Ti Pawol – the little news and happenings – Cultural Development Foundation (CDF) St. Lucia

📚 𝗦𝗶𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗸 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗰𝗼𝘁𝘁 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀

Join us for the Sir Derek Walcott Memorial Lecture Series featuring acclaimed writer and academic Professor Canisia Lubrin.

This year’s theme, An Listwa Manmay San Liv – “A History of Children Without Books”. The presenter will explore the use of poetry—some of Walcott’s and other St. Lucians—to look at the

social and political conditions of this imagination and its impact on St. Lucia’s literary story.

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

7:30 PM

Finance Administrative Centre, Pointe Seraphine

Also streaming live on Facebook, YouTube & NTN Flow Channel 122

Don’t miss this thought-provoking evening celebrating Caribbean literature and legacy.

𝗔𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 | 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗹𝗲𝘆𝗮𝗻𝗻 𝗖𝘆𝗿𝗶𝗹-𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿𝘀

The Cultural Development Foundation extends heartfelt congratulations to Shirleyann Cyril-Mayers on being recognized by the Caribbean Music Awards as a 2025 Gospel Music Honouree.
We celebrate her outstanding contributions to Gospel music in Saint Lucia, her uplifting presence in festivals and concerts across the island and the region, and the positive influence she continues to have on audiences of all ages. Her voice and message have left a lasting impact on the cultural and spiritual life of our nation.

𝗔𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 | 𝗔. 𝗟. 𝗗𝗮𝘄𝗻 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗵

Award-winning author & cultural storyteller.

Caribbean Legends: Myths, Folklore & Tradition explores the Caribbean’s storied heritage—unveiling mythical creatures, forgotten characters, and the hidden roots of traditions like Carnival.

Step into the masquerade where every character tells a secret story and the line between reveler and legend blurs. This is Carnival as you’ve never known it: a battle cry, a sacred promise, and a foundation for more to come.

National Arts Festival (2013) | 100 Women Hall of Honour (2021) | BGWT Excellence Award (2023) | Anacaona Prize (2024) | SASA Best Overall Fiction (2025)

𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗧𝗮𝗶𝘄𝗮𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 | 𝗘𝘅𝗵𝗶𝗯𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

On September 18th, 2025, the curtains came down on the 2025 Spotlight Taiwan Project, “Mas Making Magic: From Vision to Costume,” outside the National Cultural Centre.

More than twenty participants showcased their creativity, innovation, and imagination after weeks of online and face-to-face instruction, guided by Taiwanese master artist Ms. Hsienyu Chuang.

They transformed bold ideas into spectacular wearable art, experimenting with programmable lighting, mechanical movement, and interactive materials—blending Saint Lucia’s vibrant carnival traditions with cutting-edge technology. The techniques acquired are expected to add impressive new elements to the spectacular King and Queen of the Bands’ costume designs for Saint Lucia Carnival, elevating creativity on stage and bringing fresh excitement to audiences.

The Cultural Development Foundation (CDF) closed the initiative with the hope that these hands-on sessions would not only strengthen new skills but also foster lasting cultural exchange and innovation through the 2025 Spotlight Taiwan Project.

(2025 Spotlight Taiwan) 𝗠𝗮𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗰: 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗺𝗲

The Cultural Development Foundation (CDF), in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Spotlight Taiwan, proudly presents Mas Making Magic—a dynamic hands-on costume design workshop that blends imagination, innovation, and tradition as part of the 2025 Spotlight Taiwan Project.

Guided by internationally acclaimed Taiwanese master artist Ms. Hsienyu Chuang, participants will explore the full journey of costume creation—from concept sketch to wearable art—infused with cutting-edge techniques like programmable lighting, atmospheric effects, mechanical movement, and responsive materials.

With over 20 participants already enrolled, including national and community carnival groups, this initiative is sparking cultural exchange, creativity, and innovation while celebrating Saint Lucia’s vibrant carnival traditions.

𝗔𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁: 𝗦𝗵𝘆𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝘆

In August 2025, Shyne Savory made history at CARIFESTA XV in Barbados, becoming the first-ever WAXPAX! Poetry Slam Champion—securing the title by just 0.5 points. This milestone marks her as one of Saint Lucia’s most promising young voices in the literary and performing arts.

At just 19 years old, the alumna of the Creative & Performing Arts Programme at SALCC has already built an impressive record. In 2024, she captured first place in the WORRRD Up Poetry Slam with her original piece Diaspora, a striking reflection on migration and Caribbean identity.

Shyne is also an alumna of the Cultural Development Foundation’s Youth Summer Arts Platform (YSAP) and has graced the stage of the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival’s Art & the City – Voices of the Underground in both 2024 and 2025, where she delivered powerful spoken word performances.

Passionate about public speaking, writing, and history, Shyne continues to weave these elements into her poetry—crafting performances that inspire and connect audiences across Saint Lucia and beyond.

𝗖𝗗𝗙 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗘𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 | 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲

Thursday, 24 July 2025—The Cultural Development Foundation (CDF) hosted the launch of the 2025 Emancipation Celebrations events and activities under the theme “Understanding Our Past to Create a Pathway for the Future”. The event was held at Anchorage Car Park, Jn Baptiste Street, Castries. Attendees present include the Hon. Philip J. Pierre, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Hon Dr. Ernest Hilaire, Minister for Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Information, Members of Cabinet, Senate and Diplomatic Corp, Sister Agencies and Staff of CDF.
In this new three (3) year cycle (2025-2027), the Cultural Development Foundation and partner collaborators hope to showcase stories of heritage, vibrant arts displays, educational initiatives, and multi-generational engagement that deepen public consciousness and elevate our shared legacy.
As part of its mandate, the CDF remains committed to strengthening our cultural expressions and honouring the significance of emancipation through meaningful community engagement.
Stay tuned for updates as we continue to celebrate our heritage and further enrich the Saint Lucian cultural tapestry through the month of August.

𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝘆𝗽𝘀𝗼 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗗𝗙 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱

The Cultural Development Foundation (CDF) awarded scholarships to the winners of the 2025 National Schools Calypso and Soca Competition, granting them full access to participate in this year’s Youth Summer Arts Platform (YSAP) — the CDF’s flagship summer camp for artistic and cultural development. A media briefing today highlighted the programme’s impact over the years and featured remarks from CDF’s representatives and external stakeholders.

The Cultural Development Foundation’s mandate is to support and uplift young creative talent. CDF has extended this scholarship opportunity to the standout performers of the junior Calypso and Soca stage — recognizing their sterling contribution to cultural excellence and artistic promise.

The CDF remains committed to strengthening our cultural expressions through developing young artists and creatives in meaningful programmes and initiatives such as the Youth Summer Arts Platform (YSAP).

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗶𝗿 𝗟𝗹𝗲𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹𝘆𝗻 𝗫𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗲𝗿, 𝗢.𝗕.𝗘.

The Board of Directors, Management, and Staff of the Cultural Development Foundation extends a heartfelt congratulations to Sir Llewellyn Xavier, O.B.E., who was knighted as Sir Llewellyn Xavier during the Investiture Ceremony held at Windsor Castle today. Sir Xavier was Knighted as Commander of the Order of St. Michael and St. George (KCMG) for his outstanding contributions to Community Infrastructure and Development.

In 2024, Sir Xavier was celebrated as a Cultural Icon by the Cultural Development Foundation—a prestigious honour recognising his exceptional impact on the arts and culture. The Cultural Icon Series was designed to inspire creatives to pursue greatness, and Sir Xavier’s legacy continues to serve as a shining example of innovation and passion in cultural expression.

Today, his work remains a powerful inspiration, pushing boundaries and redefining creativity for future generations. Let us continue to celebrate this visionary who embodies the transformative power of the arts.

Art and The City lives on-A Night of Creativity and Appreciation!

The Jazz & Arts Festival may be over, but Art And The City continues to celebrate the power of creativity and community. The Cultural Development Foundation (CDF) hosted a vibrant Paint & Sip Soirée in honour of our amazing sponsors, partners, staff and CDF Board – the people who helped make AATC a true success.
It was an evening of fun, creativity, and connection – filled with laughter, food, drinks, and an opportunity for our Sponsors to unwind. We even witnessed a few hidden artistic talents from our guests!
To all our sponsors and collaborators – thank you for your support and commitment to arts and culture in Saint Lucia. We look forward to continuing this journey with you!

Art And The City Takes Center Stage at the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival’s Sponsor Cheque Presentation 2025!

March 27, 2025– At the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival’s Sponsor Cheque Presentation, the Cultural Development Foundation’s (CDF) Executive Director, Mrs. Raymona Henry-Wynne, delivered a powerful and inspiring speech on the transformative impact of creativity, art, and training not just for creative practitioners, but for the entire Saint Lucian public.

And just when the audience thought it couldn’t get any better… a surprise singing flash mob—orchestrated by the CDF—took over the stage, turning the moment into pure artistic magic!

Mrs. Henry-Wynne closed her speech on a high note, unveiling the full lineup of Art & The City (AATC) and giving an exclusive sneak peek at the AATC TV commercials.

The countdown to AATC 2025 is officially ON!

𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗠𝗶𝘇𝗶𝗸 | 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘀-𝗗𝗲 𝗔𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶

Monday 30th December 2024- the Cultural Development Foundation (CDF) proudly presented Herman “De Ashanti” Hippolyte with an honorarium and a plaque of appreciation for his outstanding contribution to music and culture in Saint Lucia. De Ashanti was the featured artist of the CDF’s inaugural MIZIK programme in November 2024, during which veteran and emerging artists performed hits from his extensive repertoire.

Participants showcase work at The French Diaspora Heritage (FDH) Cultural Expo 2024

October 25, 2024– Spotlight Taiwan Wood Sculpturing participants presented their creations at this year’s French Diaspora Heritage (FDH) Cultural Expo 2024. The Expo allowed for the participants to showcase their and other training initiatives undertaken by the CDF throughout 2024.