St Lucia PM declares national holiday in honour of Alfred

CASTRIES, St Lucia (CMC):

ST LUCIA Prime Minister Philip J Pierre has declared September 27 ‘Julien Alfred Day’ in honour of her historic performances at the recently concluded Paris Olympics.

The prime minister made the declaration during a pre-Cabinet press briefing on Monday, where he not only announced the national holiday, but also plans to celebrate Alfred when she returns to the island on September 24.

The 23-year-old Alfred created history by winning St Lucia’s first-ever gold medal at the Olympics when she sprinted to victory in the women’s 100 metres in a national record 10.72 seconds. She also copped silver in the 200 metres.

There are also plans for a motorcade, school rallies, and a mural unveiling.

The celebrations will begin on September 24 when Alfred returns to the island, where she will be greeted with a motorcade along the East Coast.

On September 25, national school rallies will be held at Soufriere Mini Stadium and La Resource playing field to celebrate her achievements and on the following day Alfred will visit the Ciceron Primary School for the unveiling of a mural in her honour, followed by what officials have described as “massive announcements”.

‘Julien Alfred Day’ will be celebrated with a free concert at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground on the evening of the holiday, with St Lucians being encouraged to come out in large numbers to honour their national icon.