Spencer’s achievements celebrated in Grande style

It was a purely a case of better late than never, when the Government of St Lucia finally gave the nation’s most decorated athlete Levern Donaline Spencer, the recognition she truly deserved at a special dinner held in her honour at Sandals Grande St Lucia Spa and Beach Resort. 

Spencer herself was overwhelmed with what transpired that evening. However, for some unknown reason, she did not get the opportunity to thank or express her thoughts on the night’s proceedings to the audience, but conveyed her sentiments in an interview with the media long after the evening came to an end. “I am really happy that the Government saw it fitting to put on something as grand as this,” said Spencer. Like I said I have been in the sport for 20 years and gone through a lot of hard work. I am just happy they were able to see what I have achieved throughout the years and now recognizing me for it. I am really appreciative and happy that tonight I was able to share the evening with family, friends and special people who have contributed to my success throughout my 20 years.”

The guest list was as grand as the occasion itself with government officials and dignitaries in attendance. Among the specially invited guests, His Excellency, Governor General, Neville Cenac and his wife; Acting Prime Minister, Ezechiel Joseph; Minister of Youth Development and Sports, Edmund Estephane; Minister of Education, Dr Gale TC Rigobert, Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture, Herod Stanislas; Senator and President St Lucia Olympic Committee Inc, Fortuna Belrose, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, Liota Charlemagne-Mason.

Levern was joined by family and friends and several sports personalities from St Lucia, the region and internationally. Among them Senior Vice President of Sportsmax Caribbean, Lance Whittaker, who spoke about the magnitude of Spencer’s achievements at the Commonwealth Games; President of the North and Central American and Caribbean Athletics Confederation (NACAC), Victor Lopez who presented Spencer with the NACAC award for 20 years of excellence in representing not just St Lucia but the region as a whole. Another special guest, reigning Sportsman of the Year, Albert Reynolds.

It was also a night of surprises for Spencer as her coach at the University of Georgia, Wayne Norton was also in attendance and high nothing but high praise for Spencer. During the course of the evening it was announced that the Government of Saint Lucia will bestow on Spencer the title of Official Sports and Youth Ambassador for Saint Lucia. Acting Prime Minister Honourable Ezechiel Joseph made the announcement.

The Acting Prime Minister, who also happens to be the Parliamentary Representative for the community of Babonneau, where Spencer hails from, further announced the decision by the Government of Saint Lucia to issue a Commemorative Stamp to recognize Spencer’s achievements. The Government would further honour Spencer with the donation of a motor vehicle, the naming of a Sports Facility in her honour and award her a diplomatic passport.

Spencer marking 20 years of representing Saint Lucia in high jump and has on fifteen occasions been named “Sports Woman of the Year”. She has also won several international medals in the event. The Celebratory Dinner in honour of the world ranked high jumper, was also a continuation of the observance of the island’s milestone 40th Independence Anniversary.

Also paying tribute to Spencer was Minister Estephane who said: “You are a great example of the role model for all young people and even the not too young. We say a very special thank you for 20 years of hard work, 20 years of zeal, sacrifice, perseverance, pride, courage, focus, lots of effort and self-discipline. We thank you for the exposure that you have given to Saint Lucia.”

Spencer’s Manager, Pastor Gregory Dixon who always keeps the media informed with results when she competes internationally, was delighted by what took place. “Not a bad to celebrate Levern Spencer. I guess a few things came out tonight, maybe St Lucians had not taken time out to reflect on what she has done through the years. It was nice to have Lance Whittaker here to really put Levern’s achievements along with MC Terry Finisterre into perspective. All in all I think it was a good night in the sense that maybe St Lucians are a little bit more appreciative of what she has achieved over the last 20 years.”

When asked to comment on the pronouncements made during the course of the evening in regards to Spencer, Dixon had mixed emotions. He told me: “I am still optimistic that something bigger will come through. Of course we are thankful for what was given to her, but I still think better can be done and hope in the coming days, weeks and months, that we will probably hear bigger announcements or pronouncements in terms of what Levern Spencer deserves after 20 years of national service.”

Gregory Lubin, Spencer’s first-ever athletics coach, was given a commemorative plaque by the Minister of Youth and Sports, in recognition of his early work with the then teenager. Spencer was born on June 23, 1984 and grew up in Cacoa, Babonneau. A past student of the Entrepot Secondary School where her athleticism was recognized, she went on to participate in several national sports meets, before being selected for regional and international games.

Among her noteworthy achievements; 2001: Bronze medal, World Youth Championship, 2005: Gold Medal, Guatemala City, CAC Championships, 2006: Bronze Medal, Cartagena, Central American and  Caribbean Games, 2007: Bronze Medal, Pan American Games in Rio, 2008: Gold Medal, CAC, Cali, 2009: Gold Medal, CAC, Havana, 2010: Gold Medal, Central America and Caribbean Games, Mayaguez, 2011: Gold Medal, CAC Mayaguez, 2013: Gold Medal, CAC, Morelia, 2014: Bronze Medal, Commonwealth Games, Glasgow, 2014: Gold Medal, Veracruz, Central American and Caribbean Games, 2015: Gold Medal, Panam Games, Toronto, 2018: Gold Medal, Central America and Caribbean Games, Barranquilla, 2018: Gold Medal, Commonwealth Games, Gold Coast.

Impressive indeed, however, it seems the only thing missing from Spencer’s resume and she will agree with you, is the elusive Olympic medal.