Long celebrated for its superior artistry and craftsmanship, the community of Choiseul is solidifying its place within Saint Lucia’s national tourism product. Through the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Tourism, the OECS Regional Competitiveness Project (ORTCP), and key community stakeholders, the Choiseul Arts and Crafts Centre was officially launched last week — fittingly during Kwéyòl Heritage Month.

The initiative, which had been delayed by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, marks a powerful resurgence of community pride, resilience, and creative enterprise.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Ms. Donnalyn Vittet, emphasized the significance of the launch, noting that the project stands as “a shining example of resilience and persistence by all involved.”

“We decided on a strategy to incorporate tourism within the community of Choiseul,” said Ms. Vittet. “We also recognized that Choiseul, because of its strategic location, has a lot of wealth — but access to it via the traditional means has been limited.”

Ms. Vittet explained that the Ministry of Tourism, working with project partners, identified the Choiseul Arts and Crafts Centre as a focal point for developing a sustainable model of community tourism.

“About two years ago, a strategy was developed,” she continued. “In being strategic, we landed on a means of incorporating the arts, heritage, and culture into the tourism space. So this became a focus for us — the Choiseul Arts and Crafts Centre.”

As the facility becomes fully operational, residents of Choiseul are being encouraged to take advantage of emerging opportunities in employment, entrepreneurship, and skills training that the initiative will bring.

This launch represents more than an investment in infrastructure — it is a celebration of heritage, creativity, and community advancement, positioning Choiseul as a cornerstone of Saint Lucia’s cultural tourism experience.