标签： Saint Lucia

Sir Calixte George, a distinguished agronomist, educator, and statesman from Saint Lucia, will be honored with the Doctor of Laws (LLD) (Honoris Causa) by the University of the West Indies (UWI) during its 2025 graduation ceremonies. This recognition celebrates his over six decades of public service, scientific research, and contributions to national development. Sir George, an alumnus of St. Mary’s College, earned his BSc in Agriculture from the University College of the West Indies and an MSc in Soil Science from the University of Reading, UK. His career includes pivotal roles such as Chief Research Officer and Acting Chief Agricultural Officer in Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Agriculture, and Executive Director of the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI). He also transformed the banana industry as Managing Director of the Saint Lucia Banana Growers’ Association and played a key role in establishing the Windward Islands Banana Development and Exporting Company Limited (WIBDECO). Beyond agriculture, Sir George served in various governmental roles, including President of the Senate and Leader of Government Business, and was instrumental in liberalizing telecommunications in the OECS. Knighted as a Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia, he continues to contribute to public life through his writings and autobiography. The UWI’s recognition of Sir George and other honorees reflects its commitment to celebrating excellence and innovation across the Caribbean.

Yannick Leon, a port police officer employed by the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA), has been formally charged and remanded in custody in connection with a major narcotics importation case. The drugs, valued at over $1.3 million, were discovered during a July 16, 2025, operation at Port Castries Seaport. Leon allegedly attempted to clear a fraudulent barrel shipment using forged documents, including a fake Letter of Authorisation. A subsequent search revealed 19 sealed metal cans containing 266 packs of cannabis resin (hashish), weighing approximately 26.8 kilogrammes. Leon faces multiple charges, including Importation of a Controlled Drug, Possession with Intent to Supply, Fraudulent Evasion, Forgery, and Uttering a False Document. Initially detained and later released pending further investigation, Leon was re-arrested on October 27 following extensive evidence gathering and forensic analysis. The case highlights the importance of inter-agency cooperation in disrupting organised criminal activities. Leon is set to remain in custody until December 9, 2025, as investigations continue.

A tragic incident unfolded in Garrand, Babonneau, Saint Lucia, on the evening of October 28, when 26-year-old British national Kenrelle O’Flaherty was fatally shot. The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) reported that officers from the Babonneau Police Station were dispatched to the scene after receiving reports of a lifeless body along the roadway at approximately 10:50 p.m. Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered O’Flaherty with visible gunshot wounds. A medical practitioner later pronounced him dead at the scene. O’Flaherty, a resident of Anguilla, was reportedly visiting Saint Lucia at the time of the incident. The RSLPF has initiated a homicide investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding his death. Authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to contact the Major Crimes Unit at 456-3754 or 456-3756, or to submit an anonymous tip via the Crime Hotline (555) or the RSLPF Crime Hotline App. The investigation remains ongoing as law enforcement seeks to bring clarity and justice to this devastating event.

The government of Saint Lucia has reintroduced its annual Christmas Barrel Trade Concession, providing significant financial relief to households during the holiday season. The initiative, administered by the Ministry of Finance through the Customs and Excise Department, will be in effect from October 15, 2025, to February 28, 2026, as per Cabinet Conclusion No. 910 of 2025. This program offers a 100% waiver on import duties for essential goods such as personal items, food, clothing, toys, and household consumables, though electronic items remain excluded. Each household is permitted up to two barrels, with a maximum declared value of $3,000 per barrel, strictly for personal use and not for resale or commercial purposes. Violations will incur standard penalties and fines. Additionally, the Cabinet has approved exemptions from the Health and Citizen Security Levy (HSL) and the Value Added Tax (VAT), pending parliamentary approval. However, a 6% Customs Service Charge will still apply to eligible barrels.