The Caribbean Climate Resilience and Agriculture Forum (CCRAF) has launched its first on-the-ground initiative, ‘CCRAF on the Road,’ in Saint Lucia, marking a significant shift from virtual engagements to direct community interactions. The week-long event, which began on October 20, is part of CCRAF’s 10th anniversary celebrations and is organized by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA). The initiative aims to promote climate-smart farming and community resilience through a series of activities, including school visits, technical exchanges, policy dialogues, and youth engagement. Gregg Rawlins, IICA’s representative to the OECS and Eastern Caribbean States, emphasized the importance of this hands-on approach, stating, ‘We’re not just sharing knowledge — we’re taking the process to the ground, to people on the ground.’ The program also focuses on building regional networks and showcasing local innovations that advance Saint Lucia’s resilience goals. Dr. Chaney St Martin, CCRAF coordinator, highlighted the initiative’s community-driven approach, noting the need for more action and less talk. The Saint Lucia leg of the tour is supported by various sponsors and partners, including the World University Service of Canada and the Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions. Bradley St Ange, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, underscored the importance of engaging youth in agriculture, given the aging farmer population. Following Saint Lucia, the CCRAF on the Road tour will continue to St Vincent and the Grenadines and Dominica, expanding its outreach across the Eastern Caribbean.
标签： Saint Lucia
圣卢西亚
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SLUNCF and Republic Bank celebrate World Food Day with climate-smart agriculture showcase
On October 16, 2025, the Saint Lucia National Conservation Fund (SLUNCF) and Republic Bank (EC) Ltd. joined forces to commemorate World Food Day with an impactful Grantee Exchange event at Amb’s Harvest in La Croix Maingot. The gathering united students from Babonneau Secondary School with representatives from both organizations to delve into the role of climate-smart agriculture in bolstering food security and resilience in Saint Lucia. This event underscored the ongoing collaboration between Republic Bank and SLUNCF, which supports community-based organizations (CBOs) dedicated to sustainable agriculture, improved livelihoods, and climate resilience. A standout feature of the day was Amb’s Harvest’s Hydroponic Grow Bag System, an innovative approach that enhances year-round vegetable production while minimizing pesticide use. This system not only serves as an educational tool for students but also as a scalable model for small-scale farmers eager to adopt sustainable, technology-driven practices. Students engaged in hands-on demonstrations, gaining insights into how hydroponics can integrate into modern farming and support local food systems, including school feeding programs. The event also emphasized the importance of partnerships among the private sector, civil society, and educational institutions. Diana Joseph, SLUNCF’s program officer, highlighted the event’s role in fostering knowledge sharing, collaboration, and inspiration, while SLUNCF CEO Craig Henry praised Republic Bank’s leadership in supporting community-driven environmental solutions. The partnership, initiated in 2024, established the Republic Bank Sustainability Fund—Saint Lucia under the Bank’s Power to Make A Difference (PMAD) program. With a five-year commitment of $750,000, the fund supports projects aimed at enhancing food security, protecting biodiversity, and promoting nature-based solutions across the island.
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Amazon Web Services says global internet outage ‘fully mitigated’
Amazon Web Services (AWS), a leading global cloud computing provider, has announced that a significant outage affecting its platform has been fully resolved. The disruption, which occurred on October 20, impacted a vast array of popular websites and applications worldwide, including Canva, Snapchat, Facebook, Fortnite, Venmo, Prime Video, and others reliant on AWS infrastructure. According to Downdetector, a service that monitors internet outages, the issue caused widespread service interruptions, affecting platforms such as cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase and artificial intelligence company Perplexity. AWS confirmed that most of its operations were restored later in the day, bringing relief to companies like Hulu, McDonald’s, and the UK Government’s official website, which also experienced temporary disruptions. This incident marks the most significant global internet disruption since last year’s CrowdStrike malfunction, which severely impacted technology systems in hospitals, banks, and airports worldwide. During the peak of the outage, Canva addressed the issue on X (formerly Twitter), stating, ‘Our cloud provider is currently experiencing problems. It’s not the experience we want for you, and we’re working closely with them to help re-establish service. Thanks for your patience and understanding as we work to bring things back to normal.’
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Sayers, Limery: Wa ek wenn chimen (King and queen of the road)
The 2025 Kwéyòl 5K Run, powered by Lucozade, concluded with Jason Sayers and Laura-Lynn Limery claiming top honors in this celebrated road running event. Organized by the Saint Lucia Athletics Association (SLAA), the third edition of the race saw over 75 participants braving overcast skies on October 19. The flat course stretched from Reduit to Pigeon Point, attracting runners aged five to 53, including two athletes from Martinique. Despite adverse weather conditions, the event showcased remarkable community spirit and athletic excellence. Sayers, representing 758 Adventurers, finished first with a time of 17:15.83, while Limery of Road Busters led the women’s category at 21:14.00. The event also highlighted inclusivity, with five-year-old Adam Ramdatt completing the race with ease. SLAA President Dora Henry praised the event’s execution and emphasized its role in promoting Creole culture and healthy living. Plans for an expanded 2026 edition are already in motion, reflecting the growing popularity of road running in Saint Lucia.
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Golf Saint Lucia celebrates 2025 ECGA Amateur Golf Champions
Team Saint Lucia has emerged victorious as the 2025 ECGA Amateur Gross Golf Champions, marking a significant milestone for Golf Saint Lucia Inc. The official celebration, held on October 16 at the Sandals Golf and Country Club, honored the team’s remarkable achievement. The tournament, hosted at the Royal St Kitts Golf Club in St Kitts and Nevis, featured diverse categories, including men’s, seniors, super seniors, and ladies’ divisions. Notably, the Saint Lucian ladies’ team secured a win in their category, with Lisa Garner clinching the individual title. Yadhu Urs, a Saint Lucian residing in the United States, dominated the men’s individual tournament with impressive scores of 72 and 69. Coach Tim Mangal, in an interview with sports commentator Dr. Joseph Reds Perreira, highlighted the team’s meticulous preparation, strategic planning, and adaptability as key factors behind their success. Training commenced in August, building on Saint Lucia’s previous victories in 2003 and 2023. Mangal emphasized the importance of teamwork and collaboration, with players supporting each other to refine their skills. Despite challenges such as slower greens, the team’s resilience and preparation ensured their triumph. Looking ahead, Mangal expressed a commitment to promoting golf in Saint Lucia, particularly among the youth, aiming to expand participation and elevate the sport’s competitiveness.
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Saint Lucian MMA enters a new era with Battleground Exhibition Classic
The Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) landscape in Saint Lucia marked a significant milestone with the successful hosting of the Battleground Exhibition Classic at the Beausejour Indoor Facility on October 19. Despite adverse weather conditions and an approaching tropical wave, the event drew a respectable crowd, offering a glimpse into the island’s burgeoning MMA talent. This exhibition served as a precursor to the highly anticipated Saint Lucia Invitational Combat Sports Festival, scheduled for January 2026, and showcased the skills of local fighters. Winners of the preliminaries included Starr-Jay Aimable, Habakkuk Nestor, and Marvyn “Rome” Ernest, while Justice Joseph and Lilli Leclere triumphed in the main events. In an exclusive interview with St. Lucia Times, Macorliff Duvigneau, president of the Saint Lucia Mixed Martial Arts Federation (SLMMF), emphasized the event’s role in fostering the sport’s growth. ‘This was our introduction to Saint Lucia,’ Duvigneau remarked. ‘The event was a resounding success, and it allowed us to highlight our athletes’ capabilities. I believe we’ve laid a strong foundation for the future.’ Duvigneau also highlighted MMA’s potential to instill discipline and positivity among the youth, a mission he is committed to advancing. Two participants, Starr-Jay Aimable and Stephen Steele, shared their experiences, with Steele expressing his determination to improve after a competitive debut. Aimable, meanwhile, celebrated the event as a breakthrough for alternative sports in a region traditionally dominated by boxing. Regional and local officials have expressed optimism about MMA’s future in Saint Lucia, with the Battleground Exhibition Classic signaling the start of a promising journey.
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UK athletes visit Special Care Baby Unit ahead of historic island challenge
The World Health Organization highlights that the first 28 days of a newborn’s life are the most critical, with the highest risk of mortality. Lifesaving equipment to address complications from infections or preterm birth is essential for survival and recovery. This reality was brought home for 30 UK residents who visited the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at the Millenium Heights Medical Complex on October 16. Organized by the Sandals Foundation, the group, alongside six local athletes, will undertake a demanding series of physical challenges, including a half marathon, a 12km rainforest trek, a 10km sea kayak, and a hike up Gros Piton, to raise £100,000 for vital neonatal equipment. The 2025 Sandals Foundation Island Challenge, running from October 17 to 20, demonstrates the power of tourism networks to bring hope and tangible change. The fundraiser aims to acquire essential equipment such as a neonatal ventilator, nesting system, infant warmer, incubator, infusion pump, jaundice meter, and infant blankets, all backed by a one-year warranty. This equipment will significantly enhance the capabilities of the island’s largest public health facility to save lives. Valerie Baptiste, a mother whose premature baby received life-saving care at the SCBU, shared her gratitude. Dr. Lashorn Christian, head of the pediatric department, emphasized the importance of the ventilator and infusion pump in neonatal care, noting their critical role in survival and recovery. UK donor Tiger Whiteley, deeply moved by his visit, expressed his commitment to the cause, inspired by personal loss. Now in its third year, the Island Challenge has become a beacon of hope, supporting pediatric health across the Caribbean. Tessa Inglis, acting CEO of the Millenium Heights Medical Complex, and Karen Zacca, director of operations at the Sandals Foundation, both highlighted the global and local partnerships that make this initiative possible, underscoring the collective effort to strengthen neonatal care in Saint Lucia.
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Saint Lucian cricket mourns the loss of a grassroots giant
The cricketing community in Saint Lucia is grappling with the tragic loss of Junior Derose, a revered coach at the Saint Lucia Cricket High Performance Centre, who died in a vehicular accident in Dennery over the weekend. Derose, a Cricket West Indies Level 2 qualified coach, was instrumental in shaping the future of cricket on the island. Earlier this year, he was among three Saint Lucian coaches who completed an advanced biomechanics course at the KRCA Academy in Trinidad and Tobago. He also served as the manager and assistant coach for the Under-15 national team. Known for his unwavering dedication and passion for grassroots cricket, Derose’s untimely demise has elicited an outpouring of heartfelt tributes on social media. Wayne Auguste, president of the Saint Lucia National Cricket Association, praised Derose as a “dedicated” and “selfless” individual whose energy and love for the game inspired all who worked with him. Parliamentary Representative for Dennery North Jeremiah Norbert remembered Derose as a “kind, cool, humble, and easy-going person” who was deeply committed to nurturing young cricketers. The Saint Lucia Premier League T20 social media pages also honored Derose, acknowledging his significant contributions to developing players and elevating Saint Lucian cricket. West Indies Head Coach Daren Sammy paid tribute, stating, “RIP Coach Jr. Your passion for the game will live on.” Derose’s passing has left a profound void in Saint Lucia’s cricketing and sporting community, marking the end of a life devoted to service and excellence.
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Secrets Resorts hosts sendoff party for Miss Saint Lucia Universe
On October 17, Secrets Saint Lucia Resorts and Spa hosted a regal send-off event for Shianne Smith, Saint Lucia’s representative at the upcoming 74th Miss Universe pageant in Thailand. The celebration, attended by family, sponsors, and media, marked a significant milestone as Smith prepares to compete among over 100 delegates on November 21. Alisteer Nelson, Director of Sales and Marketing at Secret Resorts, expressed pride in supporting the Miss Universe Saint Lucia initiative, while General Manager Ricardo Esteban emphasized the honor of sharing this momentous occasion. Joycie Mederick, Pageant Director, reflected on the transformative journey of past delegates under her Cinnamon Productions, expressing gratitude to sponsors and well-wishers for their unwavering support. Smith, in her heartfelt address, vowed to embody the spirit of Saint Lucia, showcasing the nation’s strength and pride on the global stage. The event also featured token presentations by ACADO to Smith and her fellow contestants, symbolizing unity and encouragement. Pre-judging activities are set to commence next week, leading up to the televised pageant finale.
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National Eye Clinic in Saint Lucia resumes surgeries
The Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs in Saint Lucia has announced the resumption of surgeries at the National Eye Clinic, marking a pivotal step in restoring comprehensive eye care services within the public health sector. This development follows a temporary halt in surgical procedures in March 2023 due to infrastructural challenges. The recommencement of surgeries began on October 8, 2025, with 17 successful pterygium cases already completed and cataract surgeries scheduled to follow shortly.
A thorough assessment of the previous facility led to a phased enhancement program, resulting in significant upgrades to the clinic. These improvements include infrastructural advancements such as the identification of an alternative space, redesigning and retrofitting the area, and installing additional lighting and air conditioning units. The upgraded facility now features an operating theatre, a preoperative room, a recovery room, three examination rooms, a small pharmacy, and a sterilisation room.
The clinic is now equipped with cutting-edge technology, including an ophthalmic surgical system for cataract and retina procedures, a phaco-emulsifier, an anesthesia machine, an eye surgical microscope, and laser machines. A highly skilled team, comprising three ophthalmologists, an optometrist, a medical internist, and five nurses, has been trained to operate the new equipment and ensure efficient patient flow and infection control.
Since its commissioning on December 2, 2024, the clinic has been serving approximately 60 to 70 patients daily. The Ministry of Health has expressed gratitude to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) for their support in ensuring the safety of the operating theatre through environmental testing.
The National Eye Clinic offers a wide range of services, including diabetic retinopathy screening and treatment, general eye examinations, surgeries for pterygium and cataracts, internal medicine services, and community outreach programs. Eye care services are available Monday to Friday, with surgeries conducted Monday to Thursday and outpatient visits on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
The public is encouraged to contact the clinic for appointments, and those on the waiting list for surgeries will be notified about their preoperative procedures and surgery dates. The Ministry has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering high-quality services through the National Eye Clinic.