Carib Scope

标签： Saint Lucia

圣卢西亚

  • Edwin, Oliver take school 5K titles

    Edwin, Oliver take school 5K titles

    Amidst torrential rainfall at Beausejour, Gros Islet, club-affiliated athletes demonstrated exceptional prowess at the Secondary Schools Road Race on Thursday, December 11. Sir Arthur Lewis Community College emerged as the dominant force with Omarion Edwin and McKayla Oliver clinching top honors in their respective divisions during the challenging five-kilometer competition.

    The race commenced at the northeastern perimeter of Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, with participants navigating a circuit around the facility before proceeding northward along Beausejour Promenade. The route continued past the Saint Lucia Sports Academy toward Bella Rosa Road before culminating back at the cricket ground.

    Edwin, a seasoned competitor from Survivors Track Club with two CARIFTA appearances, secured the Under-18 boys’ title with an impressive time of 18:28. He outpaced Micoud Secondary’s Tafari Martin (18:44) and Choiseul’s Demille Theodore (18:57). In the Under-16 category, Soufriere’s Chaz Alexander delivered a standout performance with a winning time of 18:52, surpassing Tai Joseph (SLSA) and Jamal Cadette (Soufriere).

    SALCC further demonstrated its athletic depth through Daniel Hippolyte’s victory in the U20 boys’ race (19:59), with teammate Daniel Martin securing second place. St Mary’s College’s Jaylan McDonald claimed the U14 title in 21:45, leading Wayndell Etienne (Patricia D James Secondary) and Jervon Charlery (Vieux Fort Comprehensive).

    On the girls’ side, Road Busters athlete McKayla Oliver mastered the adverse conditions to win the U20 division in 23:02, finishing 30 seconds ahead of U14 champion Kayleigh Landers who placed second overall. U18 winner Angelle Joseph completed the top three finishers. The podium was rounded out by SALCC’s Clerissa Placide and SLSA’s Layla Jn Baptiste.

    Joseph captured the U18 girls’ crown in 23:39 representing Clendon Mason Memorial, while CARIFTA athlete Isabelle Emilienne (SLSA) earned bronze. SLSA achieved a remarkable 1-2 finish in the U16 girls category through Laila Nicholas (25:06) and Aria Andrew, with Soufriere’s Kena Butcher taking third. Landers secured her U14 victory in 23:32 for VFCSS, outperforming Daniella Lambert (St Joseph’s Convent) and Briann Jean (SLSA).

  • Nicholas Barnard elected Chamber of Commerce President

    Nicholas Barnard elected Chamber of Commerce President

    The Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture has undergone a significant leadership transition with the election of Nicholas Barnard as its new President. Mr. Barnard, who serves as Managing Director of St. Lucia Linen Services Ltd, assumes the role previously held by Ross Gardner of Carasco & Son, who concluded his two-term tenure without seeking re-election.

    This leadership change marks a strategic shift for the premier business advocacy organization, which plays a crucial role in representing private sector interests, facilitating networking opportunities, and influencing economic policy formulation in Saint Lucia. Barnard, having previously served as Vice President under Gardner’s administration, brings continuity and fresh perspective to the position.

    The newly constituted Board of Directors features a diverse representation of Saint Lucia’s business leadership: Eldris Mauricette of Tropical Shipping as First Vice President, Jason King of St. Lucia Distillers Group as Second Vice President, and Ross Gardner as Immediate Past President. The board further comprises nine distinguished directors from various sectors including shipping, retail, insurance, technology, and manufacturing.

    The Chamber’s new leadership team is poised to strengthen collaboration with government entities and other stakeholders to foster a business environment characterized by safety, fairness, and operational effectiveness. The board is scheduled to convene its inaugural meeting on Thursday to establish strategic priorities and operational frameworks for the coming term.

  • Valley boys win Under-10 crown to complete double

    Valley boys win Under-10 crown to complete double

    Mabouya Valley has solidified its reputation as a powerhouse in Saint Lucian youth football by securing its second age-group championship within months. The team captured the Saint Lucia Football Association Under-10 Boys’ Championship title on December 13th, adding to their October triumph in the Under-12 division.

    The decisive final match unfolded at the SLFA Technical Centre in Grande Riviere, Dennery, where Mabouya Valley delivered a commanding 4-0 performance against Marchand. The victory was characterized by exceptional offensive execution and early dominance that set the tone for the contest.

    La Ressource Primary student Mikeige Fenelon initiated the scoring barrage within the opening three minutes, demonstrating remarkable precision. His teammate Zackim Francois, from Richfond Combined School, extended the lead just two minutes later. The offensive showcase continued as Leyantus John, another Richfond Combined scholar, netted the third goal in the ninth minute. Francois concluded the scoring spectacle with his second goal in the 54th minute, cementing the comprehensive victory.

    The championship followed a condensed knockout format with the top four teams competing in three matches over a single week. Despite the abbreviated schedule, Zackim Francois emerged as the tournament’s standout performer, amassing an impressive seven goals across matches—achieving one hat-trick and two braces.

    In the third-place playoff, Canaries initially established control against Desruisseaux with Ken Alexander scoring in the seventh minute and Kyron Beckford adding another in the 10th. However, Desruisseaux mounted a spirited comeback with Anil Jules reducing the deficit in the 15th minute before Thomas Charles secured victory with two goals in the 25th and 35th minutes, earning his team the consolation prize.

  • La Clery retain Premier League title in National Day thriller

    La Clery retain Premier League title in National Day thriller

    In a dramatic conclusion to the Saint Lucian football season, La Clery Football Club successfully defended their Semi-Professional Premier League championship with a nerve-wracking penalty shootout victory against Vieux Fort South. The national day showdown on December 13th at Soufrière Stadium attracted a capacity crowd that witnessed footballing drama both on and off the pitch.

    The championship match pitted last year’s Tier 2 champions Vieux Fort South against the dominant La Clery side that had enjoyed a spectacular 2024 campaign. Both teams had secured their playoff berths by finishing in the top two league positions, with Vieux Fort South holding the distinction of being the only team to defeat La Clery during the preliminary round. The southerners advanced to the final with a 3-1 semifinal victory over Gros Islet, while La Clery edged past Canaries with a 2-1 scoreline.

    The evening kickoff at 8 PM produced a cagey opening period with neither side creating significant scoring opportunities. The deadlock was finally broken early in the second half when Vieux Fort South’s Obafemi Poyotte capitalized on a defensive error, calmly slotting the ball into an empty net in the 47th minute. La Clery demonstrated their championship mentality by responding with an equalizer in the 58th minute, with Milan Jules converting from a corner kick situation.

    The match encountered an unexpected interruption due to crowd disturbances in the stands, resulting in approximately 15 minutes of stoppage time. Despite the extended play, neither team could find a winning goal during regular and added time. The championship ultimately came down to a penalty shootout where La Clery emerged victorious with a 4-3 margin, claiming the trophy, medals, and the accompanying EC$30,000 prize money.

    Following the emotional victory, La Clery captain Devon St. Prix revealed the profound significance behind their triumph, dedicating the championship to teammate Ajani Hippolyte who had tragically passed away earlier in the year. St. Prix emphasized that his team was competing for “more than just the game,” adding a deeply personal dimension to their championship defense.

  • Holiday Gift Project brings festive cheer to 200 children

    Holiday Gift Project brings festive cheer to 200 children

    Castries, Saint Lucia witnessed an outpouring of festive generosity on Wednesday as approximately 200 children from diverse backgrounds across the island gathered at Serenity Park for a special holiday celebration. The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Holiday Gift Project, a long-standing regional initiative, transformed the park into a wonderland of joy for students aged five to twelve from fifteen different educational institutions.

    The event represented a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Tourism, the MSC Virtuosa vessel, and Diamonds International, creating a comprehensive community outreach program. Students from schools including Canon Laurie Anglican Primary, Ciceron R.C. Combined, Bocage Combined, and several other institutions from both urban and rural areas participated in the day’s festivities.

    Donalyn Vittet, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, emphasized the symbolic importance of the event as both a gift-giving occasion and an opportunity to give back to Saint Lucia’s youth. The ministry implemented a rotational selection system to ensure broad geographical representation, with schools chosen from various community settings to maximize the program’s reach.

    The celebration featured an array of entertainment options including interactive games, musical performances, and special appearances by Santa Claus and mascots from the MSC Virtuosa crew. Approximately 35 crew members volunteered their time to engage with the children throughout the event. Local tourism industry partners provided crucial support with transportation services ferrying students to and from the venue, while accommodation providers and the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association contributed snacks and refreshments.

    Vittet expressed the ministry’s commitment to maintaining this rotational approach in future editions, ensuring that cruise tourism delivers tangible, people-centered benefits to communities across Saint Lucia.

  • The Casimir legacy and the way forward: Part 1

    The Casimir legacy and the way forward: Part 1

    The conclusion of Saint Lucia’s 2021-2025 sports term reveals a period of significant transformation under Minister for Youth Development and Sports Kenson Casimir’s leadership. This era witnessed both structural reforms and remarkable athletic achievements that reshaped the nation’s sporting landscape.

    Substantial government backing through the Ministry of Youth and Sports and National Lottery Authority fueled numerous accomplishments. David ‘Shakes’ Christopher, president of the Saint Lucia Boxing Federation, acknowledged unprecedented support that enabled hosting multiple regional tournaments, including three major boxing events this year alone. “This should become the boxing paradise for the region,” Christopher noted, rating the administration’s support at nine out of ten.

    The establishment of semi-professional leagues for football and cricket marked a groundbreaking structural shift. Francis ‘Parry’ Daniel, CEO of the Saint Lucia Semi-Professional Football League, highlighted the creation of a two-tier league system that has revolutionized player development and community engagement. “The Semi-Pro League has re-ignited belief,” Daniel emphasized. “Players believe they have a future. Communities believe in the sport again.”

    International recognition came through major events including Saint Lucia’s hosting of T20 World Cup matches, with the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground earning top regional ranking for pitch and outfield quality from the International Cricket Council. The island also successfully hosted the 52nd Central American and Caribbean Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships and revived the Saint Lucia Open Golf tournament.

    The Elite and Emerging Athletes Programme provided approximately EC$481,000 in 2023 alone to support athletes with travel, equipment, and training needs. Dora Henry, president of the Saint Lucia Athletics Association, confirmed this support significantly eased global representation for athletes while calling for continued investment in facilities and sport science.

    The Alternative Sports Unit, spearheaded by Craig Gustave, diversified the athletic landscape by promoting non-traditional sports including e-sports, motorsports, chess, and mixed martial arts. Mandalee Mason of the Saint Lucia Mixed Martial Arts Federation praised the government’s supportive role in their developmental initiatives.

    Despite these achievements, stakeholders acknowledge that further development is needed to bring Saint Lucian sports fully up to international standards, with specific areas for improvement to be addressed in subsequent analyses.

  • The athlete who made Saint Lucia believe

    The athlete who made Saint Lucia believe

    The extraordinary ascent of Julien Alfred from Saint Lucia has reshaped both her destiny and the collective consciousness of her nation, inspiring citizens domestically and abroad. Her athletic achievements have become a unifying symbol for politicians seeking electoral support and ordinary citizens searching for motivational figures, establishing her as an exemplary model across generations.

    Alfred’s accomplishments represent multiple historic breakthroughs for Saint Lucia. She secured the nation’s inaugural Olympic gold and silver medals at Paris 2024, emerged as its first Diamond League Champion—a double championship feat—and claimed a World Championships bronze medal. These pioneering victories have fundamentally altered national perception, demonstrating that small island nations can not only compete but excel on the world stage.

    The Ciceron-native’s influence has profoundly impacted Saint Lucia’s sporting landscape, particularly in athletics. Her prominence has generated unprecedented attention toward athletic development, capturing the interest of corporate entities. 1st National Bank (St Lucia) Ltd, her longstanding sponsor since her University of Texas collegiate days, positioned her as brand ambassador, paving the way for other corporate partnerships like sprinter Naomi London’s collaboration with Bank of Saint Lucia.

    Alfred’s inspirational effect extends beyond track and field. Following her Paris victory, the Saint Lucia Kings cricket franchise credited her performance as direct motivation for capturing their maiden Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League title. Head coach Daren Sammy described his team as “inspired” by Alfred’s achievements, noting it was the most focused unit he had ever coached.

    The athlete’s cultural impact transcends sports entirely. Saint Lucian professionals across industries identify the 24-year-old as a guiding symbol in their respective fields. Culinary chefs representing Saint Lucia at Barbados’ TASTE competition aspired to be recognized as “culinary Julien Alfreds,” while veteran tradesman Douglas Morgan, after receiving international crane operation certification, expressed feeling “like Julien Alfred” in his professional excellence.

    This ‘Juju Effect’ has significantly benefited Saint Lucia’s tourism sector. During the Paris Olympics, Saint Lucia ranked as Google’s second most-searched country—a phenomenon directly attributed to Alfred’s visibility. The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority formally appointed her as Tourism Ambassador in September 2024, celebrating her as “the world’s fastest woman.” This designation has attracted prominent athletics figures to the island, including triple World champion Melissa Jefferson-Wooden and family members of sprint star Noah Lyles.

    Despite her career’s relatively early stage, Alfred has established an enduring legacy as a transformative force elevating professional aspirations across Saint Lucian society.

  • Recycling pilot exposes missing links as Jua Kali prepares Phase Two

    Recycling pilot exposes missing links as Jua Kali prepares Phase Two

    A groundbreaking recycling pilot project in Saint Lucia has demonstrated both the potential and challenges of creating a functional circular economy in the Caribbean region. Spearheaded by social development entrepreneur Laurah John and her company Jua Kali Ltd, the innovative program collaborated with retail giant Massy Stores to tackle the dual crises of waste management and community empowerment.

    The initiative, launched in 2014 but recently implemented through a pop-up depot system, established collection points outside Massy Stores where residents could exchange plastic and glass containers for reward points. This incentive-based model successfully collected 32 tonnes of recyclable materials, diverting 24 tonnes from landfills while highlighting critical infrastructure gaps that prevented full utilization of the collected waste.

    According to John, the project revealed that behavioral change through incentives is achievable when integrated into daily routines. However, the initiative exposed deeper structural deficiencies, particularly the absence of reliable local markets for recycled materials and inadequate processing infrastructure. Approximately 7.4 tonnes of carefully sorted and prepared materials ultimately reached landfills due to what John described as ‘an incomplete system’ lacking downstream processing capabilities.

    Kelly Mitchell, Massy Stores’ Divisional Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, expressed strong satisfaction with Jua Kali’s performance, emphasizing the company’s commitment to measurable environmental impact. ‘We have very strict KPIs in terms of environmental impact,’ Mitchell stated, noting that the supermarket chain prioritizes partnerships with organizations that share their vision for sustainable development.

    The pilot project identified four essential conditions for successful circular economy implementation: effective incentive systems integrated into community routines, decentralized collection systems to reduce transportation costs, reliable local and regional buyers for recycled materials, and shared responsibility among multiple stakeholders.

    Building on these insights, Jua Kali is now preparing for an ambitious second phase focused on developing the necessary infrastructure and partnerships. This includes establishing decentralized collection centers with preprocessing capabilities, identifying reliable local manufacturers who can utilize recycled materials, and creating a robust multi-stakeholder partnership model.

    John emphasized that true circular economy transformation requires moving beyond small pilot projects toward sustained, impactful solutions that can transform communities while addressing both environmental and social challenges. The initiative represents a significant step toward redefining waste management in the Caribbean while creating economic opportunities for disenfranchised communities.

  • EDITORIAL: Campaign financing – A new political economy

    EDITORIAL: Campaign financing – A new political economy

    The 2025 electoral cycle across the Caribbean nations of Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Saint Lucia has been marked by campaigns of unprecedented scale and extravagance, rivaling major concert events in their production value. This phenomenon has raised critical questions about the sources of funding for these political spectacles, complete with massive quantities of promotional materials and entertainment services.

    Political analysts and transparency advocates warn that these increasingly costly campaigns pose a fundamental threat to democratic integrity, creating pathways for corruption and money laundering while simultaneously fostering an ‘election economy’ that temporarily boosts local businesses through massive spending on performers, production crews, catering services, and various vendors.

    The Organization of American States (OAS), which has consistently monitored elections throughout the CARICOM region, has repeatedly called for comprehensive campaign finance legislation to ensure transparency and accountability. Their recommendations for Saint Lucia specifically include prohibiting anonymous and foreign contributions, establishing regulatory bodies, mandating public disclosure of funding sources, and implementing measures to address gender inequality in political financing.

    UN Women has emphasized the global consensus on creating equitable conditions for female candidates, noting that financial disparities in political campaigns have created significant barriers to women’s participation. Despite these international calls for reform, successive administrations in Saint Lucia have failed to implement meaningful changes, ignoring both OAS recommendations and earlier constitutional reform proposals dating back to 2011.

    The current system allows major political parties to guard their funding sources as closely held secrets, with donors ranging from business interests and expatriates to corporations, overseas financiers, and potentially even criminal networks operating without scrutiny. This absence of regulatory frameworks means parties face no limitations on fundraising or expenditures, creating an environment where policymaking becomes susceptible to influence from major donors and organized crime.

    Transparency advocates argue that genuine anti-corruption efforts must begin with campaign finance reform, implementing greater accountability measures that would rebuild public trust and counter the perception that politicians are effectively for sale. Such reforms should be complemented by strengthened enforcement of existing integrity legislation and extended oversight to include party finance committees.

    The fundamental principle that ‘Saint Lucia is not for sale’ must extend beyond foreign investment concerns to encompass all aspects of democratic processes, ensuring that elections, voters, parties, and candidates remain free from financial coercion and undue influence.

  • Sharks end 2025 on high note at Lucian Grand Prix

    Sharks end 2025 on high note at Lucian Grand Prix

    The Sharks Swim Club emerged victorious at the 2025 Lucian Grand Prix swimming championship, held December 5-7 at Rodney Heights Aquatics Centre, capping off the aquatics season with an impressive display of team dominance and individual excellence. Competing against five rival teams, Sharks secured the overall title with 1,277 points, narrowly edging out Sea Jays Swim Club who finished second with 1,197 points.

    The victory was characterized by exceptional team depth and several record-breaking performances. The Sharks women’s squad demonstrated particular strength, accumulating 635 points compared to Sea Jays’ 356, while the men’s team contributed 606 points to secure the overall victory despite finishing behind Sea Jays’ male swimmers.

    Individual standouts included Zoe Fortune, who dominated the 9-10 division with four gold medals and 55 points, leading four teammates in the top five rankings. The team’s depth was further evidenced by four swimmers in the Under-9 girls top ten and seven in the top eight for the 13-14 age group. Veteran swimmer Tamykh Bryan, at 22 years old, contributed 27 points as the sole competitor in the 18-and-over female category.

    Keyanno Elibox continued his impressive form by winning three of his six events to top the Under-9 boys division with 63 points, fresh from his recent success at the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Swim Championships.

    The championship witnessed significant record-breaking achievements, including one senior national record and three age-group marks. Jayden Xu set a new national record in the 25-meter short-course men’s 200m with a time of 2:16.09, shaving 0.14 seconds off the previous record set by Christopher Phillips in 2016.

    Sapphire Parks established herself as a rising star by setting three new age-group records in the 11-12 category. The CARIFTA Aquatics Championships standout remained unbeaten throughout the competition, setting new benchmarks in the 100m freestyle (1:02.25), 200m backstroke (2:33.33), and 200m breaststroke (2:54.19).

    Head coach David Peterkin praised the collective effort, stating: ‘Our swimmers fought throughout the Grand Prix weekend, swimming many best times, and our coaches prepared them down to the final taper. Our officials, technical staff, timers, and marshals were essential to making this meet happen. The team’s battle cry, ‘Let’s go, Sharks!’ truly resonated throughout the competition.’

    The final team standings saw Lightning Aquatics finish third with 536 points, followed by RR Aquatic Swim Club (361), Southern Flying Fish (255), and Rodney Heights Aquatics Club (155).