In a landmark celebration of cultural heritage, Saint Lucia hosted its inaugural National Kwéyòl Spelling Competition on February 17, 2026. The groundbreaking event, formally titled Fèt Matjé Kwéyòl Sent Lisi, was orchestrated by the Msgr Patrick Anthony Folk Research Centre at the National Skills Development Centre (NSDC) as a highlight of the nation’s 2026 Independence celebrations.
The competition attracted widespread participation across society, with students from primary, secondary, and tertiary educational institutions alongside professionals from both public and private sectors. Participants competed either as three-member teams or individually, demonstrating their mastery of the Kwéyòl language through two distinct assessment formats.
The event featured a structured two-segment approach: a comprehensive spelling examination where all participants transcribed Kwéyòl words onto paper for evaluation, followed by an advanced dictation competition exclusively for individual contestants. This dual-method approach thoroughly tested participants’ orthographic and auditory comprehension skills in the indigenous language.
Notable achievements emerged from the competition, with Sam Eudovicque securing first place in both individual categories—spelling and dictation—while Stephanie Fenelon claimed second position. In the team category, Mon Repos/Patience Primary School triumphed with only four errors, followed by Vide Boutielle Primary and Ti Rocher Micoud. At the secondary level, Sir Arthur Lewis Community College claimed victory, with St. Joseph’s Convent and St. Mary’s College tying for second place.
Lindy-Ann Alexander, event coordinator, expressed profound enthusiasm about participants’ exceptional performance: ‘The proficiency level was remarkably high. The minimal error count demonstrates how accessible the Kwéyòl writing system is to learn, even for those who acquired it later in life.’ Alexander particularly noted the unprecedented occurrence of ties in both competition segments involving the same top performers.
The event’s success was bolstered by substantial institutional support from the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Education, and Saint Lucia Tourism Authority. This sponsorship framework positions the competition for potential annual recurrence with expanded promotion and participation opportunities.
Substantial prizes were awarded to celebrate linguistic achievement: winning schools received $600 with team members obtaining $100 each, plus Creole dictionaries for all participating institutions. The individual champion received a comprehensive package including cash prizes, a tablet, and a dinner for two.
