It was June 1982, when a small group of Saint Lucian musicians, who called themselves ‘The Onyx Group’ were given the nod by the Entertainment Division of Cunard Cruise Lines, and welcomed aboard for their ‘maiden voyage’ on the Cunard Countess.
Group Manager Clairmonte Charles, Mervyn Wilkinson, Devere Charles, Gregory Chambord, Jones Tisson (deceased) and Jimmy Heavens would over time, become Saint Lucia’s ‘Floating Musical Ambassadors’ on cruise lines around the world.
By 1986, the Onyx Group, was contracted to Cunard’s flagship, Queen Elizabeth 11(QE 2), for performances on the line’s World Cruise. They would be the first resident Caribbean band to be signed to Cunard’s cruise lines. This auspicious privilege took them to Alaska, Australia, Africa, South America, New Zealand, China, Italy, Thailand and Turkey, among others. These visits were repeated through to 1989, and the group was subsequently based in Japan for over three months, with celebratory performances for the 130th anniversary of the opening of Japan’s Yokohama Port.
After having completed that assignment, Onyx would open for the world famous ‘New Kids on the Block’ on Bahamas in 1990.
Their performances on Cunard Lines, Sagafjord Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Walt Disney Cruises, amongst others and representing Saint Lucia on stage at The Waldorf Astoria in New York at the invitation of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) in 2002 are pioneering feats for which tribute is due to these seafaring musicians.
Despite their numerous ‘ambassadorial’ performances, the success of the Saint Lucian Group was scarcely known in their homeland. They continuously promoted their beloved Saint Lucia to thousands as a favoured tourism and investment destination.
Today, most of the original members have retired, while others continue to pursue their love for music in other areas of local entertainment.
Onyx has without a doubt ‘set the stage’ for many Saint Lucians, who have sailed the high seas in recent years, as well as others currently serving on cruise lines around the world today.
The Cultural Development Foundation congratulates the members of Onyx on their stellar achievements throughout the years and recognizes the contribution which they have made to the development of music in St. Lucia. Their genuine love for country and the arts has motivated generations of musicians who themselves continue to share Saint Lucian creativity in St. Lucia and beyond.