The government of Saint Lucia has reintroduced its annual Christmas Barrel Trade Concession, providing significant financial relief to households during the holiday season. The initiative, administered by the Ministry of Finance through the Customs and Excise Department, will be in effect from October 15, 2025, to February 28, 2026, as per Cabinet Conclusion No. 910 of 2025. This program offers a 100% waiver on import duties for essential goods such as personal items, food, clothing, toys, and household consumables, though electronic items remain excluded. Each household is permitted up to two barrels, with a maximum declared value of $3,000 per barrel, strictly for personal use and not for resale or commercial purposes. Violations will incur standard penalties and fines. Additionally, the Cabinet has approved exemptions from the Health and Citizen Security Levy (HSL) and the Value Added Tax (VAT), pending parliamentary approval. However, a 6% Customs Service Charge will still apply to eligible barrels.
标签： Saint Lucia
圣卢西亚
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UWP Dennery North hopeful supports pension plan for farmers
Bradley Marcelle Fulgence, the United Workers Party (UWP) candidate for the Dennery North constituency, has publicly supported Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet’s proposal to implement a pension plan for farmers should the UWP secure victory in the upcoming general elections. Speaking at a UWP press conference on October 28, Fulgence emphasized the critical role played by Saint Lucia’s banana farmers, who have long been the backbone of the nation’s agricultural sector. He highlighted their relentless efforts, often under harsh conditions, to sustain both their families and the country’s economy. Fulgence lamented that many of these farmers have been neglected, lacking access to pensions, financial security, and proper recognition. He revealed that some have even passed away without receiving the compensation they rightfully deserved. To address this, the UWP has introduced the ‘Save our Saint Lucia’ initiative, a comprehensive policy framework designed to restore dignity to farmers. Under this plan, banana farmers who dedicated years to the industry but were unable to contribute to the National Insurance Corporation (NIC) will receive monthly government payments. Additionally, families of farmers who have passed away in the last five years will be granted a one-time payment as a gesture of gratitude. Fulgence stressed that this initiative is not an act of charity but a long-overdue act of justice for those who have fed the nation and sustained rural communities. The proposed plan will be administered through the Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the NIC and local farmers’ cooperatives. Fulgence concluded by affirming the UWP’s commitment to fairness, dignity, and respect, promising that the ‘Save our Saint Lucia’ policy will ensure that the contributions of farmers are never forgotten.
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Hope, Athanaze shine as Windies Seal T20I Series
The West Indies have clinched an unassailable 2-0 lead in the Dutch-Bangla T20 International Series against Bangladesh, securing back-to-back victories in a commanding display. Entering the series with only one win in five bilateral matchups this year, the Caribbean side showcased their resilience and skill to claim their second series triumph of 2025. The Bir Shreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Cricket Stadium was packed with enthusiastic supporters, adding to the electric atmosphere.
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Saint Lucia’s Elva, Cavalry FC into Canadian football semis
Cavalry FC, the reigning Canadian Premier League (CPL) champions, have secured their place in the Contenders’ Semifinal after a commanding 4-1 victory over York United in the quarterfinals. The match, held at Spruce Meadows’ ATCO Field on a windy weekend, saw Tobias Warschewski shine with a brace, propelling the Cavs to a decisive win. Their next challenge will be against Forge FC, the CPL Shield winners and regular season champions, in a high-stakes clash at Hamilton Stadium on November 2. The victor will advance to the CPL Championship Final on November 9, where they will face Atlético Ottawa for the coveted North Star Cup.
Saint Lucian striker Caniggia Elva, who has scored four goals this season, expressed his confidence after the match. “We’ve been working toward this all season,” Elva stated. “Playoff time is when we come alive. We secured third place to play in front of our fans, and we delivered. Scoring first was our goal, and we’ll keep pushing forward.” Despite being perceived as underdogs, Elva emphasized Cavalry’s championship pedigree, reminding critics of their title-winning campaign last year.
Cavalry’s performance was a testament to their preparation and teamwork. The team recorded 17 shot attempts and six corners in their comprehensive triumph. Head coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr. praised his squad’s execution, saying, “They were brilliant from the first minute to the last. Every player, whether they started or came off the bench, performed exceptionally. Even those who weren’t in the squad contributed to our preparation. I’m humbled by their performance.”
The stakes are high, as the eventual CPL champions will also earn a spot in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, the premier club competition in North and Central America and the Caribbean. Cavalry FC’s journey continues as they aim to defend their title and secure a place on the continental stage.
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KAYO wins big at music awards in Nova Scotia, Canada
Saint Lucian rapper KAYO Guevarra, born Filbert Salton, emerged as one of the standout winners at the 2025 Music Nova Scotia Awards, securing two prestigious accolades: DJ of the Year and Hip-Hop/Rap Recording of the Year for his project *EXTENDED TRIP*. The 37-year-old artist, who hails from Ciceron, Saint Lucia, and now resides in Halifax, Nova Scotia, also received nominations for African Nova Scotian Artist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year at the ceremony held on October 26 in Rodd Grand Yarmouth. KAYO was one of only three artists to win two awards at the event, which celebrated four days of performances, workshops, and industry recognition. In a heartfelt Facebook post, KAYO expressed gratitude to Music Nova Scotia and his community, stating, ‘The love & support that I’ve received from this community over the past few years has been nothing short of transformational.’ He described his music as a fusion of hip-hop, R&B, and reggae, influenced by his Caribbean roots. KAYO’s recent wins add to his growing list of achievements, including the 2023 African Nova Scotian Music Association Award for Artist of the Year and the 2024 East Coast Music Association Award for R&B/Soul Recording of the Year. The Music Nova Scotia Awards are determined by a combination of member votes and jury scores, with 30 categories in total.
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Support for Jamaica in the aftermath of Melissa
During the Caribbean Week of Agriculture in October 2024, Saboto S Caesar, Minister of Agriculture in St Vincent and the Grenadines, emphasized the urgent need for enhanced post-disaster support for Caribbean nations. This call to action comes in the wake of Hurricane Beryl, which devastated several countries, including St Vincent and the Grenadines, in July 2024. The Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) has responded by launching a climate resilience portal, designed to provide critical information on hurricane preparedness and recovery efforts. This initiative aligns with the CRFM’s mandate to support member states in their post-disaster recovery processes. Additionally, the CRFM has urged its community to contribute to Jamaica’s recovery following Hurricane Melissa, which struck the island on October 28, 2024. With maximum sustained winds of 145 miles per hour, Melissa tied as the strongest hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic Basin, causing catastrophic damage to both national infrastructure and personal property. The CRFM has pledged to collaborate with the Caribbean community and Jamaican residents to expedite recovery efforts and rebuild affected areas.
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Jamaican residents asked to seek refuge in shelters
As Hurricane Melissa, an extremely dangerous and life-threatening storm, approaches Jamaica, authorities are urging vulnerable residents to seek safety in the 42 emergency shelters activated across the St Thomas parish. Kevin McIndoe, CEO of the St Thomas Municipal Corporation, emphasized that while these shelters may not offer the comfort of home, they are essential for survival during the catastrophic storm. The latest advisory, issued at 11:00 a.m. EDT on October 28, warns of widespread infrastructure failure, catastrophic flash flooding, landslides, and destructive winds expected to persist across the island. As of 4:00 p.m. on October 27, approximately 600 people had sought refuge in shelters, with numbers anticipated to rise as hurricane-force winds intensify. However, some residents are refusing to relocate, citing poor conditions in the shelters. One resident stated, ‘We’re not leaving here, the conditions are terrible at the shelter, there’s nothing to eat and nowhere to sleep,’ choosing instead to brave the storm at home. Shelly-Ann McCalla, shelter manager at Morant Bay Primary School, acknowledged the challenges, noting that her facility had 60 occupants as of October 28, compared to 86 during Hurricane Beryl last year. McIndoe urged those seeking refuge to bring their own linen and at least two days’ supply of food, as resources are limited. He also requested that charitable donations be coordinated through the St Thomas Municipal Corporation to ensure equitable distribution. Meanwhile, the National Hurricane Center has issued warnings for Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Eastern Cuba, and the Bahamas, predicting catastrophic flash flooding, landslides, and life-threatening storm surges in these regions.
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Public assistance payments for October 2025 begin
The Ministry of Equity, Social Justice, and Empowerment has officially launched the disbursement of payments for the Public Assistance Program (PAP) for October 2025. The payment process began on Monday, October 27, 2025, and will conclude on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. This initiative targets beneficiaries residing in the Babonneau, Castries, Gros-Islet, San Souci, and Millet regions. All transactions will be processed at the Castries Constituency Council (CCC) Office, situated on Peynier Street in Castries. For additional information or assistance, the public is encouraged to reach out to the ministry via the following contact numbers: Castries at 468-5103/5108 or Vieux Fort at 454-6478.
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Culture Minister: Jounen Kwéyòl a ‘success’
Dr. Ernest Hilaire, Minister responsible for Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, and Culture, expressed his satisfaction with the success of Jounen Kwéyòl celebrations on October 27. The event, held on October 26, showcased Saint Lucia’s rich cultural heritage through food, music, dance, and traditional attire, centered around the Kwéyòl language. While the main activities were concentrated in Belle Vue, Vieux Fort, and Babonneau, the festivities extended island-wide, beginning on October 24 with schools and workplaces participating. Dr. Hilaire emphasized the need for a decentralized approach to the celebrations, encouraging more communities to host authentic Kwéyòl experiences. He highlighted the organic growth of the event, with communities like Monchy and Anse Gere drawing large crowds. The weekend-long celebration featured Church services in Kwéyòl, breakfast events, bamboo bursting competitions, and live performances of traditional music and dance. The culinary offerings, including avocado and farine, cashew tea, bakes, cocoa tea, smoked herring, pig tail, and dumplings, were a major attraction. Dr. Hilaire’s vision is to transform Jounen Kwéyòl into a national celebration, moving beyond the focus on designated communities.
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PM calls for the region to be respected as a zone of peace
The growing tensions between the United States and Venezuela have sparked significant concern across the Caribbean, with regional leaders expressing apprehension over the potential for conflict. Prime Minister Phillip J. Pierre of Saint Lucia described the situation as “worrisome” on October 27, particularly in light of Trinidad and Tobago’s alignment with the Trump Administration’s stance. This comes amid a US naval buildup in the southern Caribbean, initiated in August 2025 under the pretext of combating drug trafficking. The Trump administration has since declared a formal “armed conflict” against drug cartels, labeling them as “unlawful armed combatants” primarily originating from Venezuela. The US has reportedly conducted at least eight strikes on Venezuelan vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking, resulting in the deaths of at least 36 individuals, including two Trinidadians. This marked shift from traditional law enforcement tactics to direct military operations has drawn criticism from geopolitical analysts. The presence of the USS Gravely, a US guided missile destroyer, in Trinidad and Tobago’s capital, Port of Spain, has further heightened regional anxiety. Venezuela has accused Trinidad and Tobago of being under US control and facilitating a potential military confrontation. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez alleged that Trinidad and Tobago is conducting “military exercises” under US direction, warning of a possible “false flag attack” that could escalate tensions. In response, Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs emphasized that the USS Gravely’s visit aims to enhance regional security, disaster preparedness, and humanitarian efforts, while strengthening bilateral ties with the US. Prime Minister Pierre reiterated CARICOM’s call for the Caribbean to remain a “zone of peace,” urging all parties to respect this principle.