Carib Scope

标签： Saint Lucia

圣卢西亚

  • National Workers Union to host annual congress of delegates

    National Workers Union to host annual congress of delegates

    The National Workers Union (NWU) will convene its pivotal Annual Congress of Delegates on February 20, 2026, adopting the resolute theme: “Preserving and Advancing Decades of Economic, Social, Political, and Industrial Achievements.” This gathering represents a critical juncture for the organization to reaffirm its commitment to protecting workers’ rights and consolidating past gains.

    In accordance with its constitutional mandate, the Congress will assemble at the NWU Headquarters located within the John Burke King Industrial Academy at Unity House, #7 Maurice Mason Avenue, Sans Souci, Castries. The proceedings will commence with an Open Session at 9:30 a.m., featuring a distinguished roster of speakers and participants.

    The ceremonial opening will be presided over by Chairperson Comrade Kimani Pompelis, with Comrade Nnamdi Obodoechina, Central Committee Member and Shop Steward at St. Jude Hospital, delivering the invocation. Secretary General Comrade Johann M. Harewood will set the strategic tone for the assembly through his Welcome Address.

    The Feature Address will be presented by Cletus Springer, a prominent figure in regional development who serves simultaneously as Chairman of the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI) and Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College. His extensive expertise in industrial relations is expected to provide valuable insights into contemporary labor challenges.

    The agenda also includes brief remarks from Emma Hippolyte, Minister for Labour, alongside solidarity messages from regional and international partner organizations. Following the Open Session, delegates will transition into a Closed Session to critically examine organizational reports and develop comprehensive work plans for the upcoming operational term.

  • Julien Alfred honoured with commemorative stamp

    Julien Alfred honoured with commemorative stamp

    The Government of Saint Lucia has permanently enshrined track star Julien Alfred’s Olympic achievements by featuring her on a national postage stamp. The official launch ceremony on February 18, held during the nation’s Independence 47 celebrations, honored Alfred’s groundbreaking gold and silver medal performances at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

    The commemorative stamp series captures pivotal moments from Alfred’s historic athletic accomplishments and will be incorporated into the island’s official philatelic collection. Following her Olympic success, the two-time medalist was additionally appointed as a tourism ambassador for Saint Lucia.

    In a significant development, the government revealed plans to transition the stamp from commemorative to definitive status. While commemorative stamps are typically special-issue collectibles celebrating specific events or personalities, definitive stamps serve as standard postage for everyday mail. This elevation means Alfred’s likeness will transition from a limited-edition tribute to a permanent feature of the nation’s postal system.

    Alfred participated in the ceremony via virtual call, expressing profound gratitude for the honor. “To be honoured by my island in this way is deeply humbling,” she stated. “This place shaped me into who I am: my values, my strength, and my dreams. I accept this not just for myself, but as a symbol honouring the strength of a united community.”

    Education, Youth Development and Sports Minister Kenson Casimir emphasized the symbolic importance of the stamp, noting that it transforms Alfred’s achievements into “a permanent national symbol.” He elaborated that each envelope bearing Alfred’s image would tell a story of “a small island nation that produces world-class talent” and serve as inspiration to youth that “excellence will be recognised, discipline matters, dreams are valid, and with hard work, guidance, and opportunity, Saint Lucians can stand amongst the best in the world.”

  • SLHTA Invests $50,000 in Bocage Secondary Programmes

    SLHTA Invests $50,000 in Bocage Secondary Programmes

    In a significant move to bolster educational development, the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA) has allocated EC$50,000 from its Tourism Enhancement Fund to Bocage Secondary School. The investment, formally presented on February 13, aims to strengthen institutional programs designed to equip students with essential skills and create meaningful pathways into the workforce, particularly within Saint Lucia’s expanding tourism and hospitality industry.

    SLHTA Chief Executive Officer Noorani Azeez characterized the initiative as part of the association’s broader 2026 commitment to deepen community impact. He emphasized collaborative partnerships with educators, whom he described as “the exceptional heroes in our schools,” noting that teachers and principals play a crucial role in understanding student aspirations and needs. Azeez explained that the funding is intended to make classroom engagement more interactive and learning more profound, ultimately preparing students for substantial contributions to the national economy.

    Highlighting tourism’s projected expansion in coming years, Azeez stressed the importance of early student exposure to industry opportunities. This allows young learners to “see the reach of the tourism dollar” and experience how strategic investments can directly impact their dreams and career goals. While the EC$50,000 donation represents a substantial initial commitment, Azeez described it as “the tip of that iceberg,” signaling the beginning of a long-term partnership with educational institutions.

    At Bocage Secondary School, the funding will directly enhance several targeted programs including special education, remedial instruction, and extracurricular initiatives. Zenith Duncan, the teacher overseeing special and remedial education programs, detailed how the resources will address specific challenges. Her remedial program supports over 30 students requiring foundational literacy and numeracy skills through a whole-school approach where teachers across disciplines provide targeted tutoring.

    The special education department, serving students with conditions including Down syndrome and autism, will benefit from specialized resources. Duncan noted that sound-cancelling headphones will help students with sensory sensitivities maintain focus in classroom environments. Additional support will address penmanship issues and concentration challenges through practical interventions. The school’s feeding mural, robotics, and arts programs will also receive substantial enhancements from the SLHTA contribution, creating a more comprehensive educational experience for all students.

  • Nestor breaks 48-year-old school record

    Nestor breaks 48-year-old school record

    In a historic moment for collegiate basketball, University of North Texas senior Megan Nestor has demolished a nearly half-century-old rebounding record with at least four games remaining in the regular season. The 6-foot-4 center from the coastal village of Canaries, Saint Lucia, achieved her 17th double-double of the season during Tuesday night’s dominant 84-54 victory over the University of Alabama-Birmingham at the Super Pit arena.

    Nestor entered the contest requiring just six rebounds to surpass Sharon Shelton’s longstanding record of 364 boards set in 1978. She accomplished this milestone early in the third quarter and finished with an impressive 14 rebounds alongside 16 points on exceptional shooting efficiency—making all nine field goal attempts and converting a perfect 7-7 from the free-throw line. The celebration became particularly memorable as Nestor’s mother was present to witness her daughter’s extraordinary achievement.

    The record-breaking performance places Nestor among elite company in NCAA women’s basketball. Maintaining her current pace would make her only the third player since the 2019-20 season to average 14+ rebounds per game, joining Angel Reese (LSU) and Lauren Gustin (BYU) in this exclusive category. Furthermore, she is positioned to challenge the American Conference’s single-season rebounding record of 418 set by South Florida’s Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu in 2023.

    Nestor’s consistency has been remarkable, with double-digit performances in points and rebounds in 12 of her last 13 games. Her 17 double-doubles place her just one behind the current national leaders.

    Reflecting on her journey from NAIA competition, Nestor expressed both surprise and satisfaction: ‘Coming from the NAIA level, I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to do it. It feels really special. Being recognized and doing what I’m doing with my team just means a lot to me.’

    The Mean Green (15-11, 9-5 American) have found their rhythm with four victories in their recent outings, including three consecutive wins at home. The team delivered a comprehensive performance against UAB, with five players scoring in double figures while the defense limited opponents to 54 points and forced 19 turnovers. North Texas also matched its season-best with only six turnovers and played a flawless second half without a single giveaway.

  • Machel is king of the road

    Machel is king of the road

    Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival celebrations have witnessed the crowning of an undisputed musical monarch. Soca superstar Machel Montano has cemented his legendary status by securing an unprecedented 12th Road March title, breaking a historic tie with the late calypso icon Lord Kitchener. The announcement came on Wednesday following the evaluation of songs most frequently played during Carnival Monday and Tuesday festivities.

    Montano’s victorious track “Encore” dominated the soundscapes of this year’s parade, marking his first Road March victory since 1997 when he initially claimed the title with “Big Truck.” This latest achievement establishes a new benchmark in Trinidadian Carnival history, demonstrating Montano’s enduring influence on the soca genre.

    The competition saw notable performances from other Caribbean artists, with Voice securing second place through his hit “Cyah Behave,” a collaborative effort with Saint Lucian producer Dwayne Mendes. Bunji Garlin captured third position with “Road Man,” rounding out the top three contenders.

    This international collaboration continues a tradition of cross-Caribbean musical partnerships. Saint Lucian Courtney Louis previously contributed to Montano’s 2007 winning composition “Jumbie,” highlighting the regional creative exchange that characterizes contemporary soca production.

    The winning composition “Cyah Behave” achieved additional distinction as the performance piece that earned Republic Bank Exodus their 2026 Panorama champions title. Both Montano and Voice are scheduled to bring their acclaimed performances to Saint Lucia later this year, with Voice appearing at Soufriere Jazz on May 2nd and Montano headlining Color Me Red on July 17th.

  • Central Bank targets 2027 for removal of British monarch from EC Currency

    Central Bank targets 2027 for removal of British monarch from EC Currency

    The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) has confirmed its progressive approach to replacing the British monarch’s portrait with regional figures on EC currency notes. Governor Timothy N.J. Antoine revealed during the 112th Meeting of the ECCB Monetary Council that the transformation will occur incrementally rather than through immediate wholesale replacement.

    Antoine projected that the inaugural series of redesigned banknotes will likely debut in 2027, marking a significant milestone in the currency’s evolution. For generations, the late Queen Elizabeth II’s likeness has graced denominations ranging from EC$5 to EC$100, symbolizing the region’s historical connections to Britain within the Commonwealth framework.

    The transition initiative gained formal approval during the ECCB Monetary Council’s 105th meeting in St Vincent and the Grenadines in 2023. The council endorsed replacing monarchical imagery with the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) emblem, pending comprehensive public consultation processes.

    Governor Antoine hinted at potential preliminary unveilings coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the currency peg this July, suggesting the possibility of a ‘big reveal’ event. Importantly, the central bank clarified that existing currency will remain legal tender and will be gradually phased out through natural circulation attrition rather than forced withdrawal. The new notes featuring regional heroes and culturally significant imagery will enter circulation as worn notes are systematically retired from service.

  • OPINION: Looking North for Truth: The Story of How We Readily Drink Imperial Juice and Work Against Ourselves

    OPINION: Looking North for Truth: The Story of How We Readily Drink Imperial Juice and Work Against Ourselves

    A significant diplomatic controversy has emerged in Saint Lucia following Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre’s remarks concerning potential changes to the Cuban Medical Programme and educational exchanges. The situation escalated when the US Embassy promptly denied making any formal requests regarding these bilateral arrangements, triggering widespread public skepticism toward the Prime Minister’s statements.

    This incident reveals deeper psychological patterns within Caribbean societies, where external powers are often granted automatic credibility while local leadership faces immediate suspicion. The phenomenon reflects what scholars identify as a persistent colonial mindset—the tendency to validate Northern narratives while doubting regional voices despite elected legitimacy.

    Historical context demonstrates this pattern across multiple policy areas including banana trade disputes, financial blacklisting, citizenship investment programmes, and reparations discussions. Regional adjustments to Cuban cooperation programmes in Jamaica and Antigua and Barbuda under US pressure further substantiate the plausibility of such diplomatic exchanges occurring.

    Contemporary geopolitical analysis suggests that powerful nations frequently advance economic interests under the guise of benevolent policies. The United States’ historical interventions in Iran, Guatemala, Congo and Chile exemplify the dissonance between rhetorical principles and practical implementation. Similarly, China’s expansion through trade dominance and unconditional loans creates alternative but comparable dependency dynamics.

    The structural inequities perpetuating Caribbean vulnerability include IMF austerity measures, WTO rulings that dismantled preferential trade agreements, and financial regulations triggering correspondent banking withdrawals. Governance architectures within international institutions systematically marginalize small states through quota-based voting systems that effectively grant Western powers veto authority.

    This diplomatic episode underscores the urgent need for what intellectuals term ‘decolonial reflection’—not merely as political rhetoric but as fundamental psychological recalibration. True sovereignty requires developing epistemic confidence in regional institutions and critically examining power dynamics even when presented as partnership frameworks. The path forward involves rejecting automatic deference to external narratives while cultivating intellectual independence that honors both self-criticism and legitimate resistance to hegemonic overreach.

  • Cenac, Monroe Soar to CARIFTA Marks at Independence Games

    Cenac, Monroe Soar to CARIFTA Marks at Independence Games

    The George Odlum Stadium in Vieux Fort witnessed extraordinary athletic performances during the opening of the Independence Games Track & Field Championships on February 14th, as two emerging high jump talents delivered career-best performances that secured their positions for the upcoming CARIFTA Games.

    Destinee Cenac, the reigning Female Student Athlete of the Year from Morne Stars, elevated her already impressive record by clearing 1.71 meters in the high jump competition. This remarkable achievement not only shattered her previous personal best but also matched the gold medal-winning height from last year’s CARIFTA Games in Trinidad & Tobago, where she earned bronze in the Under-17 division. Her performance exceeded the Saint Lucia Athletics Association’s qualifying standard by a significant margin.

    Equally impressive was 15-year-old Randall Monroe from the Saint Lucia Sports Academy, who delivered a breakthrough performance by clearing 1.90 meters. His exceptional leap comfortably surpassed the 1.83m qualifying threshold and established a new personal best, continuing Saint Lucia’s distinguished tradition in high jump athletics that has produced more CARIFTA medals than any other discipline for the island nation.

    These outstanding performances bring Saint Lucia’s total qualified athletes for Grenada 2026 to at least four competitors. The regional junior athletics festival will take place over Easter weekend from April 4-6.

    The championships also featured notable performances in throwing events. Elite’s Albert Reynolds, a former OECS record holder and CARIFTA champion, dominated the men’s javelin throw with a 65.31m effort. In shot put competitions, Sean Pilgrim of Pacesetters led the Under-20 category with 12.29m, while Kyle Gilbert of Morne Stars achieved 11.82m and Elijah Fred of Survivors recorded 11.89m in the Under-17 division.

    Gilbert doubled as discus throw champion with a 36.22m throw, while Jennica Albert of Morne Stars claimed victories in both the Under-20 shot put (9.26m) and women’s discus throw (25.35m). Clowie William of SLSA won the women’s javelin throw with 31.77m, though falling short of the qualifying standard.

    The championships will continue with long jump, triple jump, and track events scheduled for February 28 and March 1 at Soufriere Stadium.

  • PM Pierre: ‘Do not overstay in people’s countries’

    PM Pierre: ‘Do not overstay in people’s countries’

    Saint Lucian Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has delivered a forceful admonition to citizens traveling internationally, emphasizing that compliance with visa conditions constitutes both a personal responsibility and a matter of national interest. Speaking at a pre-cabinet press briefing on February 16, the Prime Minister framed international travel as a privilege rather than a right, urging strict adherence to authorized stay durations.

    Pierre articulated grave concerns regarding the broader implications of visa violations, stating that exceeding granted timeframes—even by a single day—could yield unforeseen negative consequences. “When we overstay our visas and do things—go to other people’s countries and don’t follow the laws—it affects everybody,” Pierre emphasized during his address. He repeatedly cautioned travelers to depart host nations when their permitted time expires, regardless of personal circumstances or attractions.

    The Prime Minister’s warnings highlight how individual actions can collectively impact Saint Lucia’s international standing and the future mobility of its citizens. He specifically noted that visa infractions could damage the country’s reputation and potentially complicate travel arrangements for other Saint Lucians seeking to journey abroad.

    Coinciding with Pierre’s national address, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed similar sentiments during a joint press availability in Budapest with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Rubio unequivocally stated that visa grants are discretionary privileges rather than entitlements, revealing that the United States has revoked numerous visas over the past year. He specifically warned that tourists, students, and journalists engaging in activities contrary to U.S. national security interests would face visa revocation, reinforcing the stringent enforcement of immigration regulations.

  • Fèt Matjé Kwéyòl Sent Lisi celebrates language and heritage

    Fèt Matjé Kwéyòl Sent Lisi celebrates language and heritage

    In a landmark celebration of cultural heritage, Saint Lucia hosted its inaugural National Kwéyòl Spelling Competition on February 17, 2026. The groundbreaking event, formally titled Fèt Matjé Kwéyòl Sent Lisi, was orchestrated by the Msgr Patrick Anthony Folk Research Centre at the National Skills Development Centre (NSDC) as a highlight of the nation’s 2026 Independence celebrations.

    The competition attracted widespread participation across society, with students from primary, secondary, and tertiary educational institutions alongside professionals from both public and private sectors. Participants competed either as three-member teams or individually, demonstrating their mastery of the Kwéyòl language through two distinct assessment formats.

    The event featured a structured two-segment approach: a comprehensive spelling examination where all participants transcribed Kwéyòl words onto paper for evaluation, followed by an advanced dictation competition exclusively for individual contestants. This dual-method approach thoroughly tested participants’ orthographic and auditory comprehension skills in the indigenous language.

    Notable achievements emerged from the competition, with Sam Eudovicque securing first place in both individual categories—spelling and dictation—while Stephanie Fenelon claimed second position. In the team category, Mon Repos/Patience Primary School triumphed with only four errors, followed by Vide Boutielle Primary and Ti Rocher Micoud. At the secondary level, Sir Arthur Lewis Community College claimed victory, with St. Joseph’s Convent and St. Mary’s College tying for second place.

    Lindy-Ann Alexander, event coordinator, expressed profound enthusiasm about participants’ exceptional performance: ‘The proficiency level was remarkably high. The minimal error count demonstrates how accessible the Kwéyòl writing system is to learn, even for those who acquired it later in life.’ Alexander particularly noted the unprecedented occurrence of ties in both competition segments involving the same top performers.

    The event’s success was bolstered by substantial institutional support from the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Education, and Saint Lucia Tourism Authority. This sponsorship framework positions the competition for potential annual recurrence with expanded promotion and participation opportunities.

    Substantial prizes were awarded to celebrate linguistic achievement: winning schools received $600 with team members obtaining $100 each, plus Creole dictionaries for all participating institutions. The individual champion received a comprehensive package including cash prizes, a tablet, and a dinner for two.