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  • Zeph Joseph cross country off to a sound start

    Zeph Joseph cross country off to a sound start

    In a landmark development for Caribbean athletics, the inaugural Zepherinus Joseph Cross-Country Meet commenced on November 22 at Dames Recreation Park in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia. The historic event featured participation from three secondary schools and 38 athletes, marking a significant advancement in the nation’s distance running program.

    Micoud Secondary School (MSS) emerged victorious in the boys’ division, while Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School (LHCSS) claimed top honors in the girls’ competition. The event’s namesake organizer, Zepherinus Joseph—a national marathon record holder and 2002 Olympian—expressed profound satisfaction with the successful realization of his long-envisioned project.

    The boys’ competition witnessed an impressive performance by Michael Eliotte of MSS, who completed the course in 15:33, establishing a commanding 30-second lead over his closest competitors. Shaquan Xavier (16:01) and Trale Constantine (16:12), both representing LHCSS, secured second and third positions respectively. Micoud Secondary ultimately accumulated 28 points to claim the team title.

    Under favorable sunny conditions, the girls’ division saw Akiaha Weekes and Jayula Sayers lead LHCSS to a 32-point victory across the 4.6-kilometer terrain. Weekes finished with a time of 20:11 (13th overall), followed closely by Sayers at 20:32 (15th overall). Febe Thomas of Micoud recorded 21:44, earning third place among female participants.

    Joseph, who previously excelled in cross-country at Central Arizona College and University of North Florida, emphasized the sport’s crucial role in developing athletic prowess. “Cross-country builds fundamental strength and stamina that benefits athletes across all disciplines, particularly track and field,” he explained.

    The Olympian revealed his broader vision: “My objective is to cultivate Saint Lucia’s long-distance program and nurture future Olympic competitors. Having been the nation’s sole long-distance representative at the Olympics, I aspire to provide others with similar opportunities—potentially even Olympic medalists.”

    Despite the successful debut, Joseph acknowledged logistical challenges that limited participation to secondary schools. “I’m disappointed we couldn’t include primary school athletes initially, but they will definitely participate next year,” he committed. The organizer also noted scheduling conflicts with examinations affected broader school participation, prompting plans to move the 2026 event to late September or early October.

    The event garnered support from Verneta Lesporis, Curriculum Officer for Physical Education at the Ministry of Education and herself an Olympian and national record holder in the 400m. She hailed the meet as “groundbreaking” for Saint Lucian athletics, noting: “For years we’ve discussed the absence of cross-country events for our distance runners. This initiative exposes athletes to international competitive standards and creates scholarship opportunities.”

    Lesporis emphasized the global relevance of cross-country, stating: “It’s 2025—cross-country is a major worldwide event. Our students deserve exposure to this competitive platform beyond traditional track and road events.”

    Joseph extended gratitude to sponsors and volunteers whose support made the inaugural event possible, while expressing optimism about expanding the competition into a premier annual event on Saint Lucia’s sports calendar.

  • Menzo stapt per direct op: Suriname zonder bondscoach richting cruciale WK-play-offs

    Menzo stapt per direct op: Suriname zonder bondscoach richting cruciale WK-play-offs

    In a surprising development that has sent shockwaves through Caribbean football, Stanley Menzo has abruptly stepped down as head coach of Suriname’s national team just three months before critical World Cup qualifying playoffs. The Surinamese Football Association (SVB) confirmed his immediate departure following an evaluation of recent international matches and consultations with general manager Brian Tevreden.

    The timing presents a significant challenge for Suriname’s national team, known as Natio, which faces the most important matches in its modern football history this March. These playoffs represent Suriname’s opportunity to potentially secure its first-ever World Cup qualification.

    In a personal statement, Menzo described his decision as difficult but deliberate: ‘After thorough evaluation and consultation with Brian Tevreden, I have decided to resign from my position. In March, Natio faces an extremely important international period. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together, but this is the right moment for me to step back.’

    Menzo’s tenure marked one of the most successful periods in Surinamese football history. Under his leadership, Natio achieved remarkable milestones including reaching the quarterfinals of the 2024 Concacaf Nations League, qualifying for the Concacaf Gold Cup finals, executing a strong World Cup qualifying campaign throughout 2024, and securing a place in the March 2025 World Cup playoffs.

    The SVB acknowledged Menzo’s exceptional contributions, stating: ‘Menzo has achieved outstanding results and elevated the national men’s selection to a higher level. We respect his decision and thank him for his dedication and professional commitment.’

    The sudden departure creates a leadership vacuum at a critical juncture when intensive preparation is essential. The football association has promised to initiate a careful transition process and inform the public about next steps promptly. With approximately three months until the decisive matches, the SVB faces mounting pressure to quickly appoint a new head coach capable of guiding the team through the final qualifying phase.

  • Dominica Falls to Jamaica in Tough CONCACAF W Qualifier

    Dominica Falls to Jamaica in Tough CONCACAF W Qualifier

    In a display of overwhelming offensive firepower, Jamaica’s national women’s football team commenced their 2025–2026 CONCACAF Women’s Championship qualifying campaign with a resounding 18–0 victory over Dominica on Saturday. The match, held at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in Gros Islet, St. Lucia, saw the Reggae Girlz establish their dominance from the opening whistle against the Sisserou Girls.

    The Jamaican squad, building on their impressive performance from the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, demonstrated superior technical skill, tactical coordination, and finishing ability throughout the contest. The lopsided scoreline underscores the growing competitive disparity within the CONCACAF region as established programs continue to develop at an accelerated pace.

    For Dominica’s Senior Women’s National Team, the match presented formidable challenges against one of the region’s strongest sides. Despite the difficult outcome, participation in high-level competition provides valuable experience for developing football programs. The qualifier serves as preliminary competition for both the 2024 Women’s Gold Cup and the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, highlighting the long-term development pathway for CONCACAF nations.

    The result positions Jamaica favorably in Group C as they pursue qualification for upcoming international tournaments, while Dominica will look to regroup and identify areas for improvement throughout the remainder of their qualifying campaign.

  • PM Browne: Global Crises Pushing World Toward “Implosion”

    PM Browne: Global Crises Pushing World Toward “Implosion”

    At the Medays 2025 Forum in Morocco, Antiguan Prime Minister Gaston Browne delivered a dire assessment of the global condition, declaring the world is perilously close to catastrophic failure. He characterized the current era as one of extreme volatility in modern history, fueled by a convergence of multiple systemic threats.

    The head of government for Antigua and Barbuda detailed a multifaceted crisis driven by escalating geopolitical conflicts, severe climate-related disasters, widespread food insecurity, rapid digital disruption, unsustainable national debt levels, and the persistent socioeconomic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. Browne emphasized that for small island nations, these are not abstract concerns but concrete obstacles that severely limit their capacity for strategic planning, economic investment, and citizen protection.

    Browne issued an urgent call for enhanced multilateral collaboration, asserting that no single nation possesses the resources to withstand these compounding cycles of instability independently. Alongside his warnings, the Prime Minister highlighted significant legal advancements for vulnerable states, particularly referencing Antigua and Barbuda’s leadership role in the Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law (COSIS).

    He pointed to a landmark advisory opinion secured by COSIS that establishes a critical legal precedent: nations causing marine environmental damage through greenhouse gas emissions are in breach of their international legal obligations. This opinion, Browne noted, substantially strengthens the legal standing of all countries whose populations and economies face existential threats from climate change.

    The Caribbean leader delivered a severe condemnation of major polluters, accusing wealthy nations of profiting from fossil fuel industries while developing states endure the devastating consequences. Browne cautioned that continued failure to reduce emissions would ultimately “imperil human civilization” and implored major emitting countries to implement immediate, decisive measures to preserve the possibility of limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

  • OPINION: The case for campaign finance legislation

    OPINION: The case for campaign finance legislation

    Across the Caribbean archipelago, a critical democratic deficit persists as nations grapple with the unregulated flow of money in political campaigns. While election seasons regularly spark public questioning about the origins of political funding—particularly evident in the lavish importation of regional artists and expensive campaign materials—these concerns typically evaporate once polling concludes. This cyclical pattern has created an environment where potentially problematic donations face tacit acceptance, with some politicians even encouraging voters to accept campaign money while rejecting the donors at the ballot box.

    The core concept of campaign finance legislation revolves around mandatory disclosure of contributions and expenditures, designed to prevent undue influence on electoral outcomes. Such regulations aim to create equitable conditions for opposition parties that must compete against governing parties wielding both private donations and largely unrestricted access to state resources. Caribbean scholars note the particularly thin distinction between legitimate governance activities and electioneering, especially in systems without fixed election dates where sitting governments can time initiatives for maximum electoral impact.

    This regulatory gray zone was starkly illustrated during Guyana’s recent elections, where the European Union Election Observer Mission documented the incumbent’s exploitation of state resources through project inaugurations and social programs strategically timed with campaign activities. The problem extends beyond domestic concerns, with scholars like Cynthia Barrow-Giles documenting allegations of foreign governments funneling millions into Caribbean campaigns to advance strategic interests.

    While Jamaica stands as a regional exception with comprehensive regulations including donation limits, disclosure requirements, and meaningful sanctions for violations, most Caribbean nations exhibit weak enforcement mechanisms and negligible penalties. In Saint Lucia, spending limits exist without corresponding contribution transparency requirements, while Antigua’s disclosure thresholds remain easily circumvented.

    The path forward requires serious consideration of model legislation frameworks, such as the OAS Draft Model Legislation, which proposes independent regulatory commissions, spending caps, clear donor definitions, and prohibitions on state resource misuse for campaigning. However, current signals from major political parties across the region suggest more virtue signaling than genuine commitment, with campaign finance reform conspicuously absent from party manifestos despite rhetorical support.

    Meaningful reform necessitates bipartisan cooperation, recognizing that both governing and opposition parties stand to benefit from a more transparent and equitable system. Ultimately, establishing robust campaign finance regulations would strengthen democratic institutions, ensure fair political competition, and address the lingering authoritarian tendencies rooted in the region’s historical context.

  • Zijin investeert US$ 30 miljoen in nieuw zonnepark voor groene goudwinning

    Zijin investeert US$ 30 miljoen in nieuw zonnepark voor groene goudwinning

    Zijin Rosebel Gold Mines has officially inaugurated its second solar park, marking a significant advancement in its commitment to sustainable mining operations. The newly activated facility, boasting a capacity of 25 megawatts, represents a strategic effort to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and minimize harmful emissions. This initiative aligns with the company’s broader environmental goals, following the August introduction of seven fully electric 90-ton mining trucks—the first of their kind in the region.

    Suriname’s Minister of Public Works, Stephen Tsang, praised the investment as a powerful signal to the international community. In an interview with Starnieuws, he emphasized that multinational corporations like Zijin are not obligated to pursue sustainable development but are choosing to lead by example. He noted that the solar park enhances energy independence in an eco-friendly manner and serves as a model for other major enterprises and the state-owned energy company EBS. Minister Tsang connected the project to Suriname’s national ambition for a green policy, supported by the country’s 92% forest coverage.

    Construction of the solar farm, spanning 20 hectares and equipped with 40,572 solar panels, converters, and storage batteries, was completed in eight months. According to Karel Abinie, Electrical Superintendent at Rosebel, and Jerry Huangfu of Zijin Longking Clean Energy, the installation will supply approximately 17% of the mine’s annual energy demand. Currently, 5 MW of energy is stored in batteries, with plans to expand storage capacity to improve energy security.

    The project required a total investment of over $30 million USD and is expected to pay for itself within a decade. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Jerry Huangfu, Minister Tsang (representing President Jenny Simons), Xian Jian Guo—CEO of Zijin Gold International—and Liu Zhenhua from the Chinese Embassy. Officials highlighted the growing cooperation between Suriname and China, particularly in sustainable and green development initiatives.

  • Guyana gets portable high-tech rapid disease detection equipment

    Guyana gets portable high-tech rapid disease detection equipment

    In a landmark advancement for Caribbean public health infrastructure, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has formally transferred a cutting-edge portable PCR diagnostic system to Guyana’s National Public Health Reference Laboratory (NPHRL). The ceremonial handover, conducted on November 30, 2025, saw CARPHA Executive Director Dr. Lisa Indar present the sophisticated equipment to Guyana’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Narine Singh.

    Valued at approximately US$300,000, this revolutionary mobile laboratory technology represents a transformative investment in Guyana’s disease surveillance capabilities. The compact PCR platform delivers comprehensive diagnostic results within a remarkable two-hour window, dramatically accelerating the identification of priority pathogens including dengue, foodborne illnesses, norovirus, and leptospirosis.

    Designed for exceptional operational flexibility, the portable system can be rapidly deployed across diverse geographical regions, including remote and hinterland communities that traditionally faced challenges in accessing timely medical testing. This strategic mobility ensures equitable healthcare delivery while strengthening national resilience against both endemic diseases and emerging public health threats.

    Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony emphasized the critical importance of this technological enhancement, noting that ‘this advanced instrumentation will prove invaluable in generating timely results, substantially improving both the velocity and precision of our disease diagnostic processes.’

    The donation forms part of CARPHA’s broader regional initiative to modernize laboratory systems throughout the Caribbean. Dr. Indar highlighted the strategic significance of the equipment, stating that its rapid processing capabilities and portability will fundamentally improve outbreak response mechanisms, community protection measures, and ongoing epidemiological surveillance efforts.

    The Guyanese Health Ministry expressed profound appreciation for CARPHA’s continued partnership, acknowledging that this collaboration substantially bolsters national and regional health security frameworks. This technological advancement positions Guyana more effectively to safeguard population health, accelerate clinical decision-making, and reinforce integrated disease monitoring systems across the Caribbean region.

  • US Marine planes cause stir in Tobago

    US Marine planes cause stir in Tobago

    Two U.S. Marine Corps Boeing C-17A Globemaster III military transport aircraft departed from ANR Robinson International Airport in Tobago yesterday morning following a brief presence on the island. The aircraft, identified by tracking codes RCH660 (01-0192) and RCH661 (99-0165), originated from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in North Carolina and were returning to the United States. While only one aircraft appeared on public flight tracking service FlightRadar24, departing at 5:53 a.m., open-source intelligence sources confirmed both aircraft had transited through the airport.

    Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar addressed the presence of U.S. military personnel in Trinidad and Tobago, confirming that marines remain in the country for training exercises with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force. She characterized the aircraft’s mission as assistance with ‘a bit of roadway’ at the airport but provided no specific details about the nature of this assistance.

    The Prime Minister explicitly denied any connection between the military aircraft and escalating tensions between the United States and neighboring Venezuela. ‘It is not a military force as such; they are not here on the ground, we are not about to launch any campaign against Venezuela,’ Persad-Bissessar stated emphatically. ‘Trinidad and Tobago has not been asked to be a base for any war against Venezuela.’

    The departure occurred just one day after U.S. General Dan Caine, a top military officer, met with the Prime Minister. While Persad-Bissessar confirmed the meeting, she insisted there were no discussions about Venezuela during their conversation.

    The C-17 Globemaster III, described by the U.S. Air Force as its ‘most flexible’ cargo aircraft, is capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops and various types of cargo to both main operating bases and forward deployment areas. Social media posts throughout yesterday documented sightings of the large aircraft departing Tobago.

  • Dominican Communities Mourn 23-Year-Old Killed in St. John’s Scooter Crash

    Dominican Communities Mourn 23-Year-Old Killed in St. John’s Scooter Crash

    A devastating pre-dawn incident on Popeshead Street in St. John’s has resulted in the tragic death of Joshua Alexander, a 23-year-old Dominican national residing in Light Foot. The fatal collision occurred approximately at 2:00 AM on Sunday when Alexander’s black scooter reportedly veered out of control, striking a concrete wall and adjacent sidewalk in close proximity to the Pita Pocket establishment.

    Emergency response teams arriving at the scene discovered no vital signs from the victim. Medical professionals subsequently formally pronounced Alexander deceased at 3:16 AM despite resuscitation efforts. The Royal Police Force of Antigua has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident, though preliminary evidence suggests no other vehicles were involved in the incident.

    The tragedy has triggered profound mourning within Dominican expatriate communities across both Antigua and Wesley, where Alexander was recognized as a vibrant young member. Law enforcement authorities have publicly extended their deepest sympathies to the grieving family while continuing their examination of contributing factors that might have led to the loss of control. The investigation remains active as officials work to determine whether road conditions, mechanical failure, or other elements played a role in this fatal outcome.

  • Debunking some myths shaping Saint Lucia’s energy laws

    Debunking some myths shaping Saint Lucia’s energy laws

    In a striking analogy highlighting institutional conflict of interest, Saint Lucia’s energy sector faces critical scrutiny over whether electricity providers should dictate energy policy. This situation mirrors allowing drug dealers to write drug laws—a fundamentally flawed approach that stifles progress, limits employment opportunities, and prevents consumer investments from yielding financial returns during economically challenging times.

    While residents face restrictions on residential and commercial solar installations, the island’s primary utility provider LUCELEC has strategically expanded its own solar capabilities. The company has developed a 3MW solar farm in La Tourney Vieux-Fort and installed a 75kW rooftop system at its Cul-de-Sac headquarters, simultaneously investing in its solar subsidiary Energise.

    Despite abundant sunshine, Saint Lucian families continue grappling with exorbitant energy costs. The authentic impediments to solar adoption are structural rather than technical, perpetuated by LUCELEC’s substantial influence over energy policy through repeatedly debunked arguments.

    Myth 1: Grid Destabilization Concerns
    The notion that excessive solar integration causes blackouts persists despite evidence from smaller grids achieving remarkable stability. Kauaʻi in Hawai’i, serving 70,000 residents, operates at nearly 70% renewable energy—primarily rooftop solar—through sophisticated grid management including smart inverters, grid-forming batteries, demand response mechanisms, and community collaboration. The genuine challenge involves modernizing infrastructure rather than limiting solar potential.

    Myth 2: Cost-Shifting to Non-Solar Customers
    Contrary to claims that solar users avoid fair grid contribution, research from Lawrence Berkeley Lab and Brookings Institution demonstrates solar adoption reduces peak demand, decreases infrastructure requirements, and lowers generation costs. These substantial benefits frequently remain unacknowledged in policy deliberations. Evidence-based legislation must recognize solar’s comprehensive value for creating balanced energy futures.

    Myth 3: Financial Inaccessibility Argument
    The perception of solar as prohibitively expensive contradicts reality: if households can pay electricity bills, they can afford solar. Photovoltaic technology has been commercially available in Saint Lucia for over fifteen years, with prices declining below $5 per watt for specific projects. Local financial institutions offer financing options eliminating upfront costs, with monthly payments frequently matching or outperforming conventional utility bills. Commercial systems typically achieve return-on-investment within three to five years, delivering decades of subsequent savings.

    Myth 4: Baseload Power Necessity Fallacy
    The outdated concept requiring constant fossil fuel generation is superseded by modern grid flexibility. Australia—an industrialized island nation—anticipates sourcing over 75% of energy from solar and wind by 2030 without cross-border electricity dependence. Distributed solar networks combined with battery storage and smart grid technology effectively balance energy systems, eliminating baseload power requirements.

    Myth 5: Utility Policy Dominance Justification
    LUCELEC’s policymaking influence stems from governmental capacity gaps rather than inevitable monopoly rights. Recent policies favor obsolete technologies and protect the utility’s diminishing generation role rather than facilitating renewable transition. Establishing an independent committee guided by empirical evidence and national interests should determine energy policy, with LUCELEC providing technical consultation without legislative authority.

    Citizen investments warrant equal protection to monopoly interests. As Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley articulated regarding abundant solar and wind resources, “Why should we be paying the price for energy when we have those gifts in abundance?” Embracing this perspective enables Saint Lucia to forge equitable, sustainable energy futures through regulatory modernization and renewable adoption.