I was in Trinidad when Derek Walcott won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1992. Â While the fanfare there seemed even grander than what occurred in Saint Lucia, it still pales compared to Julien Alfred’s homecoming.
Maybe it had to do with what some described as Walcott’s aloofness compared to Alfred’s relatability and unfeigned humility? However, I am sure there are some who are now asking, “Alfred and Walcott in the same sentence?”
However, what transpired here in Saint Lucia between September 24 and September 27, 2024, for Julien Alfred’s homecoming was beyond phenomenal and to say momentous may even be cliché.
I have covered my fair share of entertainment events and witnessed star-struck fans jostling for autographs, but nothing in comparison to Julien Alfred’s super rock star effect on Saint Lucians, young and old.
The closest thing that comes to mind regarding public reaction to an inspirational figure would probably be the visit by then President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela to our shores for CARICOM’s 25 anniversary in July of 1998. That was three years before Alfred was born.
Sacrilegious, some may say, “Alfred and Mandela in the same breath?”
I recall some of the events around Mandela’s visit – the presence of Dr. Kenny Anthony alongside the late George Odlum and Herb Black and Ronald “Boo” Hinkson.
Herb Black and “Boo” were among those performing for Mandela at the Mindoo Phillip Park.
Then Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Rt. Hon. Percival J. Patterson mentioned that while all expectations were not fulfilled where CARICOM was concerned, “”any dispassionate review will show that much has been accomplished”.
To borrow from Patterson, I firmly believe that any dispassionate review and reflection on Julien Alfred’s visit would reveal that her homecoming and her own achievements accomplished much.
I reiterate that nothing like this has ever been witnessed here, not even the visit of the Pope to Saint Lucia in 1986. More blasphemy?
Julien Alfred was able to answer the question; “Can any good thing come from Ciceron or Conway? She was able to show that Walcott and Sir Arthur Lewis were not flukes and that Saint Lucia could perform at the highest level on the world stage.
Moreover, let us not shy away from the topic that some, but for her resilience and determination, may have resented her pigmentation and her outspoken faith in God proved otherwise.
This too spoke loudly to every little boy and girl who saw her, heard her, touched her.
For her homecoming, Saint Lucians came from near and far, from every town and village, some from overseas, some using wheelchairs. They waited for hours, some in the scorching heat, and others until nightfall, to see her, wave, shout, sing, dance, and celebrate as one people.
Even before she arrived, songs were written about her, at least seven of them and a few poetic pieces too.
And at every turn where she spoke, some shared tears with her.
At the celebration concert, there was not a dissenting voice for what we the people would bestow upon her, not just for what she has done but also for restoring hope in a nation.
Yes, the concert was free, but everyone in attendance paid a price to be there to celebrate Julien Alfred. It may have been by purchasing a T-shirt, travelling all the way from the south by bus or fueling up their own vehicles, keeping themselves refreshed for the four hours or so the event lasted.
Let us not even talk about the prices of drinks and the $2 for a bake and EC$7 for a dhall, that is for another show. Nevertheless, there was hardly a complaint.
For once, Saint Lucians understood the assignment, put their political and other differences aside and allowed the spirit of Julien Alfred to unite them and bring about something great.
It was as if Mandela’s words had finally taken root when he said; “Sometimes it falls upon a generation to be great, you can be that generation.”
Julien Alfred inspired Saint Lucians with greatness and the coming together as one. Yes, she did that and more!
Tony Nichols, I couldn’t agree more. We have been touting our two Nobel laureates but their renown has not placed St. Lucia on the map as Julien’s achievement has. In fact, many St Lucians are not disconnected from the two names because of what you alluded to “their aloofness”. Check out Nobel laureates week. The middle and lower classes are not the focus.
I am so happy to read this article by my childhood friend of Soufriere the one and only Tony Nicholas. The writing skills are very much alive and well. Bro George would have gave you a 95%.,…… lol
Whoever the writer is, this was a beautiful read.
Thanks for your editorial perspective on the Julien Alfred phenomenon Mr Nicholas. You highlighted important issues regarding the comparison between the celebrations and the Island’s euphoria between Miss Alfred’s athletic exploits and Sir Derek Walcott winning the Nobel prize for literature in 1992. Perhaps, I suspect the difference is in the fact the the people of Saint Lucia are finally beginning to believe in themselves and how great they can become with the right support. Indeed, miss Alfred would have ignited that self believe in all Saint Lucians at a time of general apathy, political friction and rising societal tensions. Even more pertinent, is the fact that perhaps in 1992, when Sir Walcott won the Nobel prize, the vast majority of Saint Lucians did not give a care for literature and the government of that time, being backward and slow to recognise Sir Walcott’s achievement, did not have a clue how to celebrate the great man. Sir Walcott was constantly fighting for the advancement of the arts in Saint Lucia but the government at the time was too dumb to appreciate the importance of the arts then. Still we don’t have a national theatre. A structure Sir Walcott was gnashing his teeth to acquire. Hence, Trinidad lionized Sir Walcott even more than we Saint Lucians did. The Trinidadians embraced Sir Walcott and even seemed to have claimed him as their own… Sir Walcott’s plays are being performed all over Trinidad, there is a museum to the man…so it appears Trinidad knew how to appreciate the great bard more than we Saint Lucians. Where in Saint Lucia are his plays being performed? Who in Saint Lucia is an authority on the works of Sir Walcott? Ask any ordinary Saint Lucia to name 5 books authored by Sir Walcott and you would be hard pressed if they can name two. This is an indictment on the government then and now. We should celebrate every single Saint Lucia who has gone on to do great things and put them on a pedestal literally and figuratively. I personally believe more should be done to celebrate our heroes. Nobel laureate month is not enough. The works of Sir Walcott and Sir Arthur should be studied from primary school to Tertiary level education every day of the year. Their works should be on the tip of our tongues. The state of affairs we now have is because those in government are clueless or were clueless. I must admit that SLP is trying to do things with some form of sophistication but more needs to be done. We are failing to honour our heroes the way they deserve. We have achieved such greatness as a small nation, but that does not mean our smallness is size should reflect our smallness in mind. The government must do more to make our national heroes a part of the fabric of our society so that every child, every citizen can be inspired by their achievements. The government is failing to maximise the collective contributions of all our national heroes. Some people don’t know it but before Sir Walcott died, international universities were squabbling amongst themselves to have Sir Walcott as a Professor in residence in their institutions. Yet we in Saint Lucia don’t give as much a regard to the great man. I personally, I am insensed by the government’s poor approach. They are still sitting on there derrières on matters of national identity and pride. But I will give then (SLP) that, they did pull out all the stops for Miss Julien Alfred and rightly so. Let’s celebrate unapologetically our national heroes for their varied contributions to our society and the world.
There is not even a National Museum to develop the notion of identity and achievement. To create pride in our culture and people, education and engagement are essential and that involves national institutions such as museums and theatres. These are costly things however locals and tourists alike would benefit from such places. There is so much creativity and sportsmanship here, but it is not channeled into any appropriate focus point.
Its just that a revolution is taking over in St Lucia, the MALAWAYs are taking over and the aristocrats are currently takung a back seat. The MALAWAY blockage is over- unity is taking over.ABOUT TINE St Lucia talents, should stay home instead of seeking opportunities elsewhere.
@C-Wiz your post speaks volumes. I have often wondered to myself how brilliant Sir. Walcott and Sir. Lewis were to have achieved such accolades. I know without a doubt that they both were superior in intelligence – I had an opportunity to study both literature and economics in college and there is nothing easy about either of these subjects.
In addition, St. Lucians need to understand that they too can take pride in themselves and pursue excellence in whatever area/career they desire. With all due respect, the CHOICE is theirs to pursue.
“Resilience is the process of adapting to adversity, the ability to bounce back after difficult experiences throughout life.”
c-wiz who hv tym for dat essay…too bright tun