THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES AUTHORITY STRUCTURED THE EXHIBITION TO SPAN FOUR DECADES.
In commemoration of National Archives Month, the National Archives Authority launched an independence exhibition titled “Saint Lucia’s Independence 40 Years On.”
The exhibition is a visual documentary on Saint Lucia as an independent state from 1979 to the present. The National Archives endeavored to structure the exhibition around four decades—the 1980s, 1990s, 2000s and 2010s.
Margot Thomas, National Archivist, stated that the purpose of the exhibition is to reflect on the legacy being left for the generations to come.
“We cast the spotlight on events encompassing political, economic and social developments which were further subdivided into education, infrastructure, religion, health, business housing and music, however, we must note that we began by looking at pre-independence associated statehood, as Sir John sought a date for independence.”
Thomas explained that the exhibition shed light on many historical moments of the country including the opening of the National Commercial Bank in 1981, the visit of Pope John Paul II, and the visit of Nelson Mandela.
Dame Pearlette Louisy, Chairperson of the Nobel Laureate Committee, encouraged students to make decisions that will positively impact generations to come.
“Let us run the race not only for the prize,” she said. “We need to recognize we to have to make a contribution for those who will come after us.”
The independence exhibition launch took place at the Saint Lucia National Archives Authority in Vigie, Castries.