Biography
Hon. Alva Baptiste is currently serving his third consecutive term as Parliamentary Representative for Laborie/Augier, having been first elected on 11 December 2006.. As a young man, Alva immersed himself in Laborie community and national level activities and in 1994 was named Laborie’s “Most Outstanding Youth.” He rose to further prominence in the NYC Annual Debating Competitions and was an eloquent voice calling for Government recognition of the Council. His advocacy, in this regard, concluded in 1997 when the new Labour government recognized the NYC as Saint Lucia’s legitimate Youth voice and a National Youth Policy was subsequently adopted after consultation with young people.
Having entered politics at a tender age, speaking on SLP platforms on issues confronting Saint Lucia and young people, Alva soon became Youth Officer of the Saint Lucia Labour Party and founding President of the SLP Youth Organisation. Alva’s leadership extended to serving as President of the Saint Lucia Air Traffic Controllers Association (SLATCA) and, as a Shop Steward, was an active member of the Civil Service Association (CSA) which recognized him for his excellence in promoting the objectives of the trade union.
Hon. Baptiste’s professional training includes: International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) courses in Approach and Aerodrome Control and Certificate in Meteorological Observation at Transport Canada Training Institute (TCTI) (via scholarship from CIDA), as well as certification in other areas from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); US Department of Homeland Security; and the Trinidad & Tobago Aviation Security Training Centre. Alva graduated Summa Cum Laude from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in the US in 2000, with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Aviation Business Administration and Minor in Psychology. He obtained his Master of Science (MSc) degree in Air Transport Management, from Cranfield University in the UK; attained as a British Chevening Scholar.
Alva’s professional experience includes: Air Traffic Control Officer; Assistant Airport Manager; Acting Airport Manager; Civil Aviation Officer; Ministry for External Affairs, International Trade and Civil Aviation, and Member of Parliament for the Laborie/Augier constituency. Following the SLP’s victory in the 2011 general elections, he was appointed Minister of for External Affairs, International Trade and Civil Aviation. In Government and Opposition, Alva has steadfastly and unstintingly advanced the human development, infrastructural and other needs of the Laborie / Augier Constituency. As Minister, he also distinguished himself as a shrewd and effective negotiator; attracting tens of millions of dollars to support Saint Lucia’s development.
Alva provided leadership regionally and internationally, serving as President of the Council of Ministers of the African, Caribbean & Pacific (ACP) Group of States; Chairman of CARICOM Council on Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR); Chairman of OECS Council of Foreign Ministers, as well as Chairman of CARICOM Council on Trade and Economic Development (COTED).
Alva is presently pursuing a multidimensional diplomacy model for small states, to create an improved framework for our development needs. The model targets new sources of assistance to effect the economic transition of Saint Lucia – especially in this era of COVID-19 induced crises – and explores new possibilities for political, economic and strategic relationships and alignments with other nations, including non-traditional partners; creating opportunities for the SLP government to increase spending on development priorities in the Laborie/Augier constituency.