Carib Scope

标签： Saint Lucia

圣卢西亚

  • Jamaica re-elected to IMO Council

    Jamaica re-elected to IMO Council

    In a landmark achievement for Caribbean maritime leadership, Jamaica has been decisively re-elected to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council with an unprecedented 129 votes—the highest tally the nation has ever received in the organization’s electoral history. This decisive victory occurred during the 34th session of the IMO Assembly at the organization’s London headquarters in November 2025.

    The resounding endorsement reflects Jamaica’s growing influence in global maritime affairs. Bertrand Smith, Director General of the Maritime Authority of Jamaica, characterized the re-election as recognition of Jamaica’s dedicated advocacy not only for national interests but for the entire Caribbean region and other member states. Speaking from London following the newly constituted Council’s meeting, Smith emphasized that the upcoming biennium presents both significant challenges and opportunities, particularly regarding the complex transition toward maritime decarbonization.

    This electoral success marks Jamaica’s ninth consecutive term in Category C of the IMO Council, the governing body that oversees organizational operations between biennial Assembly sessions. The Council wields substantial authority, including approval of committee work, budget proposals, recommendations for Secretary General appointments, and development of strategic policy frameworks including the IMO’s strategic plan.

    Jamaica’s sophisticated electoral campaign was orchestrated by a specialized Steering Committee comprising multiple government entities: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, the Jamaican High Commission in London, the Maritime Authority of Jamaica, and the Ministry of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications.

    The IMO Council’s composition ensures global representation through three distinct categories: Category A includes ten nations with the largest international shipping services; Category B comprises ten states with the most significant interest in seaborne trade; and Category C consists of twenty countries representing diverse geographic regions with special maritime transport interests.

    The newly elected Council convened its 136th session on December 4th in London, where leadership positions for the next two-year period were determined through internal elections.

  • Dominica confirmed as beneficiary for new world-class athletic facility

    Dominica confirmed as beneficiary for new world-class athletic facility

    In a landmark development for Caribbean sports infrastructure, the Commonwealth of Dominica has achieved official selection as a beneficiary nation under World Athletics’ prestigious Project 10 initiative. This designation culminates a rigorous two-year application process and paves the way for constructing a cutting-edge synthetic track and field facility in Portsmouth.

    The Dominica Athletics Association (DAA), which spearheaded the technical proposal submitted in December 2023, confirmed the achievement following extensive consultations and evaluations by international sporting authorities. The project aligns strategically with the Dominican government’s existing master plan for a modern national sports complex, which additionally envisions an Olympic-standard swimming pool.

    Critical to this success was the collaborative effort between sporting bodies and government leadership. The DAA formally acknowledged Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, Sports Minister Oscar George, and key figures including Reggie Severin and Billy Doctrove for their unwavering institutional support. Numerous technical teams and government departments were also recognized for ensuring Dominica met World Athletics’ exacting standards.

    This world-class infrastructure promises to revolutionize athletic development on the island, providing elite training conditions and positioning Dominica as a potential host for regional and international competitions. The facility is expected to inspire new generations of athletes by providing access to professional-grade training environments.

    The DAA emphasized its commitment to ongoing partnerships with the Government of Dominica, World Athletics, and the Qatar Olympic Committee to bring this transformative project to fruition, heralding a new chapter for track and field in the Eastern Caribbean.

  • Didier loses to No.2 seed after brave fight at Boxing Worlds

    Didier loses to No.2 seed after brave fight at Boxing Worlds

    Saint Lucia’s groundbreaking performance at the IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships concluded on Tuesday when 19-year-old sensation John Didier faced elimination in the Round of 16. The Vieux Fort native’s remarkable journey ended against Spain’s second-seeded Gazimagomedovich Jalidov, an Olympic quarterfinalist from Paris 2024, in their light-heavyweight clash (75-80kg) at Dubai Tennis Centre.

    Despite entering as the clear underdog against the Russian-born Spanish veteran, Didier demonstrated exceptional defensive technique during the opening round. The 30-year-old Jalidov unleashed aggressive combinations, but the Saint Lucian prospect effectively neutralized much of the early offense. After three minutes of action, Didier trailed narrowly on the scorecards, with four judges scoring 10-9 and one judge awarding a 10-8 margin to the Spaniard.

    The contest shifted dramatically in the second round as fatigue visibly affected the Caribbean boxer. Jalidov capitalized with precision punching, forcing two standing eight-counts against Didier within the final 36 seconds of the round. The referee ultimately stopped the bout following the second mandatory count, preventing further punishment.

    Didier’s campaign marked a historic achievement for Saint Lucian boxing, as he became the nation’s first representative to advance beyond the initial round in world championship competition. His performance over the weekend shattered previous national records and established new benchmarks for Caribbean boxing.

    In related tournament action, fellow 19-year-old Saint Lucian Kyle Marcel competed in the middleweight division (75kg), suffering a unanimous decision defeat to Sri Lanka’s Mohommed Usaith. Despite winning the first round on a split decision, Marcel faded in subsequent rounds, finalizing scores of 30-26 on two cards and 29-27 on three cards.

  • Gros Islet advance to two-day cricket final

    Gros Islet advance to two-day cricket final

    Gros Islet Cricket Club has decisively advanced to the championship match of the Saint Lucia National Cricket Association Premier League Two-Day tournament following a commanding 10-wicket victory against South Castries at Mindoo Phillip Park. The defending champions demonstrated exceptional all-round performance that underscored their tournament dominance.

    The match commenced with South Castries opting to bat first after winning the toss, though their innings quickly encountered difficulties at 70-7. Kester Charlemagne emerged as their batting savior, delivering a spectacular 57-run performance from just 43 deliveries that included four boundaries and six maximums. His aggressive partnership-building efforts, particularly a 45-run stand with Uriyah Charlemagne, propelled South Castries to a total of 140 runs.

    Gros Islet’s bowling attack was spearheaded by teenage sensation Daniel Lorde, who claimed an impressive 6-44 from 11.3 overs of off-spin bowling. The 15-year-old Castries Comprehensive Secondary School student fittingly captured Charlemagne’s crucial wicket among his six dismissals. He received solid support from Bjorn Fanis (2-11) and single wickets from Jeandell Cyril and Leon Alexander.

    The champions’ response was emphatically led by captain Jard Goodman, who dominated the crease with a magnificent 107 runs from 89 balls, featuring 10 fours and five sixes. Despite early batting partner dismissals, Goodman established a pivotal 51-run fourth-wicket partnership with Khanil Nelson (26) that solidified Gros Islet’s commanding position. Their first innings total of 210 established a significant 70-run lead.

    South Castries’ second innings showed marginal improvement with Ephron Charles contributing exactly 50 runs and Charlemagne adding 45, though their total of 146 proved insufficient against Gros Islet’s relentless bowling attack. Fanis excelled with 5-41 while Alexander claimed 3-31, setting a modest 78-run victory target.

    Goodman returned to complete the victory with an unbeaten 48 from 47 deliveries, guiding his team to 78-0 without losing a wicket. In post-match comments, the captain emphasized their consistent approach: “Regardless of tournament format, we back our skills and training. As defending champions with a younger unit, we embrace expectations and aim to dominate every match.”

    Gros Islet now awaits the winner of the upcoming semifinal between Central Castries and Babonneau to determine their opponent in the championship decider.

  • Apprenticeship summit charts path to skilled green workforce

    Apprenticeship summit charts path to skilled green workforce

    Saint Lucia became the epicenter for Caribbean workforce development as regional technical education leaders convened for a groundbreaking two-day Apprenticeship Summit from December 4-5. The gathering, hosted under Canada’s Skills to Access the Green Economy (SAGE) programme at Rodney Bay’s Bay Gardens Hotel, marked a strategic effort to align vocational training with emerging environmental economic opportunities.

    Educators, policy architects, and industry representatives from across CARICOM member states collaborated to establish a standardized apprenticeship framework designed to equip workers with sustainable skills. Perry Thomas, Executive Director of Saint Lucia’s TVET Council, highlighted the summit’s critical mission: “We are rationalizing existing regional models to create a harmonized Technical and Vocational Education and Training system through the Caribbean Association of National Training Authorities.”

    The summit built upon pilot initiatives already implemented in six nations—Grenada, Saint Lucia, Dominica, Guyana, Belize, and Jamaica—which provided foundational data and implementation models. These programs demonstrated the potential for standardized trades training across diverse Caribbean economies.

    Pat Bidart, Senior Technical Advisor for SAGE, emphasized the practical implications: “We’re addressing skills gaps among existing tradespeople—carpenters, mechanics, and other technicians who possess partial knowledge but require comprehensive training. Enhanced skills development will directly improve housing construction, automotive repair, and multiple technical sectors.”

    The Canadian-funded initiative represents a coordinated response to both economic and environmental challenges, aiming to create a workforce capable of driving sustainable development throughout the region. Organizers expressed confidence that the summit would ignite the necessary passion and commitment to develop future-ready workers who can advance CARICOM’s green economic transformation.

  • Saint Lucia, Indonesia agree to boost coconut, fruit processing

    Saint Lucia, Indonesia agree to boost coconut, fruit processing

    In a significant development for South-South cooperation, the Caribbean nation of Saint Lucia and Southeast Asia’s Indonesia have formalized an ambitious agricultural partnership with concrete projects scheduled to commence in 2026. This collaboration represents a strategic alignment between two nations separated by vast geographical distance but united in their agricultural development objectives.

    The partnership framework was solidified during high-level discussions in Castries, where officials from both governments endorsed a comprehensive roadmap for modernizing Saint Lucia’s agricultural infrastructure. This agreement follows extensive field assessments conducted by Indonesian agricultural specialists who identified key areas for technological transfer and capacity building.

    Central to the cooperation are plans to revolutionize Saint Lucia’s coconut industry through advanced processing techniques, expanded cultivation of oil-producing varieties, and the introduction of modern agricultural machinery. The partnership will additionally focus on developing value-added production chains for mangoes, breadfruit, and other tropical fruits indigenous to the Caribbean region.

    Kemuel Jn Baptiste, Director of Agricultural Services for Saint Lucia, emphasized the practical implementation framework: “Today’s discussions confirmed the operational details outlined in our roadmap. The division of responsibilities is clear – Saint Lucia will provide personnel and technical expertise, while Indonesia will supply advanced plant materials and agricultural equipment.”

    The sentiment was strongly echoed by Indonesian representative Herry Laksono, who characterized Saint Lucia as Indonesia’s priority partner in the Caribbean region. “Despite the considerable geographical distance spanning approximately 18,000 kilometers, our nations share compatible development objectives that necessitate collaborative effort,” Laksono stated.

    This bilateral cooperation is strategically significant for both parties: Saint Lucia gains access to Indonesian agricultural technology and expertise to enhance food security and rural development, while Indonesia establishes a strategic foothold for agricultural cooperation within the Caribbean community.

    With implementation scheduled for 2026, both governments anticipate the partnership will generate substantial economic benefits for farming communities and contribute to sustainable agricultural development across Saint Lucia.

  • Miss Universe Jamaica to return home for continued treatment after stage fall

    Miss Universe Jamaica to return home for continued treatment after stage fall

    Dr. Gabrielle Henry, the reigning Miss Universe Jamaica 2025, is scheduled for medical evacuation from Thailand to Jamaica after sustaining severe injuries from a fall during the preliminary competition on November 19. The coordinated repatriation effort was confirmed through a joint announcement by the Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) and the Henry family on Monday.

    The comprehensive medical plan involves transporting Dr. Henry with a specialized medical escort team who will provide continuous care during transit. Upon arrival in Jamaica, she will be immediately transferred to a medical facility for ongoing treatment and rehabilitation.

    Medical reports detail the extent of her injuries, which include an intracranial hemorrhage accompanied by loss of consciousness, facial fractures with lacerations, and additional significant trauma. Following the accident, Dr. Henry was urgently admitted to an intensive care unit in Bangkok where she remained in critical condition under constant neurological surveillance, requiring round-the-clock specialized medical supervision.

    The recent statement follows earlier communications from MUO President Raúl Rocha, who addressed public speculation on November 24th. While acknowledging ‘difficult moments and unexpected concerns’ during her treatment, Rocha had previously expressed optimism about her progress, noting that excellent medical care had successfully addressed complications and that Dr. Henry was reportedly ‘in good health and nearing discharge’.

    The Henry family expressed profound gratitude for the organization’s support and extended heartfelt thanks to the Jamaican public, the global Miss Universe community, and international supporters for their overwhelming demonstrations of love, prayers, and encouragement during this challenging period.

  • The dirty side of the 2025 election campaign

    The dirty side of the 2025 election campaign

    The commencement of Saint Lucia’s 2025 general election campaign triggered a 21-day period of intensified political engagement characterized by aggressive messaging, heated debates, and a notable deterioration into personal attacks. The nation’s political landscape, shaped by a winner-take-all electoral system and a deeply adversarial political culture inherited from Westminster, created an environment where personal vilification frequently overshadowed policy discussions.

    Professor Cynthia Barrow-Giles, a distinguished Saint Lucian political scientist, had presciently analyzed this dynamic in her 2010 publication ‘Democracy at Work: A Comparative Study of the Caribbean State.’ Her examination of how electoral systems and political culture shape regional democracy remains remarkably relevant fifteen years later. She argued that this combination inevitably produces “high-stakes elections, skewed parliaments, and a style of politics where personal attacks often overshadow policy.”

    Despite superficial assessments describing the 2025 campaign as proceeding “smoothly,” the rhetorical landscape revealed a different reality. Charges of “corruption,” “criminal” behavior, and being “unfit for office” dominated political discourse across platforms. Particularly disturbing were at least two pro-UWP campaign songs that derogatorily referred to Prime Minister Philip J Pierre as “autistic” and “retarded,” language that sparked cross-party outrage and drew condemnation from advocacy groups including the Helen Association for Persons with Autism.

    The targeting extended beyond political figures to their families. UWP’s Vieux Fort North candidate Calixte Kakal Xavier found himself defending attacks directed at his partner and son rather than addressing policy issues. Female candidates from both major parties faced gender-based questioning rather than evaluations of their competence. Former Prime Minister Allen Chastanet continued to face racially-charged criticism with his “whiteness” routinely used as shorthand for foreignness.

    Significantly, the most virulent attacks frequently originated not from the candidates themselves but from party surrogates, supporters, and unofficial mouthpieces operating outside formal party messaging structures. This phenomenon of “unregulated actors” shaping campaign tone without accountability, as noted by Barrow-Giles, represents a regional pattern in small states’ political cultures.

    The Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) centered its campaign on governance achievements, with Prime Minister Pierre emphasizing his administration’s “record” while explicitly rejecting participation in “roro” (local vernacular for rhetorical excess). The party maintained consistent messaging around continuity and stability, bolstered by former UWP figures including Andy Daniel, Edmund Estephane, and Felix Champagne Deterville, who appeared on Labour platforms to condemn UWP leadership, providing the strategic advantage of insider criticism.

    The United Workers Party (UWP) mounted a campaign fueled by large rallies, promises of renewal, and sharp critiques of the Labour administration. Their messaging focused on accusations of mismanagement, rising living costs, and failures in healthcare and law enforcement. A cornerstone of their strategy involved introducing twelve new faces, many political newcomers, which regional pollster Peter Wickham described as an “impressive” rebuild following the party’s devastating 2021 defeat.

    However, this infusion of new talent presented challenges when several candidates faced backlash for controversial remarks. Tommy Descartes’s comment that “gangsters are yellow” and Stephen Fevrier’s remarks about auctioning Olympian Julien Alfred’s shoe required subsequent withdrawals and clarifications, illustrating the tension between political spectacle and substance that Barrow-Giles identified in Caribbean electoral competitions.

    With the election concluded and Prime Minister Pierre preparing to form his new Cabinet, public exchanges have notably diminished. Candidates across the political spectrum have thanked their teams, exchanged congratulations, and acknowledged voter efforts. As the new administration takes shape, attention is expected to shift toward governance and policy, though discussions about campaign rhetoric and its implications for democratic discourse will undoubtedly continue.

  • Women’s leadership event sparking local breakthroughs

    Women’s leadership event sparking local breakthroughs

    The Sandals Grande Palladium hosted a transformative gathering of female executives on November 29 as Influential BossLady’s ImpactUS 25 conference brought together CEOs, entrepreneurs, directors, and emerging leaders for a day of substantive dialogue and strategic learning.

    Unlike conventional motivational events, ImpactUS 25 distinguished itself by focusing on actionable insights and authentic success stories. The conference specifically addressed the challenges women face in bridging the gap between their current positions and their leadership aspirations, tackling both systemic barriers and deeply personal obstacles that have historically undermined confidence.

    Conference architect Shermalyn Sidonie-John, Brand Marketing Manager at GraceKennedy Ltd, inaugurated the proceedings with an expert masterclass on ‘influence capital.’ She articulated this concept as ‘how we are perceived in the minds of people who make the decisions,’ identifying three foundational pillars: Presence, Platform, and Power.

    Behavioral specialist Sharlene Jn Baptiste delivered a compelling session examining ‘The Bravery Gap,’ revealing how fear frequently masquerades as rational thinking. Her presentation emphasized radical self-honesty and the conscious rejection of fear-based decision-making in leadership development.

    The event’s keynote address featured GraceKennedy Ltd CEO Andrea Coy, who expounded on leadership as a multidimensional craft requiring both tactical execution and nuanced understanding of subtle dynamics. Coy emphasized that mastering core competencies significantly enhances a leader’s personal equity and professional presence.

    A particularly inspiring testimony came from Lorraine Sidonie, CEO of Events Company of Saint Lucia, who revealed how her goal-setting commitment at ImpactUS 2023 resulted in the publication of her book ‘Soul Medication’ on Amazon. This achievement represented a full-circle moment demonstrating the conference’s lasting impact.

    Two expert panels provided practical guidance on critical topics: financial literacy as an empowerment foundation and strategic self-care practices. The first panel, featuring Ava Beckles, Shermain George, Alisha Ally, and Ana-Kaye Green Marshall, explored ‘Money Moves for Leaders: Strategic Investment for Personal and Organisational Growth.’ A subsequent panel offered reflections from six distinguished women including Crisy Laurent, Dr. Natasha St Aimee, and other prominent figures.

    The conference’s most poignant moments emerged during attendee testimonials, where participants shared tangible outcomes from previous events—including business launches, enhanced communication skills, and renewed confidence. First-time attendees spoke openly about overcoming trauma and dismantling limiting mental patterns.

    One emerging entrepreneur captured the event’s value: ‘Hearing women discuss challenges I currently face and their solutions provided clear vision for what my future could look like after implementing these strategies.’

  • Lantern Festival centrepiece of National Day celebrations

    Lantern Festival centrepiece of National Day celebrations

    The Cultural Development Foundation (CDF) is revitalizing Saint Lucia’s cherished annual Festival of Lights, maintaining key traditions despite a streamlined December festival calendar. This cultural celebration serves as dual homage to both National Day on December 13 and the official commencement of the Christmas season.

    Historical significance underpins the festivities, as Saint Lucia’s National Day concurrently honors St. Lucy, the patron saint of light. The island’s nomenclature traces back to French sailors who allegedly shipwrecked on the feast day of Sainte Lucie.

    While Communications Director Kendal John acknowledges this year’s reduced festival scale, the organization has strategically preserved the lantern competition and core illumination events. “We have retained some elements for Derek Walcott Square, such as carol singing, but we are hoping to bring carolling back as a full festival next year,” John disclosed to St. Lucia Times.

    The lantern competition remains the festival’s centerpiece, demonstrating the artistic ingenuity of Saint Lucians across generations. The CDF facilitated this creative expression through comprehensive lantern-building workshops conducted in communities, educational institutions, and corporate environments.

    These educational initiatives represent a deliberate conservation effort for the ancient tradition of lantern crafting, which incorporates both Christian and pre-Christian customs venerating Saint Lucia and the patron saint of light. Anthony Wilkie Jr, Senior Officer for Training, Promotion and Development at the CDF, emphasized: “We feel the importance of encouraging all sectors within our society to be part of our traditions and to learn the various skills that contribute to those elements which are our cultural practices.

    For participants like Cassie Emmanuel, marketing officer at IBS Inc., the workshops provided inaugural hands-on experience. “It’s a fun experience, and it aligns perfectly with our corporate social responsibility, where we are looking forward to collaborating with the creative arts,” she noted.

    The festival schedule features public lantern judging on December 6 at the National Cultural Centre, followed by the grand lantern parade on December 12. This procession will originate at Vigie Playing Field at 7 p.m., featuring the Royal Saint Lucia Police Band, masqueraders, drummers, steelpan performers, folk dancers, stilt walkers, and Papa Jab with his entourage.

    The celebration culminates at William Peter Boulevard, transitioning into the Festival of Lights at Derek Walcott Square. The finale will incorporate a solo band, bamboo bursting, carol singing, traditional lighting ceremonies, and fireworks, collectively marking National Day’s arrival and inaugurating Saint Lucia’s Twelve Days of Christmas.