The Cultural Development Foundation (CDF) hosted its fourth annual Cultural Series, which seeks to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the creative industry in Saint Lucia.

The icon selected must have a body of work that spans 25 years or more.

Saint Lucia’s renowned folk musician, Joseph “Rameau” Poleon was the icon highlighted this year. Cultural groups such as the Helen Folk Dancers and Eastern Folk Dancers gathered to celebrate Rameau Poleon’s music through dances and musical renditions.

Drenia Frederick, Director of Events and Production at the Cultural Development Foundation expressed her satisfaction with the outcome of the Cultural Roadshow and Culture Icon Series.

“For us it was really a validation of why we’re doing the Icon Series and the importance of it. This year we were able to fuse the other elements of the edutainment. We went to schools where we were able to educate people to understand and appreciate. You can’t build on something you don’t know about. You can’t innovate if you don’t understand the tradition, the culture, or what exists before you innovate. You must know who you are. If you don’t know who you are, you don’t know where you’re going.”

The Cultural Icon Chosen for the year 2019 is Famous Saint Lucian Sculptor, Vincent Joseph Eudovic.