Saint Lucia Declares September 2 as National Holiday in Honor of Olympian Medalist Julien Alfred

The Saint Lucia government has declared September 27 as a national holiday in honor of Olympic 100m gold medalist Julien Alfred.

Alfred, 23, made history by winning the Caribbean island nation’s first Olympic medal in any sport, taking 100 m gold and 200 m silver in Paris.

During a pre-cabinet press briefing on Monday, the prime minister announced the national holiday and plans to celebrate Alfred's return to the island for the first time since her historic feat on September 24. Upon her arrival, a motorcade will be held along the east coast of the island. The following day, national school rallies are scheduled at the Soufriere Mini Stadium and La Resource Playing Field. On September 26, Alfred will visit the Cicero Primary School, where a mural will be unveiled in her honor. The celebrations will culminate on September 27 with a national holiday and a free concert at the Daren Sammy Cricket Grounds.

Alfred previously spoke of her ambition to represent Saint Lucia at the Olympics. She told Olympics.com in August 2023