Carib Scope

标签： Saint Lucia

圣卢西亚

  • Mean Green win behind another Nestor double-double

    Mean Green win behind another Nestor double-double

    In a landmark achievement for the program, the University of North Texas women’s basketball team secured its first-ever victory at Tulane’s Avron B. Fogelman Arena with a hard-fought 59-53 win on Saturday, January 10. The historic triumph was spearheaded by a dominant performance from Saint Lucian transfer Megan Nestor, who continued her remarkable season with another double-double.

    Nestor, a 6-foot-4 center from Canaries, Saint Lucia, delivered her fourth consecutive double-figure scoring game and her eighth double-double of the season. Demonstrating exceptional efficiency, she reached double digits in points for the tenth time in sixteen games this season while taking just five shots from the field. Complementing her scoring, Nestor hauled in ten or more rebounds for the ninth time this term, securing her third straight double-double. She also contributed two assists and two steals to the winning effort.

    The former Saint Lucia national netball player continues to lead the American Athletic Conference in rebounds per game, averaging an impressive 11.9. Entering the contest, she held the unique distinction of being the only player in all of NCAA Division I basketball with at least 100 defensive rebounds and over 70 offensive rebounds, underscoring her prowess on both ends of the court.

    While Nestor provided the consistent interior presence, guards Chania Price and Aysia Proctor supplied crucial offensive firepower. Price erupted for a career-high 15 points, while Proctor added 12 points, all in a first half that saw UNT build a commanding 40-25 lead. The second half evolved into a defensive struggle, with North Texas managing only 19 points after the break. Tulane mounted several charges at the start of the third and fourth quarters, twice narrowing the deficit to single digits, but staunch defense from the Mean Green preserved the historic victory.

    Head coach Jason Burton highlighted the team’s strong start as a critical factor. “We reflected on last year, and it was the opposite, where we started slow and had to fight our way back,” Burton stated. “I loved how we came out in the first half… but we found a way to win.” The victory marked a significant milestone for a program that had previously gone 0-5 in games played at Tulane’s arena.

  • Turning unemployment into opportunity: A coconut seller’s journey

    Turning unemployment into opportunity: A coconut seller’s journey

    In the tropical climate of Saint Lucia’s Rodney Bay, Wendell Dupre has demonstrated remarkable resilience by transforming unemployment into entrepreneurial success. This Castries native, once employed in the hospitality sector, found opportunity in adversity when his previous workplace declared bankruptcy several years ago.

    Leveraging previously underutilized resources from his father’s agricultural property, Dupre established a thriving coconut enterprise that has defied conventional business challenges. Rather than allowing the farm’s produce to go to waste, he recognized the commercial potential in the island’s abundant coconut supply and built a sustainable business model around it.

    Through strategic reinvestment and organic growth, Dupre achieved a significant milestone by acquiring his first vehicle through self-financing, completely bypassing traditional banking loans. His business expansion plans include additional vehicle investments and job creation as operations scale upward. Currently, he operates with crucial support from his partner, who provides both administrative assistance and moral encouragement.

    Market dynamics for Dupre’s venture show fascinating patterns tied to environmental conditions. Sales volume demonstrates direct correlation with temperature fluctuations, with increased demand for refreshing coconut water during peak heat periods. The business particularly benefits from tourist patronage, many of whom experience fresh coconut products for the first time while visiting the Caribbean island.

    Maintaining a six-day work schedule with Sundays reserved for family time, especially with his daughter, Dupre exemplifies the balance between entrepreneurial dedication and personal priorities. When questioned about his long-term commitment to this trade, he affirmed his preference for self-directed work over traditional employment, highlighting the autonomy and satisfaction derived from entrepreneurship.

  • James to lead Windwards in CWI women’s cricket

    James to lead Windwards in CWI women’s cricket

    Five accomplished cricketers from Saint Lucia are poised to make their mark in the upcoming Cricket West Indies CG United Women’s Super50 Cup and T20 Blaze tournaments, scheduled from January 10 to February 1 in St Vincent and the Grenadines. This prestigious regional competition will showcase four athletes representing the Windward Islands and one competing for the Leewards, signaling a significant moment for women’s cricket in the Caribbean region.

    West Indies allrounder Zaida James has been appointed captain of the Windward Islands squad, which finished fourth in the previous tournament. The team boasts considerable talent including West Indies senior allrounder Nerissa Crafton, wicketkeeper and top-order batter Ashlene Edward, and promising West Indies Under-19 fast bowler Selena Ross. Meanwhile, West Indies veteran Qiana Joseph will bring her expertise to the Leewards team following her relocation to St Kitts & Nevis last year.

    The T20 Blaze matches will be exclusively held at the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex, offering cricket enthusiasts daily triple-header entertainment. Matches are scheduled for 9:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and 7:00 p.m., with evening games conducted under floodlights for enhanced spectator experience.

    Following the T20 Blaze conclusion, the Super 50 tournament will unfold across three venues: Sion Hill, Park Hill and Cumberland grounds. These matches will commence daily at 9:30 a.m., with each team playing three games before the top-ranked team is crowned champion.

    This year’s tournament builds on last season’s dramatic finale where Guyana secured their maiden regional women’s title after an undefeated campaign that culminated in a Super Over victory against Jamaica. Earlier in 2025, Trinidad & Tobago claimed the Super 50 crown with a decisive seven-wicket win over Barbados in the final.

    The limited-over tournaments serve as a crucial competitive platform at the onset of an action-packed cricket calendar for West Indies Women. The team will host Sri Lanka for a white-ball series in late February, followed by an all-format series against Australia the subsequent month. The summer schedule features a tri-nation series against Ireland and Pakistan, plus the highly anticipated 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, for which the regional squad has been intensively preparing.

    Windward Islands Squad: Zaida James (captain), Holly Charles, Nerissa Crafton, Ashlene Edward, Afy Fletcher, Earnisha Fontaine, Aldith Gasper, Amiah Gilbert, Jannillea Glasgow, Shanel Mckie, Carena Noel, Selena Ross, Abini St. Jean, Jaeda Tyrell

    T20 Blaze Match Schedule (Arnos Vale):
    January 13: vs Guyana @ 9:30am
    January 15: vs Trinidad & Tobago @ 2:30pm
    January 17: vs Barbados @ 2:30pm
    January 19: vs Jamaica @ 7:00pm
    January 21: vs Leeward Islands @ 7:00pm
    January 23: Finals Day

    Super 50 Cup Schedule (All matches @ 9:30 am):
    January 27: vs Trinidad & Tobago — Sion Hill
    January 29: vs Leeward Islands — Cumberland
    January 31: vs Guyana — Park Hill

  • Carnival Conquest launches adults-only cruises from Miami to Southern Caribbean

    Carnival Conquest launches adults-only cruises from Miami to Southern Caribbean

    Carnival Cruise Line has launched a new premium tourism product targeting mature travelers with its inaugural adults-only SEA (Sailings Exclusively for Adults) voyage. The Carnival Conquest departed Miami on January 5 with over 2,700 passengers aboard for a specialized twelve-day Southern and Eastern Caribbean itinerary exclusively for guests aged 21 and above.

    The innovative cruise concept represents a strategic shift for Carnival, traditionally known for family-friendly vacations, now targeting the lucrative casino enthusiast market. Accessible only through invitations from the Carnival Players Club loyalty program, these sailings feature expanded gaming facilities including additional blackjack tables and seventy-five slot machines positioned on the Promenade deck.

    The curated itinerary combines high-stakes entertainment with sophisticated port experiences across five Caribbean destinations. Passengers are exploring Saint Lucia’s iconic Pitons mountains, Barbados’ pristine beaches, Martinique’s renowned rum distilleries, St Maarten’s duty-free shopping districts, and St Thomas’ exceptional snorkeling sites.

    Onboard amenities include themed parties, bingo tournaments, and adults-only poolside gatherings designed to create a romantic tourism atmosphere. The extended voyage allows for deeper cultural immersion while providing substantial gambling opportunities unavailable on traditional family cruises.

    A subsequent thirteen-night SEA voyage is scheduled to depart from Miami on January 17, expanding the itinerary to include Bonaire’s marine parks and Aruba’s famous Eagle Beach. This longer journey enables passengers to experience catamaran sailing in Barbados and casino hopping in Aruba alongside the enhanced onboard gaming experience.

    The strategic focus on Southern Caribbean routes diversifies Miami’s cruise departure offerings while providing economic benefits to lesser-visited ports. The program strengthens island partnerships through dual port visits, increasing revenue from shore excursions including catamaran tours, zip-lining adventures in Saint Lucia, and visits to Harrison’s Cave in Barbados.

  • Trinidad and Tobago Newsday shuts down after 32 years

    Trinidad and Tobago Newsday shuts down after 32 years

    After more than three decades of continuous publication, Trinidad and Tobago’s Newsday newspaper has officially ceased operations, marking the end of an era for the Caribbean nation’s media landscape. The publication’s parent company, Daily News Ltd, has filed a winding-up petition with the High Court under the Companies Act, with a hearing scheduled for January 19, 2026.

    Managing Director Grant Taylor characterized the closure as the result of a ‘perfect storm of challenges’ that have battered the print media industry globally. In a statement published on the newspaper’s final day, Taylor detailed the multifaceted pressures that ultimately forced the publication’s shutdown, emphasizing that Newsday’s status as an independent entity without conglomerate backing left it particularly vulnerable to market forces.

    The newspaper’s demise stems from a decade-long convergence of damaging factors, including soaring production costs—with paper prices experiencing dramatic increases—coupled with sharply declining advertising revenue. Taylor revealed that print advertising has plummeted by 75% over the past ten years, creating an unsustainable financial model. Even a modest price increase from $2 to $3 resulted in 40% of readers abandoning the publication, despite the newspaper employing hundreds of staff working around the clock.

    While the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the decline through advertising collapses during lockdowns, Taylor emphasized that the challenges were systemic rather than pandemic-specific. The managing director also noted changing reader habits, diminished value placed on traditional media, and what he described as ‘political campaigns to discredit media for nefarious reasons’ as contributing factors.

    The announcement reportedly caught staff by surprise, with senior editors learning of the decision only hours before the public announcement. A full staff meeting chaired by Taylor is scheduled for Monday to address the closure’s implications.

    Founded on September 20, 1993, Newsday was the youngest of Trinidad and Tobago’s three daily newspapers. Taylor expressed pride in the publication’s legacy of ‘unwavering independence’ in serving the public and gratitude to dedicated staff and loyal readers who supported the newspaper throughout its 32-year history.

  • American citizens advised to depart Venezuela following Maduro’s detention

    American citizens advised to depart Venezuela following Maduro’s detention

    The United States Embassy in Bogotá has escalated its security alert for Venezuela, issuing an urgent advisory on January 10, 2026, calling for the immediate departure of all American citizens from the South American nation. This critical warning follows a period of intensified instability triggered by recent military actions undertaken by the Trump administration, which included targeted bombings and culminated in the capture and detention of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

    Official communications from the embassy highlight a rapidly deteriorating security environment, described as ‘highly fluid and unpredictable.’ Intelligence reports indicate a surge in activities by armed paramilitary groups, locally referred to as ‘colectivos.’ These militias are allegedly erecting unauthorized roadblocks and conducting invasive vehicle searches, specifically targeting individuals based on their U.S. nationality or perceived sympathies towards American interests.

    The embassy’s statement underscores the necessity for U.S. nationals to maintain extreme vigilance and adopt stringent security measures. It explicitly advises against all travel to Venezuela, a position consistently maintained by the State Department. The advisory notes a silver lining: the recent resumption of international commercial flights now provides American citizens with feasible and urgent exit options that were previously unavailable, facilitating a swift evacuation from the escalating crisis.

  • Holness on Maduro: ‘My job is to keep Jamaica safe’

    Holness on Maduro: ‘My job is to keep Jamaica safe’

    Prime Minister Andrew Holness has articulated Jamaica’s deliberate approach to international diplomacy amidst escalating geopolitical tensions surrounding Venezuela. Speaking at the ‘Heal the Family, Heal the Nation’ National Day of Prayer service in Portmore, St. Catherine, Holness emphasized that Jamaica’s primary responsibility remains national security rather than engaging in unnecessary foreign entanglements.

    The Prime Minister’s comments follow the controversial January 3rd seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by United States military forces, though Holness carefully avoided direct reference to the operation. Instead, he highlighted Jamaica’s consistent foreign policy positions established well before current developments, stating that research would demonstrate the nation’s early stance on these matters.

    Holness rejected assertions that Jamaica’s cautious diplomacy represents abandonment of principle, asserting that the nation has consistently served as “the strong voice of reason for small developing countries globally.” His administration maintains that Jamaica’s foreign policy balances multiple considerations including rule of law, human rights, democracy, and non-intervention in sovereign states’ affairs.

    The political context includes vigorous debate within Jamaica’s opposition People’s National Party, regional leaders, and international observers regarding sovereignty, international law, and Caribbean security. The US operation that extracted Maduro and his wife to face drug trafficking charges in New York has raised significant concerns about regional stability and the principles of international intervention.

    Jamaica’s historical position dates to January 2019 when it joined 18 Organization of American States members in refusing to recognize the legitimacy of Maduro’s presidential term. Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith clarified that this decision reflected Jamaica’s commitment to fundamental values while maintaining concern for the Venezuelan people’s welfare.

    The opposition PNP has urged stronger support for international legal principles and clearer positioning regarding Venezuela, warning that force-driven regime change poses serious regional risks. Meanwhile, CARICOM leaders have expressed grave concern while advocating diplomatic solutions that respect Venezuelan sovereignty and dignity.

    Former Prime Minister Bruce Golding provided critical context, describing the Maduro operation as part of a rapidly shifting global order influenced by Trump-era policies. Golding warned that post-World War II norms protecting sovereignty are eroding, creating a vulnerable position for Caribbean nations caught between geopolitical powers. He invoked historical parallels, suggesting the region faces challenges reminiscent of colonial eras that require careful navigation to preserve hard-won sovereignty.

  • Saint Kitts and Nevis introduces residency requirement for CBI Programme

    Saint Kitts and Nevis introduces residency requirement for CBI Programme

    In a decisive move to bolster its economic citizenship initiative, the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis has unveiled two transformative reforms to its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme. Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew formally announced these strategic enhancements during a press roundtable, marking a significant evolution in the nation’s investor immigration framework.

    The cornerstone reforms introduce a mandatory residency prerequisite for prospective investors and establish a comprehensive global biometric data collection system for all applicants. These measures represent the latest phase in a comprehensive overhaul initiated by the current administration since assuming governance in 2022, addressing previous criticisms regarding program integrity and valuation.

    “Our administration remains unwavering in its commitment to restoring the CBI Programme’s international standing through rigorous security protocols and enhanced credibility,” affirmed Prime Minister Drew during the announcement.

    Under Dr. Drew’s leadership, the program has undergone systematic modernization including substantial increases in minimum investment thresholds, strengthened due diligence mechanisms, enhanced transparency protocols, and the institutional transformation of the CBI Unit into a statutory body with independent oversight authority.

    Concurrently, Saint Kitts and Nevis has pioneered the establishment of the Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Framework. This multilateral initiative creates a unified regulatory authority among participating Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) members, mirroring the collaborative governance model of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank.

    “These strategic advancements simultaneously reinforce program security while facilitating sustainable economic development,” concluded Dr. Drew, emphasizing the dual objectives of the reforms.

  • US seizes fifth oil tanker linked to Venezuela, officials say

    US seizes fifth oil tanker linked to Venezuela, officials say

    In a significant escalation of maritime enforcement operations, United States forces have captured the oil tanker Olina in the Caribbean Sea, marking the fifth such seizure in recent weeks as the Trump administration intensifies its campaign against Venezuelan oil exports. The vessel, which appears on multiple international sanctions lists, was intercepted after departing Venezuelan waters in what officials described as an attempt to evade US naval forces.

    The early morning operation, conducted jointly by Marines and naval personnel in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, represents the latest effort to dismantle what US officials term the ‘dark fleet’—an estimated network of over 1,000 vessels allegedly transporting sanctioned and illicit oil. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem characterized the intercepted vessel as another ‘ghost fleet’ tanker suspected of carrying embargoed oil, sharing video footage that appeared to show troops rappelling onto the ship from helicopters.

    Maritime intelligence firm Vanguard Tech reported that the Olina had been attempting to breach the US naval blockade in the Caribbean while sailing under a false flag registered to Timor-Leste. The vessel’s location transponder had been inactive for 52 days prior to its capture northeast of Curaçao, indicating sophisticated evasion tactics.

    The seizure follows back-to-back interdictions earlier this week of two additional tankers linked to Venezuelan oil exports, including the Russian-flagged Marinera captured with support from the UK Royal Navy. US authorities allege these vessels form part of a shadow network transporting oil for Venezuela, Russia, and Iran in violation of international sanctions.

    This maritime enforcement campaign coincides with diplomatic developments, as US officials visited Caracas on Friday to explore re-establishing diplomatic relations severed by former President Nicolás Maduro in 2019. The Trump administration has simultaneously announced plans to take control of up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil worth approximately $2.8 billion, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating proceeds would be distributed ‘in a way that benefits the Venezuelan people.’

    The US military’s Southern Command declared the operations send a ‘clear message that there is no safe haven for criminals,’ underscoring the administration’s multifaceted approach combining naval power, economic pressure, and diplomatic engagement toward Venezuela.

  • Saint Lucia win at last for 3rd place in Windward women’s cricket

    Saint Lucia win at last for 3rd place in Windward women’s cricket

    Saint Lucia concluded their Windward Islands Women’s T20 Championship campaign with a triumphant 17-run victory against Dominica, securing third place in the tournament. The match, held on Friday, January 9th at Kingstown’s Arnos Vale Sporting Complex, showcased remarkable individual performances that overturned early adversity.

    After electing to bat first, Saint Lucia faced immediate disaster as their top order collapsed to 15-4 within the opening overs, eventually stumbling to 35-5. Dominica’s Abini St Jean spearheaded the assault with impressive bowling figures of 3-10 from her four-over spell.

    The recovery began with captain Zaida James anchoring the innings with a resilient 67 runs from 54 deliveries, including six boundaries and two sixes. Her partnership with Krishna Joseph, who contributed a brisk 21 from 15 balls, proved crucial. A particularly productive 16th over yielding 26 runs significantly boosted their total, eventually posting 122 all out – their highest team score of the competition.

    Dominica’s response appeared promising initially, reaching 43-2 after the powerplay and 80-3 at the midway point. However, left-arm pacer Nerissa Crafton dramatically shifted momentum with a devastating two-wicket maiden over in the 12th. Her exceptional bowling performance culminated with 4-2 from her allotted overs, including the key dismissal of Earnisha Fontaine for 31 runs. Fifteen-year-old debutant Gilia McLaurent also claimed a wicket in supporting role.

    Despite early promise, Dominica ultimately fell short at 105-9, handing Saint Lucia their first victory of the championship. The outstanding performances from senior players now positions them as strong contenders for selection in the upcoming Wind Indies T20 Blaze tournament.