The St. Lucia Association of St. Croix now goes under various names. The original name of the organization was the St. Lucia Action Circle (SAC). Whether it is called the St. Lucia Action Circle (SAC), the St. Lucia Association of St. Croix (SAC) or The St. Lucia Creole Dancers, it is one and the same organization.
The St. Lucia Action Circle, b/d/a St. Lucia Association of St. Croix is now forty-five (45) years old this year. The organization was the brainchild of a few forward-thinking individuals who saw the need to unite the St. Lucian nationals living in St. Croix, USVI. The core founding members were Norman Jn. Baptiste, Francois Dominique, Julia Dominique, Alfred Julian (deceased), George St. Rose, Christiana St. Rose, Patricia Murray, Frederica Leonce and Luther Renee. The members first met in the summer of 1979, and drew up a constitution and by-laws. The organization had as its focus: the social, economic, cultural, and educational advancement as its member and to act as unofficial ambassadors of the Government of St. Lucia.
The organization elected Francois Dominique as its first President. Very soon after its formation, the organization was tested in an unusual manner, when Hurricane Allen devastated St. Lucia in the summer of 1980. The organization rose to the occasion and organized relief efforts for the people of St. Lucia. The St. Croix community came to the aid of the people of St. Lucia. The success of this effort galvanized the organization into prominence.
The organization throughout its life has been deeply involved in civic and cultural activities on the island of St. Croix, helping in clean-up efforts on St. Croix beaches, feeding the homeless, visiting the sick and shut in. After Hurricane Hugo in 1989, the organization as a group took on the task of erecting tarps on the roofs of several homes damaged by the storm.
In 1989, the organization took the decision to incorporate, in a big way, cultural activities. In that year we introduced the St. Lucian quadrille into activities. Persons versed in the dance tutored the various dances to both members and nonmembers. That was a major success. Membership grew and the name “The St. Lucia Creole Dancers” was born. The St. Lucia Creole Dancers became a hit in the Community. The dancers performed at The Crucian Festival Village, the annual Agricultural and Food Fair. Based on the popularity of the performances, the group was invited to perform at Governor Schneider’s Inauguration Ball. The group has danced at Government House, featured prominently at the Virgin Islands/ Caribbean Friendship festivities, and also performed in St. Thomas, Canada, and St. Lucia. It became a policy to visit and dance at the Herbert Grigg Home every Christmas season, to bring some holiday cheer to the residents, and on several occasions danced at the Whim Gardens Homes.
In 1989, when Hurricane Hugo hit St. Croix, the group was instrumental in having the government of St. Lucia ship trailer loads of goods to St. Croix. The contents of the trailers were distributed to the community suffering from the devastation of Hurricane Hugo. A St. Lucia government official visited St. Croix to evaluate the extent of the damage and to offer support. SAC has been successful in having Governor General Dame Pearlette Louisy, Prime Ministers: John Compton, Kenney Anthony, foreign ministers: George Odlum, Sarah Flood-Beaubrun, Alva Baptiste, and many other officials have visited St. Croix.
The organization made a pledge to celebrate every anniversary of St. Lucia’s independence, the International Creole Day (Jounen Kweyol), and the “La Rose” festival. It is a testament to the organization’s resilience and purpose that it has existed for forty-five (45).