Caribbean cricket is set to take a landmark step toward gender equity with the launch of a groundbreaking initiative that could expand the Limacol Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) to a fifth franchise based in Saint Lucia by 2028. The project, spearheaded by the newly announced SHE CAN women’s cricket trust fund, is the brainchild of veteran Saint Lucian entrepreneur and business strategist Tarjia Julien, who designed the initiative to address longstanding gaps in professional support for female cricketers across the Caribbean.
For decades, top female cricket talent across the region has faced an all-too-common barrier: when major tournaments like the WCPL end, competitive opportunities dry up, forcing many skilled players to walk away from the sport entirely rather than building sustainable long-term careers. To solve this problem, the 12-to-24-month SHE CAN initiative will introduce year-round contracts for regional female cricketers, creating a continuous development pipeline that supports athletes between tournaments and nurtures talent from the grassroots level up.
The trust has already secured initial seed funding from a diverse group of backers, including existing investors from the men’s Caribbean cricket circuit, a community-focused Fan Pool Fund, and two high-profile current West Indies Women cricketers, Deandra Dottin and Karishma Ramharack. Beyond just adding a new franchise to the WCPL, Julien’s vision for SHE CAN extends far beyond the boundary rope, framing the initiative as a catalyst for broader social and economic change across the Caribbean.
In an exclusive conversation with St. Lucia Times, Julien explained that the project is built on more than just growing the sport – it aims to create a full ecosystem that moves promising young female athletes from raw talent to professional opportunity, and from public visibility to leadership roles across sectors. “For decades, women’s cricket in the Caribbean produced exceptional talent, but the professional structures needed to support that talent were limited,” Julien noted. “The emergence of the Women’s Caribbean Premier League has demonstrated that women’s cricket can attract audiences, inspire communities, and become a powerful vehicle for social and economic transformation. SHE CAN is important because it seeks to strengthen and build the ecosystem around the player and the fans.”
The initiative aligns with a growing regional movement centered on placing women at the forefront of Caribbean development, working to break down the interconnected financial, educational, and social barriers that have held back female athlete development for generations. SHE CAN is structured as a collaborative movement, bringing together fans, players, corporate entities, educational institutions, community groups, and regional governing bodies to build a holistic support network that nurtures talent off the pitch as well as on it.
Julien emphasized that the initiative’s success depends on collective action from across the region, calling on a wide range of stakeholders to contribute in ways that match their capacity. “There is a role for everyone,” she said. “Corporate partners can provide sponsorships, professional development opportunities, and support. Governments and institutions can support policy initiatives, facilities, and youth development programmes. Community organisations can help identify and nurture emerging talent. Mentors and professionals can volunteer their expertise to guide young women. Supporters and fans can attend matches, share stories, advocate for women’s cricket, and contribute to the movement. The true power of SHE CAN lies in collective action.”
The formal launch of SHE CAN, including the official establishment of the trust and its independent governance framework, is scheduled for January 27, 2027. Fan participation is open to all, with entry-level membership starting at just $25. The first 500 founding public supporters will receive special recognition at the WCPL Final following the launch.