Following Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre’s announcement that September 27th, 2024, would be a public holiday in honor of Julien Alfred, questions quickly arose about whether the event would become an annual observance.
However, the Minister for Youth Development and Sports, Kenson Casimir, indicated that an annual holiday is unlikely.
During Monday’s pre-cabinet press briefing, Casimir emphasised the importance of maintaining commercial productivity, particularly in light of the island’s recent economic recovery.
“We considered the economic benefits and drawbacks of having the holiday every year,” Casimir stated. “In terms of productivity, we are doing well as a country, and adding another annual holiday would not be beneficial. However, it’s important for the world and future generations to celebrate the day we brought an Olympic medal to the shores of Saint Lucia,” he added.
Casimir then highlighted an alternative to commemorate Alfred’s achievements in the coming years.
He suggested that the “Julien Alfred Invitational,” an annual sporting event, could be a viable option.
According to the Minister, the event would attract international athletes to compete in various disciplines, aiming to become a premier competition on the global athletics calendar.
While it will not be an official holiday, the event’s realisation will depend on the refurbishment of the George Odlum Stadium.
“The Julien Alfred Invitational is something we have considered. Once our state-of-the-art stadium is back in the hands of the Athletics Association, this invitational will become a global event, marking her significant achievement,” Casimir told reporters.
The Minister indicated that the initiative demonstrates a commitment to celebrating local talent while encouraging global athletic participation.
There has been two nobel laureates from the country. While she has done wonderfully and I am proud of her, like most st Lucians are, this should be an indication as to what people can do if given the opportunity. Hopefully more st Lucians could pursue their dreams given their talent This business of renaming streets, buildings ect after people must be a thing of the past. This cannot be our idea of development and moving forward. whose idea was the Darren Sammy cricket grounds? Ridiculous! Just like mallet park. Change it back to serenity. Stop this nonsense of naming things as if that’s the furthest out brains can go in terms of policy!
Why not have a National Heroes Day where we celebrate all those in the past and present, and make allowance for those in the future
Minister Casimir has made a very good suggestion. I totally agree with a sporting event in her honour.
Perhaps also make her a sporting ambassador. I must also mention that she is still quite young and will accomplish even more in the future thus we have to be careful . Usain Bolt nor Shelly- Ann Fraser did not get an annual public holiday in Jamaica.
I support the minister’s recommendation. I believe the event would meet multiple objectives (youth and sports -athletics- development, economic development through sports tourism etc.) and provide opportunities for paticipation of multiple constituencies in overall development and national productivity.
We now have a good reason to abolish this lie Christopher Columbus 13 December discovery of St Lucia , and give our queen her spot on the calender