The Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) will mark a significant milestone in heritage preservation as it commemorates the inscription of the Derek Walcott Library on the UNESCO Memory of the World Regional Register for Latin America and the Caribbean.
In recognition of this achievement, SALCC, in collaboration with the Saint Lucia National Commission for UNESCO, will host a commemorative ceremony on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, on the grounds of the library. The ceremony will feature the formal presentation of the Memory of the World certificate to the College and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque.
The UNESCO Memory of the World Programme promotes the preservation of the world’s documentary heritage while raising awareness of its cultural and historical significance. The Derek Walcott Library, which houses the personal collection of Nobel Laureate Sir Derek Walcott, was officially inscribed on the Regional Register in 2025—affirming its value as part of the Caribbean’s intellectual legacy.
SALCC says it takes pride in its role as a custodian of Saint Lucia’s rich cultural heritage, notably as the resting place of both of the nation’s Nobel Laureates. The College remains committed, it says, to preserving and promoting their legacy through ongoing initiatives that support education, research, and cultural development.
This recognition further solidifies SALCC’s position as a leading steward of regional heritage, reinforcing its enduring commitment to excellence and to safeguarding the intellectual and cultural patrimony of Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean.