The exploits of the nation’s fastest woman, the 2024 100m Olympic champion, and World Indoors 60m champion, have earned her the respect and appreciation of every Saint Lucian. But Julien Alfred has now also received tangible proof of that appreciation, by way of a million-dollar award from the Government of Saint Lucia.
Prime Minister Philip J Pierre made the announcement on Friday night at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, eliciting cheers and applause from the capacity crowd at the free concert in celebration of Julien Alfred Day. This, he said, was but a token of the nation’s esteem.
The Prime Minister further announced that a portion of the Millennium Highway would be renamed Julien Alfred Highway, and that a monument in honour of the sprint queen would be erected on the roundabout along that stretch of road.
Additionally, the island’s first Olympic medallist will be given a parcel of land totalling 10,720 feet, in commemoration of her national record time of 10.72, which won her gold in the 100m at Paris 2024. She will also have a stamp designed in her honour, and a series of exercise books bearing her photo will be released.
Earlier in the day, a national holiday for Alfred, she had been gifted XCD 75,000 by the Saint Lucia Olympic Committee.
During the concert, several corporate sponsors threw their hats in the ring as well, donating to the Diamond League 100m champion, Central American and Caribbean Games gold medallist, and Caribbean Games title holder.
M&C presented $30,000, as did Massy Stores. Unicomer promised $30,000 worth of gym equipment. Chreiki & Sons pledged $50,000. Landings came through with $10,000 per annum. And 758 Adventures awarded $25,000.
Alfred has been universally embraced by the local community in the wake of her victory in Paris. Sponsored internationally by PUMA since turning pro in 2023, she has also been a brand ambassador for 1st National Bank since 2022.
In recent weeks, Alfred has signed on with BodyHoliday, and been named a Tourism Ambassador for Saint Lucia.
Friday’s announcement capped off a week of celebrations that included a six-hour motorcade, two school rallies, a flotilla, a cocktail reception, and the unveiling of a mural at Ciceron RC Primary, Alfred’s alma mater.
(TF)
That money is not coming from the pockets of politicians but from the poor tax payers who can’t afford to send their children to school, surviving on one meal a day living in abject poverty . Its not for me that she win her race so why is my tax dollars that have to pay her
Go JuJu go…despite all these rewards and awards your humility is your greatest asset…don’t you ever forget where you come from babygirl…i can tell that your poise and wisdom will guide you through
Bipolar.. you’ll remain bipolar for life.. that brains you have won’t be fixed at all.
Stupidity at its best.
How can so many things need doing in this little st lucia, hospitals need repair, medicine shortages, increase in poverty with no social help, st lucia suffering from at least 80% unemployment, because lets be honest most people cant find a job, salaries to be paid to civil servants, roads in disrepair, homelessness and precarious housing with an increase in youth destitution and crime and the SLP government give 1 million dollars to one person. I am not against the girl, but lets be honest here, did Julian Alfred cure cancer or AIDS? No! she run a race and luckily she won! thats about it. the slp government and the people in there making those mad decisions cant be serious. Julianne Alfred should do the honourable thing and refuse that blood money. Take house and land instead that way no matter what happens you have a shelter. But tell them thanks but no thanks for Christsakes!
Julian Alfred truly deserves every recognition and monetary award. While we often see the end results, it’s important to acknowledge the immense hard work, dedication, and sacrifice she has invested year after year, often without any applause. Her achievements will undoubtedly bring significant publicity to St. Lucia, attracting more visitors and boosting the economy. Moreover, she serves as an inspiration to young athletes, encouraging them to persevere and hopefully leading to more gold medals for St. Lucia in the future.
Let’s look at the big picture…
@bipolar I understand why you are salty but you should not look at the dollar value. One of the boys on my block is actually encouraged to return to school in hopes of pursuing his dreams in mechanical engineering right after seeing her. Maybe just maybe her accomplishments will encourage more out of the youths, as well as corporate to invest more into them. If we can get more children into education and sports and support those who cant afford it, we can foster discipline and encourage more children to grow up to exit the ghetto, or rebuild it through breaking the cycles through their children. Why so much focus on sports? Alot of the underprivileged and mentally abused children need something else to have hope in after school to escape the prison of their home.
Bipaylar!!! .. What am imbecilic comment. Do you even understand the gains St Lucia made through this young lady? Are you just another jaundice myopic doltish who can’t see beyond the political divide? What is one million when customarily we’ve paid more in advertising for exponentially less? “Not for you”?? – I’m guessing you won’t be getting anything from the tourist dollars whether directly or through linkages … Can’t fix stupid.
It may come as a surprise to many, but many countries actually reward athletes for every gold medal won at the Olympics, the amounts of course vary. The gold medal winner for Pakistan in the javelin event was richly rewarded by the government, for example. So that kind of reward is not without precedent in almost every country in the world! One can conduct one’s own research and check it out on line!
it is amazing to see a country that was unable to pay its civil servants during COVID-19, so much so that citizens and businesses alike had to donate to the government. Now with so much to do that isnt being done they can comfortably give her a million dollars? just ridiculous. i do not disagree with the gesture but the amount is ridiculous.
Always a hater…. who are these “poor tax payers…”? Or rather, are the ppl who actually pay taxes complaining? Cuz I for sure am not; and the comments I’ve seen from those I associate with are also not complaints so I’m wondering….. better the money and land go to Julien than some random “investor” or other untraceable entity. Relax
@Bipolar stop being a hater …frankly speaking you don’t know where the money came from. Ms. Alfred resides in the US therefore, you all should be happy she decided to represent St. Lucia. Currently, there is a US born Olympian who represents her mother’s birthplace when she competes .. they have a choice.
God bless Ms. Alfred because I too left St. Lucia at a very young age and personally I won’t represent
Some of you are envious and badmind 24/7. St. Lucia has gained so much more economically because of her accolades and world exposure… and will continue to benefit much more than the 1 million EC . therefore, leave Ms. Alfred alone and go and research facts before you post bayteeze.
EXCELENTE.
ESPERO QUE LE CUMPLAN TODO LO PROMETIDO.
SER ATLETA y MÁS PARA LLEGAR A SER DE ESE NIVEL CONLLEVA SACRIFICIOS, MUCHAS VECES FUERA DE LO COMUN. OJALA SE CONVIERTA EN MOTIVACION PARA LA JUVENTUD, QUE TANTO BUENOS EJEMPLO S NECESITAN PARA EMULAR.
Muy MERECIDO
@ Bipolar ..YOU .IDIOT
“The Prime Minister further announced that a portion of the Millennium Highway would be renamed Julien Alfred Highway, and that a monument in honour of the sprint queen would be erected on the roundabout along that stretch of road.”
Once again, Pip continues his half-assed implementation of the people’s will; why just “a portion of the Millennium Highway”?
I am not surprised that he did not address the inconvenient part (to him) of my previous comments on the matter: “…renaming the highway should serve as inspiration for ending the rampant corruption which marks such capital projects in St. Lucia (the UWP & SLP being two cheeks of the same backside).”
https://stluciatimes.com/165891/2024/09/major-announcements-on-julien-alfreds-homecoming-made/#comment-67264
Thank you Bipolar. Tax payers can’t get medicine in hospitals. Tax payers vehicles suffering because of poor roads. Tax payers children cannot get the require materials in schools and teachers have to use their own money to get supplies. Yet here we are.
@Bipolar. Your statement reflects you.
I hope she doesn’t give no dead beat man to eat her money. And marry up my girl. Stay away from those men who are hurting women like you because they are jealous of their success.
It’s a well deserved gift. Those with no common sense will never understand that SLU stands to benefit an infinite amount from her personal achievements in the short, medium and long term. Her foundation alone will contribute enormously to the youths (future) of our country. Go Juju bring us all the recognition you can muster. I hope that the support you receive can inspire you to go pass Gold and head to diamonds.
Congrats to Juju! Guve her the world! She deserves it.
Look at the bipolar crab in the comments saying shate. No sense of natio al pride.
What happened to my post ..it’s not here not sure why .. I made a legitimate response to Bipolar…
@Bipolor stop being a hater for the 1 million EC..by the way your St. Lucian government as well as your tourism, as well as your economy will benefit tremendously way way more than Ms. Alfred received. Some of you are evil and bad minded.
For all this woman did to represent you guys you are first to post about 1 million EC ..God bless her for doing so (representing 758)..the young lady left St. Lucia @ 14..spare me with the bayteeze.
Bipolar your name used is so adequate.to be so critical of what they gave to Julien. Do you know the magnitude of her winning the gold medal, what it can do for advertising our nation. You speak from an area of sheer jealousy and ignorance.
Ms. Alfred I applaud you because although I am not an athlete ..I have witnessed intense training of athletes not even at your level. Therefore, I know it involves serious dedication, discipline, sacrifice, sleepless nights, finances, stress etc. the list goes on and on. Most Lucians don’t understand your struggle and sacrifice. However, you are extremely kind and humble ..God bless you Ms. Alfred.
I like you left St. Lucia as a teenager and I acquired several degrees — I am in the healthcare industry. In order to accomplish this I went to school and work both full time time for many many years. I was in class even on weekends in order to carry full time credits, getting home after class at 11pm at night on public transport..some in St. Lucia will never know sacrifice it will be foreign to them so they will never understand…they sit home and call friends and family abroad asking for $$$$. However, they are first on line in the carnival band ..that’s what is important to them while they envy those on a life long educational sacrificial journeys.
Some of these Lucians are seriously evil and bad minded. You have done so much for self while representing country (758) and some of these ungrateful fools have nothing more to discuss than 1 million EC dollars…really?????? could you imagine if it was 1 million US…wow….
They need to research what is done financially for athletes of your caliber in other countries. Do yourself a favor get yourself and you immediate family members away from 758 for real.
You have already been away since 14 years ..the Lucian’s in 758 deserve each other…let them be.
Is this lump sum or over time?
Hope it’s lump sum with the way the government goes.
Get a good financial advisor and stay away from the leeches. Congrats!
Congratulations Julien, well deserved honors along with twatine.. now let’s let see if CABOT steps up like they gave Majorie a million dollars on Lucians queens chain and also land and where’s sandals contributions??….?If Landings can contribute a little 10 grand ECD where’s the rest ..jade mountain, Ans Chastenet???…. Hmmmm for JUJUs tings?
It’s always better to discuss the message and not the messenger! Forget ‘Bipolar’, comment on the comments!
The economic benefit from Julien winning gold and silver on such a huge stage is so incomprehensible. Already, puma is helping Saint Lucian athletes, giving shoes to ciceron primary, the exposure of our island which is a tourist destination is priceless, Julien representing herself with such poise makes the world see that Saint lucians are a ppl of class. Some athletes in other countries get way more for accomplishing less. Julien made us proud a long time ago.
The youth on island will now benefit for years to come from Ms. Alfred’s accomplishments. She is not only an amazing athlete, she’s shown that she is also an amazing person. We should keep cheering her on and keep her in our prayers. One Saint Lucia, one Caribbean.
People can be so cruel when they are not the ones being honored. can we not cheer someone and be happy for their win. Julien did this all on her own but we all benefit from her accomplishments, let’s cheer her on.
If we have nothing nice to say we should shut up.
Big up urself juju.
How much is too much an how much is too little. There will always be some negativity. Dominica gave LaFond $400,000 and there were people complaining. And in some cases it’s all about politics.
Julien’s achievement has done more for St. Lucia than the million dollars that has been gifted to her. St. Lucia is now known to more people in the world; more people will be visiting our island; puma will and has committed to investing in our young people. I can go on and on. What is her contribution to this country? Certainly more than the million dollars that was given to her.
I have no comment. I am reserving my opinion on this one.
Some of you all Lucians never cease to amaze me ..you all bless and speak ill of folk with the same useless tongue ..lung de bien, lung de mal … the very folk who was waving and cheering on in St. Lucia running after the motorcade now have so
much negative nonsense to say about 1M EC dayban hypocrite.
…….I really hope she went back to Texas already….i have stated from the beginning she should not come back here because of DUTY BAD ST LUCIANS.,….YES I SAID IT……and I am not talking back no chat we are some of the MOST UNGRATEFUL PEOPLE in the Eastern Caribbean hands down. Imagine the publicity, pride, and patriotism she has brought to this nation the likes we have not seen……even with those two good for nothing Nobel Lectures they NEVER flew the Saint Lucian Flag so high, they went to other countries to peddle the arts for them instead of building our own I Don’t Celebrate them. Julien Alfred is a home town girl from humble beginnings that made us proud and has place St Lucia on the map for athletic greatness . In this day and age a million EC is not that much…..we are cheap we should have given her five. A collection from corporate sponsors along with a few dollars from the government coffers could have made……The Highgrade Group of Companies and its subsidiaries would have been proud to donate to this historic achievement. I have stated in the past our Usain Bolt’s will not be from Cape Estates or Rodney Heights rather it I will be from the Marchand and Bruceville’s and zinc fence community of St Lucia that where they are just waiting for just a little opportunity, you can see it their eyes as they look on from behind the wire fence of the tennis court or the Aquatic Center they yearn for that one chance to shine, sports is their their chance to make it out of poverty.
this only goes to show me no matter what good you do on God’s green earth when he gives you your talent to inspire others, there will always be some malpwoptay negative people that will say anything under da dirt to bring you down…Julien deserves all that and more for her hard work sleepless nights and overcoming obstacles…you all dat doin it must stop dat negativity…..
@ The Most Honorable Lucian Highgrade
Reposting —-why ..because this is VERY true
…”….I really hope she went back to Texas already….i have stated from the beginning she should not come back here because of DUTY BAD ST LUCIANS.,….YES I SAID IT……and I am not talking back no chat we are some of the MOST UNGRATEFUL PEOPLE in the Eastern Caribbean hands down. “
How generous of them. With the people’s money. Yet in the meantime this Government continues to take handouts from the Arabs, Korea, Japan, in return for siding with them on some contentious world issue. Lets get this into context – on the day she ran faster than the other 7. For this she is ‘gifted’ a million dollars. Maybe she can fix the roads with it.
First let me be clear, I don’t support Bipolar’s comment, but I respect his right to his opinion. In another scenario I may well have understood and supported him like the millions given to private entities for carnival events.
In this case I don’t even think the million is worth talking about because Julien has already given back this 100 fold. In the week after her gold medal exploits, St Lucia was the most searched item on the google platform. It was either the second or third most searched on other search engines. This should indicate that she has inspired a nation.
I love this girl humbleness and I don’t think it could have happened to a more deserving person. Ms Alfred you are a true ambassador to this country. I also want people to know that the gifts bestowed on her is from the people of St Lucia and I wouldn’t mind if more was given to her from my taxes. Better she gets my tax money than Thaddeus for his Colock Me Red.
What is your problem. Where is my comment? Was there anything offensive about it? I only asked persons to respect bipolar’s view but agree to disagree with him or her. I also acknowledged Julien’s humbleness and said she is deserving of everything she got and more and that it couldn’t have happened to a better person.
Tell me what makes that comment unpublishable. You guys are jokers.
She deserves every penny of it. The naysayers might be unaware of the cost of doing international business. How many of them have an idea of the cost of an advertising campaign in any of the tourist markets? What we are witnessing is an investment. The Return on Investment (ROI) looks to be positive. We are getting name recognition and positive feelings about the island for our money. Very important factors if your business is tourism. Essentially, the young lady is a brand. If one is trapped in the “ti boutique” and “malaway” mindset then the concept may be lost.
I remember during the time Amy Winehouse was in St. Lucia, almost every morning I heard something about her on the US morning radio shows. TMZ and other evening entertainment shows sometimes talked about her. This helped with name recognition as a vacation spot for the island. One million EC dollars (375,000 USD approx.) is a steal for taxpayers.