标签： Saint Lucia

Authorities in Saint Lucia have launched a comprehensive investigation into a tragic maritime incident that resulted in the death of a local resident. The Marine Intelligence and Investigations Unit of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force is leading the probe into Wednesday’s fatal accident occurring in the coastal waters near Anse Mamin, Soufrière.

According to initial investigative findings, the victim was engaged in snorkeling activities when he suffered catastrophic injuries after being struck by an unidentified watercraft. Following the collision, bystanders arranged private transportation to transfer the injured man to Soufrière Hospital for emergency medical treatment.

Despite medical intervention, the victim succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. Official confirmation of death was recorded by a medical examiner at precisely 12 p.m. on the day of the incident.

The deceased has been formally identified as 31-year-old Sheram Lionel, a resident of Trois Piton in the Castries region. Police officials have confirmed that their investigation remains active and ongoing, with authorities examining all aspects of the circumstances surrounding this tragic waterfront accident.

The Saint Lucia Solid Waste Management Authority has formally expressed regret to communities within the Choiseul zone after significant interruptions in garbage collection services left waste accumulating in residential areas.

Citing operational difficulties in a January 6, 2026 press statement, the Authority conceded that scheduled pickups had been either delayed or completely missed across multiple neighborhoods. This service failure created substantial inconvenience for local residents and raised concerns about public sanitation.

In response to the growing waste backlog, management has activated all available resources to normalize collection operations. A specialized cleanup initiative commenced on Wednesday, January 7, targeting the accumulated refuse with additional personnel and equipment deployed specifically for recovery operations.

While restoration efforts continue, Choiseul residents receive instructions to maintain their regular disposal routines by placing waste outside on originally designated collection days. The Authority emphasizes that consistent household cooperation will facilitate more efficient clearance of the existing waste surplus.

Officials concluded their announcement by acknowledging public patience during the service disruption and reaffirming their commitment to resolving the situation promptly.

Law enforcement authorities in Saint Lucia have dismantled a significant cannabis cultivation operation in the Choiseul region, resulting in multiple charges against a local resident. The coordinated operation, conducted on December 29, 2025, involved specialized units from the Gangs, Narcotics and Firearms Unit (GNFU) Southern Detachment working in conjunction with Choiseul Police Station personnel.

During the executed search warrant in Martin, Choiseul, officers discovered and uprooted an extensive cannabis plantation containing 5,580 plants. Additionally, authorities seized 7.3 kilograms of processed cannabis from the residence of 41-year-old Delecus Alphonse, who was subsequently taken into custody.

The suspect faced three distinct drug-related charges: possession of a controlled drug (cannabis), possession with intent to supply, and cultivation of a controlled plant. Alphonse appeared before the Second District Court in Vieux Fort on December 30, where judicial officials granted bail under specific conditions.

The bail arrangement requires $3,000 cash or suitable surety backed by land documents for the possession charges, while the cultivation charge carries a $3,600 bail under similar terms. Beyond financial obligations, the court imposed stringent non-monetary conditions including mandatory weekly reporting to Choiseul Police Station every Saturday between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Furthermore, Alphonse must surrender all travel documents and is expressly prohibited from leaving Saint Lucia without obtaining formal authorization from the Court. The case represents ongoing efforts by Saint Lucia authorities to combat drug cultivation and distribution networks within the country.

In a comprehensive push toward agricultural sustainability, Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development implemented a multi-faceted support program throughout 2025 that yielded significant improvements across the agricultural sector. The initiative addressed critical challenges from disease management to climate adaptation through practical interventions and technological innovation.

Disease management achieved a major breakthrough with the distribution of 66,000 gallons of complimentary spraying oil to banana and plantain growers combating Black Sigatoka disease. This intervention stabilized production levels and restored farmer confidence, complemented by the introduction of crop insurance providing financial protection against climate-related disruptions. The widespread distribution of ground cover materials further enhanced climate-smart practices while reducing cultivation costs and suppressing weed growth.

The fisheries sector witnessed substantial upgrades through the Unleashing the Blue Economy of the Caribbean (UBEC) project, which modernized post-harvest handling, cold storage infrastructure, and market access channels. Maritime safety received significant attention with licensed fishers in Dennery receiving comprehensive safety equipment, emergency grab bags, and specialized hurricane-preparedness training. The Independent Seafood Festival highlighted these advancements while promoting domestic catch consumption to reduce import dependency.

Human capacity development formed a cornerstone of the agricultural transformation with 22 farmers completing intensive training programs covering advanced agricultural practices, post-harvest management, marketing strategies, and emerging technologies including artificial intelligence applications. Innovation flourished through hands-on training in cost-effective dragon fruit production utilizing galvanized support systems and the successful introduction of seedless watermelon varieties under the Seven Crops Project. Tissue culture technology expanded yam cultivation options, supporting agricultural diversification and long-term sustainability.

Policy frameworks and institutional capabilities were strengthened through a memorandum of understanding with the Taiwan Technical Mission and the Climate Impact Data Enhancement Project, which upgraded national climate data systems. Collaborative efforts with the Caribbean Cooperative Measurement, Reporting and Verification Hub advanced greenhouse gas accounting methodologies and mitigation measures, including hoop greenhouses and solar-powered irrigation systems. Specialized training for forestry officers enhanced Saint Lucia’s climate reporting capabilities under Paris Agreement commitments.

Food safety standards were elevated through Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) certification training at the GLACE Supermarket bakery, ensuring regulatory compliance and protecting public health. The Seven Crops Project further supported farmers through subsidized imports of essential agricultural inputs, reducing production constraints and financial pressures.

Sustainability initiatives included the establishment of a compost facility at the Bordelais Correctional Facility that converted organic waste into nutrient-rich compost, simultaneously addressing waste management challenges while supporting food production. Community engagement programs such as backyard gardening workshops and the inaugural Agriculture Care Day stimulated household and youth participation in agricultural activities. The Tree Crops Expansion and Rehabilitation Project boosted production of breadfruit, coconut, avocado, and soursop varieties.

Environmental protection efforts advanced with the deployment of sargassum management equipment donated through UNDP with Japanese funding, mitigating the environmental and economic impacts of seaweed influxes on coastal communities.

The agricultural year concluded with celebratory events including the Banana and Plantain Festival, which highlighted culinary innovation and nutritional benefits, and a high-level October dialogue that charted the future trajectory of Saint Lucia’s food system transformation toward greater resilience, inclusivity, and nutritional security.