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  • Edward’s explosive 93 powers Babonneau into PM T20 final

    Edward’s explosive 93 powers Babonneau into PM T20 final

    In a spectacular display of power hitting, Babonneau secured their place in the Prime Minister’s T20 Cup final with an emphatic eight-wicket victory over defending champions Central Castries during Wednesday’s semifinal clash at Mindoo Philip Park.

    The highly anticipated rematch of last year’s championship decider began with Central Castries winning the toss and opting to bat first. However, their innings never gained momentum as Babonneau’s bowling unit delivered a disciplined performance. Spin twins Johnnel Eugene (3-16) and Larry Edward (2-23) orchestrated a stranglehold on the scoring rate, supported effectively by pace duo Sanjay Hayle and Sacchin Cepal. Central Castries struggled throughout their allocation, managing only 137-7 with Stephen Naitram’s 39-run contribution standing as the lone resistance.

    What followed was an extraordinary exhibition of aggressive batting that transformed what many anticipated as a tight contest into a one-sided demolition. Opening batsman Dane Edward unleashed a breathtaking assault on the Central Castries bowling attack, registering a half-century in under 20 deliveries during the powerplay overs. His blistering knock of 93 runs from just 32 deliveries included a barrage of boundaries and massive sixes, single-handedly accounting for 65% of his team’s required total.

    The match concluded in spectacular fashion when Babonneau sealed victory in just nine overs, the winning runs coming via a thunderous six that symbolized their dominance throughout the contest. The comprehensive nature of this victory stood in stark contrast to last year’s final between these same teams, which had been decided in the final over.

    With parliamentary representative John Paul Estephane among the spectators, Babonneau now advances to face Choiseul in Saturday’s championship final at the same venue, seeking to claim the prestigious T20 title.

  • Loyal Sandals guests share why they keep coming back

    Loyal Sandals guests share why they keep coming back

    While Saint Lucia maintains its global reputation as a premier tropical paradise, for countless repeat visitors this Caribbean nation has evolved beyond mere holiday destination into a second home. The remarkable story of one Canadian couple exemplifies this profound connection, demonstrating how seasonal tourism can blossom into meaningful cross-cultural relationships and sustained community philanthropy.

    For over twenty years, the Dorans from Canada have established an annual pilgrimage to Sandals Grande Saint Lucian, transforming what began as a conventional vacation into a deeply personal commitment to the island and its people. Their journey commenced in 1997 during Saint Lucia’s tourism infancy, with a stay at Sandals Halcyon that planted seeds of affection that would fully blossom upon their return in 2002.

    The exceptional hospitality extended by resort staff ignited the couple’s curiosity about local communities beyond the resort boundaries. As genuine friendships developed with team members who shared stories of their lives and families, the Dorans felt compelled to reciprocate the kindness they’d received. This evolving relationship sparked what would become a sustained philanthropic mission focused on educational support.

    Their initiatives have transported substantial quantities of school supplies to students across geographical spans from Castries to Roblot Combined School in the island’s southern region. The couple’s retirement in 2012 enabled extended seasonal residencies, stretching from brief winter escapes to prolonged stays of 12-18 weeks annually.

    Even the global COVID-19 pandemic that suspended international travel only temporarily interrupted their tradition. The Dorans promptly returned when restrictions lifted, eager to reconnect with the community they had grown to cherish. Their loyalty is quantified by over 1,000 nights spent with Sandals properties throughout the Caribbean, yet they maintain that Saint Lucia provides uniquely fulfilling experiences unmatched by other winter destinations.

    Between exploratory island excursions, the couple treasures the tranquility and security of their Sandals environment, savoring tropical climates and marine surroundings while appreciating the familiar care from staff who have become extended family. This profound satisfaction has inspired them to introduce relatives to their beloved sanctuary, sharing the euphoric escape from harsh Canadian winters while simultaneously contributing to Saint Lucian community development.

  • Pierre welcomes UNICEF regional director on first official visit

    Pierre welcomes UNICEF regional director on first official visit

    In a significant demonstration of governmental commitment to youth development, Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre hosted UNICEF Regional Director Roberto Benes for his inaugural official visit to the Caribbean nation on Wednesday. The high-level meeting marked a pivotal moment in bilateral cooperation focused on child welfare initiatives.

    During the extensive discussions, Prime Minister Pierre articulated a comprehensive framework for advancing early childhood development programs across the island nation. The strategic priorities encompass implementing universal free preschool education, modernizing educational infrastructure, enhancing nutritional standards in educational institutions, and revolutionizing the national curriculum through standardization and technological integration.

    These ambitious initiatives represent an expansion of existing governmental programs launched during the previous term. Notable achievements include substantial financial subventions to privately operated preschools, with allocations rising from EC$2,500 in 2024 to EC$3,000 in 2025. Additionally, the government has implemented direct financial support systems for families, increasing preschool fee assistance from EC$50 to EC$100 monthly. The partnership has also secured significant international funding, including a EC$1.35 million contribution from Taiwan specifically earmarked for early childhood education development.

    Prime Minister Pierre emphasized Saint Lucia’s emerging leadership role in advocating for increased investment in early childhood development, highlighting the demonstrated long-term advantages for national economic growth and social cohesion. The discussions also addressed critical environmental concerns, with particular focus on climate change’s disproportionate impact on children within Small Island Developing States.

    The Prime Minister formally endorsed UNICEF’s operational framework for the region, acknowledging the organization’s ongoing technical expertise and collaborative partnership in developing child-centered policies. Mr. Benes reciprocated by applauding the Saint Lucian government’s visionary leadership and strategic alignment with international standards in child protection and development.

    This diplomatic engagement establishes a strengthened collaborative framework between the Saint Lucian government and UNICEF, creating synergistic pathways to ensure all children can realize their potential within secure, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environments.

  • Skerrit announces measures to cushion Dominica from economic impact of Middle East conflict

    Skerrit announces measures to cushion Dominica from economic impact of Middle East conflict

    In response to escalating global tensions emanating from the Middle East, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has announced a comprehensive economic stabilization package designed to protect Dominica’s citizens and economy. The strategic measures come as the world grapples with a multi-front conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States that intensified dramatically on February 28, 2026, following coordinated strikes that resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader and subsequent retaliatory attacks.

    During a Wednesday press conference, Skerrit outlined a three-pronged approach focusing on immediate household relief, energy cost management, and economic continuity. The government will implement temporary reductions in duties and taxes for essential goods while bolstering support for vulnerable populations through enhanced social protection programs.

    Addressing energy security concerns, the Prime Minister revealed coordinated efforts with Dominica Electricity Services to mitigate the impact of rising global fuel prices on electricity tariffs. He specifically highlighted the timely development of geothermal energy as a strategic advantage in achieving long-term energy stability.

    The administration’s third priority centers on preserving employment and economic activity through strengthened collaboration with tourism, agricultural, and private sector stakeholders. Simultaneously, the government is implementing fiscal management measures that prioritize critical services while deferring discretionary expenditures.

    Skerrit emphasized the crisis underscores the urgent need to reduce dependency on imported fuel and food. The government will accelerate investments in renewable energy infrastructure and expand support for local agricultural production to enhance national self-sufficiency.

    These initiatives form part of a broader resilience strategy beyond immediate crisis response. The Prime Minister called for national unity and calm, acknowledging public anxiety while expressing confidence in the nation’s ability to weather economic challenges stemming from international conflicts.

  • UWI Five Islands Campus to Present Annual Report at Council Meeting Today

    UWI Five Islands Campus to Present Annual Report at Council Meeting Today

    The University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus is poised to host its significant annual council gathering this Thursday, featuring a comprehensive review of institutional performance and future directions. The proceedings will commence at 10 a.m. Eastern Caribbean Time, with real-time broadcasting available for global viewership.

    Under the leadership of Council Chairman Sir Aziz Hadeed, the event will highlight the formal presentation of the campus’s 2024/2025 annual report by Principal Professor C. Justin Robinson. The document, bearing the thematic title ‘Building Beyond Borders: Expanding Our Regional Reach,’ will provide detailed insights into operational developments, fiscal management outcomes, and strategic initiatives undertaken throughout the academic year.

    The report is anticipated to showcase a compilation of the institution’s most notable accomplishments, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence and regional development. Subsequent to the principal’s address, Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles will contribute formal observations, followed by an interactive question-and-answer session open to public participation.

    UWItv’s digital platform will facilitate live streaming services, enabling widespread accessibility for international stakeholders and members of the Caribbean community interested in the university’s progressive trajectory and educational contributions.

  • Guyana protests Suriname charging Guyanese to use Corentyne River

    Guyana protests Suriname charging Guyanese to use Corentyne River

    Guyana has officially lodged a diplomatic protest against Suriname’s controversial decision to impose fees for usage of the shared Corentyne River, President Irfaan Ali announced Thursday. The Guyanese government characterized the move as a “troubling development” that primarily affects Guyanese timber and quarry operators who rely on the bordering waterway for commercial activities.

    In a statement published on his official Facebook page, President Ali revealed that his administration has formally communicated its objections to Surinamese authorities and is currently awaiting their response. The President emphasized that Suriname’s unilateral action carries significant implications for established economic activities and long-standing bilateral arrangements between the two South American nations.

    Ali expressed hope that Suriname would reconsider the fees in the interest of preserving bilateral trade relations, fostering private sector development, and maintaining principles of good neighborly relations. He cautioned that such measures risk creating unnecessary commercial barriers and could undermine business confidence that depends on predictable operating conditions.

    The Guyanese leader reminded Suriname that Surinamese businesses have historically enjoyed non-discriminatory access to economic opportunities within Guyana’s borders. “This openness has been a cornerstone of our engagement. Reciprocity remains a fundamental principle underpinning our relationship,” President Ali stated.

    The protest was raised in the spirit of diplomatic dialogue and mutual respect, with Guyana emphasizing the importance of preserving cooperative relations between the neighboring countries. President Ali called for urgent attention to the matter, expecting Surinamese authorities to “reconsider and ultimately desist from any actions that may be perceived as arbitrary or detrimental to the shared objective of deepening cooperation.”

  • Dominica Suspends Processing of Citizenship Applications from Iranian Nationals

    Dominica Suspends Processing of Citizenship Applications from Iranian Nationals

    The Commonwealth of Dominica has implemented a significant policy shift regarding its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, announcing the immediate suspension of application processing for all Iranian nationals. An official memorandum dated March 23, 2026, and circulated to authorized agents, mandates that the new directive became effective on March 24, 2026.

    The policy, issued by the island nation’s Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU), establishes a stringent set of exceptions. Applications from individuals of Iranian origin will now only be processed under exceptional circumstances. These conditions require that the applicant must not have been a resident of Iran for a minimum of ten years. Furthermore, they must demonstrate they hold no substantial financial assets or business interests within the country and have not engaged in any commercial activities involving Iran.

    The memorandum was formally signed by Gregory McDougall, the CBIU’s acting director, who instructed all authorized agents overseeing the program to adhere to the new guidelines without exception. This move represents a tightening of the nation’s due diligence protocols and reflects a cautious approach toward international economic and political relations. The decision underscores a growing trend among nations with CBI programs to enhance vetting procedures and mitigate potential geopolitical risks.

  • Suriname benadrukt sterkere samenwerking regio en Afrika

    Suriname benadrukt sterkere samenwerking regio en Afrika

    At a landmark summit in Colombia, Suriname has emerged as a vocal advocate for strengthening multilateral cooperation between Latin America, the Caribbean, and African nations. The special assembly of heads of state and government from the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and Africa served as a platform for developing nations to articulate a unified vision for South-South collaboration.

    Foreign Minister Melvin Bouva emphasized that the gathering reflected a shared commitment to multilateralism and solidarity amid global uncertainties. “During an era marked by geopolitical tensions, climate challenges, and economic instability, our partnership possesses the transformative potential to foster cooperation, development, and worldwide stability,” Bouva stated, highlighting the historical ties and collective potential between the regions.

    Suriname positioned the enhancement of CELAC-Africa relations as not merely desirable but fundamentally essential. The meeting produced calls for deepened political dialogue and institutional cooperation through regular consultations at all governance levels. Key focus areas included strengthening trade agreements, stimulating investments, and boosting collaborative efforts in tourism, agriculture, and technological advancement.

    Additionally, Suriname advocated for joint initiatives to reform the international legal order, including restructuring the UN Security Council to better reflect contemporary realities and the interests of developing nations. This diplomatic push confirms Suriname’s dedication to fostering closer integration between CELAC and Africa, with clear objectives toward sustainable development and a more equitable global architecture, according to official reports.

  • Antigua and Barbuda to Mark Alma Mater Day on March 27

    Antigua and Barbuda to Mark Alma Mater Day on March 27

    The Ministry of Education of Antigua and Barbuda has officially proclaimed Friday, March 27, 2026, as Alma Mater Day, initiating a nationwide call for citizens to participate in commemorating their educational foundations. This distinctive observance, operating under the thematic banner “Reflecting with Pride,” encourages alumni across the nation to demonstrate their enduring school spirit through wearing institutional uniforms, displaying school crests, or adorning themselves in their alma mater’s colors.

    Educational authorities emphasize that this initiative provides a structured platform for graduates to acknowledge the fundamental role their educational institutions played in shaping their professional trajectories and personal development. The celebration simultaneously aims to create inspirational connections between successful alumni and current students, fostering intergenerational dialogue about educational achievement.

    This commemorative day represents a strategic component within the government’s broader educational campaign designed to reinforce community-institutional bonds and elevate public appreciation for academic investment. By facilitating tangible expressions of institutional pride, the ministry seeks to strengthen the cultural significance of educational establishments throughout Antigua and Barbuda, ultimately promoting sustained engagement between schools and their surrounding communities.

  • Antigua Welcomes 6 Ships and More Than 10,000 Cruise Passengers in Busy Port Day

    Antigua Welcomes 6 Ships and More Than 10,000 Cruise Passengers in Busy Port Day

    The twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda experienced a significant economic uplift as a fleet of cruise vessels simultaneously docked at multiple ports, delivering an unprecedented surge of over 10,000 passengers and crew members to its shores in a single day. This maritime convergence created a vibrant atmosphere across the islands, with local enterprises and tourism-focused businesses reporting substantially increased commercial activity.

    According to official data released by Antigua Cruise Port, the primary harbor in St. John’s accommodated four large cruise ships at full capacity. Meanwhile, the island’s broader port infrastructure successfully managed a total of six vessel calls throughout the day. Adding to this maritime spectacle, two luxury cruise liners were stationed at Falmouth Harbour, catering to premium travelers and further amplifying the day’s visitor statistics.

    Tourism authorities emphasized that this continuous stream of maritime arrivals has become a crucial economic driver for the nation. The sustained cruise traffic pattern underscores the sector’s vital role within Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism-dependent economic framework, providing consistent revenue streams for local merchants, tour operators, and hospitality services. Industry analysts note that such substantial simultaneous arrivals demonstrate both the islands’ growing popularity as a Caribbean destination and their enhanced port capabilities to manage complex logistical operations.