As the world ushers in a new year, Saint Lucia marks its Nobel Laureate Festival, a tribute to Sir William Arthur Lewis, awarded the prize in economics over four decades ago, and Sir Derek Walcott, honoured for literature 13 years later.
Officially launched today, January 6, the month-long festival, under the theme Celebrating Excellence: Honouring our Legacy, Shaping our Tomorrow, will feature a series of memorial lectures, exhibitions, workshops, essay competitions, book launches, musical tributes, concerts and other commemorative activities. Among the highlights are musical tributes by schools across Castries scheduled for January 23, Nobel Laureate Day, and the shared birthday of the laureates, who were born ten years apart.
“Their contributions are undoubtedly influencing our present and will assuredly shape our tomorrow,” Chair of the Nobel Laureate Festival Committee Dame Pearlette Louisy said of Lewis and Walcott during the event’s official live-streamed launch.
Speaking on behalf of one of the festival’s sponsors, Bank of Saint Lucia, Senior Manager for Marketing and Corporate Communications, Genevieve Downes, said Sir Arthur’s legacy serves as a reminder of the global impact small island states can have.
Marketing Officer at FLOW, Sharline Tilo, said the company’s support of the festival reflects its commitment to encouraging future generations. “By aligning with such a prestigious event, FLOW encourages young people to pursue their aspirations, fostering a culture of inspiration and achievement,” she said.
The decision to formally honour the lives and works of both Nobel Laureates was made on January 23, 1993. This year marks the 33rd anniversary of that commitment.
According to the Festival committee, full schedules, event details, and updates are available in the official Event Programme on the festival’s Facebook page, @NobelLaureateFestivalSaintLucia, or by request via text at (758) 284-2111 or email at info@ddmediarelations.com.
