Julien Alfred, Saint Lucia’s pride, has added another prestigious title to her already impressive resume. The celebrated Olympian, who has made waves on the global athletic stage, was today named Saint Lucia’s official tourism ambassador.

This appointment reflects both her sporting achievements and her dedication to promoting the island on the world stage.

Alfred, a national treasure and track sensation, has consistently elevated Saint Lucia’s name through her remarkable sprinting career.

With multiple international accolades, including an Olympic gold and silver medal, her lightning-fast performances have captured the hearts of millions. Now, in her role as a tourism ambassador, she’s set to highlight the beauty and culture of the island that raised her.

“We are overjoyed to be able to partner with Julien and indeed Puma in making Julien tourism ambassador to Saint Lucia…,” Thaddeus M. Antoine, Chairman of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA), noted.

According to the SLTA, “As Tourism Ambassador, Julien will participate in promotional events for Saint Lucia in key markets globally, alongside conducting media engagements, advertising initiatives to promote the island and its marketing campaigns. Additionally, Julien will engage in social media campaigns to highlight tourism in Saint Lucia. A key feature of this collaboration is the co-branding of the prominent Saint Lucia logo on Julien’s PUMA competition and warm-up kits. This partnership is expected to enhance the island’s visibility and establish Julien as a contemporary global ambassador for Saint Lucia.”

Alfred’s appointment marks a strategic move by Saint Lucia’s tourism officials to leverage her global appeal. This collaboration is considered a game-changer in promoting Saint Lucia’s unique blend of natural beauty, culture, and hospitality, as tourism continues to be the island’s economic backbone.

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Chairman Antoine declared, “Our tagline is ‘Let Her Inspire You,’ and it is a fitting tagline that Julien could inspire us.” He then added, “But also, Julien’s tagline is ‘Fostering Inspiration and Pride,’ which puts it together as ‘Let Her Inspire You While Fostering Inspiration and Pride.”

According to him, the journey to this partnership is one of patience, as the authority observed the Olympian’s performance and growth . Henry Role, Puma’s representative, and Alfred’s manager say this collaboration means a lot to the company as well.

“This partnership holds significant value for Puma, as it aligns with their core values of Forever Faster in the Caribbean. They view the Caribbean as a global hub for speed, and Julien embodies this essence.”

He explained that the decision wasn’t based solely on talent but on her character. “We’ve had the opportunity to work with many quick and exceptionally gifted individuals, but everyone at Puma loves Julien.

“Her personality is so inviting. She embraces the brand, and she truly is an ambassador; it’s for Puma. We will truly embrace this partnership and amplify Saint Lucia.”

Travellers have long favoured Saint Lucia as a destination, and Alfred’s new role is likely to draw even more attention from abroad, particularly from sports enthusiasts and the younger generation.

In her remarks during the announcement, Alfred expressed her gratitude and excitement about the opportunity.

“I just feel so honoured right now, and it warms my heart, and I just feel blessed to be able to represent a nation of lovely people,” an emotional Alfred stated.

“I am a proud Saint Lucian, and it’s always an honour representing Saint Lucia on a global stage no matter where I go, and I will never switch my allegiance ever.”

Alfred says she is still at a loss for words and has expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from Saint Lucians.

“I am truly in awe of the support I have been receiving from my fellow Saint Lucians and everybody around… Right now I am not sure which one means the most to me, winning the Olympic gold or just being an ambassador for Saint Lucia.”

Alfred’s story is one of grit, perseverance, and triumph. Born and raised in Ciceron, she first burst onto the international scene as a junior athlete, setting records and making history with every race. Her journey from a small island to the Olympic stage has become a symbol of hope for many young Saint Lucians, proving that dreams can come true with hard work and dedication.

 
This new chapter in her life, representing Saint Lucia as a tourism ambassador, adds to her already storied legacy. Her global platform now extends beyond athletics, allowing her to shine a light on the island’s rich heritage, pristine beaches, and its warm and welcoming people.

Lucina St Ville, one of five individuals who will be taking part in this year’s 50 Plus Golden Pageant, is beaming with confidence that she will emerge victorious.

The event, organized by the National Council for Older Persons, will be held on Sunday, September 29, at the National Cultural Centre.

The organization has held the event over the years with success.

“I am very confident that I can win because I am putting everything into it,” St Ville told Loop News in an interview yesterday.

St Ville, 65, hails from the community of Grace, Vieux-Fort, and will be representing Vieux-Fort North.

She said she has never been involved in such an event and initially was not too sure she wanted to take part in it, but was encouraged to do so by the president of the Women’s Group of Vieux-Fort North.

“She told me ‘Go for it, go for it’, so I decided to give it a try,” St Ville said.

She said after deciding to take part, she mustered the confidence that she could become victorious because of the effort she would be putting into it.

St Ville said she will be belting out her artistic ability for the world to see, and with success on her mind, she will make Vieux-Fort North proud.

St Ville, a farmer, wants the world to see that there is much more in her than just selling by the roadside.

“I will market myself, my work and my place,” she said, exuding confidence.

She described herself as a people person and one who believes in herself.

Her advice to senior citizens and older persons is that there is always something they can do to help themselves. “No matter your age, there is always something you can do to elevate yourself,” she said.

She is calling on residents of Vieux-Fort North to give her their full support in the pageant.