SINCE her stellar performance at the Paris Olympics, Julien “Juju” Alfred has captivated the world with her extraordinary achievements.
Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has underscored the importance of respecting Julien’s privacy and individuality, emphasising that she should not be exploited for commercial purposes. He proudly shared how people from around the globe have expressed admiration for Julien’s success.
“We must remember that she is a human being and must be treated as a human being,” he stated.
The Prime Minister stressed that Julien should not be used as a “commercial figure” and that, “we have to respect her, cherish her … but she must have her independence to decide what she wants to do.”
Nonetheless, as a “Proud Prime Minister,” he has been privileged to meet people in the USA and on flights who have expressed their compliments and praises for Julien’s success.
In addition to her successful career and development over the past five years, 2024 was her ultimate “crowning glory” year. Born on June 10, 2001, Julien Alfred made history by winning Saint Lucia’s first-ever Olympic medal with a gold in the 100 meters and a silver in the 200 meters at the 2024 Summer Olympics. In the 60 meters at the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships, setting a world-leading time of 6.98 seconds. It was Saint Lucia’s first-ever World Athletics Indoor Championship medal.
She finished second in the 100 meters at the 2024 Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, with a time of 10.93 seconds. Alfred ran a lifetime best and equalled the stadium record in the women’s 100 meters at the Racers Grand Prix in Kingston, Jamaica, on June 1, 2024, running 10.78 seconds. On July 12, she won the 100 meters in 10.85 seconds at the 2024 Herculis Diamond League event in Monaco. Alfred set a new national 200m record of 21.86 seconds as she finished second behind Gabrielle Thomas at the Paris Olympics this year.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the positive economic outlook for Saint Lucia, including a projected over 5% economic growth and record-low unemployment figures.
He expressed his plans to engage with the Saint Lucian community in the Diaspora during his upcoming visits to New York. Additionally, the Prime Minister is scheduled to visit Mexico for the inauguration of the new president, as Mexico and Saint Lucia share “very close ties.”
Julien’s incredible achievements have sparked celebrations in Saint Lucia, leading the government to declare September 27, 2024, as “Julien Alfred Day.”