标签： Saint Lucia

In a thought-provoking critique of school grooming policies, the author challenges Archbishop Gabriel Malzaire’s defense of the status quo, arguing that current standards are rooted in Eurocentric norms that suppress black cultural identity. The Archbishop’s assertion that the Ministry of Education’s intervention undermines school authority is met with skepticism, as the author highlights the discriminatory nature of ad hoc policies that disproportionately affect black students. These policies, which enforce Eurocentric ideals of neatness and tidiness, often require black students to conform to arbitrary hair length standards while exempting non-curly-haired students from similar restrictions. This double standard perpetuates a somatic norm image that alienates black students from their cultural heritage. The author questions the Archbishop’s assumption that permitting natural hairstyles would lead to ill-discipline, pointing out that there is no empirical evidence to support this claim. Instead, the author argues that embracing black hair in schools would foster self-expression, cultural pride, and critical thinking among students. The critique also addresses the Archbishop’s fear that allowing diverse hairstyles would foster individualism at the expense of community identity. The author counters that true community identity must include the unique cultural expressions of its members, particularly those of black students. The article concludes with a call for the Archbishop and other stakeholders to re-examine their implicit assumptions and embrace policies that reflect the cultural realities of a predominantly black population. By doing so, schools can become spaces where students are empowered to value their natural beauty and cultural heritage, rather than conforming to outdated colonial standards.

Saint Lucia is undergoing a vibrant transformation as murals emerge across its communities, turning once plain and grey walls into canvases that narrate the island’s rich culture and history. This artistic shift, driven by a government-led initiative, aims to integrate art into public spaces, fostering national pride and cultural expression.

The vibrant sounds of bamboo bursting, traditional Kwéyòl, and Zouk music echoed across Saint Lucia over the weekend, marking the culmination of Kwéyòl Heritage Month. The air was filled with the enticing aromas of local delicacies cooked in earthen pots and over wood fires, as Saint Lucians and visitors alike gathered in various communities, many dressed in traditional Madras attire or shirts adorned with Kwéyòl phrases. This celebration of the island’s native language and culture was a testament to the deep-rooted pride in Saint Lucian heritage. The festivities, held on October 26, featured a lively mix of music, traditional dance, games, and an abundance of food and drinks, bringing the month-long celebrations to a joyous close. The Monsignor Patrick Anthony Plas Wiches Folklo (Folk Research Centre) concluded its major activities on October 28 with “Fèt Lanng Kwéyòl,” an event highlighting the progress of the Kwéyòl language. October 29, celebrated as Jounen Kwéyòl Entennasyonnal, saw major events in communities like Belle Vue, Vieux Fort, and Babonneau, with smaller gatherings across the island. Melchior Henry, Executive Director of the Folk Research Centre, expressed satisfaction with the turnout and participation, noting that Jounen Kwéyòl has become a widely embraced event. He emphasized the cultural focus in host communities, where traditional acts and exhibitions were showcased, contrasting with other locations where the emphasis was more on food and drink sales. The theme ‘Kwéyol Sé Fòs Nou’ (Creole is our strength) resonated throughout the celebrations, with presentations, performances, and a Kwéyòl spelling masterclass by Jason C Joseph. The event also featured contributions from Grenada and Cayenne, adding an international flair. With its success, the festivities are likely to become a permanent fixture in the FRC’s calendar, with plans to expand and enhance next year’s celebrations.

Jason Joseph, a passionate advocate for cultural preservation in Saint Lucia, recently concluded the 14th annual Dansé Kwòdril (Quadrille) sessions at JQ Rodney Bay Mall. The weekly event, which ran from early September to October 23, has been a cornerstone of the island’s cultural calendar since 2011, with JQ Mall as its official sponsor for the past five years. For Joseph, these sessions are more than just dance lessons—they are a mission to revive Saint Lucian heritage and foster community participation.

Joseph’s journey with dance began in his childhood at his church’s Saturday Night Socials. Though he initially learned Quadrille through observation, his passion for movement waned for years, even as he gained fame as a musician and his brother embraced salsa. A personal turning point reignited his love for dance, and he has since become one of the island’s most prominent promoters of Quadrille, a dance with roots in 18th and 19th-century European ballrooms, later adapted by enslaved Africans in the Caribbean.

While Quadrille is often performed by cultural groups for tourists and events, Joseph emphasizes the importance of personal participation. “It’s crucial that Saint Lucians learn to dance with their families and friends,” he said. “These dances are about bringing people together.” Over the years, attendance at his sessions has grown significantly, thanks to consistent efforts, corporate sponsorship, and the rising popularity of his Kwéyòl Sent Lisi brand on social media.

Joseph’s vision extends beyond Quadrille. He is also working to revive African-influenced dances like the bélé, débòt, and kutumba, which are still practiced in communities such as Piaye and Babonneau. Additionally, he aims to make communal dancing a year-round activity, not just limited to Creole Heritage Month. “Dancing is not just a social activity—it’s beneficial for health, peace of mind, and stress relief,” he explained.

Despite his success, Joseph humorously notes a challenge: getting more men to join. “I don’t know if they think it’s not manly enough or they’re afraid of ridicule,” he joked. “But we need more men to participate. Right now, I’m having all the fun with the women—and I can’t handle them all alone.”