Carib Scope

标签： Saint Lucia

圣卢西亚

  • Basketball queen Megan Nestor welcomed home

    Basketball queen Megan Nestor welcomed home

    Hundreds of well-wishers, family members and government officials packed Hewanorra International Airport on Thursday to celebrate the homecoming of Saint Lucian basketball trailblazer Megan Nestor, whose historic breakout season on the U.S. college court has put her Caribbean hometown on the global basketball map.

    Standing 6’4”, the Canaries native turned heads across collegiate women’s basketball this past season competing for the University of North Texas Mean Green in NCAA Division I, finishing atop the entire organization’s leaderboards in three key rebounding categories: total rebounds (464), rebounds per game (14.1), and offensive rebounds per game (5.2). Her standout campaign included a once-in-a-generation performance against Texas Southern on December 6, 2025, where she logged 34 points and 31 rebounds — marking just the third 30-30 game recorded in NCAA Division I women’s basketball since the 1981-1982 season.

    Nestor’s historic collegiate success earned her an invitation to compete at the Chicago Sky’s 2025 WNBA preseason training camp, opening the door to a potential professional career in the top women’s basketball league in the world.

    At the emotional airport welcome, Nestor was greeted by two of her biggest supporters: her mother Sonia Nestor, and Shem Maxwell, her former national netball coach who first spotted her raw talent and encouraged her to pivot to basketball. In a heartfelt speech to the crowd, the rising star credited her community and loved ones for carrying her through the toughest moments of her athletic journey.

    “Your love, support and belief in me carried me through some of the most challenging moments of this journey. I am forever grateful. Who would Megan Nestor be without you?” Nestor told attendees. “To my family gathered here today, thank you for your love, encouragement and unwavering support.”

    Following the airport reception, a celebratory motorcade escorted Nestor from the airport to her home village of Canaries, where local residents lined the streets to cheer on their hometown hero. Wayne Girard, parliamentary representative for Anse La Raye/Canaries, praised Nestor for breaking barriers and putting Saint Lucian athletic talent on display at the highest level of collegiate sports.

    “Megan, you have accomplished a lot on the collegiate stage. We are very proud of you. We will continue to stand by you in whatever capacity we can,” Girard said.

    Kenson Casimir, Saint Lucia’s Minister for Education, Youth Development and Sports, also attended the celebration, extending official congratulations on behalf of the national government and pledging ongoing institutional support for Nestor’s budding professional career. Casimir emphasized that Nestor’s success is just the start of what promises to be a legendary athletic career, framing her achievement as inspiration for young athletes across the island nation.

    “I want to personally congratulate you on behalf of the government of Saint Lucia, and we certainly hope, and we know that this is just the beginning,” Casimir said.

  • St Kitts Music Festival mashes up the stage on Night One

    St Kitts Music Festival mashes up the stage on Night One

    The highly anticipated 28th iteration of the St Kitts Music Festival launched Thursday evening to a buzzing crowd, blending vibrant energy, nostalgic throwbacks, and a rich tapestry of diverse Caribbean cultural traditions into a memorable opening celebration.

    One of the most talked-about moments of the opening night came when iconic soca legend Machel Montano stepped back onto the festival’s stage for the first time in 15 years. The crowd erupted as Montano delivered an electrifying, hour-long performance that held the audience’s attention from his first note to his last. His set masterfully weaved together beloved decades-old classic hits with fresh newer tracks including his popular single “Encore”, offering a dynamic showcase of both his decades-long legacy in the Caribbean music industry and his ongoing artistic evolution.

    The cross-Caribbean cultural showcase continued when Dominica’s own Shelly and the Signal Band brought the infectious, uptempo energy of traditional bouyon music to St Kitts, getting the crowd moving with their distinctive rhythmic sound. Later in the evening, rising artist V’ghn crafted an unforgettable intimate moment with fans when he stepped off the stage to dance alongside the audience while delivering his hit track “Jab Decisions”, forging a deep connection between performer and attendees.

    Veteran fan-favorite acts Edwin Yearwood and the Krosfyah Band also left a lasting impact on the opening night crowd. The group holds a unique place in the history of the St Kitts Music Festival, having performed at the very first event 28 years prior. Their set took attendees on a heartfelt nostalgic journey, pulling out timeless hits like “Sak Pasé” and delivering crowd-pleasing covers of beloved classics such as “Togetherness” that resonated with both long-time older fans and younger first-time attendees, uniting multiple generations of music lovers under one sky.

    The opening night concluded with a high-energy set from celebrated soca artist Voice, with the crowd remaining fully engaged and enthusiastic through the final performance. The overwhelming energy and positive reception of opening night set a promising, dynamic tone for the remainder of the four-day festival.

    The event will continue Friday evening with a stacked new lineup of performers, with attendees eagerly awaiting upcoming sets from dancehall and reggae stars including Mavado, Kranium, D’yani and Valiant.

  • Dr Jules will be OECS Director General for a fourth term

    Dr Jules will be OECS Director General for a fourth term

    The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) will retain its steady leadership for another term, after Dr Didacus Jules was reappointed to serve a fourth consecutive mandate as Director General. Regional heads of government have formally reaffirmed their unwavering confidence in Jules’ leadership and his long-term vision for advancing deeper economic and political integration across the Eastern Caribbean bloc.

    The reappointment was formalized during the 78th official gathering of the OECS Authority, the organization’s highest governing body made up of member states’ Heads of Government. During the meeting, leaders did not only approve Jules’ new term, but also publicly commended the transformative contributions he has made to regional development, cross-border cooperation, and institutional capacity building throughout his tenure.

    Jules first stepped into the role of OECS Director General in 2014. Over the past nine years in office, he has spearheaded a wide range of high-impact strategic initiatives focused on advancing pressing regional priorities, including strengthening local food sovereignty, accelerating digital transformation across member states, building healthier and more equitable communities, and driving systemic education reform. Under his leadership, the OECS has also expanded its institutional capacity to proactively respond to a growing array of emerging challenges and capitalize on new economic and social opportunities that arise for its member nations.

    Dr Godwin Friday, former Chairman of the OECS Authority and Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, made the official announcement of the reappointment. He emphasized that the decision to retain Jules for a fourth term is a clear reflection of the entire OECS Authority’s trust in his leadership, and formal recognition of the invaluable work he has done to advance the bloc’s integration agenda and strengthen the organization’s institutional standing. “On behalf of the OECS Authority, I extend sincere congratulations on your reappointment and look forward to your continued service and dedication to the people and Governments of the OECS Member States,” Friday added.

    The OECS Authority notes that experienced, steady leadership is more critical than ever at this juncture, as the organization navigates an increasingly complex and shifting global geopolitical environment while working toward its core vision of building a more integrated, resilient and prosperous Eastern Caribbean region. The OECS Commission also issued a separate statement congratulating Jules on his reappointment, confirming that it is eager to continue its collaborative work with him to deliver tangible, meaningful benefits to all citizens across the bloc’s 11 member states.

  • Chef Orlando awarded British Empire Medal in King’s Birthday Honours

    Chef Orlando awarded British Empire Medal in King’s Birthday Honours

    A legendary culinary figure from Saint Lucia has earned one of the United Kingdom’s highest civilian honors, marking a major milestone for both his decades-long community service and his mission to elevate Caribbean cuisine on the global stage. Veteran chef Orlando Satchell, owner of the popular Orlando’s Restaurant and Bar in Soufrière, was named a recipient of the British Empire Medal (BEM) in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours list, recognized specifically for his lifelong work advancing community development and poverty reduction across his home island.

    In an interview with local publication St Lucia Times, Satchell expressed deep humility and gratitude for the recognition, saying the award carries extra meaning because it originated from a nomination by the government and people of Saint Lucia. “I feel honoured to be recognised by the Saint Lucia government because the government of Saint Lucia, or the people, had to acknowledge me and put me forward. That in itself gives you a different sense of acknowledgement,” he explained.

    With more than four decades of professional experience as a celebrity chef and over 45 years honing his craft, Satchell says every accolade he receives presents a new opportunity to shine a spotlight on the diverse, vibrant culinary traditions of the Caribbean region. He believes public recognition of his work does not just honor his own efforts, but draws much-needed attention to the rich food heritage that makes the Caribbean a unique culinary destination.

    While the BEM formally honors Satchell’s contributions to community uplift and anti-poverty work, the chef is quick to redirect praise to the unsung backbone of the Caribbean hospitality and food sectors. “The people we don’t see… the fishermen, the farmers, the food vendors, the persons who are in the kitchen,” he named, emphasizing that every person along the supply chain and behind the scenes plays an equally critical role in the industry’s success. He also offered guidance for young people just starting their culinary careers, urging them to never overlook the contributions of entry-level and behind-the-scenes workers. Even a small gesture of gratitude, like thanking a dishwasher for their work, he says, can foster a more respectful, collaborative industry culture.

    Far from planning to retire or slow down, Satchell says his mission to lift up Caribbean cuisine and nurture emerging culinary talent is far from complete. One of his top ongoing priorities is advocating for the creation of a dedicated culinary school in Saint Lucia, an institution that would provide structured, culturally rooted training for the next generation of local chefs. “I really want to continue to help train young people to become chefs. Even if you leave the Caribbean, you don’t lose the essence of the Caribbean flavour in your cooking,” he said.

    Calling himself “a chef on a mission,” Satchell reaffirmed his long-term vision for Caribbean food: “The long-term objective is to make sure that Caribbean cuisine is the number one cuisine in the Caribbean. We cannot come to the Caribbean for the best of everything else. You come to the Caribbean for the best of the Caribbean.”

    Before concluding his remarks, Satchell paid tribute to the people who supported him throughout his decades in business. He remembered his late friend Diana Theodore, who played an instrumental role in launching his restaurant in its early years, and extended gratitude to all current and former staff at Orlando’s Restaurant and Bar, as well as the loyal patrons who have supported his work over generations. “You have to acknowledge that, without the staff, you can’t build. The staff helped to build,” he noted.

  • Project targets abandoned seamoss farms, pilots alternative cultivation system

    Project targets abandoned seamoss farms, pilots alternative cultivation system

    The Caribbean island nation of Saint Lucia is rolling out a targeted new initiative to address the lingering challenges of its boom-and-bust edible seamoss industry, combining marine conservation with long-term sector sustainability. Back in 2021, the sector saw an unexpected surge: amid widespread Covid-19 lockdowns that left thousands out of work, hundreds of newly unemployed workers turned to small-scale seamoss farming, pushing export revenues from 4.3 million Eastern Caribbean dollars to 6.4 million EC dollars in just one year. That rapid growth, however, was never built to last. As pandemic restrictions lifted and traditional jobs returned, many new temporary farmers exited the sector, leaving behind scattered, abandoned farm sites across key growing regions, most notably Savannes Bay—one of the country’s most important seamoss cultivation hubs. Today, dozens of disused operations dot the inlet’s coastline, leaving discarded farming infrastructure that poses risks to boat traffic, marine ecosystems, and recreational users of the bay.

    To tackle this problem, the Saint Lucia National Conservation Fund (SLUNCF) and the country’s Department of Fisheries have partnered to launch the Marine Debris Removal and Deployment of Sustainable Raft Systems Project, a 215,000-dollar initiative funded by the Agence Française de Développement through the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund’s Caribbean Regional Architecture for Bioversity Project. The multi-faceted program has three core goals: clear abandoned fishing and farming gear from affected coastal waters, map and zone designated priority growing areas to streamline industry regulation, and pilot a more eco-friendly cultivation method that reduces environmental harm while boosting output.

    For long-time seamoss producers, the project has already earned widespread support. Vincent “Jeg” Clarke, a third-generation farmer who has cultivated seamoss since 1986 and now leads the Eau Piquant Agriculture and Seamoss Producers association, explained that traditional growing methods have long created hidden environmental costs. Under the dominant local approach, farmers drive dozens of wooden stakes into the seabed to support growing lines, then attach floating plastic bottles to keep lines buoyant. The wood for these stakes is often harvested from nearby coastal forests, contributing to local deforestation, while abandoned plastic waste leaches microplastics into nearshore ecosystems. “What you all have just seen is a forest in the sea, we’re trying to take this method out,” Clarke noted during a June 23 media field visit to Savannes Bay, adding that the project aims to “curb deforestation and go to more environmentally friendly practices.”

    Drawing on insights from a regional industry exchange program in Belize, the project will pilot a new PVC floating raft system across Savannes Bay and nearby coastal areas in Vieux Fort, including Boreil Beach and Bois Chadon. Unlike traditional setups, this alternative method uses parallel floating PVC rods secured by just a handful of wooden stakes, with seamoss growing lines stretched between the rods. SLUNCF Chief Executive Officer Craig Henry explained that the system delivers multiple benefits beyond lower environmental impact: the floating design adjusts naturally to tidal movements, simplifies harvesting and cultivation processes, and allows farmers to grow more seamoss per square meter of coastal area than traditional methods. “What we are trying to do is support the department of fisheries and other agencies in continuing the effort to bring some manner of regulation and order to how seamoss is cultivated, but also reducing the environmental pressures related to traditional methods of cultivation,” Henry said.

    Vaughn Serieux, head of the Agriculture Unit at the Department of Fisheries, added that sustainability is at the core of the entire project, which is designed not just to clean up current damage but to lay the groundwork for a stable, long-term seamoss sector that can coexist with healthy marine ecosystems. The initiative also directly engages 45 local farmers and fishers, 37% of whom are women, and incorporates regular feedback channels for nearby coastal communities to raise concerns and shape project implementation.

    For veteran farmers like Petuna Joseph, who has grown seamoss for more than 14 years, the project offers a much-needed path forward for a sector that has struggled with labor demands and shifting weather patterns in recent years. While Joseph cited physical challenges of cultivation and climate impacts as ongoing hurdles, she expressed cautious optimism about the initiative, saying: “I like what I’m seeing happening, I like it, I just hope it goes in a positive way.” Project organizers have emphasized that they are working closely with both current and former farmers to ensure the program delivers long-term benefits beyond its initial pilot phase, laying the groundwork for a more resilient and sustainable seamoss industry for Saint Lucia.

  • Monchy Courtyard transformed into hub for youth, art, community pride

    Monchy Courtyard transformed into hub for youth, art, community pride

    A once-ordinary public gathering space in Monchy, Saint Lucia, has been reborn as a dynamic, youth-centered community hub, brought to life through a collaborative effort between the Sandals Foundation and the Gros Islet North Youth and Sports Council. The $27,000 Monchy Courtyard Beautification Project has delivered far more than cosmetic upgrades: it has reshaped the space into a welcoming area for athletic activities, social connection, and constructive youth engagement, with a striking new community mural and fully renovated interior and exterior walls.

    Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation, emphasized that the project extends far beyond basic beautification. What began as a simple upgrade to a shared public area has been turned into a lively gathering spot where young people can spend time recreationally, and local residents can build a stronger shared sense of community pride, she explained.

    Funding for the initiative was sourced entirely from proceeds generated by weekly Friday night street party tours operated by three Sandals resorts in Saint Lucia: Sandals Grande St Lucian, Sandals Halcyon Beach, and Sandals Regency La Toc. Local execution of the renovation work was led fully by the Gros Islet North Youth and Sports Council, putting community leadership at the center of the transformation.

    Sanjay Mitchell, president of the council, framed the renovated courtyard as a tangible example of what can be achieved when cross-sector community partnerships and intentional youth leadership align around a common goal. “This is not just a physical upgrade to a public space,” Mitchell noted. “It is a direct investment in our young people and the long-term future of this community. What was once just a functional meeting spot is now a vibrant space for recreation, creative expression, social connection, and collective pride. The refreshed courtyard and its central mural send a clear, powerful message: our youth matter, and our communities deserve intentional investment.”

    One of the project’s most celebrated features is a vivid, large-scale mural designed and created by local Saint Lucian artist Naja Simeon, founder of Sakey Productions. The artwork weaves together core themes of community unity, local cultural identity, and positive youth growth, anchoring the space’s mission to reflect the community it serves.

    At the official handover ceremony for the completed project, Filius Laurent, General Manager of Sandals Regency La Toc, highlighted that the initiative is part of a long-standing, broader commitment from Sandals Resorts, delivered through the Sandals Foundation, to strengthen communities across the Caribbean, uplift youth development, and support local creative talent.

    Theona Edan-Clifford, the Sandals Foundation’s Project Coordinator for the Eastern Caribbean, expanded on the purpose of the redesigned space. “Shared spaces shape how community members feel, connect, and grow,” Edan-Clifford explained. “Through this project, Monchy now has a courtyard that reflects the community’s inherent pride, local creative talent, and untapped potential. It is a space where young people can play, residents can build connections, and local art tells a story of unity and hope.”

    Looking ahead, long-term stewardship of the space will remain rooted in the local community. The Gros Islet North Youth and Sports Council will continue to involve local young people in ongoing maintenance and upkeep work, an approach designed to ensure the space stays active, well-cared for, and owned fully by the community it serves.

  • Micoud teenager set for national boxing debut

    Micoud teenager set for national boxing debut

    On Wednesday, June 24, a three-member national boxing delegation from Saint Lucia departed for Guadeloupe, where they are scheduled to compete in a high-profile Boxing Gala kicking off this Friday. The trip was organized following a formal invitation from the host organization, the Gwada Boxing Club, and the roster carries a particularly exciting new face: 18-year-old lightweight debutant Ethan Reneau.

    Hailing from the quiet community of Mon Repos in Micoud, the south of Saint Lucia, Reneau has earned his place on the national traveling side not through luck, but through months of consistent, grueling training. As a left-handed fighter who has turned heads with his technical progress in domestic competitions, the young athlete worked his way up the ranks to secure his first international call-up.

    Shannon Lebourne, vice president of Saint Lucia’s Boxing Association, spoke highly of Reneau’s selection in comments following the team’s departure. Lebourne emphasized that Reneau’s spot on the national team is far more than a personal opportunity—it stands as clear proof that dedication, discipline, and trust in incremental improvement yield tangible results for young athletes across the country. “Young boxers all over Saint Lucia can look at Ethan’s journey and see that hard work does pay off,” Lebourne said. “We are incredibly proud of what he has already achieved, and we have full confidence that he will carry our nation’s flag with honor in the ring.”

    Reneau will not enter the competition alone: he will share the ring with two vastly more experienced teammates who bring years of international competition experience to the team. Kyle Marcel will step into the 75-kilogram elite division, while Danaii Cooman is scheduled to compete in the 60-kilogram elite class. Leading the entire delegation and guiding the three fighters through pre-fight preparation and match strategy is head coach Conrad Fredericks, who has overseen the team’s training camp in the lead-up to the Friday gala.

  • Blazers eke out victory in national basketball finals opener

    Blazers eke out victory in national basketball finals opener

    The highly anticipated opening match of the best-of-three KFC National Basketball League Finals tipped off on Wednesday, June 24, at Beausejour Gymnasium, delivering a heart-stopping contest that left basketball fans on the edge of their seats. When the final buzzer sounded, the Bonne Terre Blazers walked away with a tense 62-59 win over the two-time defending champion Soufrière Kings, putting them one step away from lifting the coveted Ricky “Skecky” Estwick Trophy.

    The Blazers got off to a fast start, stringing together a seven-point scoring run to close the first quarter with a 16-11 advantage. But the defending champions refused to cave, mounting a steady comeback in the second quarter that saw them grab a one-point lead (28-27) by halftime. Soufrière retained their narrow edge heading into the final frame, after Linzell Alcee sank a buzzer-beating layup to push the Kings up by two points. In the closing quarter, however, the Blazers shifted into high gear on the defensive end, putting together an 18-13 scoring run that secured them the narrow opening-series victory.

    This historic upset marks the first time the Soufrière Kings have dropped a knockout playoff game since 2023—the same year the Blazers last claimed the national championship. The Kings, hailing from the island’s Sulphur City, had remained undefeated in finals matchups over the past two consecutive seasons, making Wednesday’s result all the more surprising.

    The Louison brothers were the driving force behind the Blazers’ winning performance. Troy Louison turned in a standout all-around stat line, notching 19 points (including two three-pointers), 10 rebounds, three assists and five steals. His brother Andre followed close behind with 17 points, 13 rebounds and six assists. Rounding out the Blazers’ top scorers was Lance Louis, who contributed 12 points, five assists and three steals. For the Kings, forward Jayzee Saltibus delivered an impressive rebounding performance, pulling down 20 boards and adding 13 points to the team’s total. Leading scorer Kimani Charles put up 16 points and four assists, while Clayton William added 11 points and seven rebounds. Alcee finished with 10 points, and playmaker Sydney Didier notched six points, seven assists and six steals despite struggling with shooting accuracy through the night.

    Statistically, the two teams were nearly evenly matched: both finished the game with 43 total rebounds, 17 turnovers and 23 made field goals. The difference came down to on-court efficiency, with Troy Louison’s constant aggressive attacks on the interior opening up opportunities for the Blazers that ultimately spelled the difference.

    The finals series will resume this Friday at the same Beausejour Gymnasium venue. The evening will open with a women’s exhibition game kicking off at 7:00 p.m., followed by the highly anticipated Game 2 between the Blazers and Kings at 8:30 p.m. The Kings will need a full regrouping to defend their title and force a deciding third game, while the Blazers will look to close out the series and claim the championship on Friday.

  • Public urged to use licensed pharmacies for weight‑loss drugs

    Public urged to use licensed pharmacies for weight‑loss drugs

    Public health officials in Saint Lucia have issued an urgent safety advisory urging residents to exercise extreme caution when accessing prescription medications, particularly in-demand GLP-1 products such as Ozempic, a drug approved both for type 2 diabetes management and clinical weight regulation.

    Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition, Chief Pharmacist Astrid Mondesir outlined growing official anxiety over rising reports of unlicensed vendors, including unregistered pharmacies, marketing and selling GLP-1 treatments and their compounded alternatives directly to consumers.

    “We understand that countless people are actively searching for evidence-based treatments to boost their physical health and overall quality of life,” Mondesir noted. “But sourcing any prescription medication from unapproved channels exposes buyers to severe, avoidable health hazards. These risks include receiving counterfeit formulations, contaminated doses, improperly stored products, expired medications, or incorrectly prepared compounded versions that do not meet clinical safety standards.”

    Health authorities are reinforcing a core public health message: all prescription medications must only be used under the direct supervision of a qualified physician or other legally authorized prescriber. Prior to starting any new prescription treatment, patients must complete a full medical evaluation to confirm that the therapy is safe, effective, and tailored to their specific health condition and needs.

    Under Saint Lucia’s existing Pharmacy Act CAP 11.21, patients are required to consult a licensed medical provider before initiating any GLP-1-based treatment, and may only obtain their prescription from state-registered pharmacies. The ministry specifically warned against purchasing GLP-1 or other prescription drugs from unlicensed street sellers, retail beauty shops, social media platforms, and any other outlet not formally authorized to distribute prescription medications.

    The Ministry’s core goal in issuing this advisory is to protect patient safety and guarantee that all local residents can access consistent, high-quality, clinically tested medications that meet national safety standards.

    Mondesir summed up the ministry’s key guidance for residents considering GLP-1 treatment: “The single most critical step to protect your health is to speak with your personal physician first, and only obtain your medication through a registered, licensed pharmacy.”

    Going forward, the Ministry of Health reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing regulatory work that guarantees all people in Saint Lucia have access to safe, effective, tightly regulated healthcare services and pharmaceutical products.

  • Ten to represent Saint Lucia at OECS bridge tournament

    Ten to represent Saint Lucia at OECS bridge tournament

    The 36th annual Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Bridge Championships is set to kick off later this month, and Caribbean island nation Saint Lucia has announced a 10-person delegation set to compete at the tournament, which will run from June 26 to 28 at Dominica’s iconic Fort Young Hotel in the capital city of Roseau.

    Leading the official Saint Lucian national squad selected by the Saint Lucia Bridge Association are two pre-ranked competitive pairs. The first pairing matches experienced competitors Irvin Smith and Victor Theodore, while the second brings together Naomi Patrick-Smith and John Lewis. This core team already has a strong track record of high-stakes tournament performance: in last year’s championship, Smith and Theodore claimed the second-place spot in the national pairs division, finishing just behind the leading team from Anguilla. All three core athletes — Theodore and both Smiths — also played a critical role in securing Saint Lucia’s third-place finish in the overall national teams event in 2024. Across all divisions of last year’s tournament, Saint Lucia’s squad put on an impressive overall showing, taking silver in both national pairs and Swiss pairs, bronze in open teams, and splitting gold and bronze in the Swiss teams competition, finishing the tournament with a total of six podium medals.

    Beyond the official national team entries, three additional competitor pairs will travel to Dominica — nicknamed the “Nature Isle” for its lush tropical landscapes — to join the tournament. These additional pairs are Nancy Gomez paired with Monica Perreira, Monique Devaux-Lovell partnered with Nannette Reyes, and Michelle Theodore competing alongside Ian Hippolyte.

    For local residents of Saint Lucia who are curious about learning to play bridge or seeking more information about the association’s activities, the Saint Lucia Bridge Association maintains multiple public outreach channels. Interested parties can reach the organization through its official website at sluba.lc, via its social media profiles on Facebook and Instagram, or by phone at 730-6122.