分类： society

The Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) has announced a comprehensive emergency simulation exercise scheduled for November 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, at the George F L Charles Airport in Vigie. This initiative is a critical component of SLASPA’s commitment to maintaining safety standards as mandated by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). During the exercise, flight operations will be temporarily suspended to ensure the simulation’s effectiveness. Residents and travelers may observe heightened activity around the airport, which is directly related to the drill and should not raise alarm. Additionally, traffic flow along Nelson Mandela Drive, the primary access route to the airport, will experience temporary restrictions. Motorists are advised to adhere to instructions from the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force Traffic Department to facilitate orderly movement during this period.

Across Saint Lucia and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), musicians are achieving international acclaim, yet many are still deprived of a crucial income source: royalties. While the Caribbean music industry contributed an estimated $104 million to the global $29.6 billion revenue in 2024, a significant portion of this value eludes local creators. This figure excludes royalties owed to composers from broadcasters, festivals, and other music users in the region, many of whom fail to compensate for the music they utilize, thereby violating copyright laws and depriving composers, songwriters, and producers of their rightful earnings. The Eastern Caribbean Collective Organisation for Music Rights (ECCO), responsible for collecting and distributing royalties, faces persistent challenges in ensuring compliance. CEO Martin James highlights that out of Saint Lucia’s 24 radio stations, only five are licensed, while in Grenada, Dominica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Antigua, not a single station adheres to licensing requirements. James emphasizes that obtaining licenses for music use is essential, even when performers are paid separately, as the composer or songwriter may not be the performer. ECCO, through reciprocal agreements with global collective management organizations (CMOs), also collects royalties for international artists played in the OECS, from Burning Flames to BTS. However, local artists must register and properly credit their works to benefit. Unclaimed royalties for unregistered artists are held in escrow for three years before being redistributed elsewhere. James attributes the issue to both legal and cultural factors, advocating for increased local content on airwaves to retain more royalties within the region. ECCO, a non-profit based in Saint Lucia, distributes royalties annually, with 44% of its $1.4 million payout in 2025 going to its members. Despite these efforts, James acknowledges that the battle for fair compensation continues, with ECCO focusing on moral persuasion and government collaboration to address systemic challenges.

The long-awaited redevelopment of St Jude Hospital in Saint Lucia appears to be nearing its final stages, according to government officials and contractors. However, uncertainty remains regarding the timeline for full completion and operational readiness, leaving residents in the southern region of the island in suspense. The project, which has spanned nearly two decades, has been marred by political disputes, delays, and significant financial investments. The original hospital, a cornerstone of healthcare in the south since its establishment in the 1960s by Mother Irma and the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother, was tragically destroyed by a fire in 2009. Since then, medical services have been temporarily relocated to the George Odlum Stadium, placing immense strain on healthcare professionals and patients alike. The reconstruction efforts have been a contentious issue between the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) and the United Workers Party (UWP), with both parties initiating separate projects. The SLP, under Prime Minister Philip J Pierre, pledged to complete the hospital at its original site during their tenure, while the UWP had previously proposed an alternative structure referred to as ‘the box.’ The financial toll of the project is staggering, with reported costs exceeding EC$400 million, including a EC$201 million loan from the government of Saudi Arabia. In October 2025, Prime Minister Pierre announced that the physical infrastructure would be ready by year-end, though the hospital’s commissioning as a fully functional facility remains pending. Contractors have reported the project as 98.5% complete, emphasizing ongoing improvements. The new facility is set to include a dialysis center, nursery, offices, and other essential amenities. Despite progress, questions linger about the government’s ability to deliver on its promises, particularly as the upcoming election cycle intensifies scrutiny. Critics, including UWP candidate Benson Emilie, have expressed disappointment, accusing the SLP of failing to meet its commitments. In contrast, the SLP defends its achievements, highlighting the challenges inherited from previous administrations and reaffirming its dedication to delivering the hospital. As the project approaches completion, its impact on the political landscape and the future of healthcare in Saint Lucia remains a focal point of national discourse.