The New York City Marathon, one of the world’s premier running events, continues to draw athletes from across the globe, including a growing contingent from Saint Lucia. Among them is Ava Fevrier, a 41-year-old social work supervisor and mother, who has emerged as a trailblazer for her nation. Fevrier, who set a Saint Lucian national record earlier this year, is now on the verge of earning the prestigious Six Star Medal, awarded to runners who complete all six World Marathon Majors. Alongside her compatriot Che Odlum-de Vivenot, Fevrier is inspiring a new generation of Saint Lucian athletes.
博客
-
SMA Class of 1974/75 reunion committee extends heartfelt thanks to alumni and sponsors
Roseau, Dominica — The St. Mary’s Academy (SMA) Class of 1974/75 Reunion Organizing Committee has expressed heartfelt gratitude to alumni, sponsors, and partners for their unwavering support, which made the SMA 50th Anniversary Reunion Celebration a resounding success. Held from October 11 to 19, 2025, the event brought together generations of SMA alumni from Dominica and the diaspora for a week of reflection, reconnection, and shared purpose. The celebration featured a series of meticulously planned events, including the Night of Reflection, an Educational Forum, and the unforgettable SMA Old Boys’ Concert, all of which were met with widespread enthusiasm and pride. The Committee extended special thanks to alumni, corporate sponsors, performers, volunteers, and media partners for their contributions. Proceeds from the reunion will fund the restoration of the Egbert Germain Wing at SMA, ensuring future students benefit from the institution’s legacy of excellence. The Committee also pledged to continue fostering initiatives that strengthen both SMA and the broader Dominican community.
-
Taptoe valt in de smaak: spektakel en discipline bij 50 jaar Srefidensi
The Taptoe event held on Saturday evening at the André Kamperveenstadion was met with overwhelming enthusiasm from the audience. The demonstrations by special military units were particularly impressive, showcasing tactics for clearing hostile territories and neutralizing the fictional terrorist Pata-Alata, who was portrayed as invincible due to ‘special protection.’ The event also emphasized discipline within the ranks, with a scene depicting the arrest of a soldier who had violently robbed his ex-girlfriend of a necklace he had previously gifted her. The Taptoe is part of the celebrations marking 50 years of Srefidensi on November 25. The stadium was filled to capacity, with attendees arriving hours before the start. A military armored vehicle was stationed at the main entrance, and non-operational heavy weapons were displayed along the walkways, attracting eager photographers. The military band provided a musical backdrop, blending traditional marches with popular tunes, much to the audience’s delight. First Lieutenant Giovanni van Kust, the event’s spokesperson, expressed satisfaction with the turnout and positive reception. The event was opened and closed by Defense Minister Uraiqit Ramsaran, who energized the crowd with chants of ‘Morale, high! Sranan na loktu fu alla!’
-
International coaches back Ackeem Auguste for big things
At just 22 years old, Ackeem Auguste, a promising left-handed batsman from Saint Lucia, is making waves in international cricket. Despite having only a few senior international matches under his belt, Auguste has already showcased his potential with an impressive T20 International average of 41. He made his T20I debut in September against Nepal, a series the West Indies unfortunately lost. However, he quickly bounced back, scoring his first fifty in One Day Internationals against Bangladesh. Although the West Indies lost the ODI series, they dominated the T20I contests, sweeping all three matches. Auguste, an alumnus of St. Mary’s College, is the fourth West Indies men’s player from Saint Lucia and the 104th to represent the team in T20s. Reflecting on his journey, Auguste expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to transition from Under-19 to senior cricket, calling it an honor to represent the West Indies. His childhood dream of playing for the West Indies has now become a reality, and he is determined to make a lasting impact. Auguste’s rise has not gone unnoticed. Former West Indies Under-19 captain and current West Indies Academy coach Ramesh Subasinghe praised his relentless work ethic and mindset, predicting a bright future for the young cricketer. Similarly, Toby Radford, former director of the West Indies High Performance Centre, commended Auguste’s coachability and technical improvements, attributing his success to a combination of talent and hard work. Auguste’s recent confirmation to join the MI Emirates for the 2025 DP World ILT20 further underscores his growing reputation in the cricketing world. As he prepares to take on new challenges, Auguste remains focused on honing his skills and achieving greatness on the international stage.
-
Shots fired in Corozal
A shooting incident occurred earlier today near Xin Hui’s store on the main highway in Santa Rita, Corozal. According to police reports, shots were fired at a red pickup truck, leaving visible bullet holes in the passenger-side window. Authorities confirmed that at least three rounds were discharged during the altercation. Scenes of Crime officers swiftly arrived at the location, cordoning off the area to meticulously process evidence and gather details. Fortunately, initial reports indicate that no injuries were sustained in the incident. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the event. Local residents have expressed concern over the incident, urging law enforcement to enhance security measures in the area.
-
Too old for a new style of campaigning?
The recent NDP rally was a vivid display of both hope and discord, as the party successfully galvanized the youth—a long-elusive demographic—while exposing a stark generational divide among its leadership. The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm, a testament to the growing momentum for change. However, the celebration was abruptly dampened when senior party members, often referred to as the ‘old grumpy men,’ took the stage and attempted to stifle the vibrant energy. Their admonishment of young supporters for expressing their joy with party-provided horns was seen as both embarrassing and insulting. The situation worsened when the Central Kingstown candidate threatened to leave the stage if the crowd did not quiet down, ultimately turning his back and walking off. This act cast a shadow over the event, leaving many questioning his commitment to the movement. Rallies are meant to unify and inspire, not to enforce rigid decorum. True leadership was demonstrated by Dr. Friday, who embraced the supporters’ enthusiasm and encouraged their participation, proving his growth and connection with the people. In contrast, the actions of Mr. Leacock, Mr. Cummings, and Bramble raised concerns about their ability to lead in a new era of politics. The incident has left many wondering if this was a deliberate attempt to undermine the leader’s rapport with the youth. As the 2025 elections approach, the question remains: how will these leaders treat their supporters if they gain power? The youth are watching, and their response will be decisive.
-
Krachtige tornado verwoest Braziliaanse stad, zes doden en honderden gewonden
A catastrophic tornado with wind speeds reaching 250 km/h tore through the southern Brazilian state of Paraná on November 8, 2025, leaving a trail of destruction and despair. The city of Rio Bonito do Iguaçu, home to 14,000 residents, bore the brunt of the storm, with approximately 90% of its structures obliterated in less than a minute. The disaster claimed at least six lives, injured 750 people, and left one individual missing. Aerial images reveal a landscape of shattered buildings and debris, while nearby agricultural lands remained largely untouched. Fernando Schunig, head of Paraná’s Civil Protection Agency, likened the scene to a ‘war zone,’ emphasizing the lethal impact of such events on urban areas. Residents like Gilberto Brecailo and Marileia Chagas shared harrowing accounts of losing livelihoods and narrowly escaping death. The tragedy struck as Brazil prepared to host the UN Climate Conference COP30 in Belem, reigniting discussions on climate change’s role in intensifying extreme weather events. Experts warn that rising temperatures and humidity could increase atmospheric instability, fueling more frequent and severe tornadoes. In response, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva expressed solidarity with victims, while government officials mobilized emergency aid, including food, hygiene products, and shelter materials. Governor Carlos Massa Ratinho Jr. declared three days of mourning as search and rescue operations continued.
-
The UWI Five Islands Campus to Celebrate World Quality Week 2025
The University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus in Antigua and Barbuda is set to mark World Quality Week from November 10 to 14, 2025, aligning with the global theme ‘Quality: Think Differently.’ This annual event, spearheaded by the Chartered Quality Institute, emphasizes the importance of quality management across various sectors, including education, healthcare, and manufacturing. The Five Islands Campus will host a series of engaging activities designed to foster a culture of continuous improvement and quality assurance within the university community.
Key events include the digital launch of the ‘What Does Quality Mean to You?’ campaign, a Quality Forum titled ‘Thinking Differently at Five Islands,’ daily Quality Pop-Ups, and a Quality Circle featuring a commitment wall. These initiatives aim to encourage students, faculty, and staff to reflect on the significance of quality in education and beyond.
Campus Principal Prof. C. Justin Robinson highlighted the importance of robust quality management systems in preparing students for the challenges of the 21st century. ‘In an era dominated by AI and rapid technological advancements, it is crucial that we maintain the high standards UWI is known for while ensuring our teaching, learning, and research address the unique challenges faced by Small Island Developing States like Antigua and Barbuda,’ he stated.
Established in 2019, the UWI Five Islands Campus is a cornerstone of Caribbean higher education, offering over 40 degree programs across four schools: Humanities and Education, Business and Management, Health and Behavioural Sciences, and Science, Computing, and Artificial Intelligence. The campus also houses the Centre of Excellence for Oceanography and the Blue Economy (COBE), underscoring its commitment to marine science research and sustainable economic development.
World Quality Week serves as a platform for UWI to reaffirm its dedication to continuous improvement and quality assurance, engaging the university community in meaningful initiatives that enhance the educational experience and address global challenges.
-
Advocacy group targets workplaces amid diabetes surge
Saint Lucia is grappling with a growing diabetes epidemic, with health officials sounding the alarm on the urgent need for national awareness and preventive measures. Dr. Kedhma Dorh, President of the Saint Lucia Diabetes and Hypertension Association (SLDHA), highlighted the severity of the issue, citing data from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) that reveals 11.4% of Saint Lucian adults now live with diabetes—a significant increase from 8.4% in 2011. Dr. Dorh emphasized the rising prevalence of risk factors, particularly childhood obesity, as a major contributor to the surge in cases. The 2020 national STEPS survey further underscored the crisis, showing that 15-16% of adults have elevated blood sugar levels, indicating pre-diabetes or undiagnosed diabetes. As World Diabetes Day 2025 approaches, the SLDHA is intensifying its efforts under the global theme ‘Diabetes and Well-Being,’ with a local focus on ‘Diabetes and the Workplace.’ The association is urging employers and employees to prioritize health and wellness, recognizing the critical role workplace habits play in prevention and management. Type 2 diabetes, driven by poor diet, physical inactivity, and obesity, remains the most common form. Dr. Dorh stressed the importance of early detection and regular screening, noting that many cases go undiagnosed until complications arise. To address access gaps in rural areas, the SLDHA has launched mobile and workplace screening initiatives. The association is also advocating for stronger nutrition policies, including front-of-package warning labels on processed foods. Key preventive measures include maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, and adopting balanced diets. The SLDHA is organizing the Diabetes Awareness 5K Walk-Run on November 16, encouraging corporate participation to promote workplace wellness. Dr. Dorh reiterated that a healthy workforce is essential for national productivity, urging Saint Lucians to take proactive steps toward better health.
-
Vreedzaam eist onderzoek naar gronduitgifte in inheemse gebieden
Jennifer Vreedzaam, a member of Suriname’s National Assembly (NDP), has formally requested the Attorney General and the Minister of Agriculture to investigate the contentious allocation of over 113,000 hectares of land in the Wayambo region. Vreedzaam alleges potential legal violations and the infringement of indigenous rights in the communities of Cornelis Kondre and Donderkamp. The land, allocated to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries (LVV) for agricultural purposes on November 16, 2022, spans 27,925 hectares. Vreedzaam argues that the allocation process may have bypassed legal procedures, particularly those safeguarding the rights of indigenous communities as outlined in the 1982 Decree on State Land Allocation. She highlights the presence of visible communities, agricultural activities, and hunting grounds on the allocated land, raising concerns about the lack of prior consultation or consent from local residents. The case draws parallels to a 2015 ruling by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, which condemned Suriname for human rights violations in the Kaliña and Lokono case. Vreedzaam also points to the inclusion of the protected Coroniezwamp area in the allocation, further complicating the issue. She calls for accountability, emphasizing the need for transparency and adherence to legal frameworks, including the 2017 Anti-Corruption Law. The letter underscores the importance of protecting indigenous rights and ensuring proper governance in land allocation processes.