Our Planet’s ‘The Butterfly Effect’ Exhibit Wins Silver Medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, London | Saint Lucia Tourist Board

SAINT LUCIA (May 22, 2014) – ‘The Butterfly Effect’- the first virtual exhibit at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in the UK– has won a silver medal, which is the first ever award for a virtual stand with no plants.

The thrilling show comes all the way from Saint Lucia, the HQ of pioneering environmentalists, Our Planet, which was established on the tropical island five years ago to highlight the challenges faced by small islands due to climate change and advise the government and local businesses on environmental issues.

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is a garden show held for five days in May by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). The grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in Chelsea, London, are transformed into show gardens, inspirational small gardens and vibrant horticultural displays for the world's most famous flower show.

Louis Lewis, ‎Director of Tourism at Saint Lucia Tourist Board commented: ‘We are so proud of this fantastic exhibit which showcased this week at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The stand has so far attracted 2,000 people a day and is proving popular with the British public, including Prince Harry who also visited.

‘Saint Lucia, famed for its natural beauty and home to a diverse eco-system, was chosen as Our Planet’s main location as a small island facing many environmental challenges. We fully support Our Planet's broader remit to inspire the public by making environmental education fun.‘

The multi-sensory immersive experience with ultra wide-screens, full surround sound and dazzling special effects flies you high above the countryside and through cities and gardens to discover the crucial role played by Britain’s butterflies as pollinators of plants and flowers. Guiding you through the experience whilst providing information and entertainment is Clive Farrell, the world-famous British butterfly expert and enthusiast.

For more information on Saint Lucia, visit www.stlucia.org

SLTB Rep among Travel Agent Magazine 2014 Top Supplier Sales Reps

SAINT LUCIA (May 19, 2014) – A US based Regional Marketing Manager of the Saint Lucia Tourist Board has been named one of Travel Agent Magazine’s 2014 Top Supplier Sales Representatives. The prestigious and distinguished honor was bestowed on industry veteran Hortensia Joseph by the editors of the highly influential and reputable magazine.

Joseph, who oversees the mid-Atlantic region of the US market on behalf of the SLTB, is a beloved tourism industry insider with years of international sales experience.  She was awarded the top position (First Place - International Tourist Board) based on what the magazine’s editors described as “her tireless work in helping to make the tough sales day in and day out.”

Joseph says she is deeply honored and humbled by the win, which she shares with Eusi Skeete of the Barbados Tourism Authority. “This latest recognition will only strengthen my resolve to continue to put my best foot forward in selling what I think is the best destination in the world – ‘Simply Beautiful,’ Saint Lucia,” exclaimed Joseph.

Head of Marketing and Sales at the SLTB and Deputy Director of Tourism Tracey Warner-Arnold described Joseph as, “An invaluable member of Saint Lucia’s off-island marketing team, one that uses her extensive knowledge of the island and the industry to drive visitor traffic to the destination.”    

“While you hear about the contributions of suppliers as a whole all the time, it’s rare that you read about the individuals who are out there forging relationships with travel advisors on the supplier’s behalf,” remarked Ruthanne Terrero, Vice President of Content/Editorial Director for Questex Travel Group.

Launched in 2009 as a division of Questex Travel Group, Travel Agent Magazine’s annual Top Supplier Sales Reps component asks readers to nominate supplier sales reps from a variety of industry segments, who go above and beyond the call of duty.

Travel Agent Magazine’s May 19th issue and travelagentcentral.com features the complete 2014 Top Supplier Sales Reps' stories to success.

For more information about the island of Saint Lucia call 1-800 456-3984, or 1-888 4STLUCIA or visit www.saintlucianow.com.

About Saint Lucia

One of the Windward Islands of the West Indies' Lesser Antilles, Saint Lucia (pronounced Saint LOO-sha) is nestled halfway down the eastern Caribbean archipelago. The "Helen of the West Indies," Saint Lucia is known for its natural beauty and diverse attractions, including the signature Piton Mountains - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - a tropical rainforest and one of the world's few drive-in volcanoes. Culturally rich offerings include the bustling marketplace in the capital of Castries, quaint fishing villages along the coastline, and the annual Saint Lucia Jazz festival. Saint Lucia's wide range of accommodations includes world-class five-star resorts, all-inclusive resorts, intimate inns and value-oriented properties.

For more information, visit www.saintlucianow.com

National Volunteer Programme Speaks Out Against The Killing Of Turtles In Saint Lucia

On Saturday 17^th May 2014, Volunteers made their way to the Grande Anse beach for a clean-up excursion.  Before and after this exercise, reports were eminating from some of the island’s renowned turtle nesting areas, of the brutal killing of our sea turtles along the shores of our Island.

We are saddened to see the manner in which poachers uncaringly treat the turtles we depend on so heavily to promote our country as an environmentally friendly and beautiful destination. They seem to have no regard for the implications of their actions on the island's ecology and its reputation.

Our office would like to appeal to our society to stand against the savage hunting and killing of turtles on the beaches of Saint Lucia.  It’s quite disheartening to witness a leather back lying dead (slaughtered like minced meat) while trying to lay her eggs. We all need to take a united stance to eradicate such action!.

Please STOP KILLINGS OUR TURTLES…

We are appealing to all Saint Lucians to STOP BUYING turtles eggs and meat also…

 According to the National Volunteer Programme Coordinator Mr. Cyril Saltibus, “Sea turtles in our Caribbean water are in danger of being driven to extinction from fisheries bycatch, and also during open hunting season. Let us not do any more damage on our shores. As a member of the Saint Lucia National Trust it makes our job more worrisome; we advocate strongly against this, BUT – the slaughter continues.  The survival of each adult is critical to their continued existence!” It will take a collective and united effort of all Saint Lucians to help fight the battle. Let us all VOLUNTEER to put and end to this. We can only pray to GOD for continued guidance…

Mr.  Saltibus can be reached at 4843244 for comments 

Digicel Launches Islandwide 4G Network in Saint Lucia

BRING YOUR HANDSET TO LIFE WITH DIGICEL’S 4G SPEED

SAINT LUCIA (MAY 17th,  2014) – Digicel, a leading global telecommunications service provider with operations in 30 countries across the Caribbean, Central America and the Pacific, on Thursday launched its pre-paid and post-paid 4G service to its customers in St Lucia.

The very latest in innovation, Digicel 4G Broadband is super-fast, accessible, affordable and reliable – and is underpinned by Digicel’s commitment to best value, best network, best service and most innovative.

Sandals Grand St Lucia Spa and Beach Resort was transformed into the ultra-fast zone as speed was the main highlight of the evening.  Officially launching its 4G services- cooperate St Lucia got to experience firsthand the future in data speed with Digicel. Giving leverage to the most advanced 4G technology, Digicel will deliver superfast access to data services for customers to stream High Definition (HD) videos, enjoy multiple chat forums, instantly upload photos, fast downloads and much more islandwide.

Digicel’s sights are firmly set on ensuring that everyone everywhere can benefit from access to superfast internet speeds at affordable prices and achieve extraordinary things in their everyday lives. Digicel 4G connectivity will enable people to work on the go or off-site more easily, with faster web browsing, quicker downloads, fast access to business systems, and the ability to make video calls easily from smart phones without them freezing or buffering.

Fully loaded with a range of popular apps available at stores island wide; Digicel customers will do more, play more, listen more and share more, while style, functionality and affordability will be the calling card of all Digicel smartphones.  Customers who do not have a 3G or 4G compatible phone will not be able to access the 4G network but will still have access to the EDGE network.

Holly McNamara, Country manager Digicel St Lucia, comments; “This is the biggest thing we have done in St Lucia since we launched Be Extraordinary nearly one year ago. Digicel is delivering the fastest and best wireless broadband service to customers across St Lucia.  This cutting edge technology will allow all customers to bring their phone to life”.

Digicel 4G, is making wireless broadband internet an easy-to-access, affordable reality and empowering everyone and businesses to get the best out of the internet – whenever and however they want it. With Digicel 4G, the possibilities are endless.”

For more information please log on to http://4g.digicelstlucia.com/ for more information.

Government of Saint Lucia Announces Three Million Dollar Cruise Sector Training And Employment Programme

The Government of Saint Lucia has announced a three million dollar “Cruise Sector Training and Employment Programme” to provide access to funding for approximately 550 young Saint Lucians, seeking employment in the cruise sector. This programme is an expansion of a $400,000.00 pilot version which was introduced under the NICE programme in the last fiscal year.

Over the past year, approximately 229 unemployed Saint Lucians got job offers, 35 percent of which, benefited from the pilot financing facility set up with the Saint Lucia Development Bank (SLDB). As such, the Government of Saint Lucia has partnered with a training institute, a cruise line and the SLDB, to expand the facility and provide more opportunities to unemployed youth. This year, three million dollars will be obtained from the National Insurance Corporation for on-lending to prospective employees through the SLDB.  

In his 2014/2015 Budget Statement, Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony announced,

“Mr. Speaker, it is no secret that the many cruise ships that we see berthing at our ports each week employ thousands with well-paying jobs. However, the problem has always been with the inability of Saint Lucians to access these jobs because of the costs associated with meeting the requisite qualifications and other requirements.

We know all too well the unsuccessful, costly attempts made by Government in the past to provide support to local candidates to access these jobs. However, through NICE, the Government of Saint Lucia launched a pilot programme valued at $400,000 during the past fiscal period to assist unemployed youth between the ages 19 and 35 years to access this employment. Unlike other similar initiatives in the past, this pilot programme has been carefully designed in conjunction with a training institution, a cruise line and the Saint Lucia Development Bank. The programme is specifically targeted for non-utility job opportunities within the Cruise Sector. With these types of jobs, Mr. Speaker, successful candidates can earn as much as, and in some cases, in excess of US$3,000 per month.

Mindful of the unfortunate tradition of delinquency in servicing education and training loans, the Government will introduce stringent repayment conditionS to ensure that these loans are repaid within a six month period, to allow for the continuation of the programme.

More financing agencies have expressed interest in developing similar facilities. Information on this opportunity will be made public once the details have been finalized.

Saint Lucia's Culinary Ambassador Chef Nina exhorts CCSS & Sir Ira students to stay focused

Saint Lucia (May 12, 2014) – The Castries Comprehensive Secondary School was a buzz last Friday for the anticipated visit of Saint Lucia’s Culinary Ambassador Chef Nina

Compton-Miller. The opportunity to call on her Alma Mater as part of her itinerary was one of the first requests she made of the Saint Lucia Tourist Board when she accepted their invitation to participate in the culinary component of the festival.

It was a very elated Compton-Miller who alighted from the bus virtually falling into the arms of her former School Principal, the current Principal Ms. Marva Daniel, and the teacher who she credits for her success in the culinary field Mrs. Priscilla Phillip Khodra.   On hand to receive her was a full contingent of officials representing the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Tourism, current and former administrators of the school where Nina Compton-Millar underwent her secondary school education, and received her first lesson in cookery. She was accompanied on the visit by her husband.

A wall of red and white flanked the corridors she would walk through along with her husband Larry and the welcoming party. Students of the Sir Ira Simmons Secondary School were also given the opportunity to attend the one hour ceremony planned in her honour.

Among the various addresses was one by the representative of the Ministry of Tourism Ms. Samantha Charles who both attended the CCSS and was a student of Food & Nutrition together with Chef Compton-Millar. She noted that the visit by the Top Torque carried a double significance.

“…One being the numerous possibilities for Saint Lucia to be recognized on the global scene as evidenced by Chef Nina’s performance on Top Chef. There are numerous myths associated to the tourism industry and these can only be dispelled when there is an understanding of the importance of the tourism industry to Saint Lucia and how critical it is to ensure its sustainability. The other important thing is that through Chef Nina’s journey you can indeed believe that the sky is the limit.”

In her remarks to the students Chef Nina Compton- Millar’s aim, was to entreat them to highly regard the school experience and give it priority over the transient distractions of youth because later on they will appreciate that they were investing in the building blocks of their future.  She spoke about the usefulness of a balance in their participation in school life, citing her own involvement in school sports.  Chef Nina credited her success to first F&N tutor Mrs. Priscilla Khodra.

“The first thing she showed me how to make was guava cheese. It may seem simple, but it started with that lesson and she made me who I am today. I really want you guys to pay attention in class because it is the most important thing. It is not easy, but stay in school, read. We have to make it what it is. Every one of you can make a difference.”

For their part, the students documented their occasion with a number of creative performances among them Maya Angelou’s Phenomenal Woman by the CCSS students of Elocution.


About the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival

The Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival opens on April 30^th 2014 at the Mindoo Phillip Park. The festival’s main headliners include celebrated multiple Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter  Dee-Dee Bridgewater, Barrington Levy, Teddyson John featuring Alison Hinds, P-Square, Tessanne Chin, The Commodores and Maxwell.

The EXECUTIVE PRODUCER of the 2014 Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival is the Saint Lucia Tourist Board. PLATINUM sponsor is Digicel - Be Extraordinary. GOLD sponsors are Heineken, The Wave, HTS, Colombus, Flow, LUCELEC, Radio Caribbean International, and Kinds Ocean Services. SILVER sponsors are Cotton Bay Village St. Lucia and Radio St. Lucia BRONZE sponsors are Bank of Saint Lucia Ltd, DBS, Chairman’s Reserve – Finest St. Lucian Rum, RBC Royal Bank and RBTT Bank Ltd. COLLATERAL sponsors are Avis Rent a Car, Blue Waters, Kotex, ExelSign and Guy’s Car Rental, Guardsman, Johnnie Walker Black, and Hot FM.

For more information on the full lineup for Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival 2014 along with show dates, venues and ticket sales, log onto www.stluciajazz.org ,download the festival app: http://bit.ly/1eJpjjh or email us at slutour@candw.lc

Follow the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival on Twitter and Instagram (@StLuciaJazzFest) and like their page on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/SaintLuciaJazzAndArtsFestival)

For more information about the island of Saint Lucia call:

                Saint Lucia: 1 758 452 4094|USA: 1 800 456 3984|Canada: 1 800 869 0377
      UK: 44 207 341 7000

SLTB Announces Ultra Luxe Festival Pavillion - The Gold Standard of Festival Experiences!

Saint Lucia (May 10, 2014) – As festival excitement reaches fever pitch, the Saint Lucia Tourist Board has announced the staging of  Gold Pass, the ultra luxe Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival component. Produced for the festival by Landmark Events, Gold Pass will offer an exclusive and authentic Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival experience.

Designed as a serene oasis for the epicurean festival goer, Gold Pass at the Saint Lucia Jazz includes reserved parking and designated shuttle, no wait Gold Pass entrance to venue, day Pass to VIP Pavilion, covered and al fresco seating, gourmet hors d’oeuvres buffet, a full service Premium Bar, jumbo viewing screen and a partial view of Main Stage.

“It gives us great pleasure to provide such a unique sojourn for festival goers,” lamented Director of Tourism Louis Lewis, “Our festival has always taken the needs of every audience member carefully into account, and Gold Pass is merely another facet of the same Saint Lucian hospitality, for which our people and festival are universally known.”

Gold Pass will be housed in the ruins perched atop the hillside overlooking the Pigeon Island Main Stage. Lovingly renovated by the Saint Lucia National Trust, the ruins feature updated flooring and partial roofing.

Tickets for Gold Pass are available directly from Landmark Events or www.stluciajazz.org. Friday’s Gold Pass is priced at US195/EC486, Saturday at US205/EC513 and Sunday at US216/EC540. Upgrades are also available for those already in possession of regular admission tickets but must be done through Landmark Events: Friday US$115, Saturday US$125 and Sunday US$136.

For more information please contact Mrs. Ana Wilson at 1-758-452-8416.

About the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival

The Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival opens on April 30^th 2014 at the Mindoo Phillip Park. The festival’s main headliners include celebrated multiple Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter  Dee-Dee Bridgewater, Barrington Levy, Teddyson John featuring Alison Hinds, P-Square, Tessanne Chin, The Commodores and Maxwell.

The EXECUTIVE PRODUCER of the 2014 Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival is the Saint Lucia Tourist Board. PLATINUM sponsor is Digicel - Be Extraordinary. GOLD sponsors are Heineken, The Wave, HTS, Colombus, Flow, LUCELEC, Radio Caribbean International, and Kinds Ocean Services. SILVER sponsors are Cotton Bay Village St. Lucia and Radio St. Lucia BRONZE sponsors are Bank of Saint Lucia Ltd, DBS, Chairman’s Reserve – Finest St. Lucian Rum, RBC Royal Bank and RBTT Bank Ltd. COLLATERAL sponsors are Avis Rent a Car, Blue Waters, Kotex, ExelSign and Guy’s Car Rental, Guardsman, Johnnie Wlaker Black, and Hot FM.

For more information on the full lineup for Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival 2014 along with show dates, venues and ticket sales, log onto www.stluciajazz.org ,download the festival app: http://bit.ly/1eJpjjh or email us at slutour@candw.lc

Follow the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival on Twitter and Instagram (@StLuciaJazzFest) and like their page on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/SaintLuciaJazzAndArtsFestival)

For more information about the island of Saint Lucia call:

                Saint Lucia: 1 758 452 4094|USA: 1 800 456 3984|Canada: 1 800 869 0377
      UK: 44 207 341 7000

Enjoy Main Stage Jazz 2014 At TheHeineken Beer Garden!

This year the Heineken Beer Garden will be one with a difference. So says Heineken brand manager Gaius Harry. The Heineken beer garden, which is now a staple at Pigeon Island during the main-stage events, will be transformed into an ultra-all inclusive oasis of excitement.

For EC$350 on each day persons can enjoy the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival main-stage events in the luxury and comfort of the Heineken Beer Garden. This package (and tickets are limited) includes a welcome gift-pack, tickets to Pigeon Island, food and drinks (WLBL products), with waiter service.  The beer garden will also feature exclusive entertainment during set change-overs as well as the beautiful Heineken ladies.

The main stage event on Saturday May 10^th will feature P-Square, Elvis Crespo, Kem, the Saint Lucia Jazz Expose and the island’s first Culinary Ambassador Nina Compton-Miller who will do a chef demonstration exercise.  The Sunday May 11^th event will be headlined by Maxwell and will also feature the Commodores, Tessane Chin, Monty Alexander and Blue Mango.

Heineken Saint Lucia is a gold sponsor and official beer of the 2014 Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival and is looking forward to adding to all the fervor and excitement of this year’s event.

Heineken is also excited about the return of Jazz on the Square to the city and has partnered with Landmark events as presenting sponsor. The Heineken Beer garden will also be a feature on the Derek Walcott Square, which will feature acts like ASAP, DYP, Barbara Cadet and Skip Monday among others from May 7^th -9^th.

Heineken has also partnered with a number of entities for their events during the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival. These include Jazz on the Bay in Marigot, Fond D’or Jazz, Jazz on the Grill and Labowi Promotions Jazz in the south. Heineken is also a sponsor of RCI’s Jazz after-party ‘The Black Tie Affair’ on May 8^th.

Gaius Harry has described Heineken’s sponsorship and involvement as phenomenal. “This is a testimony to our faith in the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival-a testimony to our belief in the ability of our people to stage world class events and our corporate responsibility to help nurture the technical skills and the arts,” he said.

For more information contact:

Gaius Harry

Heineken Brand Manager

1758 720-4612

Tea Time Jazz Returns To Saint Lucia Jazz And Arts Festival 2014

For many years we’ve been bringing our St. Lucians and visitors the sweet, wonderful sound of jazz music. Our 17th annual Teatime Jazz is finally here and we are inviting everyone to come unwind and have an amazing time with family and friends as you also enjoy mid-afternoon tea and snacks.

On Wednesday May 7th and Thursday May 8th 2014, come  jam to the sweet sound of our talented local line-up. The show kicks off on Wednesday May 7th with Total Experience which includes, Alpha who is known for his hit Soca songs, Semi with his Inspirational Reggae music which promotes the message of positivity and consciousness, as well as, Transfix who pleases their audience with a wide range of genres.  Also on that day our class act Chrycee will be amazing us with her sweet voice. On Thursday May 8th the bands Skip Monday and Eva Lucians will be closing us off with their dynamic renditions.  These talented artists will all be here to give energizing, mind blowing performances.

Of course our Teatime Jazz would not be possible without or generous sponsors: Digicel, LUCELEC, Renwick & Company, M&C Insurance Brokers,  Bank of Nova Scotia,    1st National Bank, Super J/IGA Supermarkets, OGM Communications, Exelsigns, 123 Digital,  tenants of La Place Carenage and presenting sponsor Saint Lucia Air and Seaports Authority (SLASPA).


Concerts will begin at 3:00 p.m and end at 5:30 p.m. Come enjoy!

DIGICEL AND TEA TIME JAZZ TO ENERGIZE THE CITY CIRCUIT For Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival Week 2014

Digicel, Platinum sponsors of the 23rd staging of the St Lucia Jazz and Arts festival has teamed up with La Place Carenage  to offer a cozy, musically entertaining and unique shopping experience at this year’s ‘Tea Time Jazz’ slated to take place on May 7th and 8th 2014.

For many years La Place Carenage has been bringing St. Lucians and visitors the sweet, wonderful sound of jazz music. With 18th installment of Teatime Jazz about to kick off in a few days, everyone will be able to unwind and have an amazing time with family and friends with mid-afternoon tea and snacks.

Situated in Castries, La Place Carenage is an air-conditioned, Duty Free Shopping Mall. Selling Authentic Designer labels, Name Brand goods, dazzling jewelry and local Arts and Crafts including Artwork by local painters and sculptors, heady local liquors and fragrant island spices, linens, crystal and perfumes.

As jazz musicians take to the stage to rend the air with beautiful music, the two day event will boast talent and excitement for visitors as well as locals. 

The show kicks off on Wednesday May 7th with ‘Total Experience’ which includes, Alpha who is known for his hit Soca songs, Semi with his Inspirational Reggae music which promotes the message of positivity and consciousness, as well as, Transfix who pleases their audience with a wide range of genres. Also to perform on that day will be Digicel sponsored Chrycee who will serenade the audience with her sweet renditions.

Thursday May 8th, the bands Skip Monday and Eva Lucians will be closing the curtains of this wonderful event with their dynamic renditions. These talented artists will all be sure to give energizing, mind blowing performances. 

“Digicel as a sponsor of this event welcomes the FREE concept this show provides to patrons”, explained Public Relations and Communications Executive Sergin John Baptiste.  “Complimentary tea and snacks, an incredible line-up, wonderful atmosphere and unique location positions Tea Time Jazz as the ultimate community jazz experience”.

Log on to their website http://www.carenagemall.com  to learn more about their events and boutiques.   

The Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival opens on April 30^th 2014 at the Mindoo Phillip Park. The festival’s main headliners include celebrated multiple Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter  Dee-Dee Bridgewater, Barrington Levy, Teddyson John featuring Alison Hinds, P-Square, Tessanne Chin and Maxwell. The EXECUTIVE PRODUCER of the 2014 Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival is the Saint Lucia Tourist Board. PLATINUM sponsor is Digicel - Be Extraordinary. GOLD sponsors are Heineken, HTS, Karib Cable, Colombus, Flow LUCELEC and The Wave. SILVER sponsor is Cotton Bay Village St. Lucia. BRONZE sponsors are Bank of Saint Lucia Ltd, Chairman’s Reserve – Finest St. Lucian Rum, Radio Caribbean International, RBC Royal Bank and RBTT Bank Ltd. COLLATERAL sponsors are Avis Rent a Car, Blue Waters, DBS, ExelSign, Guy’s Car Rental and Radio St. Lucia. For more information on the full lineup for Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival 2014 along with show dates, venues and ticket sales, log onto www.stluciajazz.org

Chef Nina Compton-Miller Home For Jazz And Arts Festival 2014

Internationally renowned chef and finalist in Bravo’s Top Chef Reality show Nina Compton-Miller arrived in Saint Lucia yesterday, Sunday May 4th to a hero’s welcome and in time for the grand finale of the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival.

Nina Compton was met at the Hewanorra International airport in the south by a delegation comprising her mom Lady Janice Compton, the Minister of Tourism Lorne Theophilus, Director of Tourism Louis Lewis and other officials of the Ministry of Tourism and the St. Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association, friends and well-wishers.

The Top Chef finalist, appointed Saint Lucia’s first Culinary Ambassador in February of this year, will be feted throughout this week and will participate in an official Meet and Greet with the public on Wednesday, May 7th  12:00PM - 2:00PM at the Derek Walcott Square during “Jazz on the Square.”

She will also feature at Pigeon Island, the home of the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival, on Saturday, May 10th for a specially organized chef demonstration exercise that will feature tastings and samplings.