Julien Alfred Unites, Inspires

I was in Trinidad when Derek Walcott won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1992.  While the fanfare there seemed even grander than what occurred in Saint Lucia, it still pales compared to Julien Alfred’s homecoming.

Maybe it had to do with what some described as Walcott’s aloofness compared to Alfred’s relatability and unfeigned humility? However, I am sure there are some who are now asking, “Alfred and Walcott in the same sentence?”

However, what transpired here in Saint Lucia between September 24 and September 27, 2024, for Julien Alfred’s homecoming was beyond phenomenal and to say momentous may even be cliché.

I have covered my fair share of entertainment events and witnessed star-struck fans jostling for autographs, but nothing in comparison to Julien Alfred’s super rock star effect on Saint Lucians, young and old.

The closest thing that comes to mind regarding public reaction to an inspirational figure would probably be the visit by then President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela to our shores for CARICOM’s 25 anniversary in July of 1998. That was three years before Alfred was born.

Sacrilegious, some may say, “Alfred and Mandela in the same breath?”

I recall some of the events around Mandela’s visit – the presence of Dr. Kenny Anthony alongside the late George Odlum and Herb Black and Ronald “Boo” Hinkson.

Herb Black and “Boo” were among those performing for Mandela at the Mindoo Phillip Park.

Then Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Rt. Hon. Percival J. Patterson mentioned that while all expectations were not fulfilled where CARICOM was concerned, “”any dispassionate review will show that much has been accomplished”.

To borrow from Patterson, I firmly believe that any dispassionate review and reflection on Julien Alfred’s visit would reveal that her homecoming and her own achievements accomplished much.

I reiterate that nothing like this has ever been witnessed here, not even the visit of the Pope to Saint Lucia in 1986. More blasphemy?

Julien Alfred was able to answer the question; “Can any good thing come from Ciceron or Conway? She was able to show that Walcott and Sir Arthur Lewis were not flukes and that Saint Lucia could perform at the highest level on the world stage.

Moreover, let us not shy away from the topic that some, but for her resilience and determination, may have resented her pigmentation and her outspoken faith in God proved otherwise.

This too spoke loudly to every little boy and girl who saw her, heard her, touched her.

For her homecoming, Saint Lucians came from near and far, from every town and village, some from overseas, some using wheelchairs. They waited for hours, some in the scorching heat, and others until nightfall, to see her, wave, shout, sing, dance, and celebrate as one people.

Even before she arrived, songs were written about her, at least seven of them and a few poetic pieces too.

And at every turn where she spoke, some shared tears with her.

At the celebration concert, there was not a dissenting voice for what we the people would bestow upon her, not just for what she has done but also for restoring hope in a nation.

Yes, the concert was free, but everyone in attendance paid a price to be there to celebrate Julien Alfred. It may have been by purchasing a T-shirt, travelling all the way from the south by bus or fueling up their own vehicles, keeping themselves refreshed for the four hours or so the event lasted.

Let us not even talk about the prices of drinks and the $2 for a bake and EC$7 for a dhall, that is for another show. Nevertheless, there was hardly a complaint.

For once, Saint Lucians understood the assignment, put their political and other differences aside and allowed the spirit of Julien Alfred to unite them and bring about something great.

It was as if Mandela’s words had finally taken root when he said; “Sometimes it falls upon a generation to be great, you can be that generation.”

Julien Alfred inspired Saint Lucians with greatness and the coming together as one. Yes, she did that and more!