Jounen Kwéyòl popularity increases
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
by Office of the Prime Minister
Dr. Anthony commended the event's organizers and the public for embracing and elevating Saint Lucian culture.

Creole Heritage Month (Mwa Éwitaj Kwéyòl) continued on Sunday, Oct. 25 with Jounen Kwéyòl (Creole Day) festivities.

This year's commemoration was held under the theme "Forward with our culture, knowing our heritage."

Celebrations went beyond the official host communities of Boguis, Canaries, Ti Rocher (Micoud) and Laborie, with a proliferation of color and music starting on Vendredi Kwéyòl in schools and organizations islandwide.

Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony commended the event's organizers and public participation.

"Jounen Kwéyòl has taken on a life of its own. The school children, popular musicians, the media, the business houses, all embrace our national identity, and promote a sense of self and a sense of pride that is integral to who we are as a people. It is such a joy to see the little ones and adults alike adopting our national wear, singing traditional songs, using the language and learning to make our traditional dishes," Dr. Anthony said.

"It should go without saying that the Folk Research Centre and Ministry of Tourism, Heritage and Creative Industries deserve voluminous praise for the part they have played in elevating our culture," he continued, "but it is even more rewarding to see ordinary citizens taking ownership and making this a truly islandwide festival, in much the same way as the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival, or Saint Lucia Carnival.

"This was also our first Jounen Kwéyòl without two of the giants of Saint Lucian culture, Sir Dunstan St. Omer and Frank Norville, and it was fitting that in the midst of the merrymaking, time was taken to recognize both men and their contributions."

Creole Heritage month activities continue this week with a Creole Arts and Craft Exhibition at the Folk Research Centre, Morne Pleasant. Then on Wednesday, Saint Lucia will join Dominica, Martinique and the rest of the world for Jounen Kwéyòl Entennasyonnal (International Creole Day). The month of activities culminates in a "Manjé, Dansé ek Chanté an Kwéyòl" show on Oct. 31 at the National Cultural Centre.