Saint Lucia is poised to host its prestigious 33rd annual Nobel Laureate Festival, a month-long celebration running from January 6 to February 4 dedicated to honoring the island nation’s extraordinary intellectual legacy. The festival pays tribute to two of the Caribbean’s most distinguished minds: Sir Arthur Lewis, awarded the 1979 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences for his groundbreaking work in development economics, and Sir Derek Walcott, who received the 1992 Nobel Prize in Literature for his poetic achievements.
Under the resonant theme “Celebrating Excellence: Honoring our Legacy, Shaping our Tomorrow,” this year’s iteration seeks to bridge historical achievement with contemporary inspiration. Festival organizers emphasize the continuing relevance of both laureates’ contributions and the imperative for current generations to build upon their foundational work.
At the festival’s official launch, Chairperson and Governor General Emerita H.E. Dame Pearlette Louisy addressed potential skeptics directly: “Some may have dismissed our laureates’ achievements as historical artifacts with diminishing contemporary relevance. However, we must recognize that the trees whose shade we now enjoy were planted by those who preceded us—visionaries who often never lived to witness the full fruition of their labor.”
Delia Dolor, Public Relations Coordinator and Committee Member, highlighted Saint Lucia’s remarkable distinction of having one of the world’s highest per capita rates of Nobel Prize winners. “This festival not only commemorates past brilliance,” Dolor stated, “but also embraces our responsibility to ignite future innovation and cultivate a more prosperous future for our nation and the global community.”
The festival’s diverse programming spans multiple venues across Saint Lucia, blending established traditions with innovative new events. Highlights include two memorial lectures: The Sir Derek Walcott Memorial Lecture, titled “An Listwa Manmay San Liv” and delivered by acclaimed Saint Lucian-Canadian author Professor Canisia Lubrin (January 20), and The Sir Arthur Lewis Memorial Lecture on “Economic Principles for the 21st Century” presented by Professor Sir Timothy Besley of the London School of Economics (January 22).
Additional featured events encompass a comprehensive Celebrating Excellence Video Series with distinguished guests, the inauguration of the History House in Soufrière with a specialized exhibition, creative forums, literary awards, theatrical tributes, educational workshops, and ceremonial wreath-laying at the laureates’ resting places. The festival culminates with the Sagicor Schools’ Choir Competition, showcasing young musical talent inspired by the nation’s intellectual heroes.
Complete scheduling information and regular updates are available through the official Event Programme on the Festival’s Facebook presence (@nobellaureatefestivalsaintlucia) or via direct inquiry at (758) 284-2111 and info@ddmediarelations.com.