Julian Rogers, a Barbadian-born broadcaster and regional commentator now residing in Belize, has lived and worked across the Caribbean, making him uniquely qualified to speak on Caribbean integration. His life has been shaped by the same movement that CARICOM is now formalizing through its Free Movement initiative, which he describes as “music to my ears.” The initiative, which allows citizens of member states to live and work freely across borders, was fully implemented on October 1 by Belize, Dominica, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Barbados. Rogers refers to these nations as “the quartet in this choir of the Caribbean,” emphasizing their role in promoting regional unity. For Rogers, the initiative is deeply personal. “When I arrive at the airport in Belize, I’m stamped as a free movement person, entitled to all the benefits of a citizen,” he said. “No hassle. We are all one family.” Despite the clear benefits, 11 of the 15 CARICOM countries have hesitated to fully adopt the initiative. Rogers attributes this to bureaucratic hurdles rather than genuine risks. “We’ve implemented many measures administratively. You agree today, you act tomorrow, and Parliament follows,” he explained. Concerns about potential migrant influxes, particularly in Barbados, have proven unfounded. “In the first week, there were ten people,” Rogers noted. “People don’t just move without jobs, schools, or a way to sustain themselves.” For Rogers, the value of free movement extends beyond trade and policy—it’s about opportunity, especially for the region’s youth. “I moved out of Barbados at 20 and haven’t regretted it. This is an opportunity for young people to explore the Caribbean,” he said. He also highlighted the complementary economies of CARICOM nations, such as Belize’s agriculture and Barbados’ tourism, fostering a cycle of trade and innovation. While challenges remain, Rogers is optimistic. “I’ve seen it work. Immigration officers in Jamaica say, ‘Welcome home.’ CARICOM has conducted exercises to make this seamless,” he said. Despite recent diplomatic tensions, Rogers views free movement as a reminder of the importance of regional solidarity. “We are one Caribbean. Everyone outside the region sees us as one,” he concluded, urging collective effort to realize the dream of a borderless Caribbean.
标签： Saint Lucia
圣卢西亚
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Preservation through participation, Quadrille’s place in hearts and homes
Jason Joseph, a passionate advocate for cultural preservation in Saint Lucia, recently concluded the 14th annual Dansé Kwòdril (Quadrille) sessions at JQ Rodney Bay Mall. The weekly event, which ran from early September to October 23, has been a cornerstone of the island’s cultural calendar since 2011, with JQ Mall as its official sponsor for the past five years. For Joseph, these sessions are more than just dance lessons—they are a mission to revive Saint Lucian heritage and foster community participation.
Joseph’s journey with dance began in his childhood at his church’s Saturday Night Socials. Though he initially learned Quadrille through observation, his passion for movement waned for years, even as he gained fame as a musician and his brother embraced salsa. A personal turning point reignited his love for dance, and he has since become one of the island’s most prominent promoters of Quadrille, a dance with roots in 18th and 19th-century European ballrooms, later adapted by enslaved Africans in the Caribbean.
While Quadrille is often performed by cultural groups for tourists and events, Joseph emphasizes the importance of personal participation. “It’s crucial that Saint Lucians learn to dance with their families and friends,” he said. “These dances are about bringing people together.” Over the years, attendance at his sessions has grown significantly, thanks to consistent efforts, corporate sponsorship, and the rising popularity of his Kwéyòl Sent Lisi brand on social media.
Joseph’s vision extends beyond Quadrille. He is also working to revive African-influenced dances like the bélé, débòt, and kutumba, which are still practiced in communities such as Piaye and Babonneau. Additionally, he aims to make communal dancing a year-round activity, not just limited to Creole Heritage Month. “Dancing is not just a social activity—it’s beneficial for health, peace of mind, and stress relief,” he explained.
Despite his success, Joseph humorously notes a challenge: getting more men to join. “I don’t know if they think it’s not manly enough or they’re afraid of ridicule,” he joked. “But we need more men to participate. Right now, I’m having all the fun with the women—and I can’t handle them all alone.”
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Gaming or gambling? Saint Lucia’s youth navigate the ins and outs of sports betting
The sports gaming industry has experienced exponential growth since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) on May 14, 2018. This landmark decision legalized sports betting across the United States, transforming a once-taboo industry into a global phenomenon. While the sector has injected billions into sports economies and heightened fan engagement, it has also introduced significant challenges, including corruption, addiction, and ethical dilemmas.
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Fire chief, environmentalists sound alarm as seasons collide
Saint Lucia is grappling with a dramatic increase in fire incidents, compounded by challenges in accessing sufficient water to combat them. The island, once accustomed to predictable weather patterns, now faces a climate crisis where the boundaries between dry and wet seasons have blurred. Fire Chief Ditney Downes of the Saint Lucia Fire Service (SLFS) revealed in an exclusive interview with the St. Lucia Times that bushfires, traditionally confined to January through June, have extended into September this year. In 2024 alone, the SLFS responded to over 1,100 bushfires, a significant rise from previous years. Human activities, such as land clearing and deliberate burning, are the primary causes of these fires. However, identifying and prosecuting offenders remains difficult. The situation is exacerbated by prolonged dry spells, which deplete water sources essential for firefighting. Hydrants, reliant on community water mains, often run dry during droughts, leaving firefighters struggling to maintain operations. Simultaneously, the island faces increased flooding due to intense, sporadic rainfall. Nadia Cazaubon, programmes director at the environmental NGO WaterWays, attributes these erratic weather patterns to climate change. She warns that reduced annual rainfall, coupled with extreme downpours, is causing both water scarcity and severe flooding. The World Bank has stepped in with the Saint Lucia Urban Resilient Flood Investment Project, aiming to mitigate flood risks in vulnerable areas like Castries and Anse La Raye. However, the island’s ecosystems are already suffering, with species loss and habitat destruction becoming more frequent. Both Downes and Cazaubon emphasize the urgent need for proactive measures, including public education, policy changes, and community adaptation, to address these escalating challenges.
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From Morne Du Don to runways in Paris and Milan
Julzzallure, a brand synonymous with bold individuality and innovative fashion, has captured the attention of the global fashion scene. Founded by Julietta Raoul, a Saint Lucian native now residing in Canada, the brand made waves at Paris Fashion Week with its signature hats showcased during the ‘Flying Solo NYC’ production. Fashion Week Online praised Julzzallure for its daring fusion of creativity and sophistication, describing each piece as a celebration of personal empowerment. Raoul’s journey from her humble beginnings in Morne Du Don, Castries, to gracing international runways is a testament to her resilience and passion. Her love for fashion began with hair styling, a skill she honed from the age of eight. After migrating to Canada in 1992, Raoul expanded her expertise, becoming a licensed hair professional and eventually creating the first Afro-textured mannequins in Alberta. Her foray into hat design began in 2024, leading to her participation in Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks. Despite challenges, Raoul’s work received overwhelming acclaim, particularly in Paris. Now, she is developing a line of hair products and planning to showcase her talent in her homeland. Raoul’s advice to aspiring creatives is to embrace their unique ideas and persevere, as every individual has something distinct to offer.
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Heavy hands, high hopes: Ryan Joseph’s MMA rise fuels dreams
Shannus Ryan Joseph, Saint Lucia’s towering heavyweight mixed martial arts (MMA) champion, is carving out a legacy in a sport still emerging across the Caribbean. Standing at an imposing six feet six inches and weighing 260 pounds, Joseph has become a trailblazer for combat sports on the island. Hailing from the small village of Micoud, he gained recognition in 2024 by securing two amateur victories under the Caribbean Ultimate Fist Fighting (CUFF) banner, including a title fight in November. Currently the CUFF Heavyweight Champion, Joseph is ranked 3,588th in the Central and South America region, drawing attention for his size, speed, and grappling prowess. According to Tapology.com, Joseph’s ranking is based on his limited fights, with his position subject to change as he accumulates more experience. His rise symbolizes Saint Lucia’s growing influence in MMA, a sport gaining momentum across the Caribbean. In a recent interview with St. Lucia Times, Joseph reflected on his journey, crediting his early karate training and his introduction to MMA while working in Trinidad. He emphasized the importance of mental strength, passion, and focus in his training, describing his drive as entering ‘beast mode.’ Joseph also expressed pride in representing Saint Lucia, encouraging aspiring athletes to pursue their dreams with consistency and patience. His success has inspired local gyms and youth programs, with Joseph poised to transition into professional MMA. His recent role as a judge at the inaugural Battleground Exhibition Classic further solidified his status as a champion and mentor in the sport.
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Hurricane Melissa leaves at least 30 dead as storm heads to Bermuda
The Caribbean is reeling from the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful storms in recorded history, which struck the region with devastating force. Making landfall in Jamaica on October 28 as a Category 5 hurricane, Melissa unleashed destructive winds, severe flooding, and relentless rainfall, leaving a trail of destruction across Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti. By October 30, the storm had weakened as it moved toward Bermuda, but the damage had already been done, with dozens of lives lost and communities left in ruins. Rescue and recovery operations are underway, but they are severely hindered by widespread power outages, communication breakdowns, and blocked roads. The death toll continues to rise, with over 30 fatalities reported in Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. Jamaican officials, including Education Minister Dana Dixon, described the devastation as unprecedented, with entire communities isolated and infrastructure flattened. Helicopters are being deployed to deliver relief supplies and transport patients, though landing in some areas remains a challenge due to debris and flooding. The emotional toll on residents is immense, with many unable to contact loved ones in the hardest-hit zones. Despite the overwhelming destruction, the global community has rallied to offer support, with countries pledging financial aid, food, and rescue teams to assist in the recovery efforts.
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Megan Nestor named to Lisa Leslie Award preseason watchlist
Megan Nestor, a standout basketball player from Saint Lucia and senior at the University of North Texas (UNT), has been recognized as one of the top centers in collegiate women’s basketball in the United States. On October 31, she was included in the 2025-26 Lisa Leslie Centre of the Year Award Preseason Watchlist, an honor announced by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. This list, which features 20 elite players, will evolve throughout the season, with the final five candidates announced in March. The ultimate winner will be revealed at the NCAA Final Four in Indianapolis. Nestor, originally from the village of Canaries in Saint Lucia, transferred to UNT after a stellar career at Wayland Baptist University, where she excelled as a 6’3” center. During her junior year, she averaged 20.5 points and 13.4 rebounds per game, leading her team to the second round of the NAIA Women’s Basketball Championships. Her impressive performance earned her First Team All-Conference and All-America honors. Nestor’s inclusion marks the second consecutive year that UNT has been represented on the watchlist, following Tommisha Lampkin’s recognition in the 2024-25 season. UNT is one of only nine schools to have a player on the list in each of the last two seasons. Nestor will begin her regular season with UNT on November 3 against Oklahoma Christian at The Super Pit.
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Swimmer Tristan Dorville handed Olympic scholarship
The Saint Lucia Aquatics Federation has proudly announced that 18-year-old Tristan Dorville, a standout swimmer and student-athlete at Virginia Tech, has been selected as a recipient of the prestigious Olympic Solidarity Scholarship. This recognition underscores Dorville’s exceptional talent, relentless dedication, and remarkable achievements in the sport of swimming. The scholarship, facilitated by the Saint Lucia Olympic Committee, aims to support promising athletes as they prepare for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Dorville’s selection is a significant milestone for Saint Lucia, as he represents the nation’s hope for natural qualification in Olympic swimming—a feat achieved only once before by Danielle Beaubrun in 2012. Dorville’s impressive track record includes multiple medals at the CARIFTA Aquatics Championships, where he has consistently demonstrated his prowess in freestyle and butterfly events. Notably, his national record time of 23.48 seconds in the 50m freestyle stands as the best ever recorded by a male swimmer from the Eastern Caribbean. Beyond regional competitions, Dorville has competed on the global stage, participating in events such as the World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships, the Commonwealth Games, and the World Aquatics Championships. The local swimming community is optimistic that Dorville, alongside former teammate Antoine Destang, will make history as the first male swimmers from Saint Lucia to achieve natural Olympic qualification. His journey is a testament to his hard work, discipline, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
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TTDF on highest alert: All personnel recalled to base amid Venezuela war fears
The Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) has escalated its operational readiness to the highest level, known as State One Alert, following an abrupt directive for all military personnel to report to their respective bases by the evening of October 31. This unprecedented recall was prompted by escalating regional instability, particularly international media reports suggesting an imminent U.S. military strike against targets in neighboring Venezuela. Senior intelligence and military sources confirmed that an urgent circular was issued mid-morning on October 31, mandating all active soldiers, sailors, and air guard officers to report for duty. An internal message emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, ‘This is not a drill. All are strongly advised to make all necessary arrangements with your families and prepare for confinement.’ Personnel on leave, including those on pre-retirement or sick leave, were instructed to remain on immediate standby. Soldiers were directed to report to the four main military bases across the country: Cumuto, La Romaine, Chaguaramas, and Long Circular. The State One Alert signifies the military’s maximum readiness posture, prepared for immediate deployment to secure national assets and borders. High-level officials described the move as a precautionary measure to address potential regional or national disturbances arising from the escalating crisis. The immediate trigger for the alert is the mounting tension between the United States and Venezuela, with international news agencies reporting that the U.S. administration is considering military action against the Maduro government. Despite the TTDF’s mobilization, the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs issued a statement urging calm, denying any changes to national security arrangements and attributing public anxiety to ‘false news reports.’ Defence Minister Wayne Sturge declined to confirm the orders in Parliament, stating that doing so would be ‘contrary to the public interest.’ However, these assurances have failed to alleviate widespread anxiety, with schools and businesses closing early across parts of Trinidad. The TTDF remains on State One Alert, with troops confined to their installations awaiting further instructions.