Carib Scope

标签： Saint Lucia

圣卢西亚

  • LUCELEC linemen return after Jamaica hurricane recovery mission

    LUCELEC linemen return after Jamaica hurricane recovery mission

    A second contingent of linemen from St. Lucia Electricity Services Limited (LUCELEC) has concluded their four-week deployment in Jamaica, where they played a crucial role in restoring electrical infrastructure devastated by Hurricane Melissa in 2025. The specialized team responded to an official request from Jamaica Public Service (JPS) through the CARILEC Disaster Assistance Programme, a regional initiative that coordinates skilled personnel and resources during natural disasters.

    This deployment featured primarily newly certified linemen under the leadership of LUCEC Equipment Maintenance Supervisor Michael Ambrose. The mission provided exceptional hands-on training opportunities that are typically unavailable in their home country. Ambrose explained the strategic selection rationale: “These linemen received their certifications two years ago… Unlike Jamaica, we don’t have daily pole climbing operations in St. Lucia. This exposure was vital for them to fully comprehend the comprehensive demands of lineman work.”

    Throughout the challenging assignment, Ambrose commended the team’s exceptional unity and professional conduct. Jamaican counterparts provided overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding the St. Lucian team’s work ethic and dedication. Despite the physically demanding conditions, the team maintained remarkable resilience and daily readiness. Ambrose particularly noted the excellent hospitality extended by the JPS team throughout their collaboration.

    For lineman Johan Stephen, this deployment marked his inaugural international hurricane recovery experience outside Saint Lucia, representing a significant professional development opportunity. Meanwhile, John Daniel, who participated in the initial LUCELEC deployment immediately following the hurricane, recalled the intense conditions during the early restoration phase, describing extensive network reconstruction challenges.

    LUCELEC’s continued engagement in regional disaster response initiatives demonstrates the organization’s commitment to enhancing technical capabilities and strengthening Caribbean cooperation mechanisms during crises.

  • Bocage students receive corrective glasses from TEF

    Bocage students receive corrective glasses from TEF

    In a significant educational support initiative, thirteen students from Bocage Secondary School have received prescription eyewear through a charitable program organized by the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF). The vision correction effort originated from comprehensive eye assessments conducted during the Kids Insight Medical Mission in January and February, where medical professionals identified vision impairments and prescribed appropriate corrective lenses.

    The formal distribution ceremony occurred on March 18, 2026, when TEF representatives visited the school to personally deliver the glasses to beneficiaries. For fifth-form student Brandon Abraham, the intervention came after months of academic struggle caused by deteriorating vision. “My eyes started troubling me, started scratching, started watering,” Abraham recounted. He described a particularly alarming incident during an examination: “There was once when I was writing an exam and then I just started seeing blue and I was like, ‘what’s going on with my eyes?’”

    Following the distribution, Abraham expressed profound relief: “God has blessed me with this new pair of glasses to see again, to see well.”

    Tamara Amos, TEF Technical Officer for Community Projects, emphasized the program’s significance within the organization’s youth development framework. “We are happy to be here today to deliver the glasses to the well-deserving students,” Amos stated, noting that the initiative falls under the broader Kids Insight programme that has benefited children nationwide. “The TEF is really happy and elated to be part of such a wonderful initiative,” she added.

    School Principal Cuthbert Elizee welcomed the intervention as a critical academic support measure. “We know that those glasses are going to go a long way in enhancing the students’ learning,” Elizee remarked. He highlighted the often-overlooked connection between vision problems and academic performance: “We know over the years the students have been doing poorly, and it is not because they are not intelligent and they are not bright. But their vision has been impacted and as a matter of fact, they are unable to see, to be able to read, to be able to write and do their tests and so on.”

    The timing proved particularly crucial for three fifth-form students preparing for imminent CXC regional examinations. Principal Elizee expressed the school’s profound gratitude, stating: “I don’t think words can adequately say how we feel about the support that we are receiving for our children.”

  • Coach praises Alphonse’s improvement at Pan Am cycling

    Coach praises Alphonse’s improvement at Pan Am cycling

    Emerging cyclist Denver Alphonse Jr. of Saint Lucia commenced his campaign at the Continental Pan-American Championships in Montería, Colombia on Thursday, March 19th. The young athlete participated in the demanding Men’s Under-23 Individual Time Trial, a 36-kilometer race on a flat terrain circuit. Alphonse secured a 14th place finish in a competitive field of 18 riders, demonstrating notable progress on the international stage.

    Representing the English-speaking Caribbean alongside Jadian Neaves of Trinidad & Tobago (13th place), Alphonse outperformed competitors from Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Despite being one of the youngest participants, he completed the course with a time of 51 minutes and 48 seconds, finishing 9 minutes and 46 seconds behind gold medalist Sebastián Ruiz of Mexico. The podium was completed by another Mexican cyclist, José Juan Prieto (silver), and Colombian Jerónimo Calderón (bronze, 43:10).

    Coach John Mangal, who has been mentoring Alphonse, provided insights to St Lucia Times regarding his protégé’s performance. Mangal highlighted significant improvements in the Dennery native’s capabilities, noting his average speed of 42.2 kilometers per hour represented measurable progress, though still requiring substantial development to compete with top contenders.

    Mangal emphasized that the flat course configuration didn’t align with Alphonse’s current strengths, explaining: “The time trial was on a flat course. Not his strength on the flats. They are working on him to gain more muscle mass and weight to improve his body-to-weight ratio. It will take some time to get it up, so it translates to more power and the ability to push more watts.”

    The Entrepot Secondary School graduate now prepares for his next challenge—a 160-kilometer road race on Saturday where he will compete against 74 elite cyclists, providing another opportunity to showcase his developing talent.

  • Babonneau, Central stride into PM’s Cup semifinals

    Babonneau, Central stride into PM’s Cup semifinals

    The semifinal bracket for the Prime Minister’s Cup T20 Men’s Cricket Tournament is now set after decisive quarterfinal victories by Babonneau and Central Castries on Thursday, March 20th. The teams secured their spots alongside previously qualified Choiseul and Soufriere following impressive performances across two venues.

    At the Francis Baba Lastic Grounds, Babonneau delivered a commanding performance, overwhelming Gros Islet by a significant nine-wicket margin. Gros Islet’s innings concluded at 174-9 from their allotted 20 overs, with notable contributions from Dominic Auguste (29 from 23 balls) and Tarrique Edward (28 from 21 balls). However, their efforts were stifled by an exceptional bowling display from off-spinner Yunieski Gustave, who decimated the batting order to finish with remarkable figures of 5-27, including the crucial wicket of Edward and a clean-up of the lower order.

    In response, Babonneau’s chase was nothing short of spectacular. Opening batsman Johnnel Eugene launched a ferocious assault on the Gros Islet bowlers, hammering 72 runs off just 49 deliveries, a innings decorated with five sixes and six fours. He was ably supported by Dane Edward, who scored a steady 50 from 42 balls. The opening partnership ruthlessly capitalized on wayward bowling, amassing 112 runs in a mere 79 deliveries. Alex Joseph entered after Eugene’s dismissal and sealed the victory in the 18th over with an explosive, unbeaten 39 from just 14 balls, a cameo that included a devastating over where he hit four sixes and a four.

    Simultaneously, at Mindoo Phillip Park, Central Castries clinched their semifinal berth with a powerful 49-run triumph over South Castries. Choosing to bat first, Central Castries posted a colossal total of 248-3. The innings was built on a foundation of explosive half-centuries from Stephen Naitram and Jaden Elibox. Theo Edward provided a rapid start with 46 off 21 balls, while Naitram blazed his way to 77 from just 40 deliveries, striking five sixes and five fours. Elibox remained not out on a devastating 71 off 32 balls, an innings featuring six fours and an equal number of sixes.

    Facing the daunting target, South Castries’ reply was led by Johnson Charles, who fought valiantly with a 38-ball 69 that included nine sixes. Despite contributions from Ephron Charles and Tonius Simon, who both reached the 20s, the innings consistently lost wickets at critical junctures and ultimately fell short, finishing at 199-8. The Central Castries bowling attack shared the successes, with Dillan John, Jaden Elibox, and Zayee Antoine each claiming two wickets to secure the comprehensive win.

  • Government opens Criminal Backlog Reduction Court

    Government opens Criminal Backlog Reduction Court

    In a significant judicial reform initiative, the Government of Saint Lucia has inaugurated the Criminal Backlog Reduction Court in Vide Boutielle, Castries. This specialized judicial body, which commenced operations in February but was formally unveiled on March 19, represents a strategic response to systemic delays in the nation’s justice apparatus.

    Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre presided over the opening ceremony alongside key judicial figures including Director of Public Prosecutions Daarsrean Greene and Attorney General Leslie Mondesir. During his address, Pierre emphasized the critical necessity of addressing prolonged unresolved criminal cases that have undermined public trust in judicial institutions. “The fundamental right to timely justice has been compromised when victims must wait six years to confront their accusers in court,” Pierre stated, highlighting the human impact of procedural delays.

    The newly established court forms part of broader regional judicial reforms within the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court system. Chief Justice Margaret Price-Findlay outlined complementary initiatives including judge-only trials and judicial settlement mechanisms, noting that these measures collectively demonstrate a regional commitment to modernizing justice delivery. “Our courts serve as guardians of constitutional democracy, yet delayed justice inevitably carries profound consequences,” Price-Findlay observed.

    This judicial intervention fulfills a commitment articulated in Prime Minister Pierre’s 2022/23 budget address, which identified court backlogs exacerbated by pandemic-related disruptions and resource constraints as a national priority. The initiative aims to accelerate hearing processes, resolve long-pending matters, and enhance overall judicial efficiency through dedicated resources and focused case management.

  • First track titles decided at Island Champs

    First track titles decided at Island Champs

    The Daren Sammy Cricket Ground erupted in excitement on Wednesday, March 18th, as the 2026 Island Champs commenced with a spectacular display of youthful athletic prowess. The event witnessed the crowning of its first champions in a series of gripping middle-distance finals, setting the stage for an electrifying weekend of sprint showdowns.

    Neah Mortley of Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School (LHCSS) seized the spotlight in the Under-14 girls’ 1000m, delivering a strategic performance to clinch gold with a time of 3:37.8, narrowly outpacing Hailey Charles from Vieux Fort Comprehensive. Not to be outdone, Aiden Biscette of the Saint Lucia Sports Academy (SLSA) dominated the boys’ 1200m, securing victory in 4:01.6 ahead of Railey Thomas of Corinth Secondary.

    The 1500m events proved equally thrilling across multiple divisions. St. Joseph’s Convent (SJC) celebrated a double victory as Aniyah George triumphed in the Under-16 category (5:46.8) and Leneese Robinson claimed the Under-18 title (6:00.2). McKayla Olivier of Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) topped the Under-20 women’s podium with a 5:54.6 finish. In boys’ competition, Jaelen McDonald of St. Mary’s College (SMC) won the Under-16 race in 4:53.7, while Soufriere Comprehensive’s undefeated sensation Chaz Alexander blazed through his division with an impressive 4:40.4. SALCC’s Omarion Edwin rounded out the distance events by capturing the Under-20 boys’ crown in 4:44.6.

    With middle-distance finals concluded, attention now turns to Sunday’s highly anticipated sprint finals following compelling semifinal performances. An epic Under-18 girls’ 100m confrontation is brewing between Barbara-Marie Maximin of Beanefield Comprehensive (12.4s) and SJC’s Destinee Cenac. Micoud Secondary’s Mylee Chaddie emerged as the athlete to beat in Under-16 girls, posting leading times in both the 100m (12.5s) and 200m (26.8s).

    Boys’ sprint events promise equal excitement. Jermario Actille of Beanefield won his heats in the Under-18 100m and 200m, though Curtis Auguste of Anse Ger TVET Institute posted the overall fastest times (10.8s and 22.7s). The Under-16 division features a quartet of contenders—Renard Bernard, Randall Monroe, Armani Phillips, and Leonel Mathurin—who dominated their respective events. Monroe particularly impressed by adding top 400m (52.8s) and 200m (23.50s) times to his previously won long jump and high jump titles.

    Defending team champions St. Mary’s College (boys) and St. Joseph’s Convent (girls) enter Sunday’s finals positioned strongly, though they face formidable challenges from Vieux Fort Comprehensive, Soufriere Comprehensive, and the Saint Lucia Sports Academy in what promises to be a climactic conclusion to the championship meet.

  • Rogers, Actille hit CARIFTA marks

    Rogers, Actille hit CARIFTA marks

    Despite challenging weather conditions characterized by relentless rain and powerful gusts, Saint Lucia’s premier young athletes demonstrated exceptional resilience during the National Junior Championships and CARIFTA Trials hosted by the Saint Lucia Athletics Association last weekend. The event, serving as the critical qualifying platform for the upcoming regional track and field championships in Grenada during Easter weekend, witnessed numerous athletes achieving remarkable performances.

    Syesha Rogers of Morne Stars Athletics Club emerged as a standout performer in the Under-20 girls’ long jump category. Battling against swirling winds that disrupted many attempts, Rogers fouled what appeared to be a massive jump before registering two exceptional legal jumps of 5.75m and 5.70m. These distances not only represented personal career milestones but also secured her qualification for the CARIFTA Games alongside teammate Destinee Cenac, both meeting the rigorous standards set by the Saint Lucia Athletics Association.

    In the Under-17 boys’ division, Jermario Actille demonstrated his sprinting prowess in the 100m events. The Beanefield Comprehensive student, competing unattached, posted impressive times throughout the competition rounds. He clocked 10.96 seconds in Heat 4 with a 2.7 m/s tailwind, followed by 11.02 seconds in the semifinals with a 1.4 m/s tailwind, and culminated his performance with a blistering 10.69 seconds in the final, though significantly aided by a substantial 5.7 m/s tailwind.

    Additional notable qualifications included Barbara-Marie Maximin of Abilene, who once again met the CARIFTA standard in the Under-17 girls’ long jump with a winning leap of 5.39m, surpassing her closest competitor by nearly a full meter.

    The championships showcased depth across multiple age categories and disciplines. Joshua Matthews of Sprint Tech dominated the Under-17 boys’ track with victories in both the 200m (22.98s) and 400m (53.1s). Distance events saw Chaz Alexander of Soufriere claim top honors in the 800m (2:09.96) and 1500m (4:32.80), while Jemal Cadette maintained Sulphur City’s presence in the 3000m (11:13.68). Field events witnessed Aj Joseph (Sprint Tech) leading the long jump (5.74m) and Carrick Edward (Morne Stars) excelling in triple jump (11.30m).

    Under-20 competition featured Ryan Simeon of Nightriders achieving fast times in the 200m (21.47s) and 100m (10.66s), though both performances were wind-assisted. Joaqwan Alexander (Soufriere) impressed in the 400m with 48.79s, while Darvin Forde (Sprint Tech) demonstrated versatility with wins in both long jump (6.69m) and triple jump (13.97m).

    The women’s categories produced equally impressive results. Destinee Cenac (Morne Stars) secured the Under-17 girls’ 100m title in 12.27s, while Shaimaelle Durand (Pacesetters) took second before claiming victory in the 200m (25.90s). Sierratina Hilaire (Morne Stars) won the Under-20 girls’ 100m in 12.21s, and Nyella Cox (Survivors) dominated the 200m with 25.3s.

    Juvenile athletes also showcased their emerging talents, with Danielle Alphonse (Pacesetters) winning the Under-14 girls’ 50m in 20.54s and Hadassah Jules (Soufriere) claiming the 300m in 46.22s. The mixed relay events concluded the competition, with Sprint Tech winning the 4x100m (55.27s) and Morne Stars capturing the 4x300m (3:14.88s).

  • Saint Lucia receives electric vehicles from Germany in green push

    Saint Lucia receives electric vehicles from Germany in green push

    In a significant stride toward sustainable transportation, the Saint Lucian government has formally received the initial batch of electric vehicles from Germany’s international development agency. This delivery marks the operational launch of the Nationally Determined Contributions Technology Electric Vehicle Pilot (NDC-TEC) project, designed to advance the island nation’s clean energy objectives.

    Four specially configured electric vehicles arrived on March 4th through an informal handover from the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) to three key agencies: the Ministry of Infrastructure, the Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO), and the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force. The police vehicles feature professional-grade emergency equipment including sirens, warning lights, performance monitoring systems, and advanced communication technology.

    An additional eighteen electric vehicles are scheduled for delivery in coming months, with allocation planned for multiple government departments including the Ministry of Education, Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority, Postal Services, Customs and Excise Department, and the Fire Service.

    The comprehensive initiative extends beyond vehicle provision to include installation of solar-powered charging stations and integrated solar systems at government facilities. This infrastructure will ensure the entire fleet operates exclusively on clean, locally generated renewable energy.

    Ina de Visser, NDC-TEC Programme Director, emphasized that “this pilot allows many services of the Government of Saint Lucia to gain experience with fully electric vehicles in their operations,” noting that knowledge-sharing will occur between departments and other CARICOM nations pursuing similar sustainability goals.

    The project aligns with Saint Lucia’s National Energy Policy commitment to electrify at least 30% of government vehicles by 2030. Lorraine Matthew, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure, characterized the initiative as demonstrating tangible progress, stating that Saint Lucia is “literally ‘walking the talk’… demonstrating that our transition to a green economy is well underway.”

    According to Communications Specialist Tecla Fontenard, success metrics will focus on demonstrating both economic and environmental viability without disrupting government operations. “We have successfully tested the technology in multiple government services to prove their suitability,” Fontenard noted, adding that the project aims to show the feasibility of transitioning to fully electric government fleets.

    An official commissioning ceremony for the complete 22-vehicle fleet and solar infrastructure is planned for mid-2026. The NDC-TEC project represents a multinational collaboration between GIZ and five implementing partners: the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, the University of the West Indies, Climate Analytics, and the Caribbean Development Bank, with funding from Germany’s Federal Ministry for the Environment through its International Climate Initiative.

  • Farmers to use biodigester to turn waste into gas and fertiliser

    Farmers to use biodigester to turn waste into gas and fertiliser

    In a significant advancement for sustainable agriculture, Saint Lucian farmer Glyndia Charles has become the latest recipient of cutting-edge biodigester technology through the Recycle Organics Programme. The system was formally transferred by programme consultant Hayden Redhead in a ceremony that marks a new chapter in climate-smart farming practices across the Caribbean region.

    This innovative technology represents a transformative approach to agricultural waste management by converting organic materials into multiple valuable resources. As Redhead explained, “These models are quite innovative—they separate waste into liquid and solid fractions while simultaneously producing usable gas. Their operational simplicity combined with a lifespan of up to 15 years makes them particularly suitable for small-scale farming operations.”

    For Charles, the practical implications are immediate and substantial. “The animal manure and organic materials generated on our farm will now be transformed into cleaner cooking gas and high-value liquid fertilizer,” she stated, highlighting the dual economic and environmental benefits.

    The installation extends beyond mere equipment provision. Charles will undergo comprehensive online training facilitated by HomeBiogas to ensure optimal system management, monitoring, and maintenance—a critical component for long-term success.

    This initiative forms part of a broader regional strategy to address methane emissions and improve organic waste management throughout Small Island Developing States in the Caribbean and Pacific. The project gains particular significance in light of recent data revealing that approximately 50% of Saint Lucia’s waste stream consists of organic material.

    Davis Mathurin, Zonal Supervisor at the Saint Lucia Solid Waste Management Authority, emphasized the paradigm shift underlying this approach: “As we work to improve our nation’s waste management system, we must transition from mere disposal practices toward prioritizing environmental protection through waste reduction and recovery.”

    Keithlin Caroo-Afrifa, Executive Director and Founder of Helen’s Daughters, framed the initiative as an investment in agricultural transformation. “We are not simply handing over equipment—we are investing in a vision where Caribbean agriculture becomes smarter, more regenerative, and fundamentally connected to natural cycles. When we redefine waste as resource, we reimagine agriculture as renewal rather than just production.”

    The biodigester will additionally function as a demonstration model for other members of the Helen’s Daughters network, facilitating knowledge sharing and encouraging broader adoption of circular economy principles throughout the region’s agricultural sector.

  • Anse La Raye e-waste drive collects 500 pounds of electronics

    Anse La Raye e-waste drive collects 500 pounds of electronics

    In a powerful demonstration of environmental consciousness, the Anse La Raye community in Saint Lucia mobilized impressively for an electronic waste collection drive on March 14. The event, organized collaboratively by Greening the Caribbean (GtC) and the Saint Lucia Solid Waste Management Authority (SLSWMA), attracted over 90 participants who responsibly disposed of approximately 500 pounds of electronic equipment ahead of Global Recycling Day 2026.

    The community turnout significantly surpassed organizer expectations, signaling a notable shift toward sustainable waste management practices among residents. The collection encompassed diverse electronic items including small household appliances, mobile devices, computers, cooling fans, and lighting fixtures.

    A strategic innovation contributed to the event’s success: Massy Stores’ recycling trailer was deployed directly within the community for the first time, providing unprecedented accessibility. The unit filled rapidly as residents seized the opportunity to discard unwanted electronics through proper channels.

    Emlyn Jean, Information and Communications Manager at SLSWMA, emphasized the existential urgency: ‘We’re a small island. Our soil, our water, our coastline; these aren’t abstract things, they’re our livelihood. When electronics break down in landfills, they release lead, mercury, cadmium—real toxins. We can’t afford to ignore that. And honestly, we don’t have to. That’s what today proves.’

    Organizers highlighted that electronic waste represents one of the Caribbean’s fastest-growing waste streams and among the most hazardous when mismanaged. All collected materials will undergo processing at Greening the Caribbean’s Recycling Centre for systematic sorting, disassembly, and preparation for export to specialized facilities that transform them into new products.

    Wayne Neale, Chief Operating Officer of Greening the Caribbean, explained the technical process: ‘At our recycling services center, e-waste, aluminum, plastic beverage containers and other recyclables are handled using best environmental techniques that are safe for people and the environment—contributing to closing the circular economy loop. At events like this, folks bring it in, so it gets handled properly. No dumping, no burning, no landfill unless absolutely unrecyclable. That’s the difference. Old electronics. New purpose.’

    This initiative forms part of an Integrated E-Waste Management program developed by Greening the Caribbean and SLSWMA with support from IDB Lab. The program aims to establish a structured, sustainable framework for electronic waste management in Saint Lucia while fostering increased community engagement and responsible disposal behaviors.

    Key supporting partners included Massy Stores St. Lucia, Invest Saint Lucia, the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority, the Anse La Raye Constituency Council, Anse La Raye Facilities Management Committee, NEMO, the Ministry of Equity, and the Caribbean Youth Environment Network.