Joseph Rameau Poleon, a violinist of Belle Vue, Vieux Fort and the late master drummer Athanasius LaBorde are among five individuals who were recently named national cultural heroes of St. Lucia by the Folk Research Center (Plas Wíchès Foklò, FRC). Flora Granger Chantwel of Choiseul, steel band maestro Lennards ‘Scrubb’ Wellington, and Monsignor Patrick ‘Paba’ Anthony, who was the founder of FRC, are the other three who were chosen. [Our thanks to Peter Jordens for sending this post.]

This was announced at a special ceremony at Government House under the patronage of the Governor General of St. Lucia. Other founding members of the FRC were also honored at the event. Details of the contributions of both the founding members and the newest heroes were given in citations.

The FRC was born out of a Study and Action Group led by Anthony in 1972 and was formed in 1973. In 2005 the first two national cultural heroes were recognized: the late Harold Simmons and Dame Sesenne Descartes. Sir Dunstan St. Omer was recognised in 2007.

Anthony, who addressed Wednesday’s ceremony, gave insights into the beginning of the FRC. A rationale for honoring the five new national cultural heroes was issued by the Chair of the FRC Board, Hilary La Force.

The original article is at http://www.stlucianewsonline.com/frc-proclaims-five-new-national-cultural-heroes.

Information about the FRC can be found at http://www.stluciafolk.org.