FirstCaribbean gives St. Lucia a gift of Nobel Art

Through a partnership with another celebrated St. Lucian artist, FirstCaribbean International bank added its own twist and flavour to the observance of Nobel Laureate Day in St. Lucia.
In a simple ceremony held at Government House on Tuesday January 22, the bank made a presentation of two pieces of bronze relief sculptures to Her Excellency Dame Pearlette Louisy, Governor General of St. Lucia, who received the art on behalf of the people of St. Lucia. The pieces portray St. Lucia’s two Nobel Prize winners- Hon. Derek Walcott (1992) and Sir Arthur Lewis (1979).
In accepting the gift, Her Excellency noted that, in her capacity as Head of the Nobel Laureate Committee, she had written to most of corporate St. Lucia inviting their involvement in the observance in their own unique ways.
“It is so important that the observance is diversified in a way that demonstrates a sense of ownership of this important accolade to the country. Having not heard from FirstCaribbean I wondered whether they did in fact receive my letter. I certainly did not expect such a unique, generous and inspiring response to my invitation,” the Governor General told the gathering.
FirstCaribbean International Bank traditionally makes a meaningful gift to the countries where the bank does business, to commemorate its significant corporate milestones. Having just celebrated five years in the St. Lucian market, the bank sought to partner with the Nobel Laureate Week Committee, by acquiring the sculptures and reposing them in the committee’s care until a suitable location can be found where all St. Lucian’s will have lifetime enjoyment of the works.

Of further significance to the bank’s gesture, is that the works were crafted by Actor/Sculptor/Craftsman, Arthur Jacobs, who has been a close colleague and friend of the Walcott brothers. Mr. Jacobs holds the most awards for a supporting role from the Arts Guild era of which the famous Walcott twins were pioneers. The sculptor has also toured with the Nobel Prize winner, Hon. Derek Walcott, to play lead roles in some of his productions in the Caribbean and Europe. Mr Jacobs is also a Lifetime Achievement award holder from the longstanding M& C Fine Arts Awards.
“We see the poetry in this” said Mrs, Mauricia Thomas-Francis, Country Head and Head of Corporate Banking.
“In the case of the Hon. Derek Walcott and the Sculptor, the bank has a deep appreciation of how two artists of the same era, honour each other in their different voices. Mr. Walcott is an artist of varied abilities – a writer and playwright who paints. Mr. Jacobs is a craftsman who acts.”
The gift-giving ceremony was attended by Minister in the Ministry of Education and Culture, Hon. Gaspard Charlemagne, the Actor/Sculptor Arthur Jacobs, members of the Nobel Laureate Week Committee and members of the Country Management Team of FirstCaribbean International Bank,
Upon turning over the works, the bank’s spokesperson expressed the view that once on public display’ the sculptures will serve as a constant reminder of the gifts and talents that our richly endowed St. Lucia has given to the rest of the world.