THE PRIMARY FOCUS OF THE PROJECT INCLUDES OPTIMIZING THE LOCAL SIGNAGE SYSTEM TO CREATE A MORE TOURIST FRIENDLY NAVIGATION PATH...

Twenty-four residents from Babonneau completed a four-week traditional dance workshop recently, which was aimed at preserving the community’s rich cultural heritage and traditions.

The workshop formed part of the Community Business Revitalization Project (CBRP), which was launched in Babonneau on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. Babonneau is the third host community for the project, the previous two being Fond St. Jacques and Laborie.

The primary focus of the Babonneau leg of the project includes optimizing the local signage system to create a more tourist-friendly navigation path, establishing a specialized gift shop within the Fond Latisab Creole Park to promote local goods, and integrating traditional dance experiences. To achieve these goals, the Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM) in Saint Lucia is working with Fond Latisab Creole Park, Babonneau Youth Synergy, and MSMEs to strengthen the linkages between local production, tour packages, and the tourism market.

The dance workshop was held on Sundays and Thursday between May 24 and June 21, 2026, at Fond Latisab Creole Park in Chassin, Babonneau, and was facilitated by Mr. Leo Louisy, who taught the participants various traditional dances, including Lacomet, Moulala, Widova, Kont, and Solo Debot.

A special closing ceremony was held on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at Fond Latisab Creole Park, where the participants not only received certificates, but were commended for their commitment, discipline and enthusiasm displayed towards making the workshop a success.

Speaking at the ceremony, H.E. Nicole Su, Taiwan’s Ambassador to Saint Lucia, recalled launching the Community Business Revitalization Project in Babonneau in April, when the shared vision to preserve Saint Lucia’s cultural heritage, empower communities, support local businesses, and create sustainable opportunities for future generations were expressed. She said the closing ceremony for the traditional dance workshop marked an important step in bringing that vision to life.

“It is exciting to see that so many people from the community respond to this initiative to organize this traditional dance workshop,” Ambassador Su said. “Visitors may come to Saint Lucia for your natural beauty, but there is so much more here in Babonneau that we can provide to enhance their tourism experience. That is the purpose of this workshop: it is designed not only for the performing techniques, but also to develop the cultural content and further open new possibilities for community tourism development.”

The workshop participants included 5 men and 19 women, representing different generations, with the youngest participant being just 12 years old. Based on their shared purpose of wanting to continue developing the skills they learned, a new dance group, the “Babonneau Cultural Ambassadors”, was formed. Ambassador Su congratulated the participants, saying she hopes they grow into a dynamic cultural group that represents the spirit, creativity, and traditions of the Babonneau community.

“This is indeed a rewarding experience,” Ambassador Su said. “Traditional dance and music is much more than just artistic performance: it carries the stories, memories, values, and identity of a community. Through every rhythm and every movement, cultural heritage is passed from one generation to the next.”

Ambassador Su thanked Hon. John Paul Estephane for his continued support for the project. She also expressed appreciation to Hon. Alvina Reynolds, President of the Senate, and Senator Dr. Virginia Albert-Poyotte, for their guidance.

Hon. John Paul Estephane, Minister in the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Heritage, and Parliamentary Representative for Babonneau, spoke highly of the synergy between the Taiwanese Technical Mission and Babonneau Youth Synergy that serves to elevate the people of Babonneau.

“Today is much more than receiving a certificate; it’s about your commitment, discipline and willingness to learn something new,” he told the participants. “You have invested your time and energy into developing your skill that not only entertains, but also builds confidence, teamwork, creativity and self-expression.”

Hon. Estephane explained that dance is one of humanity’s oldest and most powerful forms of communication, as it tells stories, preserves traditions, and unites peoples across generations. Babonneau, he added, is blessed with rich cultural heritage, and that each participant plays an important role in ensuring that the culture continues to thrive.

Hon. Estephane thanked the Taiwan Technical Mission for the invaluable work being done in Babonneau under the Community Business Revitalization Project. He said residents can be assured that other beneficial initiatives will be made available in the future.

“As the Parliamentary Representative, I remain committed to supporting programmes that empower our people through culture, sports, education and youth development,” he said. “Investing in our young people is investing in the future of Babonneau, and I will always continue to advocate for opportunities that allow your talent to flourish.”

Mr. Aldric Edward, President of Babonneau Youth Synergy, said there has always been an interest in promoting and preserving cultural heritage in the community.

“Today’s ceremony is just a stepping stone towards what we’re hoping to achieve,” he said. “The training will definitely continue; however, we need to broaden it a little, so we’re asking that persons come on board.”

Mr. Edward noted that another upcoming component of the project will be a business registration process. Persons from the community with a business idea are encouraged to think of a business name, for which a name search will be conducted to help get their business registered.

Meanwhile, Ms. Shanta Edward, a member of the newly-formed Babonneau Cultural Ambassadors, said the dance workshop plays a critical role in the survival of local culture and heritage. She thanked the Babonneau Constituency Council, Babonneau Youth Synergy and the Taiwan Technical Mission for seeing it fit to include the dance component under the Community Business Revitalization Project.

“We are extremely happy for this initiative and even more excited to perform what we have learned throughout the training session,” she said.

Following the presentation of certificates, attendees were treated to dance performances by the Flamboyant Folk Dancers and Babonneau Cultural Ambassadors.

Other guests at the certificate ceremony included Hon. Alvina Reynolds, President of the Senate, Mrs. Marilyn Bain, former Chairperson of the Babonneau Constituency Council, Mr. Michael Gaspard, Chairperson of the Babonneau Constituency Council, and Mr. Louis Tsou, Project Manager for the Community Business Revitalization Project at the Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM) in Saint Lucia.