In a candid interview with St. Lucia Times, Allen Chastanet, leader of the United Workers Party (UWP) and former Prime Minister, highlighted the pressing issues plaguing Saint Lucia, including soaring living costs, deteriorating public services, and escalating crime. Chastanet warned that the nation cannot sustain its current trajectory under the St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) administration, led by Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, who recently announced a general election for December 1. Chastanet outlined what he termed as the most urgent failures of the current government and signaled the priorities of a UWP-led administration. He identified the cost of living as the paramount concern, attributing its sharp rise to unprecedented tax increases by the SLP, compounded by post-COVID-19 inflation. Chastanet criticized the health and security levy, arguing it failed to deliver promised funding, and lamented the government’s inability to cap fuel prices, which has further burdened consumers. He also pointed to the declining state of healthcare, citing the exodus of medical professionals and the government’s reliance on Cuban doctors and nurses, a program now jeopardized by U.S. visa restrictions. Chastanet questioned the viability of the proposed universal healthcare system, warning of potential VAT increases, and contrasted it with the UWP’s national health insurance model. He also criticized the delayed completion of St. Jude Hospital, despite Prime Minister Pierre’s announcement of its completion. On crime, Chastanet noted an increasing homicide rate and ineffective government response, pledging tighter border control and decisive action under a UWP government. He also highlighted delays in major infrastructure projects, water shortages, and the neglect of agriculture, promising to revive key crops and support farmers. Chastanet called for a more sophisticated approach to evaluating tourism performance, emphasizing the importance of bed nights and visitor spending over mere arrival numbers. He reaffirmed support for community tourism, promising to provide local investors with the necessary support to succeed.
标签： Saint Lucia
圣卢西亚
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Trinidad and Tobago eliminated in draw with Jamaica
The Final Round of the Concacaf Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup witnessed a thrilling encounter between Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica, ending in a 1-1 draw on Thursday at Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. The match, part of Group B, saw both teams battling fiercely for a chance to advance in the tournament. The first half remained goalless, with both sides struggling to break through the defenses. However, the deadlock was finally broken in the 53rd minute when Renaldo Cephas of Jamaica capitalized on a swift counterattack down the left flank. Cutting inside, Cephas expertly placed the ball into the bottom right corner, giving Jamaica the lead. Rumarn Burrell was credited with the assist. Trinidad and Tobago responded in the 85th minute, with Kevin Molino delivering a precise right-footed strike from close range to level the score. The draw leaves Jamaica in second place in the group with 10 points and a 3-1-1 record, keeping their hopes alive for direct qualification. They are set to host Curaçao in their next match. Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been dashed with this result. The Soca Warriors will conclude their campaign with a visit to Bermuda.
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Suriname inches closer to World Cup dream, El Salvador eliminated
In a decisive match for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, Suriname delivered a commanding 4-0 victory over El Salvador on Thursday at the Dr. Ir. Franklin Essed Stadion in Paramaribo. This triumph not only solidified Suriname’s position at the top of Group A but also brought the nation closer to securing its first-ever World Cup appearance. The team’s record now stands at 2 wins, 3 draws, and 0 losses. The scoring began in the 44th minute when Tjaronn Chery converted a penalty after being fouled by El Salvador’s Julio Sibrián. Suriname extended its lead in the 74th minute with Richonell Margaret capitalizing on a deflected clearance. Margaret struck again just two minutes later, finishing a cross from Ridgeciano Haps. The final goal came in the 83rd minute when substitute Dhoraso Klas tapped in a cross shortly after entering the game. With this loss, El Salvador has been eliminated from contention for the 2026 World Cup. Suriname will face Guatemala in their final qualifying match on Tuesday, while El Salvador will conclude their campaign against Panama.
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Mixed fortunes for Saint Lucia in ECVA volleyball
In a gripping showdown at the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) Under-23 Men’s Championship on Thursday, November 13, hosts Antigua & Barbuda staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Saint Lucia in a five-set thriller. The match, held at the YMCA in St John’s, showcased resilience and tactical brilliance as Antigua & Barbuda overturned a two-set deficit to clinch the victory with scores of 22-25, 16-25, 27-25, 25-21, 15-12.
Saint Lucia had entered the match with momentum, having earlier defeated Anguilla in straight sets (27-25, 25-17, 25-12). Their star player, outside hitter and team captain Daniel Myers-James, delivered a standout performance with 15 points against Anguilla and later led his team with 24 points in the clash against Antigua & Barbuda. Middle blocker Peter Emmanuel also contributed significantly with 12 points.
Despite Saint Lucia’s dominance at the net, recording 14 blocks compared to Antigua & Barbuda’s five, the hosts excelled in attack points, scoring 57 against their opponents’ 41. This offensive prowess proved decisive in turning the tide of the match.
Saint Lucia’s head coach, Levi Leonce, acknowledged the challenges faced during the game. “A loss is always unfortunate, but Antigua came to fight today. We struggled with service errors and execution breakdowns. However, each match offers valuable lessons, and we will make the necessary adjustments to come back stronger tomorrow,” he stated.
The championship continues with Saint Lucia set to face Grenada on Friday and Dominica on Saturday, both at 4 p.m. Dominica remains unbeaten after three games, while Antigua & Barbuda have secured victories in both their fixtures so far.
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Nestor guides Mean Green to historic 3-0 start
The University of North Texas (UNT) women’s basketball team celebrated a historic milestone on Thursday, November 13, as they secured their third consecutive victory, marking their first 3-0 start since 2002. The Mean Green dominated Nelson University with a resounding 102-50 win, extending their home winning streak at The Super Pit to 14 games.
Megan Nestor, the senior center from Saint Lucia, delivered another stellar performance, recording her third straight double-double of the season with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Nestor, who is averaging 14.3 points and 11.7 rebounds this season, made her mark in just 19 minutes of play, shooting 8-16 from the field and 4-7 from the free-throw line. This game also marked her season-high in scoring.
Despite an early 12-4 lead by Nelson, UNT quickly regained control after a timeout called by head coach Jason Burton. The Mean Green unleashed a 19-0 run in the final 5:52 of the first quarter, which eventually extended to 23-0 before Nelson managed to score again. UNT’s relentless defensive pressure forced 30 turnovers, including 23 steals, just one shy of the program’s single-game record.
Burton emphasized that the team’s focus was on disrupting Nelson’s rhythm rather than forcing turnovers. ‘We thought from a game plan standpoint that if we applied pressure, we could create some turnovers, and the times we did that, we did a great job,’ he said.
Andi Schissler played a crucial role in the first half, scoring 10 of her 17 points during the decisive run. Schissler was the second-leading scorer for the night, while three other UNT players also reached double figures. Notably, all 11 available players contributed to the scoreboard for the second consecutive game, showcasing the team’s depth and cohesion.
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Preville slams Estephane’s youth record at Babonneau meeting
In a heated public meeting at the Babonneau Playing Field on Thursday night, United Workers Party (UWP) candidate Titus Preville launched a scathing critique against his political rival, John Paul Estephane, questioning his contributions to the constituency during his tenure. Preville challenged Estephane’s claims of being a longstanding Labour Party member, pointing out his lack of support for the outgoing parliamentary representative, Dr. Virginia Albert-Poyotte, particularly in addressing youth issues.
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BYD launched in Saint Lucia, set to feature at EV Lucian Car Expo
JQ Motors has officially introduced BYD, one of the world’s leading electric vehicle (EV) brands, to Saint Lucia, marking a significant milestone in the island’s automotive landscape. The October 25 launch event showcased BYD’s diverse lineup, featuring both full battery electric and plug-in hybrid models, aligning with the global shift toward sustainable and technologically advanced transportation.
Brand Manager Neron Joseph emphasized BYD’s pioneering role in the industry, stating, ‘The automotive sector is undergoing a once-in-a-century transformation, and BYD is at the forefront of this revolution. Their mission, encapsulated in the slogan ‘Build Your Dreams,’ is to create a cleaner, greener future through innovation.’ Joseph highlighted BYD’s origins as a battery manufacturer, which has positioned the brand as a leader in EV technology. ‘Their expertise in energy storage is the foundation of their success in the electric vehicle market,’ he explained.
The event also unveiled BYD’s cutting-edge innovations, including the Blade Battery and e-Platform 3.0, which offer enhanced safety, durability, and efficiency. New models such as the Sealion 7, a full electric all-wheel-drive SUV, and the Yuan Pro, a compact and affordable EV, were introduced to the local market. Joseph also showcased the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, demonstrating its practicality by powering the event’s DJ setup with a BYD Shark pickup truck.
Gordon Charles, Group CEO of JQ Charles Group of Companies, described the launch as a transformative moment for JQ Motors. ‘The automotive industry is rapidly evolving, and legacy automakers must adapt or risk obsolescence. BYD is leading this charge,’ he said. Charles emphasized that securing the BYD dealership rights reflects JQ Motors’ strategic commitment to sustainability and innovation.
For those who missed the launch, BYD models will be on display at the EV Lucian Car Show on November 15 at the Caribbean Cinemas car park, offering the public an opportunity to explore the vehicles and engage with JQ Motors representatives.
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Sir Ira Simmons School hosts ‘Anything but Bag Day’ to ease exam tension
Sir Ira Simmons Secondary School recently introduced a novel initiative to alleviate student stress ahead of exams with its first-ever ‘Anything but a Bag Day.’ The event, organized by the Student Council and supported by school leadership, aimed to disrupt the monotony of traditional classroom activities and encourage creative self-expression. Principal Martina Belizaire revealed that the idea originated from students who sought a fun and relaxing activity before the intense exam period. The event followed a survey indicating a strong desire for engaging and participatory activities among the student body. Students showcased remarkable ingenuity by crafting unique handmade creations to carry their school supplies. Highlights included a functional ATM, a realistic microwave, a vanity set, and even a cereal box with a 3D design. Belizaire praised the students’ unmatched creativity, noting the event significantly boosted their morale. The school plans to continue fostering a positive atmosphere with upcoming activities like Fun Sports and a road race. This term also saw the success of Afro Day, part of Creole Week, which promoted cultural pride and self-expression through natural hair celebrations.
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Foetus found in shallow grave in Balata
A shocking and unsettling discovery was made on November 13 in the Balata community of Babonneau, St. Lucia, where what appeared to be the remains of a foetus were unearthed from a shallow grave. The grim find quickly ignited widespread attention, with social media platforms becoming a hotbed for speculation and debate. A photograph, widely circulated and believed by many to depict the deceased infant, was later debunked by authorities as fraudulent. Law enforcement swiftly responded to the scene, securing the area and launching a thorough investigation. Sources from St. Lucia Times have confirmed that the mother of the foetus has been summoned for questioning, with the case being classified as highly sensitive. The investigation is being spearheaded by the Vulnerable Persons Unit, a specialized division equipped to handle cases involving children and other vulnerable individuals.
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Bexon shooting claims life of mother of 2
A tragic incident unfolded in Bexon on the evening of November 12, resulting in the death of 35-year-old Finola McLauren. Emergency services were dispatched at around 8:17 p.m. following reports of a gunshot wound. Upon arrival, McLauren was discovered in the driver’s seat of a vehicle, showing no signs of life. Despite immediate life-saving efforts and transportation to a medical facility, she succumbed to her injuries. McLauren, a mother of two, leaves behind a heartbroken family, including her son and daughter. Her sisters, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed their profound grief and disbelief. One sister described McLauren as a vibrant and selfless individual, always ready to support her family and friends. The family is now calling for justice and an end to the violence that claimed her life. The incident has sparked outrage on social media, with some comments suggesting political motives, which the family vehemently denies. The community is united in their demand for a thorough investigation and accountability.