Carib Scope

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  • PM Skerrit explains delay of Roseau Enhancement Project, anticipates construction start this year

    PM Skerrit explains delay of Roseau Enhancement Project, anticipates construction start this year

    After more than two years of waiting that has tested public and political anticipation, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica has formally confirmed that on-site physical construction for the transformative Roseau Enhancement Project will kick off before the end of 2026. Speaking to reporters at a recent press briefing, Skerrit laid out the current status of the long-awaited urban revitalization initiative, addressing the extended delays that have pushed back the project’s original timeline.

    Skerrit explained that administrative hurdles tied to the project’s funding structure have been the primary driver of the hold-up. Unlike domestically funded infrastructure projects where all decision-making authority rests with the Dominican government, every key step in the approval process requires sign-off from the Saudi funding body backing the initiative. He compared this approval mechanism to that of multilateral development lenders such as the World Bank and the Caribbean Development Bank, noting that the layered review process inherent to this model has inevitably slowed progress.

    The level of impatience around the project has even reached directly to the funding body, Skerrit revealed. The parliamentary representative for the Roseau constituency has grown so anxious over the delays that she reached out to Saudi officials directly to push for faster progress. In response, Saudi stakeholders gave formal assurances that they would prioritize moving the project through its remaining approval steps.

    To keep urban improvement work moving in the interim, Skerrit noted that the Dominican government will launch preliminary upgrades on city streets that are not covered by the Saudi funding package in the near term. These early works will focus on high-priority public upgrades including sidewalk repairs, drainage system improvements, and general aesthetic enhancements to bring immediate improvements to Roseau while the main project moves through its final administrative steps. The end goal of the full initiative remains unchanged: to reshape Roseau into a modern, visually appealing capital city that meets the needs of residents and visitors alike.

    Looking back at prior updates, Skerrit had cited the establishment of the project’s dedicated information management unit and final staffing decisions as the key hold-ups during an October 2025 press briefing. He confirmed that immediately after staffing was approved, the unit began full operations to advance the project.

    Currently, the project unit is in active negotiations with a private firm that will serve as the supervisory contractor for the construction phase. Once these negotiations are finalized, a formal recommendation will be submitted to the Saudi fund for the required “no objection” approval. As soon as that green light is received, the government will immediately launch the tender process for the main construction contracts.

    Skerrit added that based on current progress, the supervisory contract is on track to be awarded before the end of October 2026. All pre-tender documentation for the main construction phase has already been completed, meaning the invitation for construction bids can be released as soon as the final approval is secured from the fund.

    The project’s origins date back to November 2023, when the Dominican Parliament approved a $41 million loan from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to fully fund the large-scale urban enhancement initiative. The comprehensive project scope includes full revitalization of existing roadways and bridges, construction of new pedestrian-friendly walkways, and a full upgrade of the city’s public lighting infrastructure, all designed to transform Roseau into a contemporary, welcoming urban center.

  • Senator Jamilla Kirwan Announces Passing of Mother Lucy Daley

    Senator Jamilla Kirwan Announces Passing of Mother Lucy Daley

    United States Senator Jamilla Kirwan has shared the sad news that her mother, Lucy Daley, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Thursday night, just a short time after falling ill. In a heartfelt public tribute posted following the loss, Kirwan opened with a gentle reflection on her mother’s transition, noting that the beloved matriarch moved peacefully into her next journey after her brief period of sickness.

    Kirwan painted a vivid portrait of her mother as a deeply committed, selfless woman whose positive influence stretched not only across multiple generations of her own family, but throughout the entire local community that Lucy Daley called home. She expressed that no words could adequately capture the gratitude her family holds for the decades of care Daley poured into Kirwan herself and her children. Specifically, Kirwan highlighted her mother’s boundless love, quiet unyielding strength, countless uncelebrated sacrifices, and the steady, unwavering support she offered to every member of her family through every high and low.

    The senator went on to emphasize that Daley’s impact stretched far past the walls of her immediate household. Her warm, gentle and kind spirit left an indelible mark on dozens of other lives beyond her kin, shaping the community in small but meaningful ways that will be remembered for years to come.

    Even as Kirwan and her family navigate the sharp pain of their loss, they hold fast to the comforting belief that Daley’s journey continues on in eternal peace. Closing her tribute, the senator offered a final loving goodbye: “Rest now, beautiful, resilient soul. We will never stop loving you.”

    As of the announcement, no plans for public funeral services or memorial gatherings have been released to the public.

  • Governor General Hosts Reception for Candidates Selected for The King’s Foundation UK Building Crafts Programme

    Governor General Hosts Reception for Candidates Selected for The King’s Foundation UK Building Crafts Programme

    On a Thursday evening at Antigua and Barbuda’s Galley Bay Hotel, eight local candidates selected for The King’s Foundation’s prestigious UK-based Building Crafts Programme received formal honors at a special cocktail reception. The event was hosted by Antigua and Barbuda’s Governor General Sir Rodney Williams and Lady Williams, and organized in partnership with the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (ABCAS), with additional venue support provided by Galley Bay Hotel. The gathering served a dual purpose: to celebrate the candidates’ successful selection, and to mark a key milestone just weeks before their departure for the United Kingdom to begin their training.

    In his address to attendees, Governor General Sir Rodney Williams extended warm congratulations to the selected trainees, emphasizing that this opportunity carries profound national importance that extends far beyond individual career growth. “This programme represents far more than individual advancement,” he told the gathering. “It is an investment in the preservation of our heritage and the strengthening of our national capacity. As you acquire these specialised skills, you will be contributing directly to the safeguarding of our historic buildings, including Government House, and to the development of more resilient approaches to construction in Antigua and Barbuda.” The Governor General urged the candidates to pursue the intensive training with dedication and clear purpose, noting that the skills and professional connections they build will benefit not only current residents of the island nation, but also future generations.

    Founded by King Charles III in 1990, The King’s Foundation is a UK-based charity with a core mission of supporting inclusive, sustainable communities where people and the natural environment can thrive in balance. Each year, the organization provides educational and vocational training to close to 15,000 learners, runs health and wellness programmes that reach roughly 2,000 participants annually, and leads conservation, urban regeneration, and heritage planning projects across the UK and around the globe.

    Through the partnership between ABCAS and The King’s Foundation, the eight successful candidates will take part in a rigorous seven-week training course hosted across multiple of the foundation’s UK sites, including Scotland’s Dumfries House Estate, London’s School of Traditional Arts, and Highgrove Gardens in Gloucestershire. The curriculum is specifically tailored to build hands-on practical expertise in historic building conservation and repair, while also integrating modern training in climate-adapted, disaster-resilient construction methods that address Antigua and Barbuda’s unique environmental vulnerabilities.

    Trainees will gain direct, hands-on experience working with traditional building materials and techniques, learning from master craftspeople across specialized disciplines including carpentry, stone masonry, ironwork, roofing, plastering, technical drawing, and architecture. A core focus of the training is adapting these traditional skills to the specific needs of preserving Antigua and Barbuda’s own collection of historic built sites, equipping local practitioners to carry out high-quality conservation work independently after the programme concludes.

    The pre-departure reception at Galley Bay Hotel offered a moment for local stakeholders to formally recognize the candidates and offer encouragement as they prepared to begin their international training opportunity. The event also highlighted the Governor General and Lady Williams’ longstanding commitment to advancing initiatives that expand educational access, protect national heritage, and drive inclusive national development for Antigua and Barbuda. In closing remarks, the pair expressed sincere gratitude to ABCAS, The King’s Foundation, and the Galley Bay Hotel leadership and staff for their collaborative work and support that made both the training programme and the celebratory reception possible.

  • Destra’s ‘Reflections’ delivers powerful night of music, faith and emotion

    Destra’s ‘Reflections’ delivers powerful night of music, faith and emotion

    Curated by celebrated entertainer Destra Garcia, Reflections: Sound. Spirit. Surrender proved far more than a standard concert when it took over Queen’s Hall, delivering an immersive, emotionally resonant experience that left attendees feeling uplifted, connected and deeply inspired.

    The evening got off to an electrifying, unexpected start with a surprise opening appearance from legendary calypsonian David Rudder. His iconic performance of *High Mas* immediately set a reverent, powerful tone for the entire production, acting as a heartfelt opening blessing for the show. Garcia soon joined Rudder on stage, creating a poignant full-circle artistic moment that drew raw, emotional responses from the packed audience from the first shared note.

    Once Rudder’s opening set wrapped, Garcia launched into a thoughtfully crafted musical journey that laid bare her range as an artist. She opened her solo segment with *Free Again*, before transitioning into stripped-back, soul-stirring reimaginings of some of her most beloved fan-favorite tracks, including *Love Somebody* and *Fly*. Each performance unlocked a new layer of her artistry, balancing raw vulnerability, thoughtful reflection and quiet strength that held the crowd’s attention throughout.

    One of the most beloved highlights of the entire night came when Garcia invited her daughter Xaiya to share the stage for a tender, heartfelt duet of *The Prayer*. Xaiya opened the piece from the piano, gently establishing the intimate emotional tone before joining her mother in vocals. The raw, personal connection between the pair created an intimate moment that resonated deeply with every person in the venue.

    The production, under the creative direction of Zara Bartels and Isoke Edwards, also showcased a diverse roster of supporting talent that elevated the entire experience. Father-son steelpan duo Martin and De’jean Cain brought their signature rhythmic mastery to the stage, while joined choirs from Maria Regina Grade School and St. Joseph’s Convent Port of Spain injected vibrant, polished youthful energy into the production. Renowned gospel performer Nisa joined Garcia for a rousing, soulful duet of *Bridge Over Troubled Water*, before delivering a moving solo performance of her original work *Make Me Over*, deepening the evening’s focus on spiritual reflection.

    As the show built toward its climactic finale, Garcia delivered a commanding, powerful performance of Ella Andall’s *Bring Down the Power*, before transitioning into classic hymns including *A Little More Oil in My Lamp*. The closing segment was elevated by the addition of traditional belle dancers and African drummers, creating a rich, immersive fusion of culture and faith that brought the entire audience to their feet in a standing ovation.

    Beyond the on-stage performances, the full production, brought to life through Bridgette Wilson’s dynamic choreography and Atiba Borde’s thoughtful costuming, stood out for its seamless execution and immersive, intentional atmosphere, cementing Reflections’ identity as a transformative storytelling experience rather than just a concert.

    In her closing address to attendees, Garcia shared a vulnerable personal message: “If this sharing that I’m doing touches anyone, I’m truly grateful. None of us are perfect. Some days you’ll feel good, some days you won’t, but it’s all part of the journey. Sometimes what you’re looking for is right on the horizon, and the moment you give up, you miss it. If my testimony makes anyone feel something, then my work here is done.”

    This one-of-a-kind event was made possible through the generous support of lead sponsors Unit Trust Corporation, Digicel, HADCO, OCM Group, Brydens, Shandy Carib and Rent-a-Amp. Event organizers extended additional thanks to Queen’s Hall, Prestige Holdings (KFC & Blue Waters), Twigs Natural Teas, Kootis Couture, Denithy Photography, 1ndividual Aesthetic, Caribbean Cyber Stream, Vantage View Media, Xceptional Events Limited and every patron who attended the performance.

  • Blackmoore urges stronger action against illicit crime at national security roundtable

    Blackmoore urges stronger action against illicit crime at national security roundtable

    Against a backdrop of rising concern over illicit firearms trafficking and armed violence across the Caribbean, Dominica’s Minister for National Security Rayburn Blackmoore has issued a urgent call for a comprehensive, uncompromising anti-crime system to root out complicity in illegal weapons activity on the island.

    Blackmoore’s remarks came during the opening of a three-day Inter-Institutional Roundtable meeting, held from April 8 to 10, 2026. The high-level gathering was jointly convened by the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica through its Ministry of National Security and Legal Affairs, in partnership with two leading regional and global security bodies: the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC), and the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (CARICOM IMPACS).

    The summit brings together senior decision-makers from a cross-section of critical government agencies, including portfolios focused on national security, law enforcement, judicial affairs, foreign relations, gender equity, and performance monitoring. Its core mission is to amplify national action to counter the dual crises of unregulated illegal firearms and pervasive armed violence, aligning local efforts with a broader regional commitment to safety.

    As outlined in an official press statement from the Ministry of National Security, the roundtable discussions form part of Dominica’s ongoing contribution to advancing the Caribbean Firearms Roadmap, a landmark regional framework designed to crack down on illicit weapons trafficking, cut rates of violent crime, and strengthen public safety across all Caribbean nations.

    In his keynote address, Blackmoore drew attention to a little-discussed enabler of persistent gun trafficking: systemic complicity. He noted that illegal firearms trade can only thrive when facilitated by bad actors, pointing out that both private and public sector insiders often profit from criminal proceeds and aid wrongdoers in evading detection.

    To counter this, Blackmoore argued that any effective response must be robust and rigorous enough to identify complicit individuals and remove them from public and institutional life. He highlighted a unique challenge facing Dominica’s small, close-knit communities, where social ties often lead to quiet tolerance of criminal activity. “We live in a small society, homogeneous communities, where everybody knows each other and as a consequence, we harbor criminals,” Blackmoore said. “And if we are serious about the future of this country, all of us have that moral responsibility to do what we need to do to identify those who have made it their vocation to corrupt every institution in this country, including our young men, who have been used as mules to carry out the trade of worthless, no-face individuals.”

    Blackmoore called for an end to empty finger-pointing and political posturing, urging collective accountability for addressing the crisis. “And if we are serious about the future of this country, we have a responsibility to stop the pretence and to stop pointing fingers, because when you point your finger, the thumb is back in your face,” he added.

    Closing his address, Blackmoore stressed that confronting the illicit gun trade is a non-partisan issue that threatens the foundation of Dominican society. He urged all stakeholders to set aside political differences to tackle what he described as a fundamental threat to the country’s “civilization and civility.”

  • PAHO supports regional dialogue on equitable cancer care at ICCGIP 2026 in Grenada

    PAHO supports regional dialogue on equitable cancer care at ICCGIP 2026 in Grenada

    On March 20, 2026, the Caribbean nation of Grenada played host to a pivotal international gathering addressing one of the most pressing gaps in global public health: cancer care access for populations living in geographically isolated regions. The International Conference on Cancer in Geographically Isolated Populations (ICCGIP), convened this year under the core theme “Medical Travel for Cancer Care — Navigating Access, Quality, and Equity,” drew participation from dozens of regional and global health stakeholders, including the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), a leading public health body for the Americas region.

    The conference was structured to unpack the unique set of systemic, economic and social challenges that shape cancer outcomes in small island nations and remote, isolated communities, while also identifying untapped opportunities to expand care access through collaborative action. In opening remarks delivered on behalf of Dr Amalia Del Riego, PAHO/WHO Representative to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries, Dr Taraleen Malcolm, Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health Advisor at the PAHO/WHO Office for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, reaffirmed PAHO’s longstanding commitment to supporting its member states in expanding equitable access to every stage of cancer care, from prevention and early diagnosis through to ongoing treatment and survivorship support.

    During her address, Dr Malcolm centered the lived realities of cancer patients across the Caribbean, a region made up almost entirely of small island developing states. She explained that limited local specialized medical infrastructure and small national patient populations mean the majority of advanced cancer diagnoses require cross-border medical travel to access life-saving treatment. While this medical travel is often essential, Dr Malcolm emphasized that it imposes crippling financial, logistical, and emotional strain on patients and their families, barriers that widen already existing health inequities, particularly for low-income and otherwise vulnerable groups.

    To address these gaps, Dr Malcolm called for a coordinated, region-wide response rooted in a people-first care model. Key priorities she outlined include strengthening local early detection and patient referral systems within individual countries, streamlining coordination and quality assurance for care accessed outside national borders, and guaranteeing uninterrupted continuity of care when patients return to their home countries after receiving treatment abroad. She also stressed the urgent need for expanded cross-country collaboration, including shared service arrangements, expanded access to tele-oncology, and targeted investment in training and retaining a robust local health workforce — all steps that would gradually reduce regional reliance on overseas cancer care over time.

    Joining the conference proceedings virtually, Dr Frederique Dorleans, Advisor for Social and Environmental Determinants for Health Equity and Focal Point for the French Territories of the Americas at the PAHO/WHO Barbados and Eastern Caribbean office, highlighted existing diagnostic and treatment capacity in the French Caribbean territories of Martinique and Guadeloupe. She positioned these territories as valuable regional partners, with the existing expertise to support neighboring isolated communities in expanding access to high-quality cancer care. Dr Dorleans also outlined PAHO’s ongoing work to foster closer cross-Caribbean cooperation, including facilitating the exchange of evidence-based best practices, supporting cross-border knowledge sharing, and advancing more integrated regional models of cancer care delivery — all work aligned with PAHO’s broader mandate to advance equitable health outcomes and strengthen health system resilience across the entire Americas region.

    In closing comments, Dr Del Riego noted that convenings like ICCGIP fill a critical gap in global health governance, providing a dedicated platform for small island states to share lived experiences and co-develop collaborative, people-centered approaches to cancer care that keep equity and quality at the forefront, even in resource-limited small island developing contexts.

    The conference concluded as a key milestone for regional public health, offering a valuable space to align policy frameworks, on-the-ground practice, and cross-sector partnerships to address the unique barriers to cancer care in geographically isolated small island developing states. PAHO’s participation in the event reinforced the organization’s ongoing commitment to working with national governments and global partners to ensure geographic location does not predetermine cancer outcomes, and that all people, regardless of where they live, can access timely, high-quality, and equitable cancer care.

  • Acting Venezuelan president ends “successful” visit to Grenada

    Acting Venezuelan president ends “successful” visit to Grenada

    On 9 April, Venezuela’s interim leader Delcy Rodríguez wrapped up a short official visit to the Caribbean nation of Grenada, a trip timed to align with the 49th year of formal diplomatic relations between the two states. This visit marked Rodríguez’s first international official engagement since she assumed the role of acting president in early January 2026, following a United States military incursion into Venezuela that removed and detained long-time sitting president Nicolas Maduro.

    Rodríguez, who previously served as Venezuela’s executive vice president, was sworn into office on 5 January, just two days after US forces took Maduro into custody. Since taking power, she has publicly committed to guiding Venezuela toward domestic stability while signaling a potential shift in the country’s long-strained relations with Washington. She has already complied with US pressure by cutting off oil shipments to Cuba and ordering Cuban professionals based in Caracas to leave the country.

    According to an official statement released by the Venezuelan government during the visit, Rodríguez’s itinerary included a formal courtesy meeting with Grenada’s Governor-General Dame Cécile Ellen Fleurette La Grenade, followed by in-depth working talks with Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell and his full cabinet. Officials noted that a joint communique would be published following the conclusion of the cabinet-level discussions, though no document has been released to date.

    The trip comes against a backdrop of growing geopolitical tension across the Caribbean, where US President Donald Trump has ramped up pressure on regional governments over a range of issues, most notably their long-standing diplomatic and economic ties to Cuba. For Grenada specifically, the visit follows a recent high-stakes standoff with Washington over a US request to deploy a military radar system at Grenada’s Maurice Bishop International Airport. Grenada has so far refused to approve the request, citing unresolved technical questions, public safety risks, and concerns that the installation would violate regional sovereignty principles. The rejection came after thousands of Grenadian residents held peaceful public demonstrations urging their government to turn down the US proposal.

    Speaking to reporters after the closed working talks, Prime Minister Mitchell emphasized that he was honored that Rodríguez chose Grenada as the destination for her first international trip since taking office. “Our discussions this afternoon focus exclusively on strengthening the bilateral cooperation between Grenada and Venezuela,” Mitchell stated. He added that talks covered a broad cross-section of mutually beneficial areas, including energy, agriculture, education, trade, tourism, transport, and logistics infrastructure. Moving forward, Mitchell said both nations will establish dedicated working groups from each side to advance concrete action on the agreed priorities, noting that “we are quite happy with the outcome of this working meeting, and we look forward to actioning and implementing those areas for the benefit of the Venezuelan and the people of Grenada.” Mitchell also clarified that media questions following the meeting would be limited strictly to topics related to bilateral cooperation, with no off-agenda issues permitted.

    In her brief public remarks, Rodríguez echoed Mitchell’s positive assessment of the visit, saying she was deeply honored to be received in Grenada as her first international stop. “The history of Grenada is a true example to the peoples of the Caribbean and Latin America that, overcoming all difficulties, persevered in their self-determination and sovereignty,” she said. Rodríguez added that the talks allowed the two sides to update a bilateral cooperation roadmap first established last year during Maduro’s presidency, with new commitments to expand people-to-people and sectoral partnerships.

    Key initiatives agreed to during the visit include expanded educational exchange programs: the arrangement will allow Grenadian students to pursue studies in Venezuela, while enabling reciprocal teacher exchanges between the two nations. The sides also discussed progress on developing new maritime and air transport links, which Rodríguez said will support expanded bilateral trade and create new trade corridors that can include other Caribbean nations. Talks also covered shared experiences in communal food production systems, as well as ongoing negotiations over the two countries’ shared maritime borders.

    In a closing statement, the Venezuelan government reiterated that the visit successfully advanced core goals: reinforcing long-standing diplomatic ties, identifying new areas of shared economic interest, and nurturing bilateral partnerships designed to drive inclusive development for both nations.

  • Carnival queen delegates meet sponsors

    Carnival queen delegates meet sponsors

    For over seven decades, the National Carnival Queen Pageant has stood as one of the most iconic and widely anticipated annual cultural events on Saint Lucia’s calendar, drawing passionate engagement from audiences both on the island and across the global diaspora. Today, decades after its launch, the event continues to evolve, retaining its beloved core traditions while expanding its mission to empower young women beyond the standards of traditional pageantry.

    This March, following a series of competitive auditions hosted at the National Cultural Centre, event organizers officially revealed the nine young women selected to compete for the 2026 National Carnival Queen title. This week, the contestants gathered at The Landings Resort for the annual formal sashing ceremony, a key pre-coronation milestone where each candidate was officially introduced to their sponsoring organizations ahead of the July final.

    Trevor King, chairman of the National Carnival Pageant Committee, framed the decades-old event as a defining reflection of Saint Lucian national identity and cultural pride. “For over seven decades, the National Carnival Queen Pageant has served as a symbol of elegance, excellence and empowerment,” King explained during the ceremony. “It has provided a national platform where young ladies of intelligence, confidence and purpose represent their communities, share their voices and contribute meaningfully to the cultural fabric of our nation.”

    King emphasized that the pageant has never been solely focused on outward beauty or glamour, instead centering leadership ability, personal character, and the capacity to inspire positive change across the island. To support contestants’ growth ahead of coronation night, all candidates will complete structured training in public speaking, media relations, and communications, alongside targeted mentorship and cultural immersion programs. For the 2026 competition, organizers have added two brand-new initiatives: the Queens for Change community advocacy program and the Queen Leadership Academy, expanding the pageant’s focus on leadership development.

    Prior to the formal sashing, each contestant selected their competition number, which they will carry through all pre-pageant events and the final coronation night. The nine 2026 contestants, paired with their official sponsors, are: Nayley Lewis (Contestant No. 1, sponsored by Bank of Saint Lucia), Simone Sonson (Contestant No. 2, sponsored by Diamond Girl), Sydney James (Contestant No. 3, sponsored by 1st National Bank), Eudoxia Poleon (Contestant No. 4, sponsored by Duty Free Pointe Seraphine), Shernette Rameau (Contestant No. 5, sponsored by Republic Onboard), Darlene Francis (Contestant No. 6, sponsored by Export Saint Lucia), Faith Edward (Contestant No. 7, sponsored by Saint Lucia Tourism Authority), Adel Montoute (Contestant No. 8, sponsored by WMB Event & Rentals), and Derelle Dubois (Contestant No. 9, sponsored by Caribbean Galaxy Real Estate).

    Tamara Gibson, chairperson of the Carnival Planning & Management Committee, told contestants that the formal sashing marks the official start of their pageant journey. “It will be intense, demanding and at times overwhelming but also incredibly rewarding and transformative,” Gibson shared, addressing both the in-person audience at the resort and online followers tuning in via social media. “We are committed to guiding our delegates every step of the way and we are excited to take all of you along for this ride as they embrace this new experience and step into their full potential.”

    Gibson added that the 2026 iteration of the pageant is being intentionally repositioned as a flagship platform for leadership advocacy and cultural development within the broader Saint Lucia Carnival celebration.

    Dr. Ernest Hilaire, Saint Lucia’s Minister of Culture and the Creative Industry, opened the ceremony by thanking the event’s corporate sponsors, noting that the pageant and the broader annual carnival celebration would not be possible without private sector support. He also commended the pageant committee and CPMC leadership for their ongoing work to deliver successful, culturally meaningful events, sharing that he is eagerly anticipating this year’s competition.

    The 2026 National Carnival Queen coronation is scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 4, at The Pavilion on Rodney Bay. This year, every competing delegate will receive a cash prize for their participation, while the overall winner will take home a full academic scholarship to Monroe University and an additional cash prize of EC$25,000. The current titleholder is Emerle Tisson, who represented Bank of Saint Lucia during her reign.

    Audiences around the world have been following the contestants’ journey closely via social media and public community engagements, building anticipation for the July coronation as one of the biggest cultural events of Saint Lucia’s 2026 carnival season.

  • Richland Park SDA student smashes record

    Richland Park SDA student smashes record

    A young Jamaican student-athlete has carved his name into the history books of his elementary school, delivering a stunning performance that broke a long-standing record at one of the region’s most anticipated primary school athletic competitions.

    Mateo Bailey, a student at Richland Park Seventh-day Adventist Primary School, achieved the landmark feat during the annual Inter-Primary School Athletic Championship, hosted on March 25. Competing in the Boys’ 4-6 age group 80-metre dash, Bailey crossed the finish line with a blistering official time of 13.06 seconds, beating the previous record that had stood for years and securing his place as the new championship record holder.

    Officials confirmed that this result puts the rising young sprinter among the fastest competitors in his age division across all participating schools, marking one of the most impressive showings in this year’s event.

    What makes Bailey’s accomplishment all the more notable is the context of his school’s relatively short history in the competition. Though Richland Park SDA Primary has an 80-year institutional legacy, this year marked only the third time the school has sent a team to compete at the Inter-Primary Championship. Despite being relative newcomers to the elite event, the school has built a steady track record of improving performance and athletic excellence in just a few short years of participation.

    Leaders and faculty at Richland Park have celebrated Bailey’s win, emphasizing that the milestone is as much a product of the young athlete’s relentless discipline and natural talent as it is a reflection of the school’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded students. School leaders note that Bailey’s success has already inspired his fellow classmates, proving that dedication to consistent training pays off at the highest levels of youth competition.

    In an official press release announcing the record, the school community framed the win as a testament to the power of faith and hard work. “This is a proud moment for our entire school community,” the statement read. “Mateo’s achievement shows what is possible with God and hard work. We look forward to many more successes in the years ahead.”

  • 4 swimmers represent SVG at CARIFTA Games

    4 swimmers represent SVG at CARIFTA Games

    The 39th edition of the CARIFTA Aquatics Championships kicked off in Martinique from April 3 to 8, bringing together more than 400 elite young swimmers from 24 Caribbean nations and territories to compete for regional glory. Among the competing delegations, four young male swimmers represented St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), turning in a series of standout results that extended the country’s impressive medal streak at the event.

    The quartet was split across two age divisions: Kione Deshong and Caghry Williams competed in the 13–14 age bracket, competing in their first year of eligibility in this group, while Hazen Dabriel and Matthew Ballah entered the 15–17 age division.

    Deshong, 13, made history for SVG as the first male swimmer to earn medals in his debut year of the 13–14 age group. He claimed a silver medal in the 200-meter breaststroke and a bronze in the 100-meter breaststroke, and also shattered the SVG national age-group record in the 50-meter freestyle, cementing his status as one of the country’s most promising rising swimming talents.

    Williams, Deshong’s teammate in the 13–14 division, put in an equally impressive performance by qualifying for the final rounds of both the 50-meter and 100-meter breaststroke events, finishing sixth in both competitions. He also hit five new personal best times across the 200-meter breaststroke, 50-meter butterfly, 50-meter breaststroke, and 100-meter backstroke, showing steady improvement in his young career.

    In the older 15–17 division, Dabriel matched his younger teammates’ success by advancing to the 200-meter backstroke final, where he finished eighth overall. Beyond his final placement, he delivered a record-breaking performance: he set five new personal best times, broke two national open records in the 200-meter backstroke and 200-meter individual medley, and also took down three national age-group records for the 15–17 division in the 200-meter freestyle, 200-meter backstroke, and 200-meter individual medley.

    Rounding out the SVG delegation, Matthew Ballah competed in his final year of CARIFTA eligibility, wrapping up a remarkable run that included five consecutive appearances at the regional championships for SVG. He hit two new personal best times in the 50-meter butterfly and 200-meter backstroke to cap off his CARIFTA career on a high note.

    Leading the four-person team was head coach Tamarah St. Hillaire, who guided the swimmers through the week of competition. In an official press release following the event, the SVG Swimming Federation highlighted the delegation’s historic achievement, noting that SVG swimmers have now secured medals at 14 consecutive CARIFTA Aquatics Championships. The federation reaffirmed its long-term commitment to nurturing the growth of local athletes and coaches, saying it will continue investing in resources to support future success for SVG swimming at the regional and international levels.