Two-time Olympic medallist Julien Alfred was officially recognised as a Saint Lucian Tourism Ambassador on September 26, just one day before World Tourism Day, which coincides with the national holiday named in her honour.
However, some observers across social media platforms have expressed concern that there could be attempts to use Alfred as a political tool rather than celebrate her as a national symbol.
Over the past few weeks, worries have emerged regarding the potential exploitation of Alfred.
Questions have arisen about everything from branded merchandise using her image to whether organisers should have shortened the week of celebratory national activities to prioritise her health and well-being.
Many have stressed the need to balance Alfred’s role in promoting national interests and ensuring she is not overwhelmed by the national and international spotlight.
Addressing this matter at Monday’s pre-cabinet press briefing, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre promised to prioritise Alfred’s humanity when making decisions that involve her.
“She’s a global figure, but she’s a person. She has her own personality. She has her own style. She has her own way of doing things. So we have to remember she’s a human being. We have to treat her as a human being,” the PM noted.
“[I am] proud of her, but we cannot seem to want to use her as something. She’s an individual, we respect her, we love her…So I don’t want to use Julien Alfred as a commercial figure,” Pierre added.
As the nation strives to navigate these unfamiliar social and commercial waters, an upcoming sports policy should serve as a guide for managing similar achievements by athletes in the future.
Who are you JPP to say how you want or don’t want to use juju as a figure. She’s her own grown ass women and can decide for herself with her family and representatives. It’s you making an issue and wanting more control of all when you fail everywhere else. Let the women enjoy her life n go worry about making Lucia a safer place. Such a joke you is. Already trying to work it into your power when all else fails. Idiot!
Julien Alfred fortunately for her cannot be used. 1. She is currently a professional athlete with management and legal backing both local and internationally. 2. She isn’t represented by any political party. 3. Julien did this for country, not party. 4. She may be a little green in some areas and while she may be young, isn’t naive or stupid.
I always said when it came to her Allen Chastanet would feel disappointed in himself. The tiny allowance she would have received was discontinued by him and reinstated by Slp Administration. Let this be a lesson for every other government moving forward. Invest in your country. Feed into your youth. The youth is the future. Protect the small children, they keep the old alive. Support the working adults, their mental health is key to productivity.
St. Lucia needs to thank God that Ms. Julien Alfred is a humble and well mannered individual. This young lady left St. Lucia at 14 years and I am not certain if St. Lucians understand that she made the choice to represent St. Lucia.
@Hmmm why you people keep spreading rumors like that. Stop making everything political you SLP hack. It was Allen Chastenet while he was PM, who first recognized her talent and if you noticed she thanked the government of St Lucia because both administrations played a role. You SLP hacks should ask the bias media houses to show the clip when Chastenet pledged the government support after her Carifta exploits.
I left St. Lucia because of politics as a teenager and I WILL be staying away because of politics ..you all are seriously too much.