National Pride Shines as Saint Lucians Mark Independence at UWI Cave Hill

The showers last Saturday morning did not wash away the patriotism that filled the Cave Hill Campus of The University of the West Indies (The UWI), as Saint Lucians in Barbados participated in their country’s annual National Independence Baton Relay.

Euphonious choruses of countless Saint Lucian hits echoed across the campus community throughout the event.

Old and young, from near and far, gathered to honour the triumphs of their country. From the sporting excellence of Julien Alfred and Daren Sammy to the academic brilliance of Sir Derek Walcott and Sir Arthur Lewis, and the striking beauty of the 238-square-mile island—these symbols of national pride were all depicted on the baton, uniting attendees under the phrase, ‘Damn Proud Lucian’ – the title of a song by popular local artiste Sly.

Started in 2022, the National Baton Relay is the brainchild of the Department of Housing and Local Government and is held during every Independence celebration. The baton travels around the island, epitomising unity, communal solidarity, and love for country.

The initiative has successfully extended its reach to the Saint Lucian diaspora. Last year, the baton relay was first hosted outside the island in Taiwan. The decision was then made to bring it to UWI campuses across the region. Cave Hill’s celebration focused on the contributions of Saint Lucian scholars to academia.

Among the most notable were Sir Arthur Lewis, The UWI’s first Caribbean native Vice-Chancellor; Professor Hazel Simmons-McDonald, the first principal of The UWI Open Campus (now Global Campus); Professor Cynthia Barrow-Giles, a senior lecturer and renowned political academic; and Dr Antonious Hippolyte, the second consecutive Saint Lucian Dean of the Law Faculty.

Recognising the historical and ongoing contributions of Saint Lucia’s distinguished sons and daughters, current UWI Cave Hill students shared their thoughts on the baton relay and their reasons for participating.

Zoe Smith from La Clery described the event as “beneficial for the students who attend The UWI Cave Hill, especially being far from home.” She also praised the event for fostering relationships between students and other Saint Lucians in the diaspora.

Melony Pologne, a Biology student, expressed her pride in being an ambassador for her homeland. She emphasised the importance of understanding the significant contributions Saint Lucians have made and continue to make in their respective fields.

Kayshan St Juste and Gilson Wilson both highlighted the importance of preserving Saint Lucian culture and heritage – values that are exemplified by the Baton Relay.

The unwavering love for country and recognition of national achievements left an indelible mark on the entire production. One could safely say that although Saint Lucians may be miles away from their homeland, their national pride remains steadfast.

The production was coordinated by student Alens Plante, with the support of Janet Caroo and, by extension, UWI TV, Dr Glenda Niles, Dania Hamilton, and the registrar and administration of The UWI Cave Hill Campus.