In a heart-stopping encounter at Eden Park on November 5, the West Indies secured a dramatic victory against New Zealand in the opening match of their five-match T20 International series. This marked the Windies’ first win in regulation time in T20Is on New Zealand soil against the Black Caps, with their previous triumph coming via a Super Over.
标签： Saint Lucia
圣卢西亚
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SALCC, SMC to meet for schools’ basketball title
The stage is set for an electrifying finale in the Under-19 boys’ schools’ basketball tournament, as defending champions Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) prepare to face St Mary’s College (SMC) on Thursday, November 6. The championship clash, organized by the Ministry of Youth Development & Sports, will take place at the Beausejour Gymnasium, capping off an intense competition. SALCC secured their spot in the final with a commanding 66-44 victory over Castries Comprehensive Secondary School (CCSS) in the semifinals. Despite CCSS leading by five points at halftime, SALCC’s experience and defensive prowess turned the tide in their favor. Key performances from Malik Denis, who scored 21 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and made eight steals, and Joel Desrivieres, with a double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds, were instrumental in the win. Meshach Du Boulay stood out for CCSS with 25 points and 15 rebounds. Meanwhile, SMC avenged last year’s semifinal loss by defeating Soufrière Comprehensive Secondary School (SCSS) 50-39. Rollins Estwick led SMC with 23 points, seven rebounds, and three steals, while Jabarie Archibald contributed 10 points and 14 rebounds. SCSS, missing key player Alex Longville due to injury, saw strong performances from Curdin Jones, who recorded 16 points and 22 rebounds, and Chaz Alexander with 13 points. Earlier in the day, CCSS and SCSS will compete in the third-place playoff at 1 p.m., followed by the championship game at 2 p.m.
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Saint Lucia’s Cocoa Sector Ripe for Development, FAO Finds
A recent mission by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has highlighted Saint Lucia’s pivotal role in the Eastern Caribbean’s specialty cocoa sector, demonstrating how even limited production can drive a thriving value-added market. From August 6 to 26, 2025, FAO’s cocoa market analysis team, led by specialist Gustavo Ferro, conducted an extensive assessment of the cocoa industries in Saint Lucia, Dominica, Grenada, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The mission aimed to identify sustainable growth strategies for the region’s cocoa sector, which is rich in flavor and entrepreneurial spirit, and eager to carve out a niche in premium international markets. In Saint Lucia, smallholder farmers and local processors are already capitalizing on opportunities through bean-to-bar chocolate production, artisanal cocoa products, and cocoa-based tourism experiences. Ferro emphasized that even modest production can sustain a vibrant market, particularly when integrated with Saint Lucia’s robust tourism sector. This synergy between agriculture and tourism has positioned the island as a prime candidate for niche market development, with traditional cocoa tea, boutique chocolate tours, and locally crafted products attracting international buyers seeking authenticity and unique flavors. Across the four islands, the FAO mission identified key opportunities to enhance competitiveness, including strengthening farmer networks and logistics, fostering value-added innovation, leveraging agro-tourism potential, and promoting sustainable practices such as biodiversity and agroforestry systems. Ferro praised Grenada’s fine-flavor cocoa and entrepreneurial farmers, commended Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for preserving cocoa traditions, and highlighted Dominica’s biodiversity and cooperative energy. The mission’s findings will inform a comprehensive roadmap for the Eastern Caribbean cocoa sector, with country-specific analyses and strategies to strengthen positioning in fine-flavor markets. These insights will be presented at the Subregional Dialogue on the Specialty Cocoa Sector in November 2025 in Trinidad and Tobago. FAO’s efforts align with the broader project “Strengthening the Foundations for a Specialty Cocoa Sector in the Caribbean,” underscoring cocoa’s potential to bolster local economies and improve rural livelihoods.
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Nestor tips off UNT tenure with double-double
Megan Nestor, a rising basketball star from Saint Lucia, made an impressive debut for the University of North Texas (UNT) women’s basketball team, contributing significantly to one of the program’s most dominant victories. In the season opener on November 4, UNT’s Mean Green overwhelmed Oklahoma Christian with a staggering 106-36 win at The Super Pit in Denton, Texas. Nestor, a former national netballer for Saint Lucia, showcased her versatility by recording a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, shooting an efficient 7-8 from the field. Her performance highlighted her transition from Wayland Baptist University, where she set school records in rebounding and emerged as a consistent scoring threat. Nestor’s 15.9 points and 13.5 rebounds per game during the 2023-2024 season earned her the honor of having her jersey displayed at the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville, Tennessee. Starting at center, Nestor’s impact was immediate, as she led the team in rebounds and contributed two assists and a block in just 22 minutes of play. Head coach Jason Burton praised the team’s balanced offensive capabilities, noting the presence of players who can stretch the floor and dominate inside. Nestor’s inclusion on the Lisa Leslie Centre of the Year Award Watchlist further underscores her potential. The 106-point outing marked the second time under Burton that UNT has surpassed 100 points, solidifying his teams’ reputation for high-scoring games. UNT will continue its season with a game against Grambling State on Friday night.
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Ex-footballer Willie takes over New York youth programme
Former Saint Lucia international footballer Sylvie Willie has been appointed as the new programme manager for Syracuse City FC, a youth development initiative under the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) of Syracuse & Onondaga County in New York. Willie, who holds a degree in business management from Mid-American, brings a wealth of experience as a player, coach, and mentor to her new role. Her predecessor, David Pittman Toré, now head coach at Bryant & Stratton College, praised Willie’s elite playing experience, coaching leadership, and dedication to youth empowerment through sports. In her new position, Willie will oversee player development, community engagement, and youth mentorship initiatives, ensuring young athletes have access to high-quality soccer training, positive role models, and opportunities to thrive. Willie began her football journey at age 13, representing Saint Lucia at both Under-20 and senior levels. After moving to the United States in 2017, she excelled academically and athletically, becoming a four-time all-conference and all-league scholar-athlete. Post-graduation, she dedicated herself to coaching, working with players aged 4-25 across various programmes. Currently an assistant coach at Bryant & Stratton’s women’s soccer team, Willie was recommended for the Syracuse City FC role by her head coach, who recognized her qualities, experience, and values. Known for her record-breaking performances, including a single-game record of 10 points and 5 goals, Willie aims to help young Saint Lucian soccer players secure US scholarships and further their careers.
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Dennery Segment, Second Chance Programme part of UWP’s youth empowerment plan
The United Workers Party (UWP) has announced a series of ambitious proposals aimed at empowering Saint Lucia’s youth and revitalizing the nation’s cultural landscape. During a youth engagement event titled “Clock It” held on November 2 at Utopia Gardens in Ti Rocher, Micoud, UWP leader Allen Chastanet outlined plans to elevate local talent and extend Carnival celebrations. The party proposed showcasing Dennery Segment artistes on a grand stage, akin to the international platform provided for John Legend during the Saint Lucia Jazz Festival, and extending Carnival festivities throughout July.
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NEMO seeks donations for Hurricane Melissa relief in Jamaica
In response to the extensive devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, Saint Lucia’s National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) has initiated a comprehensive donation drive to support recovery efforts. The initiative aims to gather essential relief items for distribution to affected communities in Jamaica, where the hurricane has caused widespread displacement and destruction. NEMO is calling upon citizens, organizations, and businesses to contribute to this humanitarian effort, emphasizing solidarity with the Jamaican government and people. Donations will be strictly limited to items specified on the official needs list provided by the Government of Jamaica, with clothing items currently excluded. Financial contributions and the full list of required items can be accessed via the official link: https://supportjamaica.gov.jm/needs. Donations can be delivered to the NEMO Secretariat in Bisee, Castries, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. NEMO has expressed gratitude for the public’s generosity and cooperation as Saint Lucia extends vital support to its Caribbean neighbors during this challenging time.
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Police nab six in Odsan for drugs, firearm, ammunition
In a significant crackdown on crime, the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) executed a coordinated early-morning operation in the Odsan community on October 31, resulting in multiple arrests and the seizure of illegal drugs and a firearm. The operation, spearheaded by the Gangs, Narcotics, and Firearms Unit (GNF) with tactical assistance from the Special Services Unit (SSU), commenced at approximately 4 a.m. and focused on two residences under search warrants. At the first location, authorities uncovered substantial quantities of crack cocaine, cannabis, and cannabis resin. Vivian D’Auvergne and Devon Stanio, occupants of the residence, along with Marva Dorville, were apprehended on charges related to possession of controlled substances and intent to supply. Notably, D’Auvergne was already wanted by the Choiseul Police for serious firearm-related offenses connected to an incident on July 12, 2025, in Victoria, Choiseul. These charges include using a firearm with intent, possession of a firearm, and discharging a firearm in a public place. At a second residence in Odsan, officers recovered a Taurus G2 nine-millimetre semi-automatic pistol and ten rounds of 9mm ammunition. Kenan Fergus, Richie Glasgow, and Brianna Pierrelouis were arrested for possession of the firearm and ammunition. All six suspects were processed at the Centralised Community Safety Centre, where the seized items were also secured. The group appeared before the First District Court on November 3. Stanio, D’Auvergne, and Dorville were each granted bail of $11,000 cash or suitable surety and are set to reappear in court on December 11, 2025. Fergus, Glasgow, and Pierrelouis, facing firearm and ammunition charges, were granted $35,000 bail each and are also due back in court on the same date.
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Former acting PM: Election winner too early to call
Michael ‘Mikey’ Pilgrim, former interim Prime Minister of Saint Lucia and deputy political leader of the now-defunct Progressive Labour Party (PLP), shared his insights on the upcoming general elections in an interview with St. Lucia Times. Pilgrim, who served as interim prime minister from January to May 1982, emphasized that it is too early to predict the election outcome, stating, ‘At the moment, I think it is too early for me to make a call as to who will win the elections.’ He clarified that his remarks on November 4 were purely personal opinions. Pilgrim anticipates a fiercely contested election, noting that while the Labour Party gained momentum in the previous election, the current political landscape appears more settled. He advised voters to carefully consider which party is best suited to lead the nation in the coming years. Pilgrim also highlighted the evolving nature of political campaigns, contrasting the traditional community meetings of the 1980s with today’s reliance on social media. He observed that many young people now follow campaigns online, partly due to safety concerns and increased sophistication among voters. Pilgrim called for more substantive discussions during public engagements, urging politicians to focus on issues rather than personal attacks. He stressed the importance of presenting evidence-based facts and preparing thoroughly for public appearances to minimize mistakes. Pilgrim concluded by advocating for clean, fact-driven elections that prioritize the nation’s welfare over political theatrics.
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Solar Tours & Travel earns silver medal at Stella Awards
Solar Tours & Travel, a prominent destination management company, has been honored with a silver medal in the International and US Territories Best DMC category at the 2025 Stella Awards. This prestigious accolade, organized by Northstar Meetings Group, recognizes excellence and innovation in the meetings, incentives, conferences, and events (MICE) industry. The awards celebrated 248 global organizations for their outstanding contributions. For Solar Tours & Travel, this achievement signifies a significant milestone, as the company has advanced from its 2024 bronze medal to silver. Carmelita Xavier, CEO of Solar Tours & Travel and a 2023 Gimie’s Lifetime Award winner, expressed her elation, stating, ‘We are beyond thrilled. This recognition truly reflects the hard work, dedication, and passion our team puts into delivering exceptional experiences for our clients. We look forward to attaining gold in 2026.’ The Stella Awards honor excellence across various industry segments, including hotels, convention centers, airlines, cruise lines, and destination management organizations. This year’s winners were selected from over 10,000 votes and 1,009 nominations, evaluated based on criteria such as overall excellence, food and beverage offerings, staff professionalism, and sustainability initiatives. Shalise DeMott, senior vice president of Northstar, emphasized that the awards celebrate the consistent contributions of industry leaders who set new standards for service and innovation. Winners are nominated and voted on by event planners, followed by a rigorous review by a distinguished panel of judges.