On a meaningful Thursday ceremony in Saint Lucia, one of the nation’s most beloved and impactful sports figures, Cuthbert “Twa Ti Né” Modeste, received a permanent honor that cements his decades-long contributions to athletics and youth development: a new state-of-the-art strength and conditioning centre at Mindoo Philip Park now bears his name.
Modeste, a former athlete turned iconic coach and mentor, has spent the bulk of his life nurturing local sporting talent across the island. Through his leadership of the Survivors Track Club, he has shaped the careers of dozens of competitive athletes, including two of Saint Lucia’s most decorated Olympians: Julien Alfred, the nation’s first and only two-time Olympic medalist, and high jumper Jeanelle Scheper. For generations of young aspiring athletes, Modeste has been far more than a coach—he has been a steady guide, advocate, and source of inspiration.
The new facility marks a major milestone for Saint Lucia’s investment in high-performance sport. Mindoo Philip Park, a bustling multi-purpose venue that hosts training and competition for cricket, football, and track and field, will now offer local and national athletes a dedicated space to build strength and refine their skills. All gym equipment for the centre was donated by the government of Taiwan, making the project a collaborative effort to elevate local sport. This opening follows the recent launch of a similar strength facility at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, with a third location already planned for Philip Marcellin Grounds in Vieux Fort in the coming months to support athlete development across the southern region of the island. Two full-time trainers have already been hired to oversee operations at the Mindoo Philip Park centre.
Julien Alfred, who first joined Modeste’s program at just 9 years old, was in attendance at the ceremony and shared an emotional tribute to the coach who changed the course of her career. She recalled critical moments when she considered stepping away from athletics entirely, crediting Modeste’s unwavering support for keeping her connected to the sport she loves. “I’m just really happy that Twa Ti Né is getting his flowers while he’s still here,” Alfred said. “Just seeing how much he has poured into the youth and the future generation of Saint Lucia. I came here at the age of nine, and he’s been with me throughout every single journey of my career. Even when I wanted to give up in my career, he’s been there through every single moment. At my early age, getting global medals for Saint Lucia, he’s been there.”
Senior government leaders joined in the celebration, highlighting both the practical and symbolic importance of the naming. Kenson Casimir, Minister for Education, Youth Development and Sports, described the opening as “both a physical investment in our athletes and a symbolic recognition of the values that Mr Cuthbert Modeste has embodied throughout his life.” Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, who also serves as MP for Castries East, called Modeste an unsung hero of Saint Lucian sport, noting his quiet, consistent impact over decades. “Twa Ti Né is an unsung hero. He did a lot of work quietly, working with athletes, and he had the tenacity and the patience to allow people to develop,” Pierre said.
In a brief, humble address to attendees, Modeste expressed gratitude for the honor. “I would like to thank all those who acknowledge my objective of making little things happen. Once again, I thank everybody, and thank God. Thank you very much,” he said.
Christopher Duncan, a former athlete of Modeste’s and long-time associate at the Survivors Track Club, summed up the significance of the moment: “It is often said that a prophet is not honoured in his own land; today we proved otherwise.”