I have been the coordinator of the Nobel Laureate Festival since 2014 when I represented the now defunct Radio Saint Lucia (RSL 97) and after I had been a committee member for eight years. As a member I revelled in the fact that I sat with the festival’s chair, then Governor General, who I have always described as, probably the most-loved woman in Saint Lucia, Her Excellency Dame Pearlette Louisy. I was also surrounded by committee members who were at the top of their fields.
But, when I first served as coordinator I was in awe of the role. After all, our chair excels in education and the use of the English grammar. Working with her directly was not something I had ever imagined doing. The experience has been one of the most exuberant in my life, giving me the opportunity to be in the company of many international professionals and celebrities.
Writing this piece, I realised that I had behaved like many Saint Lucians living at home. Prior to becoming involved, I had been aware of the festival, then called Nobel Laureate Week, but I had not paid much attention to it. My role has forced me to concentrate on, and to address, some of the preconceptions about the festival. All this, and of course meeting Sir Derek Walcott, eventually becoming friends with him and his partner Sigrid, his son Peter, and other members of his family, has given me a greater appreciation of Sir Derek and what his accomplishments mean.
Along with many Saint Lucians, I was aware of Sir Arthur Lewis’s Nobel Prize for Economics but I didn’t truly understand why it was important. Rather, I just acknowledged that he was a Saint Lucian who lived and worked in Manchester, England—the country in which I was born.
But the biggest achievement for me in my role was understanding the meaning of “Celebrating Excellence” which is the annual main theme for the festival. This theme motivated me. I learned how special I was, how special we all are. We all have something to excel in and it is that “thing” that each person can do uniquely. Being the coordinator of this festival has exposed me to all the different talents that Saint Lucians possess.
I’ve realized that people do not attend the festival because they may (like I used to) think that it is only for a “certain person”; intellectuals, people over 40, those who live in Castries . . . the list of ignoring its importance goes on. But I continue to implore the public to submit an idea to a welcoming Nobel Laureate Festival committee that will assist in getting it off the ground. Just take a look at this year’s programme; there are many examples of new ideas.
I invite you, readers, to visit and like our Facebook page Nobel Laureate Festival: Saint Lucia, where you will find up-to-date information on all the events and can make comments and submit your pictures and stories.
Join us on CHOICE at 7:55p.m. Monday 21 to Friday 25 January, 2019 for Celebrating Excellence: 40 Years On, where the committee will answer questions in the hope that it will enhance your appreciation of our laureates, the festival, and ultimately encourage you to attend. Request a programme from info@ddmediarelations.com or 717-7979 on WhatsApp.
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