Creole Heritage Month launches on September 13 in Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia: Mwa Éwitaj Kwéyòl (Creole Heritage Month) was officially launched on September 13 at the studios of the National Tv Network.

Creole Month, observed every year in October, culminates on the last Sunday with the celebration of Jounen Kwéyòl (Creole Day), which will this year be hosted in the communities of Castries and Choiseul.

Executive Director of the Msgr. Patrick Anthony Folk Research Centre (FRC), Rhyesa Joseph, expressed excitement for the return of the festival.

“This is the biggest cultural event in Saint Lucia because everyone participates. This year as we celebrate Jounen Kwéyòl and our creole heritage for the entire month of October, it is the FRC’s aim to unite our people in celebrating our culture; not merely in terms of food and dress but in all other aspects that are important for national development. Our theme this year for the creole month is Culture Heals.”

Executive Director of the Cultural Development Foundation, Raymona Wynne, was also present at Tuesday’s launch. She pointed out that the island’s second flower festival, La Magwit, is part of creole month activities as the observance falls on October 17. This year, the festival will go beyond the schools with the addition of a grand fete.

Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Creative Industries Ministry, Calvin Lee, highlighted his ministry’s efforts in keeping Saint Lucian culture alive.

“The Government of Saint Lucia, the CDF and the FRC all work together to keep our culture alive. This is one of the priorities of the government,” he said. “So the ministry fully supports the activities and concepts the CDF and FRC put together.”

The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force and the Saint Lucia Fire Service will also collaborate for a successful celebration.