Launched last week on the National Television Network (NTN), this year’s Nobel Laureate Festival will once again focus on celebrating excellence and as customary will capture the brilliance of Sir Arthur Lewis and Sir Derek Walcott (Saint Lucia’s two Nobel Laureates) who both share the same birthday-January 23. (Lewis won the Nobel Prize for Economics in 1979 whilst Walcott won the Nobel for Literature in 1992.)
The festival, (a month-long celebration), was first introduced in 2017, however recognition of the two laureates dates all the way back to January 1993 when Saint Lucians celebrated Nobel Laureate Day and later Nobel Laureate Week.
Thirty-one years later, Saint Lucia’s celebrations are still as impactful as ever in certain spheres.
Chairperson of the Nobel Laureate Festival Committee, Governor General Emerita H.E. Dame Pearlette Louisy said that “the month of January has held special significance for Saint Lucians as we have been celebrating the contributions of two of our distinguished nationals.”
This year “we have chosen the theme ‘Celebrating Excellence: Inspiring Our Collective Imagination, Fostering National Pride’ (and) we invite everyone to take some time during the festival to fully appreciate the achievements and contributions not only of our two Nobel Laureates, but of all our distinguished (nationals)…”
Whilst both Nobel Laureates are now deceased, she noted that they – Lewis and Walcott, “have not left us orphans; let us therefore show the world the legacy they have bequeathed us. I know we cannot all assemble in one physical space to celebrate but we can use the virtual world to do so. I therefore invite all who can to post on social media platforms and on our festival’s Facebook page during the month of January the name of at least one Saint Lucian luminary whose life, successes, achievements and contributions… the world should celebrate.”
The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority-SLTA, (one of the sponsors for this year) has partnered with the committee yet again and for its part will be giving back in a big way.
“I stand here today proud to represent the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority who for a second year has come on board to support the Nobel Laureate Festival. The (SLTA) will continue to support Nobel Laureate Month and we will do that through our ‘Lucian Links’ programme which continues to honour first, second and third generation Saint Lucians,” Geraine Georges, Communications Manager of the SLTA said.
According to her, there will be two giveaways this year – a five night stay for two at The Landings Resort and Spa as well as a five night stay for two at Bay Gardens Marina Haven.
“This will be supported with airfare and transportation fully sponsored by the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority… We look forward to everyone embracing and honouring the theme for the 2024 Nobel Laureate Festival and of course the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority stands ready to ensure that everyone is engaged and the information is shared in the global marketplace,” Georges said.
The Laborie Co-Operative Credit Union is also offering its support.
“We think the whole concept of excellence is significant for a country like Saint Lucia. As we go about celebrating (Nobel Laureate Month) I think the emphasis has to be on excellence,” Lucius Ellevic, General Manager of Laborie Co-Operative said.
Celebrations for Nobel Laureate Month (which kicked off on Sunday) will come to an end on February 9th.