Each New Year brings with it fresh hopes, dreams, and reflections, beautifully encapsulated through recent messages from leaders across the globe. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Management, and Staff of the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association (SLHTA), Acting President Erwin Louisy extends heartfelt greetings for 2025, following what he describes as 'one for the record books' for Saint Lucia.
2024 proved to be exceptional for the Caribbean island, where month-on-month growth flourished under the watchful eyes of thousands inspired by its captivating beauty and the warmth of its people. The year was marked by significant accolades, including being named the Caribbean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination and being bestowed multiple awards recognizing the destination's resilience.
Louisy proudly noted, "Once again, I wish you all a happy and prosperous New Year!" as he reflected on how Saint Lucia made notable strides to augment its tourism industry. With investments aimed at increasing room stock and the groundwork laid for the island’s first underwater sculpture park, there’s excitement about what the future holds.
The past year also brought inspiring victories, such as Olympic Champion Julien Alfred becoming the Tourism Ambassador for Saint Lucia, weaving the spirit of unity throughout the nation. Not to be forgotten, the SLHTA celebrated its 60th anniversary amid its steadfast commitment to advocating for the tourism and hospitality sectors.
Meanwhile, the dean of Winchester Cathedral, Very Revd Catherine Ogle, shared insights from this year's New Year's Eve celebration, where traditions were upheld through the ringing of church bells—a symbolic act of marking the passage of time. Ogle recited Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poignant poem, "Christmas Bells," echoing the sentiments of peace and goodwill amid the reflection on the world’s challenges.
“And in despair I bowed my head: ‘there is no peace on earth’ I said; ‘For hate is strong and mocks the song, Of peace on earth, goodwill to men!’” Ogle exclaimed, emphasizing the stark contrasts we encounter as we step cautiously yet firmly toward the New Year.
She observed, heightened international tensions and conflicts loom, but just as Pope Francis so eloquently expressed, we must choose love and kindness. “We choose love and love makes our hearts fervent and hopeful,” he said. “Those who love, even if they find themselves in uncertain situations, always view the world with a gentle gaze of hope.”
Pope Francis's message arrives at the perfect moment, especially as he prepares for the declaration of 2025 as the holy year of Jubilee, symbolized by the opening of a sealed door, letting love, hope, and faith shine through widespread shadows.
The fervent call for peace resonates throughout these celebrations, meeting the challenges of our times with warmth and resilience. Longfellow’s concluding lines from the poem echo hope for the New Year: “Then pealed the bells more loud and deep; God is not dead, nor doth He sleep: The Wrongshall fail, The Right prevail, With peace on earth, goodwill to men.”
From the shores of Saint Lucia to the bell tower of Winchester Cathedral, the messages of interconnectedness and commitment ring true. Each New Year, we find ourselves at the juncture of the past and future, filled with opportunities for unity and growth.
Indeed, as we face the dawn of 2025, may we all embrace the call to kindness, love, and hope. The spirit of togetherness encapsulated within the New Year’s greetings reminds us to not just herald the end of the old but to uplift one another as we step boldly and compassionately forward. Happy New Year!