Castries, Saint Lucia: Prime Minister Philip J Pierre paid tribute on the birthdays of Sir William Arthur Lewis and Sir Derek Alton Walcott, the Nobel prize awardees, for the numerous accolades they received over their storied careers.
It is to be noted that their birth date is celebrated as the Nobel Laureate Day. PM Pierre, on behalf of all Saint Lucians, remembered these two icons for their tireless efforts and invaluable contribution to the country.
“Every year on January 23, Saint Lucians and the world have the honour of celebrating Nobel Laureate Day, which happens to be the birthday of both Sir William Arthur Lewis and Sir Derek Alton Walcott.
Today and always, may we remember them not only for their numerous accolades but also for their invaluable contributions in shaping this world and the homage paid through their work to our beloved island, Saint Lucia”, remarked the leader of Saint Lucia.
Sir Derek Walcott and his achievements
Walcott was born on January 23, 1930, and raised in Castries, Saint Lucia. He was the son of Alix (Maarlin) and Warwick Walcott. He had a twin brother, the playwright Roderick Walcott and a sister, Pamela Walcott.
Notably, he moved to Trinidad in 1953 after his graduation and worked as a critic, teacher and journalist. The Nobel Prize awardee founded the ‘Trinidad Theatre Workshop’ in 1959.
Further, Walcott became the second Caribbean writer to be honoured with the ‘Nobel Prize in Literature’ in 1992. The Nobel Committee described his work as ‘A poetic oeuvre of great luminosity, sustained by a historical vision, the outcome of a multicultural commitment.”
He was also awarded the ‘Anisfield-Wolf Book Award.’
Accomplishments of Sir Arthur Lewis
Arthur Lewis, an esteemed Saint Lucian economist and the James Madison Professor of Political Economy at Princeton University, was born on January 23, 1915.
Lewis was a renowned contributor to the field of economic development, the Dual-sector model and the Industrial structure History of the world economy.
It is to be noted that he was awarded the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 1979.
Many people across the nation took to their official social media handle (Facebook) to express their delight on the birthdays of Lewis and Walcott.
While reacting to PM Pierre’s post, a person named Clara Charlery commented, “Am Always proud to celebrate their achievements with the guests whenever I am on tours.”
Another FB user, by name of Mary Rodney stated, “Happy birthday to our Nobel Laureates! May they continue to rest in paradise. This is no coincidence. They both attended the same High school. SMC, and celebrated the same birthdays. Well blessed both of you with blessing to be Saint Lucians.”
