PRINCE CHARLES CONGRATULATED SAINT LUCIA ON THE ABUNDANT TALENT AND CREATIVITY OF ITS PEOPLE.

Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet welcomed His Royal Highness, Prince Charles on Sunday, March 17, on his third visit to Saint Lucia.

The prince’s visit marked the start of a 12-day tour of the Caribbean, and is part of Saint Lucia’s year-long Independence anniversary celebrations.

During his brief visit, His Royal Highness congratulated Saint Lucia on its achievements over the decades since Independence.

“It could hardly give me greater pleasure to be here in Saint Lucia, and to play my part in helping you celebrate this fortieth anniversary of Saint Lucia’s Independence. I am pleased to have this opportunity to join the people of the south of the island for this special celebration,” he said, adding that Saint Lucians have much to be proud of.

“Today, the name of this land – the only country in the world to bear the name of a woman – is known the world over. 1.2 million international visitors flock to these shores each year; your sportsmen and women, and your musicians are making a name for themselves internationally; as are young entrepreneurs such as Johanan Dujon, whom I met recently in London and whose company making organic fertilizer from toxic sargussum seaweed, the Caribbean’s first indigenous agriculture biotech company, is just one example of Saint Lucia’s abundant talent and creativity. Famously, of course, Saint Lucia has more Nobel Laureates, per capita, than any other country on the planet.”

Prime Minister Chastanet welcomed the serendipitous nature of the Prince’s visit.

“We are grateful that your visit to our country coincides with our ongoing 40th Independence anniversary celebrations,” he said.

“In 2008 you visited the scenic south western town of Soufriere. We recall with fondness the special interest which Your Royal Highnesses exhibited at that time in Saint Lucia’s efforts towards the development of eco-tourism. An example of such is the Fond Doux Plantation, where a 19th century colonial estate has been transformed into a magnificent resort that has been winning top international awards for our country.

“I am reminded that our small country has a very youthful population and we are encouraged by the increasing importance of young people in the Commonwealth. We were elated with the news that our own Mr. Dujon was awarded the Commonwealth Youth Award for 2019. Mr. Dujon is an inspiring story for all our Saint Lucian people.”

The Prince’s tour is being undertaken in celebration of the Monarchy’s relationship with the Commonwealth Realms in the Caribbean region.

View the full addresses of Hon. Prime Minister, Allen Chastanet, and HRH The Prince of Wales, below. (PDF att.)