Saint Lucia exhibits on Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C.

Washington D.C was privy to what could be described as ‘”a transcendent demonstration of Saint Lucia’s enduring potential”. The display of the island’s food, art, culture, literature and specialty products at the first ever ‘Jammin DC festival’ was also a nostalgic one for Saint Lucian-Americans as they attended this multicultural outdoor music and arts festival, held recently on the 28th of September. This celebration of Caribbean-American heritage could not have been held at any place less than on the street where the President of the United States resides.

The Embassy of Saint Lucia utilised this opportunity to provide all, including the Deputy Mayor of the District of Columbia and the Mayor’s Caribbean commissioners, who visited its booth to a truly remarkable Saint Lucian experience given that it was the sole Embassy which distributed food samples to visitors. Some of the food provided included bakes and saltfish, accra, penmi, farine pone, coconut bread, delicacies such as “comfort”, tamarind balls, gooseberry jam, sea-almond pralines, as well as lime squash. In the background, the music of Mr. Ronald “Boo” Hinkson as well as other Saint Lucian musicians entertained visitors. On display were mannequins dressed in Saint Lucia’s national costumes, promotional material, products which were donated by small business owners to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Production, Fisheries and Rural Development for this event, items from Canabelle, many specialty goods such as an assortment of jams, seasonings, spices and liquor, in addition to locally produced soaps, pottery, handmade paper products, bags and baskets. Further, a wide array of literature from notable Saint Lucian writers, artwork from Mr. Joseph “Sewo” Sexius, H.E. Edsel Edmunds, along with a portrait which had been previously donated by the Dunnottar School were prominently featured.

This was a truly hands on experience as guests were warmly greeted by H.E. Sonia M. Johnny who also served refreshments to visitors. The Embassy will focus much of its efforts, in the coming months to trade and investment promotion, and will regularly participate in events such as Jammin DC which provide opportunities to showcase and highlight Saint Lucian art and culture in addition to its manufacturing expertise.