Plans for a statue honouring Olympic champion Julien Alfred are advancing, with the Government considering several designs and two possible locations for what it hopes will become a major Saint Lucian landmark.
Education, Youth Development and Sports Minister Kenson Casimir said architects and designers have been working alongside the Ministries of Planning, Infrastructure, Tourism and Sports, with the project now “at the final stages in terms of the design for the Julien Alfred statue.”
Among the concepts presented is a striking three-part depiction of Alfred’s historic Olympic performance. Casimir described one design showing her “at the starting block,” another representation with her “into a full stride” and a third capturing the moment “where she’s actually won the race.”
The scale of that concept is also influencing discussions about where the monument should be erected.
Government has already acquired land for the project, but a nearby roundabout is also under consideration. Casimir said his preference is “definitely in the roundabout itself,” although some believe a large installation there could distract motorists. Others, he said, favour “something comprehensive on the side” where people could stop and experience the monument more freely.
The location remains undecided, but Government wants the finished site to become an attraction in its own right. Casimir said the intention is to create a landmark where tourists can “stand next to the statue of Julien Alfred and take their pictures,” while parents could bring their children on sightseeing visits.
The final price will depend largely on the design selected. Casimir said “the cost is not final” because Government must first determine whether the installation will feature “just one statue” or one of the concepts incorporating multiple representations of Alfred.
Casimir also sees the monument becoming part of Saint Lucia’s wider visitor experience, imagining people travelling through the island before eventually encountering a “towering figure of Julien Alfred.”
Having reviewed some of the proposed designs, the Sports Minister said he is “very, very happy” with what he has seen and believes the Olympic champion merits such a tribute.
“I believe Julien Alfred absolutely deserves it,” Casimir said.
