In a historic moment for the Middle East, US President Donald Trump announced the ‘dawn of a new Middle East’ as he presided over the signing of a landmark ceasefire agreement on October 13. The agreement, formalized in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, brought an end to a two-year-long devastating conflict between Israel and Hamas. The signing ceremony saw Trump joined by leaders and mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, symbolizing a united effort towards peace. Earlier, addressing the Israeli parliament, Trump lauded the deal as a triumph of persistent diplomacy. The agreement’s implementation triggered emotional responses across the region. In Israel, 20 freed hostages were transported to hospitals for reunions with their families after over two years in captivity, while the remains of deceased hostages were handed over to the Red Cross. Simultaneously, celebrations erupted in the West Bank and Gaza as 250 Palestinian prisoners and over 1,700 administrative detainees were released from Israeli custody. Buses carrying the freed individuals were greeted by jubilant crowds, with families embracing relatives they had not seen for years. Dr. Daniel Trotzky, medical deputy director of Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, emphasized the long road to recovery for the freed hostages, noting their stable condition and the multidisciplinary support they are receiving. In Washington, the Trump administration received widespread, though not unanimous, praise from former top US officials, including Hillary Clinton, Condoleezza Rice, and Kamala Harris, for its role in brokering the deal. As the region begins to heal from the scars of conflict, a sense of profound relief and cautious optimism prevails.
标签： Saint Lucia
圣卢西亚
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National Consultations Begin on Draft Policy for Persons with Disabilities
The Ministry of Equity, Social Justice, and Empowerment in Saint Lucia has initiated a nationwide consultation process to gather public input on the Draft National Policy for Persons with Disabilities. Running from October 13 to 24, 2025, these consultations aim to engage individuals with disabilities, their families, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders in shaping a more inclusive and equitable framework for disability rights and empowerment. The policy is informed by a comprehensive Situation Analysis of Persons with Disabilities in Saint Lucia, which highlighted the challenges, opportunities, and daily realities faced by this community. Aligned with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), the draft policy envisions a Saint Lucia where individuals with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of national life, guided by principles of dignity, equality, autonomy, and participation. The consultations will be held across multiple districts, including Babonneau, Dennery, Gros Islet, Odsan, and Anse La Raye, with specialized sessions for professionals and key advocacy groups. Dr. Clementia Eugene, a seasoned social worker with over two decades of experience, is leading the policy development process, ensuring it remains evidence-based and inclusive. Permanent Secretary Dr. Charmaine Hippolyte Emmanuel emphasized the importance of these consultations in advancing Saint Lucia’s commitment to building an inclusive society. The ministry has urged broad participation to ensure the final policy reflects the community’s realities and aspirations.
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Grassroots basketball gets a boost at Vigie Coaching Clinic
The NetBlazers Basketball Club has taken a significant step in advancing basketball development across Saint Lucia with its recent two-day coaching clinic. Held at the Vigie Sports Complex on October 11 and 12, the event provided coaches with a free opportunity to enhance their skills through hands-on training and tactical insights. The clinic was led by Gaelen Sydney, a seasoned basketball coach from Titan Athletics in Toronto, Canada, who has a strong background in collegiate basketball in the United States. Sydney, returning to Saint Lucia for the second time in three months, emphasized the importance of certifying coaches to improve youth engagement and elevate the sport’s standards. In an exclusive interview with St. Lucia Times, Sydney shared his vision of creating robust basketball programs that not only develop players but also foster a competitive environment across the Caribbean. Coaches, including Hillian Gabriel from Micoud Secondary School and Ansel Edole of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force Basketball Team, praised the clinic for its innovative approach and practical lessons. Gabriel highlighted the shift from traditional drills to more engaging, game-based methods, while Edole noted the eye-opening experience and new fundamentals he plans to implement. Garrick George, a coach with NetBlazers and Entrepot Secondary School, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of making training sessions enjoyable for young players. Organizers believe this event marks the beginning of a collaborative effort among coaches to elevate basketball culture on the island to new heights.
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Adoptive Saint Lucian Michael Barratt giving back through sports
For over three decades, Michael Barratt has woven his life into the fabric of Saint Lucia, marrying a local woman from Laborie and raising a family with deep roots on the island. Beyond his personal connections, Barratt, an engineer, solution architect, and youth advocate, has dedicated himself to uplifting the community through charitable initiatives. His efforts, ranging from providing sporting equipment to mentoring young athletes, have left an indelible mark on the island. Already recognized in the United Kingdom as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), Barratt’s work in Saint Lucia may soon earn him similar accolades in his adopted homeland. Over the past five years, Barratt has focused on football, sourcing boots and uniforms in the UK and shipping them to clubs across Saint Lucia. His recent visit saw him collaborating with local football administrators and community leaders to enhance professional development within clubs. Barratt’s commitment extends beyond sports. Distressed by the state of Laborie Beach, he initiated a clean-up campaign and educated youth on microplastic pollution. His broader mission includes promoting cycling safety, environmental protection, and disability equality. Barratt’s influence transcends borders, as he has also worked with coaches and youth in Kenya to address issues like self-harm and violence. Back in England, he continues to gather donations for Saint Lucian clubs, ensuring his legacy of empowerment and community building endures.
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Seajays surge to victory as national swim champs
The 13th Annual CapriSun Swim Meet, held at the Rodney Heights Aquatic Centre, witnessed an intense showdown between the island’s top swimming clubs, with Seajays emerging as the champions after two days of thrilling competition. Over 190 swimmers from six clubs participated in the national championships and Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Trials, showcasing their skills under brilliant sunshine. Seajays secured victory with a total of 1,284 points, narrowly edging out their closest rivals, Sharks, who scored 1,219 points. The triumph was largely driven by the exceptional performance of Seajays’ boys’ team, which amassed 867 points, 292 points ahead of Sharks. However, Sharks dominated the girls’ category with 644 points compared to Seajays’ 417. Lightning Aquatics claimed third place overall, while Southern Flying Fish, RR Aquatic, and RHAC Swim Club also competed fiercely. CARIFTA Aquatics medallist Sapphire Parks shone brightly, winning seven gold medals in the 11-12 category, including the 50m, 100m, 200m, and 400m freestyle, as well as the 50m and 100m butterfly, and the 200m individual medley. Kenya Andrew also made significant contributions, securing gold in multiple events for the Under-9 category. Miles Andrew led the charge for Seajays’ boys, sweeping nine gold medals in the 9-10 rankings. Nathan Lewis and Noah Dorville further solidified Seajays’ dominance with their stellar performances in the 11-12 and 13-14 boys’ categories, respectively. The event concluded with heartfelt gratitude from Seajays’ president Denise Parks and head coach Brian Charles, who praised the swimmers’ dedication and teamwork. The club also extended thanks to CapriSun, the Saint Lucia Aquatics Federation, sponsors, volunteers, officials, and parents for their unwavering support in making the meet a resounding success.
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Julien Alfred’s track spikes auctioned for US$75k
In a remarkable display of philanthropy and sportsmanship, Olympic champion Julien Alfred’s custom PUMA Nitro sprint spikes were auctioned for $75,000 at a fundraising event hosted by BodyHoliday. The event, titled ‘Power and Grace: An Evening in Honour of Julien Alfred,’ raised over $100,000 on October 11 to support the development of the next generation of Saint Lucian athletes. The winning bidder, American basketball coach and businessman Kevin Graves, now owns a piece of sporting history while contributing to a noble cause. Graves, who mentors NBA star Bam Adebayo, emphasized the importance of supporting charitable organizations like the Alfred Foundation. The spikes, molded to Alfred’s feet and mounted on a rubberized track featuring Saint Lucia’s area code, started bidding at $1,500. Other auctioned items included Alfred’s PUMA jersey and bib from Tokyo 2025, which fetched $1,900 from former basketball player and political candidate Marcellus Bax Stiede. The event also saw significant donations, including $25,000 from an anonymous donor, $5,000 from the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, $10,000 from Sunswept Resorts/BodyHoliday CEO Andrew Barnard, and $5,000 from Bay Gardens. The Daren Sammy Foundation contributed EC$10,000, with a video message from the West Indies head coach expressing support for Alfred. The evening featured an intimate interview with Alfred, who shared her ambitions to break the World Record in the 60m event and compete for gold at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Entertainment was provided by soca stars Sly and Shemmy J, accompanied by a gourmet three-course meal.
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Three Saint Lucians named to FIFA Committees
In a groundbreaking development this week, three distinguished Saint Lucians have been appointed to key standing committees of FIFA, the global governing body for football, for the 2025-2029 term. This historic decision was finalized during the FIFA Council Meeting held on October 2 in Zurich, Switzerland, following extensive consultations with FIFA member associations and regional confederations. The appointments mark a significant recognition of Saint Lucia’s contributions to the sport on both local and global stages. Lyndon Cooper, President of the Saint Lucia Football Association (SLFA), has been named Deputy Chair of the FIFA Development Committee. Examin Philbert, President of the Vieux Fort Football League, has secured a seat on the FIFA Women’s National Team Competitions Committee, while Dr. Natasha Innocent has been appointed to the FIFA Medical Committee. Cooper, who also serves as President of the Caribbean Football Union, emphasized the significance of these appointments, stating, ‘This recognition at the highest level of football underscores the progress we are making in developing the sport locally and regionally.’ FIFA has expressed its satisfaction with the appointments, acknowledging the ongoing commitment of Saint Lucians to advancing football globally. The standing committees, which report directly to the FIFA Council, play a crucial role in advising and assisting the Council in their respective areas of expertise. FIFA President Gianni Infantino highlighted the broader implications of these appointments, noting, ‘The new Standing Committees will enhance the involvement of member associations, increase female representation, and bring focused technical expertise to various aspects of football, ensuring FIFA is better prepared for future challenges.’
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SLP newcomer to challenge UWP stronghold in Micoud South
The Micoud South constituency, traditionally a bastion of the United Workers Party (UWP), is set to witness a fiercely contested general election as the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) unveils its latest candidate, Dr. Shanda Harracksingh. A medical professional and native of Micoud, Harracksingh was officially introduced on October 5, 2025, at the Micoud Playing Field. The event reportedly drew one of the largest crowds in the SLP’s recent history, signaling a potential shift in voter sentiment. Harracksingh faces a formidable opponent in Allen Chastanet, the UWP’s political leader and current Member of Parliament for the constituency. Since 1997, Micoud South has remained under UWP control, largely due to the enduring legacy of the late Sir John Compton. In her inaugural address, Harracksingh acknowledged the challenges ahead but emphasized the need for change. She criticized Chastanet for his prolonged absence from the constituency, declaring, “We have given him several chances. It is time to turn the page. No more excuses. It is time for change.” Harracksingh outlined her vision for the constituency, focusing on elderly care, agricultural development, and infrastructure improvements. She pledged to establish an elderly care center, enhance road access for farmers, and promote agro-processing initiatives. “I am a daughter of the soil,” she asserted, “and I will deliver for this community.” As the election season heats up, Micoud South emerges as a critical battleground, testing whether voters will remain loyal to the UWP or embrace the SLP’s message of renewal.
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Chris Dehring sees hope for West Indies cricket through sports tourism
Despite recent struggles on and off the field, Cricket West Indies CEO Chris Dehring has outlined an ambitious plan to revitalize Caribbean cricket through sports tourism. Speaking at the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2025 in Barbados, Dehring addressed the financial challenges and opportunities facing the region’s beloved sport. Recent setbacks, including a revised 2026 cricket calendar and poor international performances, have raised concerns about the future of West Indies cricket. However, Dehring remains optimistic, citing the enduring passion of Caribbean fans as a foundation for recovery. He emphasized the importance of leveraging sports tourism to attract global attention and investment. Key initiatives include the development of a 20-acre world-class facility in Antigua, featuring a cricket ground, high-performance center, and a transformed “Sticky Wicket” restaurant into an elite cricket academy and museum. Dehring also called on the Caribbean corporate community to invest in cricket, highlighting the sport’s potential to benefit the entire region. With the global sports tourism market projected to reach USD 645.76 billion by 2025, this strategy could provide a much-needed financial boost to West Indies cricket.
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OPINION: What cannabis legislation can teach us about foreign direct investment (Part 2)
In the competitive landscape of foreign direct investment (FDI), Saint Lucia and other Caribbean nations offer substantial tax concessions to attract investors. These incentives include VAT relief on building materials, income tax exemptions, property tax waivers, and customs duty exemptions on imports. Such measures are part of a broader strategy to stimulate economic growth and job creation. However, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised concerns about the sustainability of these incentives, noting that the cost per job in the formal sector can be as high as $2,500. Research also indicates that some countries forfeit up to 16% of their annual GDP through tax incentives, with limited tangible benefits. Despite these criticisms, proponents argue that without such incentives, investment and job creation would stagnate. To address these challenges, the Regulated Substance Authority (RSA) and other stakeholders are focusing on sector-specific incentives that prioritize corporate social responsibility, environmental protection, and compliance with national and international laws. Additionally, efforts are underway to improve the ease of doing business in Saint Lucia, addressing issues such as limited access to financing, weak insolvency mechanisms, and high energy costs. The RSA is also working to integrate traditional communities, such as the Rastafari, into the burgeoning cannabis industry, ensuring that development does not displace local stakeholders. The consultative process undertaken by the RSA serves as a model for broader legislative and policy initiatives, emphasizing public engagement and transparency. As Saint Lucia navigates the complexities of FDI, balancing economic growth with sustainable development remains a critical challenge.