Today, January 23, is designated Nobel Laureate Day in Saint Lucia. This is in honour of the island’s two Nobel Laureates who were both born on January 23, in Castries – Sir Arthur Lewis in 1915, and Sir Derek Walcott in 1930.
Sir Arthur Lewis, who was awarded a Nobel Prize for Economic Sciences in 1979, was an economist and the first Black person to win the prize in that category. He was noted for his work on economic development and his analysis of the economic problems of developing countries.
Derek Walcott was a renowned poet and playwright. Known globally for his work, he is considered one of the most important literary figures from the Caribbean.
He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1992.
In marking the occasion, the Cultural Development Foundation wrote of the two men on their Facebook page:
“Their excellence reminds us that the pursuit of knowledge, creativity and resilience can change the world. Let us continue to celebrate their achievements and strive for greatness in all that we do.”
The recognition comes in the midst of the annual Nobel Laureate Festival, running this year from January 5 to February 4. The theme for the festival is Celebrating Excellence. Acclaiming Our Trailblazers. Inspiring Our Nation.
The full calendar of activities is available at: https://www.facebook.com/NobelLaureateFestivalSaintLucia
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Some of us need to understand that education is key in whatever area/career path of your choice. If you decide to hang with the crowd who lack ambition, inspiration, respect and manners etc. etc. you will be going nowhere VERY fast. We all need to find our own niche and run with it – there is always something to be done and it begins with us. Each person has his or her own journey/career path – the choice is yours to find it within you – then you decide what you are here to do. We need not envy anyone or anything – do some soul searching and find what is inside of you and then press on with it.
“Rome was not built in a day” – these two individuals must have been extremely knowledgeable to receive Nobel Laureate status – they rose to the occasion head on and they both made it from a tiny island (St. Lucia) in the Caribbean – what an accomplishment. They did this before internet and so their study and preparation must have been painful and relentless – no doubt. The good news is it could be repeated by someone else in another area of study even in this century – go for it.
“Life is one big road with lots of signs. So when you riding through the ruts, don’t complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy. Don’t bury your thoughts, put your vision to reality. Wake Up and Live!” Bob Marley
***********Happy Nobel Laureates Day**********