Thirteen outstanding Laborians came in for high praise recently when their contributions to the growth and development of the southern community were highlighted at the unveiling of the newly-refurbished Iconic Laborian Centre.
A special ceremony was held at the Papèl Craft Centre at the Rudy John Beach Park in Laborie on Friday, July 3, 2026, where the Icons were remembered for playing their part in transforming Laborie into the thriving community it is today. Some of the Icons are now deceased; however, some of those still alive were in attendance or had their relatives represent them.
In her remarks, H.E. Nicole Su, Taiwan’s Ambassador to Saint Lucia, explained that the event was not about just celebrating renovated space, but also about preserving stories, celebrating identity, and ensuring that Laborie’s rich heritage continues to inspire future generations.
Ambassador Su praised the progress that the Community Business Revitalization Project has made in Laborie under the auspices of the Ministry of Commerce, and with the guidance of Hon. Alva Baptiste. She noted that while tourists have already been enjoying the community’s beautiful scenery and cozy Airbnb’s, the project aims to empower more MSMEs through capacity- building.
“We intend for this project to bridge the gap between the MSMEs in the community, with consumers and the tourism market,” Ambassador Su said. “There are different strategies to make it happen.”
Ambassador Su said such strategies include introducing the community the concept of branding and storytelling, furnishing target facilities where consumers or tourists could go, developing the tourism products, and organizing familiarization tours to bring together relevant stakeholders to form strategic partnerships. So far, the project has worked alongside partners on various initiatives, including the branding of Anse Kawet Centre, the music festivals, and different immersive handicraft workshops.
As part of the project, the gift shop’s termite-infected wooden shelves were replaced with durable PVC display fixtures and the interior has been refreshed with colours inspired by the Saint Lucian flag. Together with local contractors, the Iconic Laborian Centre’s exhibition area was restored and reimagined for visitors to experience Laborie’s history. Visitors to the Centre can now explore interactively the stories about Laborie’s distinguished community figures. The new features include a new visitor guide, and an audio-guided tour with QR codes for visitors to listen to the stories of Laborie’s distinguished community figures.
“This is a place where the history of Laborie lives, where Creole heritage is preserved, and where the remarkable women and men who have shaped this community and this country continue to be remembered,” Ambassador Su said.
She added: “Taiwan is very honoured to also have connection and friendship with most of these prominent figures. Of course, Dame Pearlette has always been very kind to offer guidance and support to us to deepen the friendship between our two countries.”
Hon. Alva Romanus Baptiste, Minister for External Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation and Diaspora Affairs, and Parliamentary Representative for Laborie/Augier, recalled serving as member on the Board of the Laborie Cooperative Credit Union with Icons Rudy John, Watson Louis, and Agatha Jn. Panel.
“They wanted to ensure that they moulded generations of young Laborians to ensure continuity in the People’s Republic of Laborie,” he said. “They always gave young people an opportunity to participate in the business of the community.”
He added: “In the face of criticism, they remained steadfast. Today we can boast about the People’s Republic of Laborie because they gave nothing to pleasure in youth and nothing to repose in age, but all to the development of this community. We must say thank you for that.”
Hon. Baptiste also thanked the Government and people of the Republic of China (Taiwan) for their invaluable contribution to the Government and people of Saint Lucia over the years.
Mr. Augustine Dominique, Executive Officer of the Laborie Development Foundation, said the Iconic Laborian Award journey began in September 2017, when the first conferrals were made during a special ceremony organized by the Dame Pearlette Louisy Legacy Committee in collaboration with the Laborie Sub-Committee. That inaugural event honoured the following distinguished Laborians:
- H.E. Dame Calliopa Pearlette Louisy – for her academic excellence, national, regional and international service, and devotion to community.
- Mr. Rudy Thomas John – a pioneering educator and community leader, whose vision for youth upliftment shaped generations.
- Mr. Joseph “Ives” Simeon – cultural icon, master violinist and master of Kwéyòl expression, whose artistry preserved Saint Lucian identity.
- Dr. Donatus “Keith” St. Aimee – distinguished academic and diplomat, whose scholarship and service advanced Saint Lucia’s presence regionally and internationally.
- Sir Allan Fitzgerald Louisy – former Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, whose leadership and commitment to justice left an indelible mark on national governance.
- Dr. Emsco Remy – renowned ophthalmologist whose medical service restored sight and hope to countless Saint Lucians.
- Mr. Rick Wayne – journalist and publisher, whose fearless voice shaped public discourse and challenged generations to think critically.
At the unveiling ceremony last Friday, the following 2026 Iconic Laborians were conferred:
- Mr. Hilary Mervyn Darcheville – an educator and activist, whose courage and intellect shaped minds and movements.
- Mr. Yves Renard – a visionary conservationist and cultural promoter, who wove environment, heritage, and sustainability into a single vision of empowerment.
Dr. Velon Leo John – a scholar, parliamentarian and humanist, whose words and service dignified his people. - Mr. Pascal Watson Louis – a pioneer of the Laborie Cooperative Credit Union, educator, and public servant, whose vision uplifted families and institutions.
- Mrs. Agatha Jn Panel – an educator and principal who inspired generations during her 35-year tenure as Principal of the Laborie Girls’ Primary School, and served as a Senator following her retirement.
- Mr. Desmond Collymore – a cricketer, firefighter and journalist, whose sporting excellence and service carried Laborie’s spirit far beyond its shores.
Mr. Dominique reminded Laborians that the refurbished Iconic Laborian Centre is not only a monument to the past, but also a call to the future, one which serves to inspire the next generations of outstanding Laborian youth.
Meanwhile, Mr. Louis Tsou, Project Manager for the Community Business Revitalization Project at the Taiwan Technical Mission, noted that the renovation project was proposed by the Community Business Revitalization Project of the Taiwan Technical Mission. He said that through the support from the Department of Rural Development and Soil and Water Conservation of the Ministry of Agriculture of Taiwan, the vision and idea finally had the chance to become a reality. On the ground support also came from the Laborie Development Foundation.
Besides the physical interior design, Mr. Tsou said a comprehensive brochure and built-up digital features were created, including digitized biographies for each Icon. Visitors can choose to use the audio guides to fully immerse themselves in the space and connect with history. There is also donation box to encourage visitors to the Centre to contribute monetarily, which will help the space run sustainably in the long-term.
Mr. Tsou said the Anse Kawet Crafters Gift Shop is no longer just a place to buy souvenirs, but a beautiful extension of the cultural stories being told inside the Centre. He said he hopes the Iconic Laborian Centre will not only uplift the community’s image, but also become a place of cultural pride for everyone in Laborie.
Mrs. Jn Panel said she developed a deep love for reading as a child, and has made it a lifetime commitment to never go to bed if she did not read first.
Another Icon, Mr. Desmond Collymore, said his working life has been defined by pure dedication, discipline and hard work.