标签: Saint Lucia

圣卢西亚

  • Eastern Caribbean authorities unite to strengthen anti-gang cooperation

    Eastern Caribbean authorities unite to strengthen anti-gang cooperation

    In a landmark initiative to bolster regional security, judicial and law enforcement authorities from across the Eastern Caribbean recently gathered in Saint Lucia for a high-level seminar titled ‘Gangs of the Eastern Caribbean and Their Involvement in International Drug Trafficking.’ Hosted by the French Embassy to Barbados and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) from November 13 to 14, 2025, the event aimed to enhance cooperation and develop strategies to dismantle organized gangs and their role in international drug trafficking. Over 120 distinguished participants, including Attorneys General, judges, magistrates, senior police and gendarmerie officers, intelligence officials, and correctional representatives from 11 Caribbean countries and territories, as well as mainland France and Croatia, attended the seminar. Attendees engaged in comprehensive discussions on legal frameworks and practices, striving to establish a unified, coordinated regional approach to combat increasingly sophisticated transnational criminal networks. In a pre-recorded message, French Minister for Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot emphasized the critical importance of the gathering, reaffirming France’s unwavering commitment to eradicating organized crime and drug trafficking. The seminar is a cornerstone of France’s strategic plan, ‘Drug Trafficking: Eradicating the Problem at its Roots.’ Barrot highlighted the partnership as a testament to shared determination and mutual trust in this collective fight. The French Embassy underscored that the event marked a significant milestone in advancing regional security cooperation and reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening partnerships with Eastern Caribbean states.

  • Saint Lucia beaten again in Concacaf Series football

    Saint Lucia beaten again in Concacaf Series football

    The Saint Lucia national men’s football team, known as the Piton Boyz, find themselves at the bottom of Group A in the Concacaf Friendly Series following consecutive defeats. Their latest setback came on November 15, when they suffered a 3-1 loss to St Vincent & the Grenadines (SVG) at Estadio Cibao in Santiago, Dominican Republic. This result compounded their earlier 3-0 defeat to Cuba, leaving the team with significant challenges to address ahead of their next matches in March 2024. SVG, on the other hand, managed to split their two away games, showcasing a more resilient performance. The match saw Vincentian captain Oalex Anderson open the scoring in the 12th minute, followed by a quick second goal from Diel Spring. Saint Lucia’s captain, Caniggia Elva, pulled one back before halftime, but Azhino Solomon’s 62nd-minute strike sealed the win for SVG. The series, designed to keep teams eliminated from 2026 World Cup qualifying engaged during FIFA international windows, also saw Cuba secure a 2-0 victory over Martinique in another Group A fixture. SVG’s head coach, Ezra Hendrickson, praised his team’s development and dominance in the match against Saint Lucia, highlighting their ability to control the game from the outset.

  • OPINION: Why Saint Lucia’s ministers still hold power – and why the constitution says they should

    OPINION: Why Saint Lucia’s ministers still hold power – and why the constitution says they should

    Last week, Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre announced the dissolution of Parliament, invoking Section 55(4) of the Constitution. This move, which paves the way for a general election, sparked debates over the authority of Deputy Prime Minister Ernest Hilaire, who subsequently issued ministerial statements. Critics questioned the legitimacy of his actions, arguing that the executive branch had effectively ceased to exist with the dissolution. However, this interpretation is a misconception rooted in a misunderstanding of the constitutional framework. The Constitution of Saint Lucia remains the supreme law, and its provisions ensure the continuity of government functions during such transitional periods. The dissolution of Parliament, as outlined in Section 40, halts legislative activities but does not dismantle the executive branch. Ministers, including the Prime Minister, retain their roles under the ‘caretaker’ convention, ensuring the day-to-day governance of the country. The Governor General, while vested with executive authority, typically acts on the advice of the Prime Minister, reflecting Westminster conventions. This constitutional continuity allows ministers to exercise their powers until the new Parliament convenes. The debate over the legitimacy of initiatives like the VAT-free holiday and the St. Jude Hospital ceremony during this period is thus unfounded. The Constitution, supported by legal precedents and conventions, provides a clear framework for governance during dissolution, ensuring stability and continuity in Saint Lucia’s democratic processes.

  • PM defends St. Jude handover, cites delivery record

    PM defends St. Jude handover, cites delivery record

    During a routine press conference on Monday, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre addressed the public’s concerns regarding the recent handover ceremony of St. Jude Hospital. In response to opposition claims questioning the hospital’s readiness, Pierre firmly stated that the facility is fully completed and has been officially transferred to the Ministry of Health for commissioning. He highlighted that key sections of the hospital, including the administrative block, kitchen, laundry, and physiotherapy ward, are already operational, with a significant portion of the hospital’s equipment having arrived. Pierre emphasized that the hospital is poised to become a modern healthcare facility, with commissioning and accreditation processes set to occur concurrently. However, he did not provide a specific timeline for the completion of these processes.

    When questioned about his confidence and that of the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) ahead of the December 1 elections, Pierre expressed his faith in divine providence and the electorate. He pointed to the government’s documented achievements, including a 34-page booklet detailing their accomplishments across various sectors. Pierre urged the public to allow the SLP to continue its work, citing their proven track record of delivering on promises. Additionally, he reaffirmed his commitment to granting Saint Lucians a VAT-free day in December if re-elected, attributing this possibility to the government’s strong revenue performance. Pierre explained that the economy has exceeded expectations, enabling the government to return a portion of the revenue to the public as a gesture of appreciation for their contributions to the nation’s economic success.

  • Preparation kicks into high gear for regional rugby competition

    Preparation kicks into high gear for regional rugby competition

    The Saint Lucia national rugby team, a relatively inexperienced squad, is set to receive a significant boost from two overseas players as they gear up for the Rugby Americas North (RAN) Sevens Tournament. Scheduled for November 21–23, 2025, at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Trinidad and Tobago, the team will compete in Tier 2 alongside The Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, Curaçao, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. This year’s squad will feature elite youth from the Saint Lucia Rugby Youth Academy (VIPER Rugby), four locally-based senior players, and two Canadian-based players, Melvin Alexis and Claudius Medouze. Melvin Alexis, the 2024 player of the year for Rugby Ontario, has been part of Canada’s national team setup and led his team in ties while playing for Peterborough Pagans in the Marshall Premiership. In April 2025, he was called up to the LIT Olympic Rugby Sevens Camp at the Olympic Training Centre in Chula Vista, California, where he received instruction from Olympians and USA Rugby stars. Claudius Medouze, who moved to Canada in 2004, has played with teams across Canada and the United States, including Brampton Beavers in Ontario. He is the founder of Misfits Rugby Football Club, which was formed in 2022 and has competed in tournaments across the Caribbean, including the Saint Lucia Carnival Rugby Sevens. The diasporic ruggers have been training with their domestic counterparts for the past week, under the leadership of head coach Chantal John, assistant coach Electra Marcelle, and manager Meraius James. Senetta Viger will travel with the team as medical support staff. Among the youth players heading to the tournament are LeMani Lewis, Malyle Cherry, Yantez Jn Baptiste, Cherquain St Croix, Muhammad McLorrain, and Benerrero Wellington. Wellington will be representing Saint Lucia in a third different sport, having previously worn national colours for football and volleyball. The team’s ascension to the senior ranks is part of the strategic four-year plan for Rugby Saint Lucia. The squad also comprises Jesey Francois, Neighman Lascaris, Ethan Phillip, and Dwayne George Nathaniel, all of whom have been capped previously at the senior level. The team will arrive in Trinidad and Tobago for pre-tournament training sessions from November 19 to 20, and they are keen to showcase Saint Lucia Rugby’s talent and spirit on the international stage. ‘This tournament presents a valuable development opportunity for our athletes and a chance to represent Saint Lucia with pride,’ said technical director Wayne Pantor. The annual RAN Sevens tournament will be hosted by the Trinidad and Tobago Rugby Union for the second year in a row, having been allocated for three years in succession. The winners of the Men’s Tier 1 will qualify for the World Rugby SVNS pathway. The top three Tier 1 teams, excluding defending champions Canada, can also qualify for the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games, being held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The Tier 2 winners will be promoted to Tier 1 for 2026.

  • Alfred Won’t Back ‘Unfair’ LA28 Sprint Plan, Agent Says

    Alfred Won’t Back ‘Unfair’ LA28 Sprint Plan, Agent Says

    The proposed schedule for the women’s 100m event at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles has sparked significant backlash, with Julien Alfred’s agent, Henry Rolle, leading the charge against what he describes as an unfair and inequitable decision. The controversy stems from the plan to hold all three rounds of the women’s 100m—heats, semifinals, and final—on the same day, a move unprecedented in Olympic history. While organizers have framed this as a way to kick off the Games with one of the most electrifying events, athletes and coaches have criticized the lack of recovery time, especially since the men’s 100m retains its traditional two-day format. Rolle, a seasoned coach and advocate for athlete rights, has publicly condemned the decision, citing persistent scheduling inequities that disadvantage female sprinters. He highlighted the physical toll on athletes, referencing the 2024 Olympics, where women’s 200m rounds began less than 12 hours after the 100m final, leaving competitors with minimal rest. Rolle has called on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to uphold principles of fairness and equity, emphasizing that women athletes deserve equal conditions and respect. Despite support from some athletes, including Dina Asher-Smith, who praised the opportunity to celebrate women’s sprinting, Rolle and Alfred have refused to endorse the schedule, vowing to advocate for systemic change through media engagement in the UK and France.

  • EV Lucian Car Expo Charges Up Sustainable Driving

    EV Lucian Car Expo Charges Up Sustainable Driving

    The EV Lucian Car Show and Trade Expo 2025 kicked off with a powerful message: electric vehicles (EVs) are not just a mode of transport but a cornerstone of sustainable living. Organized by Accela Marketing in collaboration with the Government of Saint Lucia, the event united automotive dealers, industry experts, and the public in a shared mission to explore cleaner and more resilient transportation alternatives. Held on November 15 at the Caribbean Cinemas Car Park, the expo showcased a diverse array of electric and hybrid vehicles, both new and used, alongside home charging systems, solar energy solutions, and financing options. Attendees had the unique opportunity to test drive vehicles, gaining firsthand experience of EV performance. Agnes Francis, Managing Director of Accela, emphasized the broader vision, stating, ‘EV Lucian is about change—how we move, how we power our lives, and how we protect our island home.’ A highlight of the event was the workshop series, which included sessions like Electric Vehicles 101 by Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, EV Battery Technology & Recycling by GIZ, and Renewable Energy & EV Charging by Eco Carib. These workshops aimed to educate the public on EV technology, responsible battery disposal, and the integration of solar power into the EV ecosystem. LUCELEC also provided practical guidance on accessing the national charging network. The expo garnered enthusiastic feedback, with one attendee remarking, ‘It’s incredible to see the variety of electric vehicles available here. We need more events like this.’ Supported by sponsors including the Government of Saint Lucia, Republic Bank (EC) Limited, and LUCELEC, the expo underscored the island’s commitment to a greener future.

  • Young Saint Lucian U23 team finish 4th in EC Volleyball

    Young Saint Lucian U23 team finish 4th in EC Volleyball

    Saint Lucia concluded their campaign in the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) Under-23 Men’s Championship in fourth place, marking a one-position improvement from their 2023 performance. Despite a promising start with two consecutive victories, the team faced a challenging streak, losing their next four matches. The tournament, held at the YMCA in St John’s, Antigua & Barbuda, wrapped up on Sunday, November 16. Dominica emerged as the champions, defeating hosts Antigua & Barbuda 3-1 in a thrilling final (25-15, 20-25, 25-17, 25-19). Meanwhile, Grenada secured the bronze medal after a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Saint Lucia in the third-place playoff (21-25, 25-16, 23-25, 25-14, 15-12). This marked a significant improvement for Saint Lucia, who had previously suffered a 3-0 defeat to Grenada in the preliminary rounds. Although the team missed out on a podium finish, individual players shone brightly. Captain Daniel Mayers-James was recognized as the tournament’s best scorer, while Peter Emmanuel earned the title of best first middle blocker. With a young squad featuring players as young as 14 and 15, Saint Lucia remains optimistic about their prospects in the next edition of the competition in 2027, especially after notable victories over defending champions St Vincent & the Grenadines and Anguilla.

  • Pierre Rallies SLP for Final Push, Warns of ‘Nastiest Politics’ Ahead

    Pierre Rallies SLP for Final Push, Warns of ‘Nastiest Politics’ Ahead

    In a vibrant display of political fervor and spiritual unity, the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) hosted its National Gospel Concert last night at the Vieux Fort Recreation Park. With the general election just two weeks away, the event served as both a rallying cry for supporters and a platform to celebrate recent achievements, including the handover of the St Jude Hospital. SLP candidates shared the stage with local gospel artists, delivering impassioned speeches that praised party leader Philip J. Pierre and warned of intensified political rhetoric in the coming days. Lisa Jawahir, the SLP candidate for Castries South-East, emphasized the significance of the hospital handover, stating, ‘This occasion is bigger than politics,’ while expressing her inspiration drawn from Pierre’s leadership and the resilience of the nation. Pierre himself cautioned supporters about the ‘nastiest politics’ expected from the opposition United Workers Party (UWP), which was simultaneously holding its own rally. He urged SLP candidates to intensify their campaign efforts and highlighted key policies, such as the ‘one university graduate per household’ initiative and free preschool education. The SLP is set to unveil its full manifesto on November 25, ahead of the December 1 election.

  • Babonneau, Dennery complete U13 Grassroots semis lineup

    Babonneau, Dennery complete U13 Grassroots semis lineup

    The Saint Lucia National Cricket Association/Laborie Cooperative Credit Union Under-13 Grassroots Tournament has reached its semifinal stage, with Dennery, Babonneau, Soufriere, and Desruisseaux securing their spots after a thrilling quarterfinal weekend. The matches, held on Saturday, November 15, at the Dennery Playing Field, showcased exceptional performances and intense competition. Dennery triumphed over Laborie, while Babonneau outplayed Choiseul, setting the stage for an exciting semifinal lineup. Dennery faced a previously unbeaten Laborie team, limiting them to 85-8 and confidently chasing the target with 86-4 in just 10 overs. Kivaniel Evans starred for Dennery, taking 2-9 and top-scoring with nine runs. Meanwhile, Babonneau posted 88-5 against Choiseul, with nine-year-old Kaylani William emerging as the standout player, scoring 21 runs and taking 3-19 to secure victory. The semifinals, hosted by Soufriere on November 29, promise to deliver more cricketing excitement.