Researcher Challenges Colonial Narratives on Saint Lucia’s Economic History

Government of Saint Lucia · Aug 5, 2026 · 1m

Saint Lucian researcher Louise Mathurin-Serieux is calling for a reassessment of the country's economic history, arguing that colonial narratives have often placed responsibility for agricultural setbacks on local farmers. Speaking at the annual Emancipation Day lecture, she cited the decline of the banana industry as an example, saying archival evidence points to decisions by colonial governments and foreign companies as major factors. She also highlighted how external market decisions affected Saint Lucia’s export industries and influenced economic and land policies over the years.