‘Damn Proud Lucian’ Resonates As Saint Lucia Celebrates Julien Alfred

During recent watch parties in celebration of Saint Lucian Gold and Silver Olympic medalist Julien Alfred, Saint Lucians have displayed what some are describing as a resurgence of national pride, with the song “Damn Proud Lucian,” resonating through it all. St. Lucia Times caught up with the singer Sylvinius “Sly” Charles on Tuesday, following his performance at the Derek Walcott Square for Julien Alfred’s 200m Olympic watch party. Sly had just whipped up fans into a frenzy as they all sang along to “Damn Proud Lucian” in celebration of Alfred’s second medal at the Paris Olympics. The song had won “Sly” the Groovy Soca Monarch title here in July and had now become an anthem of pride, resilience, perseverance and success for the nation. We asked the entertainer about his feelings toward acceptance and love for the song and performing it to honour Julien Alfred. “Every time I get on stage and start to sing this song it gives me chills, just feeling the energy, it is almost tangible. And doing this for Julien Alfred, she represented us extremely well and I think we also represented her well with the outpouring of love and support that Saint Lucians are showing,”...