The Serenity Park in Castries is once again in the public eye as plans are underway to rename it. Housing and Local Government Minister Richard Frederick confirmed the name change at Monday’s press briefing. This decision is likely to spark significant protest from the citizenry generally.
More critically, this move could trigger a chain reaction in the politically charged atmosphere of Saint Lucia, potentially leading to a tit-for-tat situation that might undermine the progress we are trying to make as a nation, having disagreements, of course, but sharing a common loyalty to our island home.
The name “Serenity Park” was originally submitted by students of the R.C. Boys Infant School as part of a competition among schools in Castries. The selected name was not influenced by politicians; it was a genuine effort by our children.
Serenity Park was officially opened to the public on May 15, 2011, by Governor General Dame Pearlette Louisy, along with Richard Frederick and then Prime Minister Stephenson King.
On February 13, 2019, the park was renamed the George William Mallet Serenity Park during a special ceremony that unveiled a plaque with the new name. At the time, Castries Mayor, Peterson D. Francis, emphasised the importance of honouring the memories and legacies of those who had contributed to Saint Lucia’s democratic state. He stated, “Without memory, there is no culture. Without memory, there would be no civilization, no society, and no future. Memories of the past must be vital lessons of history.”
We agree with Francis on the importance of honouring our history and the figures who have gotten us to where we are as a nation. Unfortunately, we must also acknowledge that politicians, through their words and actions, frequently contribute to disunity and conflict in Saint Lucia. This is a significant factor in some of the challenges our country faces.
If the government proceeds with renaming the park later this year, what would prevent an opposition, when it comes to power, from renaming landmarks that honour Saint Lucia Labour Party stalwarts, such as the George F.L. Charles Airport? This could lead to a tit-for-tat situation where a United Workers Party administration might rename the Sir Julian Hunte Highway or other landmarks named after Labour Party loyalists. This would not only be childish, but erosive of any sense of National pride – and this at a time when as a country we look forward to welcoming Julien Alfred who has made us proud to say we are St. Lucians.
We can all agree that this is sheer folly. Setting such a precedent could only undermine our collective goal of honouring the names and legacies of Saint Lucians who have made significant contributions to our country’s development.
George Mallet is one such individual who has greatly advanced Saint Lucia. Although he is no longer with us, his name and legacy should be respected and preserved. He served as the parliamentary representative for Castries Central long before the current representative, Richard Frederick, was even out of diapers.
Adding Mallet’s name to the park, originally named by our students, should not be viewed negatively, even though politicians were involved in the decision. The names complement each other well.
We acknowledge that “Serenity Park,” chosen by our students, is a fitting name. Adding Mallet’s name does not diminish the creativity of the students who participated in the naming competition.
We respectfully urge the government to leave the park’s name as it is. Renaming it, stupid as this would be, would have no effect other than to perpetuate the “them and us” attitude that tears our country apart.