The Saint Lucia national swimming team, bolstered by a mix of seasoned athletes and rising stars, is set to compete in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Swimming Championships next month. The event, scheduled for November 7-9 at the Shrewsbury Aquatic Centre in St Vincent & the Grenadines, offers Saint Lucia an opportunity to improve upon their fourth-place finish from last year. This year’s team features Olympic swimmers Mikaili Charlemagne and Jordan Augier, alongside CARIFTA champions Sapphire Parks and Antoine Destang, who returns after a year-long hiatus. The squad also includes promising young talents like Kayla Rose Richards and Kenya Andrew in the Under-9 division, as well as regional veterans such as Noah Dorville and Jayden Xu. Despite the absence of key swimmers like Naima Hazell and Fayth Jeffrey, the team, under the guidance of coach Marlon James, appears well-positioned to make a strong showing. The championships will test the nation’s ability to reclaim its standing in regional swimming, with hopes of surpassing last year’s performance.
标签： Saint Lucia
圣卢西亚
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Catastrophic flooding claims 64 lives in Mexico
The catastrophic aftermath of last week’s torrential rains in central and southeastern Mexico has deepened, with the death toll climbing to 64 and 65 individuals still unaccounted for, as reported by Civil Defense Coordinator Laura Velázquez Alzúa. The relentless downpour triggered severe flooding and landslides, wreaking havoc across five states and leaving communities in ruins. President Claudia Sheinbaum has pledged to deploy “sufficient resources” without delay, emphasizing the nation’s ongoing state of emergency. The scale of destruction is staggering, with preliminary estimates indicating that over 100,000 homes have been affected. In riverside areas, entire dwellings have “practically vanished,” according to the President. In Poza Rica, an oil town located 170 miles northeast of Mexico City, residents were overwhelmed by the sudden surge of floodwaters. The Cazones River overflowed, unleashing over 12 feet (4 meters) of water into low-lying neighborhoods before dawn on October 10. Witnesses described hearing a terrifying “wall of water” before seeing it, accompanied by the deafening sounds of vehicles colliding as they were swept away. While some residents sensed the impending danger hours earlier and managed to flee with minimal belongings, the absence of an official warning system exacerbated the tragedy.
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‘Roro Pou Coco’ Wins Chanté Kwéyòl Song Competition 2025
The annual Chanté Kwéyòl Song Competition, held on October 11, 2025, at Serenity Park in Castries, Saint Lucia, was a vibrant celebration of Kwéyòl music and culture. Organized by Kay Kwéyòl under the leadership of executive director Caron Tobierre, the event was originally conceptualized by the late Gene Chacom Leon. Sixteen talented artists took the stage, but it was DaGreat, performing as Papi Joe, who emerged victorious with his infectious track ‘Roro Pou Coco.’ The song, written by Livingston Norville and produced by Kerwin Bowers of Viral Riddims, captivated the audience and judges with its humor, rhythm, and creative storytelling that vividly depicted everyday life in Saint Lucia through the Kwéyòl language. Papi Joe expressed his gratitude, dedicating the win to those who keep Kwéyòl culture alive and praising the unity and talent showcased by all participants. The competition featured a diverse array of musical styles, including Dennery Segment, soca, rock, calypso, and kompa, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of Saint Lucia. Papi Joe also highlighted his commitment to promoting Kwéyòl through music, with ‘Roro Pou Coco’ being one of two recent releases, the other being ‘BBL.’ Looking forward, DaGreat plans to release music videos for his Kwéyòl tracks and is considering a full Kwéyòl album, furthering his mission to celebrate and elevate Saint Lucian culture through his art.
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Felix cites betrayal, community neglect as he enters Castries Central race
As the election season gains momentum, the Castries Central constituency has emerged as a focal point of political intrigue following attorney-at-law Stanley Felix’s announcement to run as an independent candidate. Felix declared his candidacy on October 13 during a special broadcast on DBS Television, marking his dramatic return to politics after a decade-long hiatus. His campaign, symbolized by the color orange and the slogan ‘Let Castries Central Breathe Again,’ aims to transcend traditional party lines and address community disillusionment. Felix, a former Senate President under the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP), previously contested the seat in 2011, narrowly losing to Richard Frederick of the United Workers Party (UWP). This time, both Felix and Frederick will compete as independents, with Rosh Clarke representing the UWP. In his address, Felix emphasized his commitment to people over power, citing the neglect of community needs as his primary motivation. He spoke passionately about his deep ties to Castries Central, highlighting issues such as hunger, youth unemployment, and the marginalization of vendors and elders. Felix also shared personal experiences of betrayal in politics, framing them as refining rather than breaking him. His campaign, anchored in the slogan ‘Annou Viv Ansanm’ (Let us live together), promises to restore dignity, honesty, and hope through improved community safety, youth employment, and accountable governance. Felix clarified that his candidacy is self-driven, free from external political influence, signaling a bold new chapter in his political journey.
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OPINION: A possible change of direction
Cricket West Indies (CWI) is currently navigating its most severe financial crisis, even as the West Indies cricket team demonstrates resilience during their tour of India. The situation has sparked widespread concern among Caribbean cricket enthusiasts, particularly regarding the immense pressure placed on former West Indies player and current coach, Daren Sammy. Sammy has been tasked with coaching across all three formats of the game—Test, One Day International (ODI), and T20—despite limited resources and support. This has led to questions about the fairness and feasibility of such a demanding role. Comparisons have been drawn to Brendon McCullum, who holds a similar position with the England Test and County Board. However, McCullum benefits from substantial financial backing, robust infrastructure, and access to a wealth of former England players, advantages that Sammy lacks. To alleviate the burden on Sammy, it has been suggested that CWI narrow his focus to white-ball cricket and reinstate Andre Coley, a former West Indies Test coach, for the upcoming tour of New Zealand. Coley’s previous successes in Pakistan and Australia, coupled with his ability to assemble a dedicated coaching team, make him a strong candidate for this role. Additionally, the inclusion of former West Indies players like Gus Logie as batting coach and the potential appointment of Brian Lara as chairperson of the CWI Cricket Committee could further strengthen the team’s leadership. The reinstatement of Test Selectors, with input from both Sammy and Coley, is also being considered to streamline decision-making. Amid these strategic adjustments, the financial strain on CWI remains a critical issue. Appeals have been made to prominent Caribbean leaders and corporate entities, such as Republic Bank Ltd and ExxonMobil, to sponsor the CWI Cricket Academy Squad and support the development of young players. These efforts aim to secure the future of West Indies cricket by nurturing talent and ensuring the team’s competitiveness on the global stage.
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Mecca, Dupes score credits on Mahalia’s new Luvergirl EP
Saint Lucian artists Dupes and Mecca have made their mark as featured writers on Mahalia’s latest EP, ‘Luvergirl.’ Mahalia, a British singer celebrated for her MOBO Award win and Grammy and BRIT nominations, released the seven-track project in August. Dupes is credited as a writer on two tracks, including ‘Pity,’ which was produced by Jamaica’s IzyBeats and features reggae legend Tanya Stephens. The song cleverly samples Stephens’ 2004 classic of the same name. Additionally, Dupes and Mecca contributed to the dancehall-inspired track ‘Instructions,’ which is built around the iconic Jamaican riddim, ‘The Buzz.’
These collaborations emerged from the Trade Partnerships – Masterroom Music Songwriting Camp, held in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in February. The initiative aimed to strengthen creative and commercial ties between the Caribbean and the UK music industries. Lorcan O’Brian, Caribbean Regional Trade for Development advisor, emphasized the Caribbean’s immense talent and creativity, stating, ‘We really want to see that grow and ensure those commercial links are made with the UK.’
Arnette Mark, CEO of the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority, praised the songwriting camp as a platform that not only promotes local talent but also positions the island as a hub for cultural collaboration. ‘Getting that exposure and meeting people from outside of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a great thing for us,’ she said, expressing her anticipation for future collaborations and more writing camps. O’Brian added that the long-term vision is to deepen cross-cultural exchange, highlighting the deep historical ties between the UK and the Caribbean. ‘We want to boost cultural collaboration, keep revenue flowing from the UK, and creativity flowing in both directions,’ he concluded.
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Clarke bowls brilliantly, but Blitz prevail in Canada Super 60
In a thrilling encounter at the Canada Super 60 cricket tournament, Brampton Blitz emerged victorious against the Vancouver Kings, thanks to a stellar all-round performance by David Wiese. Despite an exceptional bowling spell from McKenny Clarke, who claimed 3 wickets for just 7 runs, the Kings fell short of defending their total of 111-8. Clarke, the 22-year-old fast bowler from Saint Lucia, dismantled the Blitz’s top order, leaving them reeling at 30-4. However, Wiese, the Blitz captain, turned the tide with an unbeaten 62 off 27 balls, steering his team to a six-wicket win with just two balls to spare. Wiese had earlier contributed with the ball, taking 3-7 to restrict the Kings. Yuvraj Samra also played a crucial role, scoring 19 not out off 10 balls. Clarke’s efforts were not in vain, as he now leads the economy table with an impressive 5.20 runs per over. The Kings, despite the loss, have qualified for the playoffs and will face the Montreal Tigers in their next match.
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IOM urges global investment in disaster resilience after record 46 million displaced
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has issued a stark warning, calling for increased global investment in disaster risk reduction and resilience-building. The agency highlights that escalating climate impacts are causing unprecedented levels of displacement worldwide. In a recent press release, IOM pointed to the devastation wrought by Hurricane Beryl in Union Island, St Vincent and the Grenadines, as a poignant example of the urgent need for preemptive resilience investments.
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Gaza hostages, prisoners freed after ceasefire deal signed
In a historic moment for the Middle East, US President Donald Trump announced the ‘dawn of a new Middle East’ as he presided over the signing of a landmark ceasefire agreement on October 13. The agreement, formalized in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, brought an end to a two-year-long devastating conflict between Israel and Hamas. The signing ceremony saw Trump joined by leaders and mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, symbolizing a united effort towards peace. Earlier, addressing the Israeli parliament, Trump lauded the deal as a triumph of persistent diplomacy. The agreement’s implementation triggered emotional responses across the region. In Israel, 20 freed hostages were transported to hospitals for reunions with their families after over two years in captivity, while the remains of deceased hostages were handed over to the Red Cross. Simultaneously, celebrations erupted in the West Bank and Gaza as 250 Palestinian prisoners and over 1,700 administrative detainees were released from Israeli custody. Buses carrying the freed individuals were greeted by jubilant crowds, with families embracing relatives they had not seen for years. Dr. Daniel Trotzky, medical deputy director of Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, emphasized the long road to recovery for the freed hostages, noting their stable condition and the multidisciplinary support they are receiving. In Washington, the Trump administration received widespread, though not unanimous, praise from former top US officials, including Hillary Clinton, Condoleezza Rice, and Kamala Harris, for its role in brokering the deal. As the region begins to heal from the scars of conflict, a sense of profound relief and cautious optimism prevails.
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National Consultations Begin on Draft Policy for Persons with Disabilities
The Ministry of Equity, Social Justice, and Empowerment in Saint Lucia has initiated a nationwide consultation process to gather public input on the Draft National Policy for Persons with Disabilities. Running from October 13 to 24, 2025, these consultations aim to engage individuals with disabilities, their families, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders in shaping a more inclusive and equitable framework for disability rights and empowerment. The policy is informed by a comprehensive Situation Analysis of Persons with Disabilities in Saint Lucia, which highlighted the challenges, opportunities, and daily realities faced by this community. Aligned with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), the draft policy envisions a Saint Lucia where individuals with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of national life, guided by principles of dignity, equality, autonomy, and participation. The consultations will be held across multiple districts, including Babonneau, Dennery, Gros Islet, Odsan, and Anse La Raye, with specialized sessions for professionals and key advocacy groups. Dr. Clementia Eugene, a seasoned social worker with over two decades of experience, is leading the policy development process, ensuring it remains evidence-based and inclusive. Permanent Secretary Dr. Charmaine Hippolyte Emmanuel emphasized the importance of these consultations in advancing Saint Lucia’s commitment to building an inclusive society. The ministry has urged broad participation to ensure the final policy reflects the community’s realities and aspirations.