Chinese requested that the sculpture be made in bronze, a medium that I was totally unfamiliar with at the time. Not one to give up easily on a great opportunity, I told them that I was totally competent in bronze, ordered a book on Amazon called “From Clay to Bronze,” read it on the long flight to China and when I landed… I was a self- proclaimed bronze sculptor!

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To date I have created 7 monumental bronze sculptures for 3 different Chinese Cities with many more on the horizon and Oh yeah, one independent monument for Saint Lucia.

WE ARE MOVING TO A NEW LOCATION SOON!!!

I’ve created sculptures for royalty, presidents, prime ministers and diplomats and I should mention that a number of these recent commissions have come via The Prime Minister’s office, so I think it’s safe to say that our PM has great taste in art and the government by extension supports local artists – something we need a lot more of from the private sector.

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I’ve said all this not to impress you but rather to impress upon you the value of finding your voice and your passion. That you should not be afraid to dream big or be epic. Find what is unique about you, work like crazy to develop it and be confident that it’s good enough to add value to the lives of others.

“Members Matter Most”

I’ll end with these words from Marianne Williamson’s, “Our Deepest Fear.” Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate, Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light and not our darkness that frightens us. ¤

Cnr Of Brazil & Coral Sts., Castries Tel: (758) 452-6820 • Fax: 452-2884 Email: elks@candw.lc http://www.elkscreditunion.com/ Happy 40th Independence | 81

Celebrating Our Youth

That is 21 times the GDP of CARICOM or 85 % of GDP of the African continent. You know what is most amazing? – Where these companies started. Amazon, Google and Apple all started out in garages. Yet, they have been able to grow exponentially and have changed the world.

The Economy of Intellect There’s nothing wrong with starting small. If we look at nature, nothing starts big. Look at seeds for instance. Seeds, as small as they are have encoded within them, the genetic potential to become a plant or tree. Most seeds of flowering plants have within them an endosperm, that stores nutrients to fuel growth/germination when the conditions are right. What comes between a seed and germination, most times is something called dormancy. Enforced dormancy; occurs when the environment is not conducive, so the seed doesn’t germinate. It’s waiting for the right conditions. So how does this relate to business?

Do Not Be Afraid to Dream Big or Be Epic

Much like seeds, we may delay the germination of our ideas, innovations and businesses waiting on the perfect environment. But when has the economy or environment ever been perfect? Never. Our economies and growth are limited by what we see, by our resources and by hurricanes, for example. Every Government Minister I have heard speak at international forums, that is the tune that we sing. Simply put, we are Small Island developing states, prone to exogenous shocks.

By Johanan Dujon

Going Against the Caribbean Grain The following is a speech delivered by Johanan Dujon of Algas Organics during the Prime Minister’s Ball. We include it here as a way of showcasing up and coming young local talent, who too often go uncelebrated. We wish Johanan Dujon and Algas Organics continued success on this journey of innovation and business development.

From the inception of Algas Organics, I sought to change that narrative, because Sargassum seaweed could’ve very well joined the inexhaustible list of exogenous shocks over which we seem to have no control. However, there’s one type of economy that cannot be limited. That is the economy of the intellect. The intellectual economy is as boundless as our imagination. There are no shortages of capital, raw materials or labour, and most of all no imposition of taxes. It is where all revolutionary ideas must first germinate, before they

Introduction All protocols observed. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, good evening. First of all, Happy 40th Independence Saint Lucia! My name is Johanan Dujon, founder and CEO of Algas Organics, the Caribbean’s first indigenous biotechnology company. It is my sincere pleasure to speak with you this evening, on what I call “going against the Caribbean grain”. Amazon, Google, Facebook & Apple. Everyone in this room has heard of them or used them, correct? Jointly, these 4 companies have a market cap of US$2.8 Trillion.

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Mr. Johanan Dujon, owner of Algas Organics, receiving the 2019 Commonwealth Youth Award

Then we got support from IICA, GEF SGP UNDP, Export St. Lucia, and The Department of Commerce, amongst others. And with that support, would you believe that a small island developing state could produce a fertilizer, which has been tested internationally and scientifically proven to outperform leading international brands?

manifest in the physical, because the soil is always fertile and the time is always right.

Our Evolution One Friday in 2014, the issue of Sargassum affecting the coastline of Caribbean islands was being lamented on the evening news. A simple remark: “Why don’t St. Lucians take the seaweed and use it for their gardens?!”, planted a seed in my intellectual economy.

That out of 2,500 of the leading start ups in Latin America and the Caribbean, Algas Organics emerged #1 through the young leaders of the America’s Initiative Programme. Out of 600 companies, we were chosen as a finalist for the Commonwealth Youth Award for Excellence in development 2019. Being recognized by the Queen, Forbes, Huffington post, processing 3 million pounds of Sargassum and exporting to the international market in only 4 years of operation, is no small feat. And we’re just getting started. Saint Lucia’s accolades lie in its tourism product, former banana glory and Nobel Laureates. I approached the Local Ministry of Agriculture to discuss the possibilities, but they couldn’t help me. Not because they didn’t want to, but because it hadn’t been done before.

But today I say to you, the Youth of St. Lucia will create new laurels. For what we lack in size, we make up for with ambition, innovation and an intrinsic, unwavering drive to succeed on an unprecedented scale.

This wasn’t the ideal environment to try to germinate that idea. But I had a feeling deep down in my spirit, and decided to tap into my endosperm to persevere, with the hope that if I germinated the idea, then I would find fertilizer before my reserves ran out. My father and I collected seaweed using his van and I began experimentation. Our first product (dried sargassum seaweed) failed, we stood outside supermarkets for days and no one bought one bag. People looked at us as if we were crazy. One Sunday I took my father’s van and drove up to a farming community and sold off the entire vanload. I remember coming home and throwing the money on the bed and saying “oh ye of little faith”. This was the beginning of a long journey to success. Firstly, we transitioned from this initial idea of selling dried seaweed, to what is now known as the Algas Total Plant Tonic, The Caribbean and the World’s First Sargassum seaweed bio‐fertilizer made from Sargassum natans and fluitans.

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“Don’t Be So Hard On Her…”

Photos by Bill Mortley

“Don’t Be So Hard On Her…” A Millennial’s Perspective of Independence By Leandra Foster

It is without a doubt that I love, oh love the land that gave me birth, my island home Saint Lucia. I love the land of beaches, its hills and valleys, and I truly do believe it is one of the fairest isles of all the earth. But my Fair Helen, while I have roamed, and yes, missed home, there is new strife and new discord that have dimmed your children’s toil and rest. I am not just of one, but two nationalities — and while I always joke that the other doesn’t “claim me”, I don’t feel completely connected to the foremost country as I have lived my entire life here — the soil of my father. I somehow always catch myself questioning my friends’ judgment when they return from studies, or temporary jobs abroad, “Why are you back? There’s nothing here for you!”. The statement might sting, but it’s my truth. How can I feel committed to giving back to an island I feel abandoned by, who neglects to put its child’s needs first? As the days drew closer to Iyanola’s birth or rather rebirth into Independence from Great Britain, some forty years ago, I questioned why I’ve never made a fuss, or followed the hype of all the celebrations. Some friends would dedicate the days leading up to the holiday, to plan and prepare for a “round d’ island” or spend time making custom outfits that included our national colours; blue, yellow, white and black. Whatever it was, I was neither part nor parcel to the coordination of or attendance to any events in commemoration of Independence Day. I questioned my devotion

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to the island, and I reaffirmed the statement that I’d told myself in the past, “I’m just not patriotic”. “Patriotism or national pride is the feeling of love, devotion and sense of attachment to a homeland and alliance with other citizens who share the same sentiment.” While I love my country, I’m not devoted. I didn’t need a dictionary, or the ever-trusty Wikipedia to tell me what I already knew, but I did want to know if I was lonesome in my thinking. I couldn’t be the only one in an island of 178,844 people who shared this sentiment. I asked a few people in my age group the simple question; “what does independence mean to you”, and I found that the opinions were mixed.

“It’s a celebration of true Saint Lucian identity” “It means nothing to me. I don’t see any progress in the country besides spending thousands of dollars on ridiculous Independence activities. There isn’t even a proper Cultural Centre, no proper stage management. I’ve never seen Saint Lucians come together for anything serious.” “I think Independence is a time to celebrate being Saint Lucian, being proud of our past, and our present — historically and culturally.” “What do bikes and jeeps have to do with Independence?” “Don’t ask me, I’m not a patriotic person.” While I chuckled at most of the responses (some I won’t even include), those who beamed with pride when speaking about our island had me second guessing myself, I felt guilty. Was I being too hard on my country? In a government issued magazine, it was written that the theme for this year’s celebration “All In, Our Journey, Our Future” was “a call to action for every Saint Lucian at home and abroad to join in on this wonderful celebration of our people, our country, our history, our political freedom, our culture, the arts, tourism, economics, sports, education and commerce. It is about you, it’s about me, it’s about us, it’s our time and it is our Saint Lucia.”

together to celebrate. It was a call to become part of the solution, and not the problem. I’ve spent many moments complaining and beating down on an island that has really come through the mud, and persevered. Like the saying goes “If you’re not part of the solution, you’re a part of the problem.”

It resonated with me that most of these things I in fact have once celebrated in some way, or have been proud of at some point. I’m still not going to say I’m patriotic or heavily devoted, but I’ve definitely found myself having moments of pride for my little island.

In her 40th year of independence, I decided I was not going to be so hard on Sweet Helen, in fact I was going to try to make an effort to become part of the solution for all that I did complain about in whatever minor way I could. Perhaps this was a call to action for me to be more dedicated to a country I have clearly called mine.

This call to action meant something to me; more than just coming

I’m In; My Journey, My Future, My Lucia. ¤

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Another Successful Record for DASH Charity Colour Run!

Photos by Blue Dawn Photography

Another Successful Record for DASH Charity Colour Run! After five years, the DASH Colour Run has affixed itself into the Independence calendar as a must attend event. The underlying concept for DASH is to bring together Saint Lucians, from all walks of life and from all generations, to grow and celebrate in a truly patriotic manner. The early morning of Sunday February 24 saw hundreds of patrons, decked out in sparkling white t-shirts, gathering at Massy Mega J in Choc to make their way to the finish line, the Rodney Bay strip. Before reaching the strip, patrons revelled in Saint Lucian powder along the route, that is, the blue, black, white and gold. Once across the finish line in their new vibrantly coloured head to toe garb, victors were treated by sponsors while being serenaded by local artistes. DASH is not just about the fun filled journey or even the fete atmosphere. Proceeds from DASH, as with in previous years, continues to support the sole beneficiary â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the Child Development and Guidance Center (CDGC) in La Clery. This consistent donation is made possible by both patrons

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and sponsors. The CDGC, which was registered in 2001, is the only institution of its kind on island. It is a multi-disciplinary developmental assessment centre providing support and care for children from birth to sixteen years old.

Over the years DASH has donated more than $20,000 to the non-profit. A government subvention covers a little over 40% of the CDGCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s budget. But with a staff compliment, overheads and an immeasurable amount of child assessments

done over the years, continuous support from events like DASH are critically important to the running of CDGC and the fulfilment of its mandate. DASH Partners for 2019 include:

Digicel • Yello Media Group •ECCO KFC/Real Foods Limited • Hobbie LUCELEC • Lumnat Distributors Tropical Shipping • 123 Digital Hashtag Limited • Blue Waters Caribbean Tents • Baywalk Mall Shoe Rehab/The Foot Spa• The Cell Events Company of Saint Lucia. ¤

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Youth Parliamentarians Propose Passionate Paradigms for SALCC Future

Youth Parliamentarians Propose Passionate Paradigms for SALCC Future What becomes of the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College? That has been a question making the rounds for the last decade yet, to date, the answers have been few and far between from the powers that be. Young people decided to revive the hot topic for this year’s Youth Parliament as the country marked its 40th milestone.

affecting the island. No longer will the country’s most brilliant and qualified minds be inclined to abandon ship because of lack of job opportunities or because the avenues to give their contributions to country are stymied.

Twenty-one youth (and bear in mind that in Saint Lucia the youth age ends at 35) tackled the topic, Should the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College become a University College in a true debate format – the government side for and the opposition against the topic.

Robert Rene, President of the South Castries Youth and Sports Council, led the opposition’s side. While the opposition would like to see an indigenous territory education institution, it was more concerned with the financial health of the island. The process for the transformation of SALCC (physical and human resources playing a major role in coming to a conclusion) will be too costly.

Summary of the Proponents’ Argument

The crux of the government side, led by National Youth Council President Jeshurun Andrew, was that Saint Lucia needs an indigenous tertiary education institution. Though the University of the West Indies has an open campus in Saint Lucia; and though the island houses branches of overseas territory education bodies; the opportunity for economic growth while simultaneously promoting Saint Lucia culture and values is an undeniable asset. The economic stimulation argument went further. Not only will qualified citizens be able to find jobs at the university college, the island can explore the niche of education tourism. Education tourism, as can be seen in the neighbouring Grenada through the St. George’s University, is an important economic driver with far reaching consequences. International students bring a currency dynamic, that is, foreign dollars are pumped into different sectors – food, healthcare, entertainment, agriculture and tourism. With this cash injection, the levels of unemployment – especially among young people – can be addressed in a meaningful way. Social safety net programmes can get the funding to be more effective. Young people can better afford further education and, the most important point, this will serve to lessen the Brain Drain

Happy 40th Independence | 88

Summary of the Opponents’ Argument

In addition, the accreditation for university college status is arduous and time consuming. These factors alone will result in increasing the island’s Debt to GDP ratio, with no concrete projections on the amount of time it would take to realize the returns on investment. With the focus on such a large project, what will happen to the other sectors like infrastructure, energy, and education? And on the topic of education, universal primary and secondary education has been weighed and found wanting. The various downfalls of that system need to be considered before trying to upgrade the tertiary option. Focus should be on retrofitting the schools to fit modern day demands, training teachers on new methods to transfer knowledge, and better managing the education sector to ensure that no child is left behind.

And the Winner Is…

In true parliamentary fashion, the government’s motion succeeded. The greater impression, however, is the multi-faceted arguments proposed in the chamber by young people. It is evident that the youth are not only our country’s future but also our very vibrant present. ¤

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advantage of the Commonwealth’s diverse membership which offers valuable insights which will help the country meet its development objectives. The Prime Minister spoke to the challenges faced by Saint Lucia among them crime, unemployment and improving social services.

HRH Prince Charles and PM Chastanet Highlight Climate Change During Royal Visit

Photos by Bill Mortley

HRH Prince Charles and PM Chastanet Highlight Climate Change during Royal Visit

“Among the greatest challenges that we face is the issue of climate change,” stated the Prime Minister. “And we’re not in this alone. Climate Change does not discriminate. Whether you are big or small, rich or poor, it affects us all. As a Small Island Developing State, we are often paralyzed, because when it comes to building resilience, we are not in control of our own destiny. We are constrained by global bureaucracies. This was most glaring with the rampage that hurricanes brought to our region just two years ago. Despite this, we continue to approach the task with determination, but for us to be successful we require intervention.” Speaking in agreement with the Prime Minister, Prince Charles stated that “There is no greater challenge facing all of us, in my view, and indeed in that of The Prime Minister as we heard, than that of climate change, which I know poses nothing short of an existential threat to this island as it does to every part of this region.” Prince Charles noted that he saw for himself, “the devastation that Hurricanes Maria and Irma wrought in Dominica, Barbuda and the British Virgin Islands when I visited those communities in November 2017.”

Prime Minister Honourable Allen Michael Chastanet championed the issue of the effect of Climate Change on the region in his Address during the Royal Visit on Sunday. His Royal Highness, Prince of Wales spent the afternoon of March 17th 2019 in the south of the island; attending a special welcome ceremony, schools rally and a reception in his honour. In his address at the ceremony and on behalf of the Government and People of Saint Lucia, Prime Minister Chastanet spoke of the significance of the visit which coincides with the nation’s ongoing 40th Independence anniversary celebrations. The Prime Minister spoke to Saint Lucia’s participation in the Commonwealth, adding that Saint Lucia intends to take “Tackling the truly alarming threat of climate change, and finding some ways of mitigating the risk it presents, is, and must continue to be, a top priority for the Commonwealth,” said HRH. “I am particularly pleased to know, therefore, that through the Commonwealth Marine Economies Programme, the mapping of Saint Lucia’s seabed will not only inform our understanding of the effects of climate change, but has the potential to help develop Saint Lucia’s vital Blue Economy in significant and sustainable ways.” Prince Charles said, “For this, and so many other reasons, I have great hope for the future of Saint Lucia and her people.” ¤ Happy 40th Independence | 90

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40th Independence Anniversary Activities

OAS Reception

40th Independence Anniversary Activities

In The Washington DC Metropolitan Area

The Embassy of Saint Lucia and the Saint Lucia Association of the Metro Washington, DC Area collaborated on activities to celebrate the nation’s 40th Independence Anniversary.

Independence Gala

The Saint Lucia Association, under the patronage of the Embassy of Saint Lucia, hosted the 40th Anniversary Independence Gala on February 16, 2019. As part of the celebrations several members of the Washington DC diaspora were given service awards for their valuable work and contributions to the community. Minister of Health and Wellness, Senator the Honourable Mary Isaac, was the featured speaker at the gala. In her address, Senator Isaac focused on the important role of the diaspora in the nation’s development and encouraged their continued contribution towards the education and health sectors in Saint Lucia. Senator Isaac enlightened on the achievements in the health sector and the ongoing policies of the government to enhance service delivery in that sector.

The Embassy and the Association are pleased with the success of this event and express appreciation to our sponsors – St Lucia Distillers Ltd for donating a Chairman’s gift as a door prize and the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority for providing a four-night stay compliments

Windjammer Landing, also as a door prize.

Ecumenical Service

Officiated by Reverend Charles Wynder, with guest homilist Monsignor Francis Michelle of Saint Lucia, an ecumenical

Ambassador Anton Edmunds and staff at World Bank Luncheon Happy 40th Independence | 92

service was held at the Church of the Holy Comforter in Washington DC on Sunday, February 24th, 2019. Ambassador, H.E. Anton Edmunds, shared his sentiments on this momentous occasion, focusing on the importance of patriotism as the driver of the nation’s future. The service was attended by former Ambassadors of Saint Lucia to the United States of America – Ambassador Anton Edmunds Sr. (19841997) and Ambassador Sonia Johnny (1997-2008 and 2012-2015). Members of the CARICOM diplomatic corps also shared in fellowship with the Saint Lucian community which was followed by a brunch with food prepared by members of the Saint Lucia Association.

Independence Reception at the Organization of American States

The Embassy hosted an independence reception at the Patio Azteca of the Organization of American States (OAS) on the evening of Monday, February 25, 2019. Dignitaries from the diplomatic community and the diaspora joined in the celebration which featured servings of Saint Lucian rums and beers – Chairman’s Reserve, Bounty, Admiral Rodney produced by St Lucia Distillers Ltd and Piton Beer and Piton Gold produced by the Windward and Leeward Brewery Ltd. H.E. Anton Edmunds shared brief remarks, highlighting Saint Lucia’s journey to independence, its noted achievements and challenges and the important role that friendly countries and organizations have played in the country’s development since independence. H.E. Carlos Alberto Calles Castillo, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of El Salvador

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Guest Speaker Senator Mary Isaac

to the OAS, also shared his remarks on this momentous occasion and noted the historical contribution of Saint Lucia through Jean Baptiste Bideau, iconic Saint Lucian martyr who saved the life of Liberator Simon Bolivar.

Taste of Saint Lucia – World Bank Luncheon

Taste of Saint Lucia – A culinary showcase featuring the island’s local cuisine, was held once again at the World Bank’s Executive Dining Room from Tuesday, February 26, 2019 to Wednesday, February 27, 2019. The twoday affair was held as part of the 40th Independence Anniversary activities and was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, the IMF, the World Bank and the Saint Lucia diaspora. Chef Shorne Benjamin was this year’s featured chef who oversaw the preparation of a local meal. Guests were treated to local beer courtesy Piton Beer and featured

Saint Lucian rums –Chairman’s Reserve line of rums and Admiral Rodney. This year, the Embassy was able to provide two door prizes complements the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority – a four-night stay at the Bay Gardens Beach Resort with a sunset cruise from Sea Spray Cruises for two and the second was a four-night stay for two at Harmony Suites. The Embassy and the Saint Lucia Association take this opportunity to express appreciation to the many partners who contributed to the success of the activities commemorating Saint Lucia’s 40th Anniversary of Independence – the Independence Planning Committee; the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority; Piton Beer (Windward and Leeward Brewery Ltd); St Lucia Distillers Ltd; Windjammer Landing; Bay Gardens Resort; Sea Spray Cruises; Harmony Suites. ¤

Saint Lucians in attendance Happy 40th Independence | 93

Saint Lucia Strengthens Its Diaspora Affairs

H.E. Dr. Jocelyne C. Fletcher Ambassador, Diaspora Affairs

Saint Lucia Strengthens Its Diaspora Affairs New Ambassador Appointed to Spearhead Cohesive Front we deepen and strengthen the connections between our nationals overseas and their homeland: that we provide them with avenues for investment opportunities, use their resources and skills to develop our society.

For many years now, many countries have become increasingly interested in revisiting, refreshing and rebuilding relations with their overseas populations. This has led to the formulation of Diaspora policy strategies relating to what is now known as the “Overseas Constituency”. Some countries are moving to institutionalize the work of their Diaspora movement by establishing joint select bipartisan committees on Diaspora affairs in their Parliament.

Our nationals must be kept informed of what our Constitution entails and what they can expect upon returning home or investing at home. They are requesting incentives to encourage them to return home and to invest at home. However, it has been noted that there is a Returning National Policy on the Government of Saint Lucia’s website which is fifteen years old and may have to be reviewed. They also request that a policy framework be put in place where overseas nationals can vote.

Some years ago, Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding underscored their Government’s commitment, not only to the achievements of their nation, but emphasizing that key aspects of Jamaica’s future development hinge on the partnership and involvement of all stakeholders, including Jamaicans in the Diaspora. Other islands, like Barbados, Dominica, Grenada and Haiti have also recognized this importance and have been taking similar strategic approaches towards their Diaspora.

People migrate from this homeland to make a better life for themselves and their families, especially to acheive a higher level of education from which they can derive a return on investment. Many people feel that they had no choice as things were tight at home for them. However, home has never migrated from their hearts and they have been desperate to keep in touch with a bit of home. The quote in our national anthem, “Wheresoever you may roam, love, oh, love, our island home”, is indicative of a writer who left home but home had not left him.

I am very much acquainted with the concerns of the Diaspora as I am a returning national. Too often people want to return home to serve, to give back. However, various obstacles are put in place to prevent such opportunities. Many people have said they feel resented, marginalized, not taken seriously about the contributions they make and thus feel rejected.

There are several ways in which the Diaspora has kept home alive while away from it. Among them are: • Remittances amounting to about $35 million annually; • Constant visits back home; • Forming Saint Lucia associations in the various places they have migrated to and showcasing Saint Lucia; • Many who have left home have gone on to distinguish themselves in several areas, including business, education, healthcare, technology, law, entrepreneurship, and local government; • They reduce poverty and contribute to sustainable development; • They have made considerable impact on the global stage, putting Saint Lucia on the map, so to speak. Among them are Sirs Arthur Lewis and Derek Walcott;

The Diaspora has felt this way for a long time and, finally in 2008, the Government of Saint Lucia decided to take action and recognize the value and contribution of the Diaspora. Consultations with many Saint Lucian overseas groups were held, a Homecoming was held, conventions were held and a policy was drafted. All of this gave the Diaspora hope for the contributions which they make to the economy of Saint Lucia through remittances and showcasing Saint Lucia in the countries to which they have migrated as for a while, there had been little or no development on Diaspora matters. The need has been identified and accepted by Government that it is imperative that Happy 40th Independence | 94

Sometimes we bring in foreign nationals to assist us who may have the technical skills but not the understanding of our culture or how we do things. Keeping in touch with our Diaspora associations allows us to tap into and harness those skills from our own.

There is a Union of Saint Lucia Overseas Associations (USLOA) as well as the Saint Lucia International Association here in Saint Lucia, all of whom collaborate and have well-developed databases. There are also several active Saint Lucian Overseas Associations (SLOA) which do not participate in USLOA. Government has decided that we must forge stronger links with them in order to assist and encourage the Diaspora in giving back to their homeland. There is also the Caribbean Returning Nationals Foundation in the U.S. and the Caribbean Enterprise Network. They are in touch with Caribbean Diaspora Associations around the world and encourage them to give back to their country of origin. Our people are Saint Lucians who were born and lived in Saint Lucia before migrating and those born to Saint Lucian parents in a foreign land. To date, Government has honoured the requests of the Diaspora through the Diaspora policy, which was approved by former Prime Minister, Dr. Kenny Anthony’s Cabinet in August 2015. By appointing an Ambassador for Diaspora Affairs (a position which has been unfunded in the Estimates since 2008), Government has proven that it is prepared to implement the precepts of the Diaspora policy. This policy took years to create, thanks to a team from Government and Diaspora Associations, with four drafts having been done before final approval. Dialogue has commenced with the Office of Diaspora Affairs and the Saint Lucia Overseas Associations. Discussion on the implementation of the tenets of the Diaspora policy is of utmost priority. It is necessary to promote national discussions at home and abroad on the role of Diaspora in the national development agenda. While the Office of Diaspora Affairs is in dialogue with the Associations articulating the tenets of the Diaspora Policy and the purpose of the Diaspora Office, it is important that the Cabinet of Ministers are acquainted with the policy and the role of the Diaspora Office. ¤ For more information, please contact the Office of Diaspora Affairs: H.E. Ambassador Dr. Jocelyne C. Fletcher 5th Floor, Greaham Louisy Building The Waterfront, Castries, Saint Lucia Tel: 1 (758) 468 – 2182 Email: jocelyne.fletcher@govt.lc

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On the 40th Anniversary of our Independence we require a new sense of urgency and agency to actualize the future our descendants deserve. Dialogue and deliberation, collective impact and intergenerational collaboration, are key pillars for our success. New forms of communication technologies have improved how we can mobilize resources and our people internationally.

The Time for Progress is Now

Today, technology makes it far easier for Saint Lucians to function as transnational communities to not only maintain our identity but for political mobilization. Also, the plethora of messaging and mobile communication platforms available to us has drastically decreased communication costs. We have no excuses. We must build. The Diaspora faces a profound question: have Saint Lucians lost their emotional, spiritual and cultural link to our country of origin? Our degree of attachment, mobilization, and engagement rely on the aforementioned question being answered. • Is it prudent or strategic for our involvement to solely be based on events affecting our homeland? • Does the Saint Lucia diaspora only engage when occurrences manifest such as natural disasters, conflicts, and changes of government? • Are these events the prescription for engagement or symptoms of ignorance and apathy “I don’t know, and I don’t care”? There are a range of policy areas today including foreign affairs, economic development, and international migration that require collective leadership. Saint Lucians at home and abroad must remain involved and unite.

The Time for Progress is Now On behalf of the Union of St. Lucian Overseas Associations, it is my honour and great privilege to congratulate all Saint Lucians at home and throughout the diaspora on 40 years of resilience, leadership and independence. After years of sovereignty we as proud Saint Lucians at home and across the diaspora have achieved great accomplishments and earned the respect and partnership of many nations. At this juncture it is imperative that Saint Lucians across the diaspora join our fellow compatriots at home in solidarity to exponentially scale our global connection and resolve to develop our island for future generations. We must collectively acknowledge the significant role of the diaspora in the development of international partnerships and infrastructure. Diaspora communities are critical agents of development. Their economic and social influence on developing nations is extensive and viable. Cultural pride and assertiveness are key factors in this level of needed engagement. Saint Lucians across the diaspora must prioritize contributions back home, leveraging skill-sets, networks, associations and resources are essential to actualizing a great nation. Politically active diaspora communities have achieved great success through the collaborative efforts of nationals. There are countless examples of such politically active diaspora communities that represent some of the strongest lobbies in the world. Many countries regard their diasporas as their most strategic and vibrant political asset. Happy 40th Independence | 96

One of my favourite quotes has always been, “someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago”. Tropical Storm Kirk caused extensive damage to many sectors across Saint Lucia. Post-storm assessments identified that scores of farmers suffered huge losses. We have to engage in the new economy as a viable solution to community economic development. The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development, should be applauded for their partnership with the Caribbean Science Foundation, to increase student interest in science and engineering, and computer science careers. The “tech boom” for peoples of African descent globally has raised countless small economies out of poverty and radically changed the socioeconomic circumstance of millions of creatives and innovators. We must prepare our youth and the entire Saint Lucian economy for the future. William Gibson once said, “The future is already here; it is just unevenly distributed”. With this in mind the call to action is simple, we must recognize emerging economic trends, engage and build sectors that can scale innovation and prioritize unity across the diaspora. Remember “Diaspora” is a word of Greek origin meaning “to sow over or scatter.” After 40 years of Independence it is time for Saint Lucia to reap what our country has sown. ¤

By Ross Cadasse, President Union of St. Lucia Overseas Associations

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A Brief Look at the Creole Architectural Heritage of Saint Lucia

A Brief Look at the Creole Architectural Heritage of Saint Lucia By Mark Hennecart

“What became of the Black People of Summer?” The traveller asked the old man. “For ancient records show that the people of Summer were Black. “What happened to them?” “Ah,” the old man sighed. “They lost their history, so they died.” (A Summer Legend) Best known for its tropical marine climate and natural exotic beauty, Saint Lucia is also a repository of a large number of historic buildings whose architecture reflect unparalleled and diverse influence from social, cultural, economic, historic and environmental factors. Today, many of these structures form an integral part of the island’s physical landscape, heritage tourism product and building stock. In fact, the thought of a Saint Lucia Creole Style should not only conjure up images of the island’s heterogeneous fusion of Amerindian, African, European and Indian socio-cultural heritage, but a response to the tropical marine climate and geology of the island. The architecture reveals in many ways, events such as the history of European wars and conflicts and the impact of Happy 40th Independence | 98

colonization on the country. In some cases, buildings attest to the history of slavery while others reveal the subsequent impact of immigration on the island’s socio-cultural fabric. Saint Lucia is a treasure-trove of architectural heritage concentrated within three main urban centres across its 238 square miles. Now while the origin of the historic heritage of the Caribbean dates back more than 3,000 years, it is alleged that Saint Lucia’s creole architecture was introduced from West Africa and South America by seafarers, before the arrival of the Europeans. These seafarers who were known as Amerindians, had created many nations and About the Author C Mark Hennecart is a third-generation Caribbean social architect, an advocate for sustainable design and an activist for spatial justice. In concert with a keen interest in Caribbean architectural anthropology and history, Mark pursues avenues in which to exploit writing and photography to promote heritage preservation, sustainable design and development. This monograph is intended to present a brief inclusive picture of limited aspects of the creole architecture of Saint Lucia, supported by a few images of some significant examples.

In the dormitory district of towns and villages, the streetscapes consisted of a uniform arrangement of single-storey gable-roofed structures with narrow facades and balconies defining the public face of the dwelling which fronted onto narrow sidewalks and streets.

civilizations and between 1,000 BC and 1,500 AD, these Kalinagos and Tainos inhabited Saint Lucia. In the past 500 years, since their arrival, the Dutch, French and British made their mark on the island, and left behind, a wealth of architectural infrastructure. In addition to this Euro-collection, the influences of African, Amerindian, Indian and Asian influence on the architecture has been significant, especially during the eras of slavery, post emancipation and indentureship. It is estimated that over 500 structures, buildings, parks, places and ruins of architectural significance, historic and social merit, still dot the island’s landscape. The architypes include residential, commercial, civic, institutional, religious, and military architecture which typify particular aspects and elements of the island’s diverse built heritage. Saint Lucia’s creole architectural heritage, (those buildings and structures constructed prior to the colonial era and leading up to statehood) consists of a rich vernacular which reflects a social order and language. The elegance and functionality of many of these buildings added value to their context and their appropriateness was distinct and very striking. More importantly however, it is in the functionality, meaning and belief associated with the form, colour and detail of many of these indigenous structures that the influence of the past is most evident. For instance, those quaint ‘ti caye’ houses (Plate 1) which front streets in many of the island’s towns and villages, may reveal the strongest Afro-Amerindian influence. On the other hand, the ornate ‘greathouse’ like large commercial townhouses which once surrounded the Soufriere Town Square (Plate 3), and the vernacular church buildings (Plate 4) which still stand in the centre of every town and village, all imitate traditional European styles.

In the case of commercial districts however, buildings were two and three storeys in height. The ground floors of these buildings were always reserved for retail shops and commercial activity. In many cases, the images of the street revealed the changes which may have resulted from a building’s response to mixed use and occupancy adaptations typical of urban development, where residential space occurred above commercial spaces. The semi-private living spaces which were usually located above, offered users built-in recreational spaces in the form of open balconies which overlooked the street and doubled as a canopy to offer shade and shelter to the sidewalk below for customers, pedestrians or window-shoppers. Moreover, the creole architecture of Saint Lucia is not only a sociocultural definition, but an adaptation to the island’s climate and topography. For instance, the intricate tapestry of the architectural vernacular in the evolution of the place of the sugar plantation into that of a town, reveals the legacy of Emancipation in the rich details such as the steep gables, roof dormers, ornate fretwork, jalousie windows, solid timber shutters, wrought iron gates, handrails and gargoyles all of which serve to trace the historical aspects of the island’s rich and unique creole architectural style. Therefore, as our nation celebrates the 40th anniversary of independence, we urge our government and historic societies to pursue the preservation of our built heritage within the context of ‘heritage tourism’ as a means of celebrating and safeguarding the creole architectural style of Saint Lucia. Disclaimer C Mark Hennecart is a third-generation Caribbean social architect, an advocate for sustainable design and an activist for spatial justice. In concert with a keen interest in Caribbean architectural anthropology and history, Mark pursues avenues in which to exploit writing and photography to promote heritage preservation, sustainable design and development. This monograph is intended to present a brief inclusive picture of limited aspects of the creole architecture of Saint Lucia, supported by a few images of some significant examples.

Within the towns and villages of Saint Lucia, most of the remaining examples of the creole architectural heritage can still be observed organized along streets and blocks in a linear grid. Many buildings fronting onto streets are situated on rectilinear lots which share common space to the rear which are still referred to as ‘the yard’. The dwellings situated in dormitory districts were often constructed on Parish land or lands rented from landlords other than the Church. As a consequence, these timber dwellings were usually quaint and easy to be dismantled and relocated. In the commercial districts however, buildings were often larger, more permanent and constructed on masonry foundations on lots often belonging to the owners. Happy 40th Independence | 99

Additional Footnotes Fretwork and rosettes were commonly installed along roof overhangs and gables, not as embellishments, but as functional elements. Persons generally feared entering a roof void in these buildings because it was usually a dark, quiet space where bats roosted during the day. Fortunately, our Afro-forefathers understood that bats rely on echolocation to navigate in the dark, by using echoes of self-produced sounds bouncing off objects in their path. By installing fretwork at the eaves and rosettes in the gables of buildings, bats were forced to detour to trees and hills when they received a distorted â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;hit n missâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; echo from the sounds they emit as they approached these buildings in towns and cities. (Plate 5)

Commercial townhouses often reveal the changes which may have resulted when a building responds to mixed-use and occupancy adaptations typical of urban centres and where residential space occurred above commercial spaces. The photo suggests that in context with the street, commerce was conveniently located at the ground (sidewalk) level. The semi-private living spaces which were usually located above, offered users built-in recreational spaces in the form of open balconies which overlooked the street and doubled as a canopy to offer shade and shelter to the sidewalk below for customers, pedestrians or window-shoppers. (Plate 3)

Plate 3 - Commercial Townhouse with gambrel roof

Jalousie windows and shutters were the obvious choice for securing opening in cases where glazing was either unavailable or too costly. In addition, they allowed the entry of cross-ventilation and lighting to be regulated and provided security benefits against adverse climatic and environmental conditions. (Plate 6)

Attic space within an enclosed mansard roof was where the very private bedrooms were situated away from street noise and were to be well-lit and ventilated. The idea of incorporating a second level within the attic was not unusual. In order to maintain rhythm and scale on the streetscape as well as a circulation space around, the houses were inwardly extended. The steep pitched roof not only provided the avenue for building upwards but also had other benefits. Firstly, a steeper pitch is more resistant to wind uplift during hurricanes and storms. Secondly, a larger roof area was provided for rainwater collection in an era when pipe-borne water was non-existent. (Plate 8)

Plate 6 - Typical Jalousie Window and Shutter

Plate 8 -Townhouse with attic dormers and mansard roof

Plate 5 - Timber Fretwork rosette

Embrasures were functional elements which were commonplace in certain buildings because they created the impression from the inside, that window or door was larger than it actually was. More importantly however, they allowed for door openings to be enlarged in the future, with minimal damage or retrofitting required to the surrounding structure.

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A mansard roof is a (four-sided hip) roof characterized by doublesloped roof surfaces on each side. The lower roof slope is often punctured by dormer windows, and is set at a steeper angle than the upper slope. (Plate 3) A gambrel roof on the other hand is a symmetrical two-sided roof with double slopes on each side in which the upper roof slope is pitched at a shallower angle than the lower slope. (Plate 8). Â¤

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War Memorial Derek Walcott Square, Castries

Where Are Our Monuments?

By Gregor Williams

Where Are Our Monuments?

People are honoured in different ways. Public roads, streets, parks, squares, dams, schools, hospitals, and buildings are named after them. In public places busts are erected of individuals, and memorials to groups. Some of the most prominent in Castries include the War Memorial in the Derek Walcott Square erected by the British to honour Saint Lucians who died in the two World Wars; the Croix de Lorraine in George Vth Park, erected by the French to thank Saint Lucians for assisting the French in World War 11; the statue of Sir John Compton the Premier who led Saint Lucia into Independence erected in Constitution Park. Busts of Saint Lucians in public places include Sir Derek Walcott and Sir Arthur Lewis in the Derek Walcott Square, Sir George Charles at the airport at Vigie and Jean Baptiste Bideau (with Simon Bolivar) in Bideau Park. We have a few special monuments. These remembrances are mainly the work of others, British, French and Venezuelan. The only statue erected by Saint Lucians is that of the Prime Minister waving the New Constitution. The Independence Monument, the design selected in open competition, was never built. A statue to St. Lucians who fought for freedom was cast but is existing as a maroon in hiding. Happy 40th Independence | 102

INNISKILLING MONUMENT

The Inniskilling Monument on Morne Fortune was unveiled on the 31st August, 1934 by the British to honour the 27th Irish Regiment, the Inniskilling Fusiliers. The battle was fought in April and May 1796. This British victory re-established slavery in St. Lucia, which the republican French had abolished in 1794.

PITON FLORE

Piton Flore serves as a “natural monument” to our Freedom Fighters (Neg Mawon), and as a mountain carved by the forces of nature it is by far a more imposing structure than the best sculptor could fabricate. It was named after a woman, leader of one of the guerrilla bands that fought against the British. A battle led by another Saint Lucian guerrilla leader, Marin Pedre, defeated a British force in that area in 1794, but his name has been forgotten.

INDEPENDENCE MONUMENT

In the euphoria over Independence, a competition was organized for the design of an Independence Monument. This was won by Alwyn St. Omer. The National Independence Monument originally was intended to be built for the island’s 10th Anniversary in 1989. The intended location was the plot of land at the Sans Souci Bridge jutting into the sea. It

was never built. Plans remain in the sea of Government offices The designer dreams that the monument can be realised for the 40th or 50th anniversary of independence, if gifted to the people of St Lucia by a friendly government, just as New York’s Statue of Liberty was gifted by the French to the United States.

MEMORIAL

Mural by Sir. Dunstan St. Omer There is no St. Lucian monument to the freed slaves turned soldiers, who defending their freedom in 1796, and who the British honoured by allowing them to march out from the citadel on the Morne with their flags flying and drums beating before laying down their arms.

MURAL

Nèg Mawon – Artist Sir Dunstan St. Omer However, on the western face of the old Technical Wing of the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College is a mural overlooking the saman tree. It is not named, but after questioning, the artist, Sir Dunstan St. Omer, decided on “Neg mawon”. It depicts an inspired group of maroons fighting during the guerrilla war of 1796- 1797. These several men and women did what others said could not be done or should not be done. For the writer the maroon defines his own identity, rather than accepting what

Proposed National Independence Monument others choose to give him or impose upon him. To be a successful maroon, one had to be fearless, daring and willing to make sacrifices, sometimes of one’s life.

FREEDOM MONUMENT

Dr. Winston Phulgence, in his article “Monuments Great Men and the Silence of the Seas” stated, “After thirty-eight years of independence, the memory of our martyrs, those who fought to maintain freedom and humanity against considerable odds, remain locked in the grey vault that is the Atlantic and Caribbean Sea”. No! Dr. Phulgence! The monument for this, designed by Ricky George and completed ten years ago, remains hidden in

a Government warehouse at Massade, Gros Islet. There are monuments to the 2,000 St. Lucian Freedom fighters of the 1796 battle who were taken prisoners of war and taken to England by boat. Most were imprisoned in a castle at Portchester. Two ships foundered. The remains of the prisoners of war are buried at Rapperee Cove on the coast of Devon, England, and a monument erected on the shore. The British National Trust in July 2017 mounted an exhibition on the prisoners in the castle. It is intended to be a permanent exhibition.

been; and are become as though they had never been born; and their children after them.” - Ecclesiasticus, 44:9

“And some there be, which have no memorial; who are perished, as though they had never

Will we be forgotten here as we have forgotten them? ¤

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The Roman Catholic Church: A Force for Good in Saint Lucia

Photos by Shaun Alcindor

The Roman Catholic Church:

A Force for Good in Saint Lucia By Everistus Jn Marie

The Roman Catholic Church has remained a force for good in St Lucia, in spite of its declining population over the years. According to the latest available statistics, Catholics represent just about 60% of faith-based Saint Lucian society. The church has lost many of its members to Pentecostal and the Seventh Day Adventist churches. In addition to the exodus from Catholicism to other Christian faiths, many Catholics have given up their faith for the values of Western modern day society that has promoted materialism, and individualism over community. The influence of the Catholic Church remains pervasive in Saint Lucian society, though not with the same intensity that it had during the pre-independence period when the clergy was more representative of French priests than local priests. This is not to say that our local priests have failed to maintain the church’s influence on the society. With a more educated society, I believe citizens have felt more empowered to question the authority of the church, a church that has had more to say and do about the materially poor and marginalized citizens. Ironically, the church has been at the forefront in providing a good education for boys and girls across the country. St Mary’s College and St Joseph’s Convent, churchcreated institutions remain the premier secondary schools for boys and girls in Saint Lucia. Let us not forget the many primary schools the church has created in districts all over the country.

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So what happened? Was the education a bad thing? Of course not! The success of the Church in pursuit of its mission – the salvation of souls, can never be just about numbers; every human life is invaluable in the eyes of the church. If I may make the point differently, if the Church, according to its teachings, was only able to save one life then it would have justified its existence. The Church is up against a Western culture that aggressively promotes materialism and individuals that resonates intuitively with a relatively poor society, with pockets of well-to-do citizens. People remain anchored in a material world that says to be happy you need to have more. It is a proposition that is difficult to ignore when you have little and you see your neighbors with their cars, their own home, and the ability to have three meals a day. It is true that material possessions do provide comforts and a sense of wellbeing, but their value is very often overstated, because studies have shown, beyond a certain threshold they contribute very little to one’s happiness. The Church has been a strong advocate for social justice in Saint Lucia and has demonstrated that by the work it has been doing in the areas of education, health, and caring for the elderly. In the pursuit of social justice, the focus of the church has always been its preferential option for the vulnerable in the society. In recognition of the social nature of human beings and the intrinsic greater value

of community over individualism the need to pay more attention to the weakest in the human chain of existence makes sense. The saying that a chain is as strong as its weakest link holds true for a society. The Church continues to play its role in education beyond our premier secondary schools, by the invaluable work of the CARE programme that is providing a second chance for boys and girls that are not being accommodated by a biased academic education system. In the area of health, St. Judes Hospital was operated by Catholic nuns during its early years. The work of Caritas, a church based institution, quietly provides invaluable basic assistance to needy Saint Lucians irrespective of their religious convictions. The institutions that look after our elderly are mainly Catholic, the Marion Home and St. Lucy’s Home. The Church has been involved in providing housing for the poor and in the formation of the Fishermen’s Cooperative in Dennery. The Catholic Church has a rich and proud tradition in Saint Lucia of standing at the side of the poor and vulnerable. In the area of culture, Fr. Partick Paba Anthony, a local catholic priest, has played a pivotal role in awakening the Saint Lucian consciousness in recognizing and celebrating what is ours. The now proudly celebrated Jounen Kweyol is the inspiration of Paba and the Folk Research Centre, now named after him. So, on the 40th anniversary of our independence, the positive influence of the church on Saint Lucian society cannot be

denied. What is undeniable is the challenge faced by the church in presenting its message – the centrality of human dignity and salvation of souls – in a Western-influenced environment of materialism, individualism, and nihilism. The Church now needs to carry its message more aggressively and make greater use of the new communication infrastructure where so much of human interaction is taking place. The challenge for Catholics and people of goodwill is to play their part in bringing as many citizens as possible to the material threshold of happiness, I referred to earlier, by ensuring good governance in our country. Perhaps, in that way more time and energy may be given by more of us to the greater meaning of life as the church wants us to see. ¤

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Happy 40th Independence | 105

Motherland? Yes! I was around when it was akin to a crime for those without means to even dream of means by which they might hold elected office. But our forefathers and fathers overcame that too.

Pleas of a Patriot

And I was around in those days when hospitals and health centres were few and far between; when the few doctors that cared for us were nearly as white as the coats they wore. Now, the white coats in our health system are proudly carried by Saint Lucia’s very own sons and daughters.

By Cletus I. Springer

I recall too, a time when there were only 3 secondary schools on Saint Lucia’s 238 square miles. Now there are ten times as many and 100 times as many University graduates, the vast majority of whom have left indelible marks of distinction in universities and colleges near and far. How can I explain the goose-bumps that come from hearing foreigners extol the virtues of outstanding Saint Lucians? How can I describe my joy at the transformation in the living standards of our farmers, many of whom have moved out of hovels into decent homes?

PLEAS OF A PATRIOT If I had a million years and as many words at my command, I could never fully explain what Saint Lucia means to me. Wheresoever I have roamed, whatever jaw-dropping scenery I’ve beheld, this land of becalming beaches, handsome hills, princely Pitons and vivacious valleys, never fails to amaze and seduce me. I was not around when suitor nations battled to claim my island-those days when strife and discord dimmed the toil and zest of my forefathers and disturbed their rest. But the time of my birth was a time of privilege as I witnessed the unbridled ambition of the poor and under-privileged who, rather than curse the darkness of their condition, or shamelessly use it as an excuse to pillage, maim and murder, instead toiled even under the inadequate glow of candlelight and kerosene lamps to complete correspondence diplomas and to later claim exalted positions in diverse fields such as law, literature and economics. Yes! I was privileged to have known a time when poverty was seen, not as a highway to a death sentence, but as a springboard to achieve new heights. And how could I not have been inspired by those unsung heroes who raged against the injustices of a colonial system that drained the lifeblood of a people, to energize the economic crusades of the Happy 40th Independence | 106

How can I explain how or why my Saint Lucia has produced so many outstanding sports personalities, musicians, calypsonians, cultural activists, businesspersons, and academics? I have witnessed the significant accomplishments of a tiny island, driven by nothing but the verve, vitality and vision of successive generations. So, while on this occasion of the 40th Anniversary of Saint Lucia’s Independence, my countenance is disturbed by the myriad of internal and external challenges that confront us, I can only encourage the tens of thousands of my fellow patriots who feel as I do about this land that gave me more than birth...this land that gave me life...this land that I love more than any other, will not allow the hard-earned gains of the past to be undermined by the callousness and indifference of a few. In the same fearless manner of our forefathers, we must decry and deny those who wish to take us into a primitive future. We must send a clear message to those who lead us as well as those who aspire to do so, that we expect from them, indivisible commitment, straightforwardness of character, leadership by example, and an undying desire to serve us, to help us accomplish our dreams and to realize our true potential. We must let them know that we expect them to lead us to the mountaintop of hope and not into the valley of despair. At the same time, we must accept a greater responsibility for each other’s progress. Those of us who know better, must be willing to teach those who may not know; those of us with means, must unflinchingly assist those without; those of us with hope must inspire the hopeless. If we can do these things, then I am confident that Saint Lucia will shine like a beacon that the rest of the world will gaze upon with admiration. ¤

Best Wishes to the Government and People of Saint Lucia on the observance of the Nation’s

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PRESBYOPIA – Cause, Symptoms and Signs: Presbyopia is caused by an age-related process believed to stem from a gradual thickening and loss of flexibility of the natural lens inside our eyes. The muscle fibres surrounding the eye also lose elasticity making it more difficult to focus on close objects. When you become presbyopic you have to hold your smartphone, other objects and reading material further away from your eyes in order to see them more clearly. By doing this, the objects appear smaller in size, so this is only a temporary and partially successful solution to the problem.

Our Eyes at 40 …and Beyond

Presbyopia can cause headaches, eye strain and visual fatigue that make reading and other near vision tasks less comfortable and more taxing.

Treatment of Presbyopia: A summary of the available options includes: • • • •

Eyeglasses with either bifocal or progressive lenses Reading glasses Multifocal or monofocal contact lenses Surgery

Other Age-Related Vision Changes You may notice other changes in your vision as you age. These include: • • • •

OUR EYES AT 40 …

and beyond By Dr. Emsco Remy, Consultant Ophthalmologist St. Lucia Eye Centre

HAPPY 40th ANNIVERSARY ST. LUCIA! May you continue to be blessed and productive, and to enjoy good health especially eye health! A number of studies indicate that sight is the sense that people worry about losing most, but in the hustle and bustle of life, we sometimes take our vision for granted. In the early to mid - forties, most of us begin to notice visual changes, the principal complaint being, difficulty in seeing when reading or doing close work like texting or using our computer. But there is no need for panic – this condition known as PRESBYOPIA – is a perfectly normal change in our eyes as we age and does not signify any sort of disease process.

Happy 40th Independence | 108

Increased sensitivity to glare Changes in color perception A need for more light especially when doing close work Reduced tear production in which case your eyes feel dry and irritated

Warning Signs Of Eye Health Problems: As you age you may also experience the following which may indicate a significant eye health problem: • Fluctuating vision – may indicate Diabetes or Hypertension • Seeing floaters or flashes – these are bothersome but don’t typically harm vision. If they persist you should consult your ophthalmologist. • Loss of side vision – may indicate Glaucoma • Seeing distorted images – may be related to Age Related Macular Degeneration.

Summary Generally, changes in your eyes at 40 are a normal factor of aging. However, some of the changes may be early signs of eye health problems. A regular eye exam (in your 40’s and 50’s at least every two years) is the best way to protect your sight. It is particularly important if you notice a change in your vision, if your eye is injured or if you have a family history of eye diseases. Remember too, that problems could develop without any signs or symptoms. Besides, a comprehensive examination of your eyes (which is best conducted by an ophthalmologist) can be a window to your overall health. Illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases, sexually transmitted diseases and cancer can be detected during a comprehensive eye examination. ¤

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Happy 40 Independence Saint Lucia From The Management and Staff of Lewis Industries Ltd.

• Professional Customs Brokerage • Customs & Excise Liaison & Consulting • Regional & International Shipping • Air Cargo Shipping & Brokerage • Online Shopping • Barrel Pack Service • Cargo Consolidation Agents for Shoppacknship.com TEL:1 (758) 451-2920 • 720-2246 • 520-5584 FAX: 1 (758) 451-7447 WEB: www.egsfreight.com • EMAIL: info@egsfreights.com Happy 40th Independence | 109

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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Advertiser’s Index 1st National Bank 758Books Advertising & Marketing Services Atwell Dalgliesh Co. (St. Lucia) Ltd Automotive Art Bank of Saint Lucia Billy’s Cleaning Services & Supplies Blair’s Auto Parts Box Wraps & Flowers Buckeye St. Lucia Terminal Ltd Budget Rent-A-Car CARILEC CIBC First Caribbean Coco Palm Concrete & Aggregates Ltd Cool Breeze Car/Jeep Rentals CPJ St. Lucia Limited Cultural Development Foundation Digicel Dilly’s Supermarket Du Boulay’s Bottling Co. Ltd Eastern Caribbean Insurance Ltd ECCO EGS Freight Services Elks City of Castries Co-operative Credit Union Limited Freezone Management Authority Grant Thornton Hummingbird Beach Resort Invest Saint Lucia Kleydun Consulting Services Laborie Co-operative Credit Union Ltd. Lewis Industries Ltd LUCELEC Mampa Employment Agency Massy Stores M & C Group of Companies National Archives Authority of Saint Lucia National Insurance Corporation Happy 40th Independence | 112

21 52 95 50 71 9 85 103 95 41 97 1 63 67 103 23 17 29 65 89 30 89 71 109 81 109 101 105 38 107 61 109 18 107 2 7 29 105

National Skills Development Centre (NSDC) RAJ Communications RAMCO Plastics RBC Renee’s Construction Sagicor Life Inc Saint Lucia Distillers Saint Lucia National Trust Scotiabank SLASPA SOL Soufriere Regional Development Foundation Stamp Rite St. Lucia Eye Centre St. Lucia Hospitality Industry Workers Credit Co-operative Society Ltd St. Lucia Mortgage Finance Company Ltd. (SMFC) St. Lucia Teachers Co-operative Credit Union Ltd Sun General Insurance The Beacon Insurance Company Ltd The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) The Libyan Embassy in Saint Lucia The Montessori Centre Top Stone Fabrication Ltd Total Health Pharmacy Ultra Mart Inc United Shipping Agencies Ltd WASCO

47 97 95 25 89 61 13 91 65 15 45 43 109 89 107 63 101 70 91 101 5 47 70 101 97 107 97

COVERS FICS Ltd.

IFC

Harris Paints St. Lucia Ltd

OBC

Goddard Catering

IBC

After successfully operating as the oﬃcial Caterer for Cricket World Cup 2007, Goddard Catering Group saw the need to raise the bar on catering services throughout the region. This led to the birth of GCG Events in October of 2008. GCG Events is an aﬃliated company of Goddard Catering Group and a member of the Goddard Enterprises Group of Companies.

FOR ALL YOUR CATERING NEEDS!

Our vision is to become the premier catering company in the region by providing culinary experiences that consistently meet and exceed customer expectations. To achieve this GCG Events has invested in a state of the art facility, an internationally trained team of event experts, and ingredients that meet our exacting standards. From conception to completion, our experienced team will help you turn your dream event into a reality. GCG Events is committed to making each and every event, “Simply Outstanding” At GCG Events we are dedicated to making you the perfect host. We strive to make every catered event distinguished, blissful and stress-free. Our high standards, supreme service and exceptional quality will make your event a ﬂawless, unforgettable experience. GCG Events is delighted to assist brides, grooms and their families with the menu planning for that signiﬁcant day of their dreams. From grand and lavish to intimate and informal, we can make your special day something you and your guests will always remember. Your employees and guests will surely appreciate your catering choice whilst consuming each delightful bite of their lunch, canapé or breakfast. Choose one of our menus or allow our chef to create a personalized menu for you that matches your vision and theme. Our team will make sure everything runs smoothly to ensure you and your guests have an unforgettable time.

• WEDDINGS • CONFERENCES • BANQUETS • OFFICE PARTIES • SOCIAL GATHERINGS • COCKTAIL PARTIES • OTHER EVENTS

Hewanorra Int’l Airport | P.O. Box 363 Vieux Fort, St. Lucia, W.I. +1.758.459.6400 Ext: 6429 | +1.758.728.9400

uvf.gcg-events@goddardcatering.com www.gcg-events.com