LETTING LOVE LEAD THE WAY

A Message from Claudette Adjodha That Still Speaks to Saint Lucia Today

 There are some people whose words remain relevant long after they have been spoken.

Nearly a decade ago, musician, poet, educator and cultural advocate Claudette Ajodha shared a simple but powerful message during an interview with The Voice newspaper. At a time when the world was already struggling with division, violence and uncertainty, she offered a solution that was neither political nor complicated.

Before many Saint Lucians came to know her through her music and cultural work, Claudette dedicated much of her life to education. She served as a teacher at the Vide Bouteille Project School, L'Anse Road Primary School, and Entrepot Secondary School, where she taught French, Music, English Language and English Literature. Throughout her teaching career, she helped shape the minds, talents and aspirations of countless students, many of whom still remember her influence today.

Her contribution to education stands alongside her contribution to culture, making her a respected figure in the lives of many Saint Lucians.

Her message was simple:

Let love lead the way.  There are some people whose words remain relevant long after they have been spoken.

Today, in 2026, that message may be more important than ever.

Across Saint Lucia, and indeed throughout the world, many people are feeling the weight of rising costs, social tensions, family disputes, crime and uncertainty about the future. Social media often rewards outrage rather than understanding. Differences in politics, religion and personal beliefs sometimes separate neighbours who once lived peacefully side by side.

Yet Adjodha's message reminds us that real change begins with ordinary people making extraordinary choices.

The choice to listen before judging.

The choice to forgive instead of holding grudges.

The choice to help rather than harm.

The choice to build instead of destroy.

During her interview, Adjodha spoke passionately about peace, unity and the need for people to recognize their shared humanity. She suggested that many of society's problems stem from selfishness, greed and a loss of compassion for others.

It is difficult to argue with that observation.

Every day we see examples of how one kind gesture can brighten someone's life. A helping hand to an elderly neighbour. A word of encouragement to a struggling young person. A meal shared with someone in need. These simple acts rarely make headlines, yet they are often the very things that hold communities together.

Choiseul has always been a community built on togetherness.

Our grandparents survived difficult times not because they had great wealth, but because they looked out for one another. Neighbours shared labour in the gardens. Fishermen helped fellow fishermen. Families supported each other through sickness, hardship and loss.

That spirit of community is part of what makes Choiseul special.

Perhaps that is why Claudette Adjodha's message resonates so strongly today.

Love is not weakness.

Love is strength.

It takes strength to forgive.

It takes strength to show kindness when others are unkind.

It takes strength to choose peace when conflict seems easier.

As Saint Lucia continues to navigate the challenges of modern life, perhaps we would all do well to remember the wisdom shared by Claudette Adjodha years ago.

Not every problem can be solved overnight.

Not every disagreement can disappear instantly.

But if more of us chose understanding over division, kindness over bitterness and compassion over selfishness, our communities would undoubtedly become stronger.

In a world that often encourages us to look out only for ourselves, Claudette Adjodha's message remains a refreshing reminder of what truly matters.

Letting love lead the way may not solve every problem, but it is certainly the best place to start.

What are your thoughts? Can love still be a guiding force in today's society? Share your views in the comments below.

— Choiseul on the Move