The Ministry of Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture, and Information hosted the prize-giving ceremony for the National Storyboard Competition on October 22, 2024 at the GIS Studios in Castries. The competition, aimed at informing the design of Saint Lucia’s first underwater sculpture park, saw the participation of thirty-one (31) creative talents from across the island, contributing compelling narratives grounded in the themes of culture, heritage, and history.
The event was attended by distinguished guests, including the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism, Hon. Dr. Ernest Hilaire, as well as the finalists and their families. In his welcome remarks, Hon. Dr. Ernest Hilaire highlighted the significance of this project as a milestone for Saint Lucia’s dive tourism sector. He emphasized the important role the underwater sculpture park will play in preserving marine life while expanding water-based adventure tourism offerings. The sculptures will represent Saint Lucia’s vibrant cultural and historical identity and will serve as a powerful attraction for tourists and locals alike.
Results of the Competition
The competition was based on three key thematic areas: Culture, Heritage, and History, with prizes awarded to the top three participants in each category. An overall winner was chosen for their exceptional ability to integrate and represent all three themes in a comprehensive and cohesive way. Each storyboard was assessed for its unique ability to capture the essence of Saint Lucia’s rich heritage through creative storytelling and visual artistry which will later contribute the fabrication of life-sized structures. The results were as follows:
- 1st Place: "Saint Lucia Celebrates" by Mr. Ted Sandiford, showcasing the island’s musical heritage, carnival festivities, and achievements of its Nobel Laureates.
- 2nd Place: "Sa Nou" by Mr. Kyvon Edwin, a vibrant depiction of Saint Lucia’s cultural icons, landscapes, and traditions, including the Pitons, jazz musicians, and the colorful energy of Lucian Carnival.
- 3rd Place: Untitled by Mr. Nieki Sonson, a celebration of Saint Lucia’s flower festivals, La Woz and La Marguerite, featuring the King and Queen of these societies alongside their symbolic flowers.
- 1st Place: "Saint Lucia’s History Unfolds" by Mr. Ted Sandiford, highlighting the story of the Amerindians, African slaves, and colonial conflicts that shaped the island’s history.
- 2nd Place: "Edi Kwi Kwa" by Mr. Jallim Eudovic, a storyteller’s journey through Saint Lucia’s past, incorporating expressive sculptures representing the emotional highs and lows of the island’s history.
- 3rd Place: "Helen’s Canary of Unity" by Ms. D’vhine Edward, focusing on the matriarchal figure of Saint Lucia, symbolized through traditional meals and the island’s British and French colonial struggles.
- 1st Place Heritage Category: "Celebration of Life / Lavi Nou" by Mr. Jallim Eudovic, a vibrant portrayal of Saint Lucia’s folklore, traditional games, and African heritage, featuring iconic figures and festive scenes.
- 2nd Place: "Conquer Your Fears – Saint Lucian Masquerade and Folklore" by Mr. Ted Sandiford, an interactive maze concept that invites visitors to explore Saint Lucia’s folklore in a way that blends storytelling with psychological exploration.
- 3rd Place: Untitled by Mr. Nieki Sonson, highlighting traditional crafts, including pottery and basket weaving, particularly celebrating Choiseul’s artisanal heritage.
The Overall Winner of the competition, Ms. Sheree Emmanuel, produced a compelling storyboard that seamlessly integrated all three themes. Her work, which included the concepts “Celebration of Life / Lavi Nou,” “Flavours of the Island / Annou Manjé,” and “Journey Through Time / Avansman Nou,” stood out for its creativity and depth. This winning storyboard will play a key role in guiding the actual design and installation of the underwater sculpture park, contributing to its artistic and cultural significance.
According to the Permanent Secretary, Ms. Donalyn Vittet, the prize-giving ceremony marks an important milestone in the development of Saint Lucia’s underwater sculpture park. The storyboards submitted by the finalists will be used to inform the design of the sculptures, which will be installed in the marine space along the island’s west coast. These sculptures will serve not only as a major attraction for divers and snorkelers but also as an educational and cultural resource, allowing visitors to engage with Saint Lucia’s history, culture, and heritage in an immersive underwater environment.
As the Ministry of Tourism moves forward with this project, feasibility studies are underway to assess coastal conditions and finalize the location of the park. The collaboration between the Government of Saint Lucia, local artists, and the diving community is expected to result in a world-class attraction that enhances both the tourism product and marine conservation efforts.