Press Secretary to the Prime Minister (Saint Lucia)
As the nation celebrates Sir Arthur Lewis and Hon. Derek Walcott with Nobel Laureate Week, Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony says that the Government of Saint Lucia is moving forward with plans to improve the environment for the development of creative arts.
The Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) has pledged its support for the design of a new complex to serve as a nexus for performing arts. In conversation with Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan), His Excellency Ray Mou, the Prime Minister noted that the construction of such a facility, to replace the decades-old National Cultural Centre, is vital for the advancement of dance, drama and music. But he pointed out as well that building a new cultural centre complex would demonstrate the nation’s love and appreciation for its Literature laureate.
Said Dr. Anthony,
“Saint Lucia has a rich cultural heritage, a proud record of achievements in the creative arts. For this heritage to flourish, our artists and performers must have a home to call their own. This Government remains committed to building a modern National Centre for the Performing Arts.
“During my last conversation with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan), we spoke of advancing the design of the complex, which his Government has graciously offered to assist us with. We have a likely location, and we now need to finalize the design.
“We also want the local cultural community to have some input in the final design. On completion, it is intended that this will truly be their home. With that in mind, we are working with the designer to see if we can circulate the drawings, perhaps in public areas or via social media.
“Our Nobel Laureate for Literature, Hon. Derek Walcott, has long stated his desire to see this dream come to fruition, and we too want to see this happen, for several reasons. It is important that we celebrate not just our culture, but also that we honour our very own Saint Lucian icon.”
Whereas the Government of Saint Lucia is committed to building a new national cultural centre, the administration has also paid substantial attention to the development of the existing network of Human Resource Development Centres, enabling their use as community creative arts centres, and thus creating an islandwide campus of performing arts facilities.