Castries, August 27, 2025 – Residents and visitors still have time to experience the vibrant glow of the Emancipation Murals on Jn Baptiste Street in Castries, now illuminated nightly as part of the Cultural Development Foundation’s (CDF) observance of Emancipation Month.
The lighting of the murals was made possible through a collaborative effort between St. Lucia Electricity Services Limited (LUCELEC) and energy services company Energyze Holdings Inc (EHI). The project also included the relocation of an electrical pole to facilitate the installation.
Energyze General Manager David Leonce explained that the solar-powered LED lights installed above the murals are a sustainable and cost-effective solution.
“For us, this was a very important occasion for us to partner with the Cultural Development Foundation to showcase what we do, our offerings around sustainable energy solutions and sustainable lighting is also an area that we want to provide services to our customers,” he said.
CDF Cultural Producer, Drenia Frederick, emphasized the significance of the murals, noting their role in inspiring reflection, offering therapeutic value, and enhancing the aesthetic of the city—especially for those arriving by sea.
“It is also an iconic thing that we have developed in the city of Castries and of course all our partners especially LUCELEC has been instrumental in working with us to get most of these activities and things that are meaningful, that have longevity in the society. We are working to light up the murals and it’s done thank you to LUCELEC and Energyze who have sponsored this entire process so it’s going to be lit up and it’s eco-friendly. These lights are solar powered so during the day they will soak up the energy and at night they will come alive giving some sort of life to this street.”
Painted by artists Alwyn St. Omer and Naja Simeon, the Emancipation Murals were unveiled in August 2023. They serve as a visual narrative of Saint Lucia’s history and aspirations, bridging the past with the future.
The CDF hopes the illuminated murals will continue to energize the city and foster a deeper appreciation for Saint Lucia’s cultural heritage.
-ends-
