Julien Alfred deserves to be celebrated with dignity, not reduced to the butt of a demeaning joke.

At the unveiling ceremony of a mural at the Ciceron Primary School meant to celebrate St. Lucia's pride, Olympic gold medalist Julien Alfred, Minister of Youth and Sports Kenson Casimir managed to overshadow the moment with an insensitive and demeaning statement. His words, “Ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages, let's stand as I introduce to you, the myth, the legend, met bondar yo tout, our very own, Julien 'JUJU' Alfred” left many stunned. Delivered in Creole, the phrase “met bondar yo tout,” meaning “master of their backside,” was highly inappropriate and gave the moment a derogatory tone. What should have been an inspirational occasion for students of Alfred's alma mater was instead marred by tasteless language.

Minister of Sports

Casimir’s choice of words, especially in Creole—a language that carries cultural weight and nuance—has rightfully angered parents across the island. What was intended as humor came off as crass and disrespectful, particularly in front of school children. As an Olympian and a role model, Julien Alfred deserves to be celebrated with dignity, not reduced to the butt of a demeaning joke.

It’s one thing to make a mistake, but what adds insult to injury is the minister's failure to issue a prompt apology. Leaders are expected to set an example, especially when addressing the nation’s youth. The students who attended the event looked up to Alfred as a beacon of excellence; instead, they witnessed a high-ranking government official undermine that achievement with a crude remark. Parents, who are now demanding an apology, have every right to be outraged. They expect better from the people tasked with nurturing and inspiring the next generation.

But perhaps even more shocking is the deafening silence from the St. Lucia Teachers' Union.

President SLTU

This is an organization that claims to champion the values of discipline, respect, and moral integrity in our schools. Yet, despite the backlash from parents, the newly elected president of the union has remained disturbingly quiet. Where is the condemnation? Where is the voice of advocacy for students who were subjected to this kind of behavior from a public official?

The union’s silence sends a dangerous message—that authority figures can get away with disrespectful behavior without consequence. Is this really the example we want to set for the young minds entrusted to our care? If the Teachers' Union is truly committed to fostering a healthy, respectful environment in schools, they must act. Ignoring this issue suggests they are complicit in allowing such behavior to go unchecked.

Julien Alfred

Minister Casimir’s words were not just a slip of the tongue; they were a gross display of poor judgment in a setting where decorum and respect should have been paramount. He owes an apology, not only to Julien Alfred but also to the students, teachers, and parents of St. Lucia. To brush this off as harmless banter is to ignore the deeper impact it has on our young people.

Equally, the St. Lucia Teachers' Union must break its silence. As the body responsible for upholding standards in education and behavior, they cannot sit idly by while such inappropriate language is normalized in front of students. They must speak out and demand that public officials be held accountable when they cross the line.

Minister Casimir, it’s time to do the right thing—apologize. A moment meant to honor one of St. Lucia's brightest stars has instead become a source of embarrassment. The minister should take responsibility and show true leadership by admitting his error.

And to the Teachers' Union: Silence is complicity. Our children are watching, and they deserve better from the very institutions sworn to protect their development. It's time to stand up, speak out, and demand that respect and integrity remain non-negotiable in our schools.

The Shameful Betrayal of Choiseul's Lands: A Community Left Behind

As a proud resident of Choiseul, I’m compelled to raise an urgent alarm over the impending sale of Bisee lands in La Fargue. For decades, the fertile lands of Choiseul have been prey to unscrupulous dealings, with politicians at the heart of these murky transactions. Today, the story is no different. The proposed sale of this land to a non-Choiseulian threatens the very fabric of our community, and we will not stay silent.

Let’s make no mistake about it—this deal reeks of political nepotism. It’s now circulating that the Bisee land, opposite Mathias Bar, is being sold to none other than Ian Baptiste, the brother of Foreign Affairs Minister Alva Baptiste. We all know Ian—he ran the infamous TIPSY Bar in La Fargue until it was destroyed by fire last year. Now, in a conveniently orchestrated move, he’s about to secure prime land right here in our village, despite over five Choiseulians reportedly being denied the opportunity to purchase or lease it. What’s the justification for Ian’s special treatment? Is it because his brother sits in the Cabinet?

This land has history—history that belongs to Choiseul. For years, it was home to agricultural officers like Miller and St. Hill, who served our community with dedication. When they left, the land stood idle, its potential ignored by those who should have cared for it. Why, now, has the government suddenly decided it’s fit for a sale—and to a non-resident, no less? Why not offer this land to a Choiseulian?

Adding insult to injury, the plans for this land include establishing another bar or nightclub, right in the vicinity of Choiseul Secondary School, just 30 yards away. Are we really going to stand by while yet another alcohol establishment threatens the well-being of our youth? Have our leaders forgotten the efforts of the principal at Rivière Dorée School, who fought successfully to stop the construction of a bar near his school?

But this issue goes beyond just a bar. It’s about the future of Choiseul. La Fargue is the heart of Choiseul’s development. Why isn't the land being used for something meaningful—like a proper facility to house the Choiseul Library, Post Office, and Village Council, all of which are currently crammed into a dangerous, dilapidated building? This land could be the perfect site for such a much-needed development, one that benefits every resident of Choiseul, not just a privileged few.

The sale of the Bisee land represents more than just a shady deal—it’s a betrayal of the Choiseulian people. We must stand up, speak out, and demand that this government rethink its plans. The land must be preserved for the betterment of Choiseul, not sold off to outsiders for profit. This is our home, and we will not be ignored.

Choiseul belongs to its people—let’s keep it that way

  

Kwéyòl in the Classroom: A New Era for Saint Lucian Education

A Historic Step Towards Preserving Our Heritage

As parents, we want the best for our children. We strive to provide them with a quality education that equips them for the future. In Saint Lucia, this commitment extends beyond academic excellence to the preservation of our rich cultural heritage.

For decades, there has been a growing movement to incorporate our Indigenous Kwéyòl language into the school curriculum. Kwéyòl is more than just a language; it's a vital part of our history, culture, and identity. It's the language of our ancestors, passed down through generations, and it continues to shape our way of life.

A Milestone Achievement

In a historic announcement on Emancipation Day in 2022, Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pirre declared that Kwéyòl would be integrated into the school curriculum. This landmark decision marked a significant step towards recognizing the importance of our Indigenous language and preserving it for future generations.

Kwéyòl in the Classroom

Just two years later, Minister for Education, Hon. Shawn Edward, confirmed the exciting news that the Saint Lucia Kwéyòl Curriculum Pilot Programme would be implemented in 15 local schools starting in the 2024/25 academic year. This means that for the first time, our children will have the opportunity to learn and engage with Kwéyòl in a formal educational setting.

A Commitment to Our Heritage

By including Kwéyòl instructions in the national school curriculum, the government is demonstrating its unwavering commitment to preserving our heritage for future generations. This initiative not only promotes cultural diversity but also fosters a sense of pride and belonging among our youth.

A Bright Future for Kwéyòl

As parents, we can support this groundbreaking initiative by encouraging our children to embrace Kwéyòl and celebrate our cultural heritage. By learning Kwéyòl, our children will not only develop a deeper understanding of their roots but also gain valuable language skills that can benefit them in various aspects of life.

Let's work together to ensure that Kwéyòl thrives in our schools and continues to be a vibrant part of Saint Lucia's identity. The future of our language is in our hands.