Feel the Rhythm, Taste the Life, Love the Blue — Discover Laborie
Laborie came alive with pride and gratitude as the refurbished Iconic Laborian Centre at Papѐl, Rudy John Beach Park was officially unveiled. Nearly a decade after its conception by the Dame Pearlette Louisy Legacy Committee and the Laborie Development Foundation, the Centre now stands as a revitalized beacon of heritage, education, and inspiration.
The ceremony recognized the inaugural Icons of 2017 and introduced the 2026 Iconic Laborians, whose framed citations now grace the refurbished gallery:
- Hilary Mervyn Darcheville – educator and activist
- Yves Renard – conservationist and cultural promoter
- Dr. Velon Leo John – scholar, parliamentarian, and humanist
- Pascal Watson Louis – pioneer of the Laborie Cooperative Credit Union
- Agatha Jn Panel – educator, principal, and senator
- Desmond Collymore – cricketer, firefighter, and journalist
In his remarks, the LDF Executive Officer emphasized that the Centre is “not only a monument to the past, but also a call to the future”, urging the youth of Laborie to dream boldly, serve faithfully, and carry forward the values of discipline, humility, and community.
The event was attended by dignitaries including Governor General Emerita Dame Pearlette Louisy, Honourable Alva Romanus Baptiste, Parliamentary Representative for Laborie-Augier, and Her Excellency Nicole Su, Ambassador of the Peoples’ Republic of China (Taiwan), alongside families of the Icons and members of the Laborie community.
In her remarks, Ambassador Su praised Laborie’s resilience and creativity. In her own words “Laborie’s breathtaking views, delicate handicraft, and warm residents are treasures worth sharing with the world. Taiwan is proud to support projects that integrate heritage, tourism, and sustainable development, ensuring communities like Laborie thrive for generations”. In his remarks, Honourable Alva Baptiste commended the initiative as a symbol of community strength: “This Centre is more than a monument; it is a living testament to Laborie’s spirit of resilience and collective progress. It reminds us that our heritage is the foundation upon which we build our future.”
In his closing remarks, LDF Executive Officer Augustine Dominique thanked the government and people of the Peoples’ Republic of China (Taiwan) for their contribution to Laborie’s development. He noted that the Centre was “not only a monument to the past, but also a call to the future”, and urged Laborie’s youth to dream boldly, serve faithfully, and carry forward the values of discipline, humility, and community.