Saint Lucia is facing a mounting water crisis, with frequent planned and unplanned supply disruptions plaguing communities across the island. Utility officials are bracing for a severe dry spell predicted for 2026, which could be one of the worst in the past decade. The Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO) is intensifying efforts to mitigate the impact on residents through a series of infrastructure upgrades and conservation measures. WASCO CEO Zilta George-Leslie emphasized the urgency of water conservation during a recent press conference, citing preparations such as securing water trucks, clearing catchments, and exploring damming in Vanard. The company is also advancing long-term improvements, including a $2.1 million upgrade to the Patience water treatment plant, funded by the CARICOM Development Fund. This project, expected to be completed by late 2026, will transform the facility into a state-of-the-art system with a new intake, pumping station, and treatment plant. Meanwhile, aging pipelines and faulty treatment systems continue to burden residents, particularly in the north. WASCO is also tackling three major capital projects: reconstructing the Millet-Vanard pipeline, upgrading the Theobalds Treatment Plant, and replacing the Bonneterre-Gros Islet pipeline. These initiatives, supported by $4.2 million in concessional financing, aim to significantly improve water supply and reduce losses. Despite challenges in securing funding, WASCO remains committed to minimizing disruptions and ensuring residents receive adequate notice during planned outages. The company has also procured additional water trucks to assist during prolonged shortages. Tourism Minister Ernest Hilaire highlighted the strain on utilities from the growing home accommodation market, while political leaders from both major parties emphasized the need for comprehensive solutions, including desalination and pipeline upgrades.
作者： admin
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Courts lit up Bridgetown with 60th anniversary parade
The streets of Bridgetown came alive with vibrant energy on Saturday night as Courts celebrated its 60th anniversary with a spectacular Lighted Parade. Children’s eyes gleamed with excitement, and families braved the light drizzle to witness the dazzling procession. The event, a heartfelt gesture of gratitude from the brand to the public, transformed Broad Street into a canvas of light, color, and festive cheer. The night sky lit up with a stunning fireworks display, leaving onlookers in awe as they struggled to choose between the mesmerizing show above and the illuminated floats below. Each float told a unique story, with Barbadian culture taking center stage through the ‘I’m a Bajan’ float, where dancers in sailor-inspired costumes performed traditional Landship maneuvers. Disney-themed floats, including ‘The Little Mermaid’ and ‘Frozen,’ captivated the youngest spectators, who waved enthusiastically as their favorite characters passed by. The parade also embraced the Christmas spirit, with the ‘Star of Bethlehem’ float depicting the three wise men and angels. However, the loudest cheers erupted for the float featuring Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and their cheerful elves, embodying the magic of the holiday season. One attendee shared with Barbados TODAY, ‘This parade was a wonderful idea. It’s a perfect family outing and brings life back to Bridgetown. Unlike the Courts drive-in concert, this allows city residents, many of whom are Courts customers, to walk from home and enjoy the event.’ She added, ‘As a consumer, we truly appreciate it. It would be fantastic if the National Cultural Foundation hosted a concert in Bridgetown during December to attract more people and revitalize the city.’
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Eerste Triathlon ooit in Nickerie smaakt naar meer
Nickerie, a district in Suriname, marked a historic milestone on Sunday by hosting its inaugural Triathlon. The event, organized by Vincent Sloot, saw ten athletes from Paramaribo take on the challenging combination of swimming, cycling, and running. The competition commenced at 7:00 AM at the Nickerie Tennis Club (NTC), featuring a 750-meter swim, a 20-kilometer bike ride, and a 5-kilometer run. Sloot described the event as a ‘significant first step’ for sports in the district, expressing hopes that the Sprint Triathlon would become an annual fixture during the Srefidensi weekend. He believes it could evolve into a sports attraction that also boosts local hospitality and tourism. Despite limited public turnout, likely due to insufficient promotion, the event proceeded smoothly and competitively. Four women and six men participated, with Lycke Woittiez and Lesley Cairo emerging as the top finishers in the women’s and men’s categories, respectively. The results showcased the athletes’ dedication and the event’s potential to grow in the future.
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Uruguayan-Cuban Partnership at Ophthalmology Hospital in Montevideo
Cuba’s contributions to global ophthalmological care have reached remarkable milestones, with over 119,000 surgeries performed, more than 900,000 consultations conducted, and over 200,000 patients screened. Among these achievements, the oculoplastic service stands out, addressing both vision-related issues and cosmetic surgeries. Despite being a national reference center, the hospital has only one Cuban surgeon specializing in this field. Cuban and Uruguayan specialists have collaborated extensively, sharing expertise on topics such as visual health, technology, healthcare-associated infection prevention, age-related macular degeneration, and intraocular lens calculation. Dr. Adan Gonzalez, one of the more than 600 Uruguayan doctors who graduated from Cuba’s Latin American School of Medicine, emphasized the humanitarian nature of Cuba’s health cooperation. However, Antonio Pardo, the Charge d’Affaires of the Cuban embassy, denounced the US government’s attempts to undermine and discredit this cooperation. Pardo highlighted that Cuba’s ophthalmological brigade faces ongoing pressure from Washington in countries where it provides medical services.
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Cricket association launches girls’ initiative
In a landmark event at Mindoo Phillip Park, over 60 young female cricketers gathered for a transformative training session, marking the inaugural intake of the Cricket West Indies (CWI) and Saint Lucia National Cricket Association (SLNCA) Under-17 Grassroots Hub Festival. This initiative aims to expand the pool of female cricketers and inspire the next generation of talent. The session featured prominent cricketing figures, including West Indies senior allrounder Nerissa Crafton, Under-19 pacer Selena Ross, Windward Islands player Namiah Marcellin, and former West Indies fast bowler Philipa Thomas-Eudovic, who shared their expertise and motivated the aspiring athletes. Guided by coach Alton Crafton and supported by a team of current and former players, the young participants engaged in rigorous drills and eagerly sought inspiration from their role models. Roseline Preville, SLNCA’s third vice-president for women’s cricket, emphasized the program’s broader vision, stating, ‘We are looking to have competitions starting from the schools and integrating cricket into the curriculum.’ The initiative also plans to introduce a foundation cricket coaching course for physical education teachers, further embedding cricket into Saint Lucia’s educational framework. With the global rise of women’s cricket, this program seeks to create opportunities for young women to excel in the sport and potentially represent the West Indies on the international stage.
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OPINION: Why Antigua and Barbuda Risks Becoming a ‘Failed State’ if Partisanship Prevails
In a thought-provoking analysis, Yves Ephraim highlights the deep-rooted partisan politics in Antigua and Barbuda, which often overshadow the nation’s broader interests. Ephraim observes that party agendas frequently take precedence over national welfare, even when such priorities defy logic, morality, or common sense. He suggests that the colonial framework of independence was designed to perpetuate internal divisions, ensuring that the nation remains preoccupied with internal conflicts rather than challenging external hegemony. This strategy, he argues, has been alarmingly effective.
Reflecting on 44 years of political independence, Ephraim questions whether significant progress has been made in critical areas such as cost of living, education, infrastructure, and public services. He lists 13 pressing concerns that directly impact the well-being of ordinary citizens, emphasizing that meaningful improvement requires acknowledging past failures. However, he notes that successive administrations have been reluctant to admit policy shortcomings, leading to stagnation or regression.
Ephraim draws a striking comparison between independent nations like Antigua and Barbuda and remaining colonies, revealing that the latter often outperform the former in key economic metrics such as GDP per capita. He attributes this disparity to the inability of leaders to admit mistakes and adapt policies, often doubling down on ineffective strategies. This lack of accountability, he argues, has fostered a political culture where personal ambition trumps national interest.
He further critiques the political elite, pointing out the rise of millionaire politicians despite the nation’s struggles. Ephraim also condemns the ease with which politicians switch parties, viewing it as a betrayal of principles and a sign of power-driven opportunism. He calls for leaders who prioritize national welfare over personal gain, warning that the current trajectory threatens the very fabric of Antigua and Barbuda.
Ephraim’s analysis serves as a stark reminder of the need for humility, accountability, and a renewed focus on the collective good in governance. Without such changes, he fears that the nation’s future hangs in the balance.
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Digital ID card registration legal though laws not yet in effect – PM Phillips
Prime Minister Mark Phillips has confirmed that the registration of public servants for digital identification cards remains legal, despite the Digital Identity Card Act and the Data Protection Act not yet being enforced. Speaking to Demerara Waves Online News on Saturday, Phillips emphasized, ‘Everything that’s being done is legal.’ He acknowledged that the commencement orders for these laws, approved by the National Assembly and assented by President Irfaan Ali in August 2023, are pending issuance but assured that they would be implemented soon. ‘We’re going to do it very soon. There are a couple of things that we need to put in place,’ he stated. The Digital Identity Card Act mandates that the Digital Identity Card Registry be overseen by the Data Protection Commissioner, who holds exclusive authority to issue the cards. However, former House Speaker and Attorney-at-law Raphael Trotman noted that without a commencement order, the legislation remains inoperable. ‘If an Act explicitly states that a commencing order has to be issued, and it has not been, then it is inoperable,’ Trotman explained. He added that a subsequent commencement order could validate prior actions. Currently, President Irfaan Ali has already received his digital ID card, though the Data Protection Act remains inactive, leaving no office or commissioner to enforce data confidentiality laws. Several public service agencies, including the ministries of health and education, have instructed their staff to register for the cards when visited by officials from the Prime Minister’s office.
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Flow empowers students and uplifts families
Flow employees recently demonstrated their commitment to community service during the company’s annual Mission Week, dedicating their time and resources to support some of the island’s most vulnerable and underserved groups. This year’s initiative focused on digital inclusion and community engagement, with Flow partnering with Erdiston Special School, a public institution catering to children aged five to 12 with learning disabilities such as Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, and other developmental challenges.
As part of its efforts to bridge the digital divide, Flow donated 10 laptops and laptop sleeves to the school. The donation aims to enhance the school’s learning programs and provide students with practical tools to engage with digital resources. Toni Yarde, Senior Manager of Corporate Communications at Flow, emphasized the company’s dedication to digital inclusivity, stating, ‘Giving back is a core part of who we are at Flow. When we empower these children with the tools they need to learn, we are helping to change lives.’
Beyond the technological contribution, Flow volunteers spent an afternoon revitalizing the school environment. They painted the car park learning area, refreshed alphabet and number games, and interacted directly with students and teachers. This hands-on approach complemented the technology donation, creating a more interactive and accessible learning experience for the children.
Donna Holder, Principal of Erdiston Special School, expressed her gratitude, saying, ‘These devices and the refreshed learning spaces will make an immediate difference in how our students interact, grow, and experience success each day. Partnerships like this remind our children that they are seen, valued, and supported.’
Flow’s Mission Week also extended to addressing broader community needs. In collaboration with the Rotaract Club of Barbados, Flow organized the Cans of Care food drive to assist families facing food insecurity. Employees filled collection barrels and boxes at Flow’s corporate offices, demonstrating their commitment to supporting vulnerable households across the island. Christina Ruck, President of the Rotaract Club of Barbados, praised Flow’s contribution, stating, ‘Their team showed remarkable compassion and unity, helping us extend relief to families who need it most.’
Mission Week is an annual initiative through which Flow employees volunteer their time, expertise, and energy to support community programs focused on learning, environmental sustainability, access, and disaster relief.
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Suriname, Guyana in energy cooperation says outgoing Ambassador
Suriname and Guyana are deepening their collaboration across multiple sectors, particularly in energy, as highlighted by Suriname’s outgoing Ambassador to Guyana, Liselle Blankendal. Speaking at a reception marking Suriname’s 50th independence anniversary and 50 years of diplomatic relations with Guyana, Ambassador Blankendal emphasized the progress in joint efforts spanning oil and gas, renewable energy, and electricity interconnection. These initiatives aim to foster sustainable growth and resilience in both nations. The two countries are also exploring shared benefits from a natural gas field straddling their border, though differing production-sharing agreements remain a challenge. Looking ahead, Blankendal underscored the potential for leveraging natural and renewable resources to drive green innovation and inclusive prosperity. Beyond energy, bilateral trade has seen significant growth, and tourism cooperation has advanced with a memorandum of understanding signed in July 2025. This agreement paves the way for joint promotion, sustainable travel, and cultural exchanges, positioning Guyana and Suriname as a unique and unspoiled tourism destination. Guyana’s Prime Minister, Mark Phillips, praised the partnership as a model for regional integration, highlighting achievements in energy, infrastructure, trade, and security. As Blankendal concluded her diplomatic tenure, she expressed deep affection for Guyana, vowing to return and continue fostering ties. Her legacy includes co-founding the Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce and her long-standing commitment to Rotary initiatives.
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PM Outlines Eco-Tourism Cabins Planned for Christian Valley
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced an ambitious eco-tourism initiative for Christian Valley, Antigua, aimed at blending sustainable development with the preservation of the region’s natural beauty. The project, revealed during an episode of the Browne and Browne Show, will feature solar-powered cottages and an eco-lodge designed to minimize environmental impact. Browne emphasized the valley’s scenic allure, urging citizens to explore its lush greenery. The eco-lodge will comprise 30 to 40 off-grid cabins, offering approximately 80 rooms, and will include amenities such as a pool, restaurant, and other supporting facilities. The Prime Minister highlighted the project’s self-sustainability, with cabins powered by solar energy and equipped with independent water systems. Additionally, residents will have the opportunity to invest in individual cottage units, fostering community involvement. While no specific timeline for construction was provided, Browne confirmed that concept development is in progress, with officials collaborating with land-use planners to ensure the project aligns with environmental preservation goals.