In the artists’ own words, the murals depict the resilience and creativity of Castries and its inhabitants.
Naja Simeon, one of the artists, says his mural is an homage to both the past and future of Saint Lucia. “The murals are part of a series I've been doing around the island. It's not just our past, but our revolution that we keep doing every year for emancipation. I leave the meaning of the murals for you to decide.” Simeon says the mural also tells the story of the different eras of the city of Castries.
Alwyn St Omer makes an appeal to society to recognize the artistic nature of every child. “I want everyone to know that every child is an artist - every child.” This current project, he says, is only the beginning.
“I had written a proposal for this some 10 years ago and nothing happened. I wanted to paint every building in Castries. But this project here is just the catalyst for greater things to come,” he asserted. Culture Minister Hon. Dr. Ernest Hilaire agreed with him, saying this administration has a deep appreciation for the artistic community in Saint Lucia and for the observation and celebration of Emancipation Day beyond the August 1st date as was championed by Prime Minister Pierre in his first Emancipation Day address in 2021.
The purpose of the murals’ commission should not be lost on citizens, Housing Minister Hon. Richard Frederick stressed. As part of the emancipation celebrations, the murals represent the struggles of enslaved people while forming their post-slavery identity. As such, he says, every Saint Lucian should play their part in contributing to the development of arts and creativity.
“Sadly every time I mention the word emancipation, our history strikes the forefront of my mind - our struggles for freedom, being regarded as property. We found ourselves leaving a standpoint of heritage. Those murals depict some of our natural attributes, like the majestic Pitons - Saint Lucia has a distinct history,” Frederick said. To that end, he charges corporate Saint Lucia to join the endeavor. “Sponsor a wall or two, or an entire building and my team is ready to stand with you.”
In his address during the celebration, Hon. Dr. Hilaire gave the assurance that the government will continue to support the arts. In the coming years, he says, the celebration of freedom will be grander.