The island boasts more Nobel Laureates per capita than any country in the world.
CASTRIES, SAINT LUCIA – This month, the island of Saint Lucia is showcasing its cultural heritage with the 30th edition of the Nobel Laureate Festival to celebrate Sir Arthur Lewis and Sir Derek Walcott.
Visitors can participate in and enjoy more than 30 public events on the island throughout January, such as exhibitions, historical tours and community plays. Online access is also available for viewers who wish to tune in from home.
Saint Lucia has two Nobel Laureates, an impressive feat with its population of less than 180,000. Sir Arthur Lewis won the Nobel Prize in Economics (1979), and Sir Derek Walcott won the Nobel Prize in Literature (1992). In fact, Saint Lucia is home to more Nobel Laureates per capita than any country in the world.
New this year, the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) has launched a special giveaway for one lucky winner to experience the festival next year in person. The prize includes a five-night stay for two at Stonefield Villa Resort, including flights to Saint Lucia.
“A visit to Saint Lucia means meeting our people and immersing in our culture," remarked Lorine Charles-St. Jules, CEO of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority. “There are so many ways to do this, and we would love to see more visitors experience the Nobel Laureate Festival each year. It’s an opportunity to see more of the island, get out into the communities and revel in our heritage. It could be art, poetry, history tours, or even rum. There's so much to enjoy. Our prestigious Nobel Laureates have contributed to Saint Lucian history and culture for generations, and we are proud to continue celebrating their global recognition with our visitors and residents.”
According to The Nobel Foundation, the Nobel Prize was set up when businessman and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel died and left most of his fortune to the establishment of prizes in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature, and peace. His will stated that the prizes should be awarded to “those who, during the preceding year, shall have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind.” The word laureate refers to being signified by the laurel wreath. In ancient Greece, laurel wreaths were awarded to victors as a sign of honour.
One of the Windward Islands of the West Indies' Lesser Antilles, Saint Lucia is nestled halfway down the Eastern Caribbean archipelago. Saint Lucia is known for its natural beauty and diverse attractions, including the signature Piton Mountains (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), a tropical rainforest, the highly-Instagrammed mud baths at Sulphur Springs Park, and one of the world’s few drive-in volcanoes. Culturally rich offerings include the bustling marketplace in the capital of Castries, quaint fishing villages along the coastline, and the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival. Saint Lucia's wide range of accommodations includes five-star hotels, all-inclusive resorts, intimate inns, and value-oriented properties. The destination also offers world-class cruise and yachting facilities. The island is continually recognized as a leading wedding and honeymoon destination worldwide. The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority is the official destination marketing and promotion organization for Saint Lucia.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
