The Government of Saint Lucia has appointed Mrs. Claudia Edward-Ladner as its newest Goodwill Ambassador.

A talented musician, Claudia Edward is a household name in Saint Lucia and the Caribbean. She is popular in Asia where she does her annual jazz circuit; and has been the headlining act at the Jazz and Creole Festivals in Dominica and the UK. She has also performed in the USA and Europe.

As an actress, Claudia has held major roles in plays like that of Nobel Laureate Sir Derek Walcott’s, and has also starred in a Canadian (Lifetime TV) and a Caribbean film. She is one of Saint Lucia’s most accomplished performers and remains one of the few musicians who perform internationally.

Despite her hectic schedule, Claudia also finds time to give back to her community. In 2010 she founded a charity-based organization called “Edward4Education.” The foundation launched on Nov. 22, with the aim to provide the capital needed to facilitate effective teaching and learning in schools. With the endorsement of the Ministry of Education in Saint Lucia, Edward4Education undertakes a yearly project to improve working and studying environments for teachers and students.

Projects undertaken by the Edward4Education Foundation include the construction of a sick bay for the Corinth Secondary School, the hosting of Shakespeare workshop sessions, equipping a Special Education Room for the Ave Maria Primary, and the construction of a Theatre Arts Room for the Ciceron Secondary School.

As a newly appointed Goodwill Ambassador, Mrs. Edward-Ladner plans to continue activities and projects geared toward the benefit of Saint Lucian youth.

“This appointment will open more doors for me to continue the work that I have been doing,” Mrs. Ladner said. “In addition, it will be a pleasure working with the other Goodwill Ambassadors on future projects.”