标签： Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia’s National Culinary Team has returned home triumphantly after securing multiple silver medals at the prestigious Taste of the Caribbean 2025 competition, held in Barbados from November 16 to 18. Organized by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association since 1993, this event is recognized as the Caribbean’s premier culinary showcase, attracting 11 participating nations this year, with Bonaire crowned as the Caribbean National Culinary Team of the Year.

Each year, as Saint Lucia commemorates St. Cecilia’s Day on November 22, the feast of musicians, there is a renewed outcry for increased support for local artists. This year’s celebrations, once a vibrant tradition on the island’s cultural calendar, were notably subdued, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the music sector. For decades, the industry has struggled with inconsistent national backing, despite the presence of organizations like the Carnival Music Management Committee (CMMC), the Eastern Caribbean Collective Organisation (ECCO), and the largely inactive Association of Music Professionals (AMPP SLU). None of these entities has provided sustained advocacy or development for musicians. In recent years, however, Export Saint Lucia has stepped in to address this gap. As a statutory body tasked with promoting the island’s exports across goods and services, Export Saint Lucia has embraced music as part of its creative services mandate. Through its “Music Saint Lucia” platform, developed in partnership with the European Union and funded by the Caribbean Development Bank, the agency has fostered relationships with artists across genres, including Jazz, R&B, Gospel, Hip Hop, Reggae, Soca, and Dennery Segment. Glenfield Gilbert, Director of Client Management at Export Saint Lucia, emphasized the agency’s commitment to supporting artists through technical, developmental, promotional, and financial assistance. Export Saint Lucia has also collaborated with entities like the Ministry of Commerce, Events Company Saint Lucia, and the Carnival Planning and Management Committee (CPMC) to amplify its impact. Local musicians have performed at global showcases such as Expo Dubai and Expo Osaka, and the agency has facilitated their participation in international events like Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival (WCMF). In 2024, artists such as Umpa and Subance performed at WCMF, while Imran Nerdy, Ezra De Fun Machine, and Arthur Allain took the stage this year. Ezra expressed gratitude for the opportunity, praising Export Saint Lucia for creating avenues to showcase Saint Lucian music internationally. The agency has also hosted workshops on the business of music, covering topics like contracts, bookkeeping, and copyright. In 2024, Export Saint Lucia introduced the “Most Exportable Song” award during Lucian Carnival, with Imran Nerdy’s “Start di Party” winning the public and international DJs’ vote. Nerdy hailed the recognition as a testament to the global reach of Saint Lucian music. Looking ahead, Export Saint Lucia plans to expand its creative support through initiatives like a Music Video Development Forum, a copyright workshop, and participation in global expos in Serbia and Saudi Arabia. By investing in music as a viable export and positioning musicians as cultural ambassadors, Export Saint Lucia aims to elevate the island’s creative economy.

A tragic incident unfolded in Pierrot, Vieux Fort, resulting in the death of a 55-year-old man. Authorities reported that on the morning of Friday, November 21, at approximately 6:30 a.m., officers from the Criminal Investigations Department at the Vieux Fort Police Station were alerted to an unconscious man discovered on the ground. Emergency responders from the Saint Lucia Fire Service swiftly attended to the victim, who was then transported by ambulance to St. Jude Hospital. Despite medical efforts, he was pronounced dead by a medical practitioner. The deceased has been identified as Paul Campsell, a resident of Pierrot, Vieux Fort. In a related development, police have confirmed that one individual is currently in custody and is assisting with the ongoing investigation into the shooting.

In a significant early morning operation on Thursday, November 20, the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force successfully recovered an illegal firearm and ammunition during a routine stop and search in La Croix Mingot. The operation, conducted around 1:30 a.m., involved officers from the Special Services Unit in Castries who intercepted a vehicle with two occupants. The search yielded a Black Glock 19 handgun and 11 rounds of ammunition. The two individuals, identified as 34-year-old Melvin Montoute from St. Lawrence Street, Anse La Raye, and 27-year-old Shaquille De Leon from Marigot, were promptly taken into custody. Both men were formally charged with ‘Possession of a Firearm’ and ‘Possession of Ammunition.’ The following day, November 21, the First District Court granted Montoute and De Leon bail. Montoute was required to post $25,000 cash or provide a suitable surety for the firearm charge, while De Leon faced a $10,000 cash or surety requirement for the ammunition charge. This operation underscores the ongoing efforts by Saint Lucia law enforcement to combat illegal arms possession and enhance public safety.