St Lucia Honors West Indies Coach and Athletes with Prestigious Awards

St Lucia Cross Awardees

CASTRIES, St Lucia, CMC – West Indies head coach Daren Julius Garvey Sammy, along with athletes Julien Alfred and Levern Donaline Spencer, have been conferred with St Lucia’s second highest award, the St Lucia Cross, as part of the country’s Independence Day honors.

Sammy was awarded for his distinguished service in the field of sports (cricket) and youth development; Alfred for her distinguished service in the field of sports (track & field); and Spencer for her distinguished service in the field of sports (high jump).

Award Recipients’ Achievements

The 41-year-old Sammy is the current all-format head coach of the West Indies men’s team and is the only captain to have won the T20 World Cup twice, having lifted the title in 2012 and 2016.

He was also a member of the West Indies team that won the 2004 ICC Champions Trophy. Most recently, he guided the St Lucia Kings to their first-ever Caribbean Premier League title.

In 2017, Sammy was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to sports. For his part in bringing back international cricket to Pakistan, he received the highest civilian medal of Pakistan, Nishan-e-Pakistan, on March 23, 2020.

Sammy was also awarded honorary Pakistani citizenship by the President of Pakistan, Arif Alvi. In a brief social media message, Sammy said he was “humbled” to receive the award.

“…At this point, I would like to thank the Government of St Lucia for awarding me the St Lucia Cross. It is surreal, and it highlights my contribution to sports. “I am humbled yet honored to receive this award,” Sammy said.

Julien Alfred’s Achievements

The 23-year-old Alfred created history by winning St Lucia’s first-ever Olympic medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

She won gold in the women’s 100 meters and silver in the 200 meters in Paris and was the 2024 World Indoor 60m champion. In September 2024, the Parliament of St Lucia passed a Bill marking September 27 as Julien Alfred Day.

Levern Donaline Spencer’s Achievements

Meanwhile, the now-retired 40-year-old Spencer is regarded as the country’s best-ever high jumper. She is a four-time Olympian and has competed in eight World Championships.

Spencer was also a gold medalist at the Commonwealth Games and Pan-American Games.

Conclusion

St Lucia has recognized the outstanding achievements of its citizens, Daren Julius Garvey Sammy, Julien Alfred, and Levern Donaline Spencer, with the prestigious St Lucia Cross award. This honor is a testament to their dedication and excellence in their respective fields of sports.

FAQs

Q: What is the St Lucia Cross award?
A: The St Lucia Cross is the second-highest award in St Lucia, conferred on individuals for their distinguished service in various fields.

Q: Who were the recipients of the St Lucia Cross award?
A: Daren Julius Garvey Sammy, Julien Alfred, and Levern Donaline Spencer were the recipients of the St Lucia Cross award.

Q: What are their achievements?
A: Sammy is the current head coach of the West Indies men’s team, having won the T20 World Cup twice. Alfred won gold and silver medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, while Spencer is a four-time Olympian and has won several gold medals in high jump.