标签： Saint Lucia

The Saint Lucia Fire Service (SLFS) experienced an exceptionally active weekend from October 10 to October 13, 2025, responding to a total of 86 emergency calls, as confirmed by SLFS representative Cheria St. Rose. The majority of these calls—84 in total—were ambulance responses, with only two incidents involving fires. Medical emergencies dominated the ambulance calls, with 50 cases reported island-wide. Additionally, the SLFS addressed five assault-related injuries, eight motor vehicle collisions, ten trauma incidents such as falls and cuts, and 11 non-emergency cases. On October 11, the Babonneau Fire Station was particularly busy, handling two consecutive road accidents in Union, Gros Islet. The first collision involved a motorcycle, a minibus, and an SUV, resulting in abrasions to a male motorcyclist. While emergency teams were managing this scene, a second accident occurred just 50 feet away when a truck was forced off the road by a white Mitsubishi van, injuring a male passenger. Both individuals were treated on-site and transported to the Owen King European Union (OKEU) Hospital. Later that evening, another severe motorcycle accident took place on the Millennium Highway involving a white minibus, leaving the motorcyclist with head, jaw, and arm injuries. He was rushed to OKEU Hospital in serious condition. On October 12, a BMW X3 veered off the road in Soufrière, injuring the female driver, who was taken to Soufrière Hospital in stable condition. That same night, a Toyota Rush carrying five passengers crashed into a ditch south of the Ti Rocher Micoud junction. One passenger was unresponsive, while another left the scene privately. The remaining passengers were treated and transported to St Jude Hospital. The SLFS also dealt with two fire incidents: a bush fire in Cas En Bas, Gros Islet, and a pole fire in La Pointe, Micoud. The SLFS has urged motorists to drive cautiously, especially in high-risk areas, and to report emergencies promptly.

Saint Lucia has taken a significant stride toward modernizing its livestock sector and elevating food safety standards with the successful completion of a three-day Specialty Cuts Training program. Held from August 5 to 7, 2025, the initiative targeted both commercial and roadside butchers across the island, aiming to enhance their skills, improve meat quality, and boost its market value. The training, conducted by A.L. Waaldijk College, focused on critical areas such as proper meat handling, hygiene, and advanced cutting techniques. These efforts not only sought to refine the presentation and quality of meat but also to make it more appealing to local consumers. The program was a collaborative effort led by the Veterinary and Livestock Services Department under the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Rural Development, with support from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). Valley Cold Storage provided its facilities for the hands-on sessions, creating a professional environment for participants to hone their craft. Beyond professional development, the initiative demonstrated social responsibility by donating the specialty meat cuts prepared during the training to local humanitarian institutions, including Rosa Place and Cornerstone. Officials from the Veterinary and Livestock Services Department hailed the program as a crucial step toward building technical capacity, improving food quality, and creating economic opportunities within the livestock sector. The ministry reiterated its commitment to advancing Saint Lucia’s livestock value chain through continued innovation, collaboration, and the promotion of best practices that support both food security and social wellbeing.

A customs porter has been formally charged in connection with the alleged importation of controlled drugs through the Vieux Fort Port in Saint Lucia. Christian Hippolyte faces charges under Section 5(3) of the Drug Prevention and Misuse Act for drug importation and Section 263 of the Criminal Code for uttering a false document. The charges stem from an extensive investigation conducted by the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force’s Gangs, Narcotics and Firearms Unit (GNF) and the Central Intelligence Unit (CIU). This operation is part of a larger intelligence-driven effort to dismantle narcotics trafficking networks exploiting legitimate shipping channels. Hippolyte appeared in court on October 14 and was granted bail totaling $15,000—$10,000 for the drug importation charge and $5,000 for the false document offense. Law enforcement officials emphasized that the investigation is ongoing, with the potential for further arrests as inquiries progress.

As St. Lucia continues to celebrate Kwéyòl Heritage Month throughout October, the Folk Research Centre (FRC) emphasizes that festivities extend beyond the primary host communities of Belle Vue and Babonneau. One standout event, Festen Jwé, a traditional games festival organized by the Monchy Kwéyòl Committee, took place on October 12 at the Monchy Playing Field. Now in its second year, the festival showcased a variety of traditional games such as wawi, tiki tok, marbles, skipping rope, rounders, and top spinning. Attendees of all ages enjoyed interactive activities like pushing “Kabouwe,” rolling “sek,” and participating in ring games. The event also featured workshops, including one on the ancient African strategy game wawi, led by committee co-chair Lillian Alexander, a passionate advocate for the Kweyòl language and traditional games. Christa St. Ange, the committee’s public relations officer, expressed delight at the strong turnout and community engagement, noting how the event brought together residents from various sub-sections of Monchy, including La Borne, Riviere Mitan, and Desrameaux. The festival not only rekindled nostalgic memories for older participants but also introduced younger generations to the cultural heritage of traditional games. Organizers aim to make Festen Jwé an annual event, potentially expanding it to include workshops and “listwa” days to document and preserve St. Lucian history and traditions. Kwéyòl Heritage Month continues with La Wen Kwéyòl, a major event hosted by the FRC at the National Cultural Centre on October 18.