Saint Lucia is grappling with a dramatic increase in fire incidents, compounded by challenges in accessing sufficient water to combat them. The island, once accustomed to predictable weather patterns, now faces a climate crisis where the boundaries between dry and wet seasons have blurred. Fire Chief Ditney Downes of the Saint Lucia Fire Service (SLFS) revealed in an exclusive interview with the St. Lucia Times that bushfires, traditionally confined to January through June, have extended into September this year. In 2024 alone, the SLFS responded to over 1,100 bushfires, a significant rise from previous years. Human activities, such as land clearing and deliberate burning, are the primary causes of these fires. However, identifying and prosecuting offenders remains difficult. The situation is exacerbated by prolonged dry spells, which deplete water sources essential for firefighting. Hydrants, reliant on community water mains, often run dry during droughts, leaving firefighters struggling to maintain operations. Simultaneously, the island faces increased flooding due to intense, sporadic rainfall. Nadia Cazaubon, programmes director at the environmental NGO WaterWays, attributes these erratic weather patterns to climate change. She warns that reduced annual rainfall, coupled with extreme downpours, is causing both water scarcity and severe flooding. The World Bank has stepped in with the Saint Lucia Urban Resilient Flood Investment Project, aiming to mitigate flood risks in vulnerable areas like Castries and Anse La Raye. However, the island’s ecosystems are already suffering, with species loss and habitat destruction becoming more frequent. Both Downes and Cazaubon emphasize the urgent need for proactive measures, including public education, policy changes, and community adaptation, to address these escalating challenges.
标签： Saint Lucia
圣卢西亚
-
From Morne Du Don to runways in Paris and Milan
Julzzallure, a brand synonymous with bold individuality and innovative fashion, has captured the attention of the global fashion scene. Founded by Julietta Raoul, a Saint Lucian native now residing in Canada, the brand made waves at Paris Fashion Week with its signature hats showcased during the ‘Flying Solo NYC’ production. Fashion Week Online praised Julzzallure for its daring fusion of creativity and sophistication, describing each piece as a celebration of personal empowerment. Raoul’s journey from her humble beginnings in Morne Du Don, Castries, to gracing international runways is a testament to her resilience and passion. Her love for fashion began with hair styling, a skill she honed from the age of eight. After migrating to Canada in 1992, Raoul expanded her expertise, becoming a licensed hair professional and eventually creating the first Afro-textured mannequins in Alberta. Her foray into hat design began in 2024, leading to her participation in Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks. Despite challenges, Raoul’s work received overwhelming acclaim, particularly in Paris. Now, she is developing a line of hair products and planning to showcase her talent in her homeland. Raoul’s advice to aspiring creatives is to embrace their unique ideas and persevere, as every individual has something distinct to offer.
-
Heavy hands, high hopes: Ryan Joseph’s MMA rise fuels dreams
Shannus Ryan Joseph, Saint Lucia’s towering heavyweight mixed martial arts (MMA) champion, is carving out a legacy in a sport still emerging across the Caribbean. Standing at an imposing six feet six inches and weighing 260 pounds, Joseph has become a trailblazer for combat sports on the island. Hailing from the small village of Micoud, he gained recognition in 2024 by securing two amateur victories under the Caribbean Ultimate Fist Fighting (CUFF) banner, including a title fight in November. Currently the CUFF Heavyweight Champion, Joseph is ranked 3,588th in the Central and South America region, drawing attention for his size, speed, and grappling prowess. According to Tapology.com, Joseph’s ranking is based on his limited fights, with his position subject to change as he accumulates more experience. His rise symbolizes Saint Lucia’s growing influence in MMA, a sport gaining momentum across the Caribbean. In a recent interview with St. Lucia Times, Joseph reflected on his journey, crediting his early karate training and his introduction to MMA while working in Trinidad. He emphasized the importance of mental strength, passion, and focus in his training, describing his drive as entering ‘beast mode.’ Joseph also expressed pride in representing Saint Lucia, encouraging aspiring athletes to pursue their dreams with consistency and patience. His success has inspired local gyms and youth programs, with Joseph poised to transition into professional MMA. His recent role as a judge at the inaugural Battleground Exhibition Classic further solidified his status as a champion and mentor in the sport.
-
Hurricane Melissa leaves at least 30 dead as storm heads to Bermuda
The Caribbean is reeling from the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful storms in recorded history, which struck the region with devastating force. Making landfall in Jamaica on October 28 as a Category 5 hurricane, Melissa unleashed destructive winds, severe flooding, and relentless rainfall, leaving a trail of destruction across Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti. By October 30, the storm had weakened as it moved toward Bermuda, but the damage had already been done, with dozens of lives lost and communities left in ruins. Rescue and recovery operations are underway, but they are severely hindered by widespread power outages, communication breakdowns, and blocked roads. The death toll continues to rise, with over 30 fatalities reported in Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. Jamaican officials, including Education Minister Dana Dixon, described the devastation as unprecedented, with entire communities isolated and infrastructure flattened. Helicopters are being deployed to deliver relief supplies and transport patients, though landing in some areas remains a challenge due to debris and flooding. The emotional toll on residents is immense, with many unable to contact loved ones in the hardest-hit zones. Despite the overwhelming destruction, the global community has rallied to offer support, with countries pledging financial aid, food, and rescue teams to assist in the recovery efforts.
-
Megan Nestor named to Lisa Leslie Award preseason watchlist
Megan Nestor, a standout basketball player from Saint Lucia and senior at the University of North Texas (UNT), has been recognized as one of the top centers in collegiate women’s basketball in the United States. On October 31, she was included in the 2025-26 Lisa Leslie Centre of the Year Award Preseason Watchlist, an honor announced by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. This list, which features 20 elite players, will evolve throughout the season, with the final five candidates announced in March. The ultimate winner will be revealed at the NCAA Final Four in Indianapolis. Nestor, originally from the village of Canaries in Saint Lucia, transferred to UNT after a stellar career at Wayland Baptist University, where she excelled as a 6’3” center. During her junior year, she averaged 20.5 points and 13.4 rebounds per game, leading her team to the second round of the NAIA Women’s Basketball Championships. Her impressive performance earned her First Team All-Conference and All-America honors. Nestor’s inclusion marks the second consecutive year that UNT has been represented on the watchlist, following Tommisha Lampkin’s recognition in the 2024-25 season. UNT is one of only nine schools to have a player on the list in each of the last two seasons. Nestor will begin her regular season with UNT on November 3 against Oklahoma Christian at The Super Pit.
-
Swimmer Tristan Dorville handed Olympic scholarship
The Saint Lucia Aquatics Federation has proudly announced that 18-year-old Tristan Dorville, a standout swimmer and student-athlete at Virginia Tech, has been selected as a recipient of the prestigious Olympic Solidarity Scholarship. This recognition underscores Dorville’s exceptional talent, relentless dedication, and remarkable achievements in the sport of swimming. The scholarship, facilitated by the Saint Lucia Olympic Committee, aims to support promising athletes as they prepare for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Dorville’s selection is a significant milestone for Saint Lucia, as he represents the nation’s hope for natural qualification in Olympic swimming—a feat achieved only once before by Danielle Beaubrun in 2012. Dorville’s impressive track record includes multiple medals at the CARIFTA Aquatics Championships, where he has consistently demonstrated his prowess in freestyle and butterfly events. Notably, his national record time of 23.48 seconds in the 50m freestyle stands as the best ever recorded by a male swimmer from the Eastern Caribbean. Beyond regional competitions, Dorville has competed on the global stage, participating in events such as the World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships, the Commonwealth Games, and the World Aquatics Championships. The local swimming community is optimistic that Dorville, alongside former teammate Antoine Destang, will make history as the first male swimmers from Saint Lucia to achieve natural Olympic qualification. His journey is a testament to his hard work, discipline, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
-
TTDF on highest alert: All personnel recalled to base amid Venezuela war fears
The Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) has escalated its operational readiness to the highest level, known as State One Alert, following an abrupt directive for all military personnel to report to their respective bases by the evening of October 31. This unprecedented recall was prompted by escalating regional instability, particularly international media reports suggesting an imminent U.S. military strike against targets in neighboring Venezuela. Senior intelligence and military sources confirmed that an urgent circular was issued mid-morning on October 31, mandating all active soldiers, sailors, and air guard officers to report for duty. An internal message emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, ‘This is not a drill. All are strongly advised to make all necessary arrangements with your families and prepare for confinement.’ Personnel on leave, including those on pre-retirement or sick leave, were instructed to remain on immediate standby. Soldiers were directed to report to the four main military bases across the country: Cumuto, La Romaine, Chaguaramas, and Long Circular. The State One Alert signifies the military’s maximum readiness posture, prepared for immediate deployment to secure national assets and borders. High-level officials described the move as a precautionary measure to address potential regional or national disturbances arising from the escalating crisis. The immediate trigger for the alert is the mounting tension between the United States and Venezuela, with international news agencies reporting that the U.S. administration is considering military action against the Maduro government. Despite the TTDF’s mobilization, the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs issued a statement urging calm, denying any changes to national security arrangements and attributing public anxiety to ‘false news reports.’ Defence Minister Wayne Sturge declined to confirm the orders in Parliament, stating that doing so would be ‘contrary to the public interest.’ However, these assurances have failed to alleviate widespread anxiety, with schools and businesses closing early across parts of Trinidad. The TTDF remains on State One Alert, with troops confined to their installations awaiting further instructions.
-
TTDF on highest alert: All personnel recalled to base amid Venezuela war fears
The Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) has escalated its operational readiness to the highest level, known as State One Alert, following an abrupt directive for all military personnel to report to their respective bases by early evening on October 31. This unprecedented move was prompted by heightened regional instability, particularly reports of a potential US military strike against targets in neighboring Venezuela. Senior intelligence and military sources confirmed that an urgent circular was issued mid-morning, mandating all active soldiers, sailors, and air guard officers to return to duty. An internal message emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, ‘This is not a drill,’ and advising personnel to prepare for confinement. Even those on leave were instructed to remain on standby. Troops were directed to report to four main bases: Cumuto, La Romaine, Chaguaramas, and Long Circular. State One Alert signifies the military’s maximum readiness, poised for immediate deployment to safeguard national assets and borders. High-level officials described the measure as precautionary, aimed at addressing potential regional or national disturbances stemming from the escalating US-Venezuela crisis. International media reports suggest the US is intensifying its campaign against the Maduro government, including possible military action. Despite the mobilization, the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs urged calm, denying any changes to national security arrangements and attributing public anxiety to ‘false news reports.’ Defence Minister Wayne Sturge refrained from confirming the orders in Parliament, citing public interest concerns. However, these assurances have failed to alleviate widespread unease, with schools and businesses closing early across parts of Trinidad. The TTDF remains on State One Alert, with troops confined to installations awaiting further instructions.
-
CCSS crash schools’ basketball final four
The semifinals of the Under-19 Boys’ Schools Basketball Tournament, held at the Beausejour Gymnasium on October 30, feature a mix of familiar faces and new contenders. Organized by the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, with support from the Ministry of Education and the Saint Lucia Basketball Federation, the tournament has reached its critical stage. Defending champions Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) advanced by default after Micoud Secondary School failed to appear. Joining them are three-time losing finalists Soufrière Comprehensive Secondary School (SCSS) and last year’s fourth-placed team, St Mary’s College (SMC).
Castries Comprehensive Secondary School (CCSS) emerged as a new force, replacing 2024 bronze medallists Patricia D James Secondary School. CCSS secured their semifinal spot by winning three of their five preliminary games and defeating Vieux Fort Comprehensive Secondary School (VFCSS) 64-38 in the quarterfinals. Meshach Du Boulay was instrumental in CCSS’s victory, scoring 24 points, including three three-pointers, and adding 10 rebounds, seven steals, and seven assists. David Chandler contributed 19 points and nine rebounds.
For VFCSS, Josan Henry led with 11 points, 10 rebounds, and six steals, while Chris Cyrilon added 10 points and 14 rebounds. CCSS’s physical education teacher, Brandon Clauzel, highlighted the team’s strategy, emphasizing the addition of Meshach Du Boulay and the coaching assistance of Simeon Hippolyte.
In the semifinals, CCSS will face SCSS on November 4. SCSS advanced by defeating Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School 48-38, with Curden Jones leading the charge with 26 points, 15 rebounds, four steals, and three blocks. Meanwhile, SMC secured their semifinal spot by overcoming Corinth Secondary Schools 46-37, with Neezan Lewis delivering a double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds. The semifinals will take place at the Beausejour Gymnasium, promising thrilling matchups as teams vie for a place in the finals.
-
Saint Lucia, SVG tie tapeball series
The highly anticipated final of the Bilateral Tapeball series between St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) and Saint Lucia concluded in a dramatic fashion on October 29 at the South Rivers playing field. Persistent rain forced the match to be abandoned, leaving the series honors evenly shared. Earlier in the competition, Saint Lucia claimed victory in the opening match on October 24, while SVG responded with a commanding win on October 25. In the finale, Saint Lucia won the toss and opted to field. Merville Samuel made an immediate impact, dismissing Romano Pierre with the first ball, marking his fifth wicket of the series. SVG struggled at 95-6 in 11.2 overs before rain intervened. The series showcased standout performances, with Murgaran Shoulette named the Most Valuable Player. Garette Alphonse led all batsmen with 235 runs, including three half-centuries, while Samuel and Kesron Daniel each claimed five wickets. Jamian Thomas was recognized as the Most Outstanding Wicketkeeper. Earlier matches saw Saint Lucia triumph by six wickets, chasing down SVG’s 251-5, thanks to contributions from Alphonse, Shoulette, and Jason Simon. SVG retaliated with a 74-run victory on October 25, posting 288-6 and restricting Saint Lucia to 214-9. The tour also featured an Adventist Premier League (APL) component, with SVG and Saint Lucia APL teams trading victories before the hosts clinched the decider in a nail-biting finish.