Twenty-one young Saint Lucian artists have secured a lasting place in one of the country’s most important public projects after being recognised in the Saint Lucia Halls of Justice (HOJ) Youth Art Challenge.
The initiative ended on Thursday with a prize-giving ceremony and the unveiling of a public art exhibition at Constitution Park.
NH International (Caribbean) Ltd., together with the Ministry of Education and Republic Bank (EC) Limited, organised the competition and invited secondary and tertiary students from across the island to interpret one main question: What does justice look like to you?
Students answered through different art forms such as painting, digital art, photography, fibre art, and sculpture. Their work explored themes like fairness, equality, truth, peace, accountability, and community.
Organisers said the challenge aimed to encourage civic engagement and inspire young people to see justice as more than just a legal idea, but as something that influences everyday life.
Nine secondary and tertiary institutions submitted entries, which went through judging and a public voting campaign that drew nearly 2,000 votes.
At the end of the competition, Makena Edward from Soufrière Comprehensive Secondary School won first place with Justice in Balance.
Second place was awarded to Aquili Arthur of Patricia D. James Secondary School for Shelter and Justice for All. Kami St Rose of St Joseph’s Convent took third place with Justice and Equality for All.
Rebecca Felix, Neila Martyr, and Trina Pelage from the Stanley Jon Odlum School of Arts, Media and Design received a Special Recognition Award for their three-dimensional installation, Community Harmony. Their work was the only sculpture in the competition.
At the ceremony, Michelle Clarke, Corporate Secretary and Head of Human Resources at NH International (Caribbean) Ltd., said the project was more than just a competition.
She explained that the company wants to leave behind more than just buildings. They hope to pass on values, opportunities and a shared commitment to building a progressive Caribbean region where excellence is clear and meaningful.
Wayne Girard, Minister for Economic Development and the Youth Economy, also spoke to the participants. He encouraged students to see themselves as contributors to national development.
“Development is about much more than roads, bridges and buildings,” he told attendees. “Development is also about citizens. It is about the kind of people we become.”
Girard reflected on the role of art in shaping national identity and told students their work had become part of the Halls of Justice story even before the institution officially opens.
He pointed out that even before the first judge sits or the first case is heard, the students have already helped define what justice means to the people the institution will serve.
Jeremiah Norbert, Minister responsible for Home Affairs, Crime Prevention, Conflict Resolution, and Persons with Disabilities, was also present.
All 21 artworks were unveiled at the event and will remain on public display at the Saint Lucia Halls of Justice project site until construction is complete.
Organisers say the exhibition ensures young people are not just watching a major national project but are actively helping to shape the values and goals it represents.
