Acting Prime Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire has emphasised that double Olympic medallist Julien Alfred deserves the accolades she has received.
“Last night was a truly spectacular moment in the history of Saint Lucia, one that we will never forget. Our sprint Queen deserved nothing less,” Hilaire wrote on Facebook.
On Friday night, there was a free celebratory concert in Julien Alfred’s honour at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground.
“The government of Saint Lucia is satisfied that through good governance, we were able to provide what we consider “fitting” for a national hero, ” Hilaire asserted.
Last week, the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) officially appointed Alfred as the country’s Tourism Ambassador.
However, Dr. Hilaire, also the Tourism Minister, indicated that’s only part of it.
“Rest assured, our commitment to the Tourism Ambassador does not stop there. Just like all our other heroes, we will continue to provide our support in whichever way we can,” Hilaire stated.
At Friday’s Daren Sammy Cricket Ground concert, cheers and applause greeted Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre’s announcement of a one million dollar award from the Government and people of Saint Lucia to Alfred.
Pierre, who departed the Island on official business the following day, also announced renaming the Millennium Highway after the Saint Lucia track star and constructing a monument in her honour at the new Cul de Sac Roundabout.
In addition, he revealed plans for an official Julien Alfred stamp, 10, 720 square feet of land of her choice, and a commemorative exercise book with photos.
