The Goodwill Ambassadors Program serves as a catalyst for the socio-economic transformation and development of Saint Lucia’s human capital in all sectors related to the Creative Arts and the industries that they support, namely—sports, visual arts, gastronomy, and music.
The role of a Goodwill Ambassador is to leverage their profile or celebrity to access opportunities for the growth and development of aspiring Saint Lucians in various fields of endeavor.
Minister with responsibility for Culture and Creative Industries, Sen. Hon Fortuna Belrose said Claudia Edward has been contributing to the nation’s development for years. The artist created the Edward4Education Charity Foundation working with schools on the island to create a better teaching and learning environment for the students and teachers. She has to date built a sick bay at the Corinth Secondary School, a Learning Resource Centre at the Ave Maria Girls Primary School, brought in a Shakespeare professional to conduct workshops on the island, and recently completed a Theatre Arts Room for the Ciceron Secondary School.
Claudia Edward said the work accomplished under the Edward for Education Foundation, has only just begun. The Department of Culture and Creative Industries said Claudia, over the last 20 years as a singer and songwriter has represented the island well, opening new markets for local entertainers.
Her Excellency Mrs. Claudia Edward-Ladner, as with the other Goodwill Ambassadors, now carries the title of Your Excellency for the term of the ambassadorship.
During the Investiture Ceremony held on Friday, August 21, she was granted the award of the Saint Lucia Medal of Merit (Gold). She will also be issued with an official or diplomatic passport as awarded by Cabinet of Ministers. Her Excellency Mrs. Claudia Edward-Ladner will serve for a period of three years.
