The stunning Pigeon Point beachfront in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, is set to host the second edition of Yamaha Sunfest, a vibrant celebration blending water sports, music, and cultural exchange. Following the success of its inaugural event last year, which attracted thousands of French visitors and locals, organizers are gearing up for another unforgettable experience. This year’s festival promises to unite the cultures of Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Saint Lucia through a diverse mix of musical genres, culinary treats, and beachside entertainment. The festivities kick off on November 7 with a lively street party in Gros Islet, featuring local and French DJs at the ‘On the Rocks’ welcome event. The main event, Yamaha Sunfest, takes place on November 8 at Pigeon Point Beach, running from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. This year’s celebration pays tribute to Guy Thelamon and boasts an impressive lineup of artists, including Jamaican dancehall sensation Skeng as the headliner. Other performers include Armani, Danthology, N’ken, Cecilene, Subance, Mighty, and DJs Ti Maestro, Mano, and Shakazulu. The festival concludes on November 9 with a chill-out session featuring DJs, a relaxation zone, massages, and body painting, offering a perfect end to this cultural extravaganza.
标签： Saint Lucia
圣卢西亚
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Guyana elected to UNESCO Executive Board for first time in five decades
In a landmark achievement, Guyana has been elected to the Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) for the first time in five decades. This significant milestone underscores the nation’s growing influence in global education, science, culture, and communication. The election, held on October 31 during the 43rd UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, positions Guyana to play a pivotal role in shaping international standards and fostering collaboration among UNESCO’s 194 member states. On November 7, Guyana’s Ministry of Education hailed the achievement as a proud moment, emphasizing the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to UNESCO’s mission of promoting peace and sustainable development. Education Minister Sonia Parag, addressing the General Conference, reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to educational equality and inclusion, highlighting efforts to preserve cultural heritage and boost cultural industries as drivers of economic growth. President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali also reiterated Guyana’s dedication to Sustainable Development Goal 4, focusing on inclusive, quality education through initiatives like curriculum reform, ICT integration, and expanded access to learning resources. Guyana’s election strengthens its voice in global policy-making, advancing inclusive, knowledge-based societies worldwide.
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2025 Atlantic Rally for Cruisers organisers present valued sponsors
The IGY Rodney Bay Marina in Saint Lucia is gearing up to welcome participants of the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) as they cross the finish line. This year marks a significant milestone for the ARC, celebrating its 40th anniversary, with Saint Lucia proudly serving as the event’s finish line for the 37th consecutive year. The rally, which features over 100 cruising yachts, begins in Las Palmas on the island of Gran Canaria and concludes in Rodney Bay, Saint Lucia.
On November 6, the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) hosted a sponsors’ presentation for the 2024 event, which is set to commence on November 23. Christopher Gustave, SLTA’s marketing manager for Caribbean, events, and sports, emphasized the rally’s significance during the ceremony. He highlighted Saint Lucia’s unique appeal, stating, ‘Every year as the ARC makes its journey across the Atlantic and sets its sights on Rodney Bay, the world is reminded of what makes Saint Lucia truly special: our beauty, our people, our hospitality, and our ability to host world-class events.’
Gustave also underscored the ARC’s broader impact, describing it as more than a yacht race. ‘It is a global story about courage, adventure, and connection,’ he remarked. He praised the strong partnerships with sponsors, which play a crucial role in enhancing Saint Lucia’s tourism offerings and ensuring the event delivers value, visibility, and unforgettable experiences.
The 2024 ARC is supported by a range of sponsors, including platinum sponsors Sixt Rent a Car and SOL Saint Lucia, gold sponsors The Wave Saint Lucia, and silver sponsors Angostura and Bank of Saint Lucia. Bronze sponsors Massy Stores Saint Lucia, Piton Beer, and telecommunications partner Digicel are also contributing to the event. The rally is organized under the auspices of the World Cruising Club, with additional support from the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, Events Saint Lucia, and IGY Rodney Bay Marina.
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Saint Lucia Eye Success in Eastern Caribbean Volleyball
A determined Saint Lucia volleyball team is set to compete in the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) Under-23 Men’s Championship, scheduled for November 12–17 at the YMCA in St John’s, Antigua & Barbuda. After clinching the title in 2021 but missing the playoffs in 2023, Saint Lucia is eager to reclaim its position at the top. This year’s tournament will feature six teams, including host nation Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Anguilla, and defending champions St Vincent & the Grenadines. The Saint Lucia squad, comprising 10 players, includes a mix of seasoned athletes and promising talents. Notably, Peter Emmanuel, an 18-year-old middle blocker, and setter Delano Baptiste, both returning from the 2023 campaign, are expected to play pivotal roles. Captain Daniel Mayers-James, who was named MVP in this year’s inter-school competition, will lead the team. The tournament format includes a single round-robin stage followed by playoffs, with Saint Lucia opening against St Vincent & the Grenadines. The champions will not only receive gold medals and a prestigious trophy but also secure a spot in the NORCECA 2026 Pan American Cup. ECVA president Glenn Quinlan emphasized the championship’s role in bridging junior and senior national teams and elevating regional competitiveness. Teams will compete using the elite Mikasa V200W ball, ensuring high-quality play.
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West Indies fall 3 runs short despite fireworks from Powell, Shepherd
In a heart-stopping encounter on Thursday, November 6, New Zealand narrowly defeated the West Indies by just 3 runs in Auckland, leveling the five-match T20 international series at 1-1. The match, filled with dramatic twists, showcased the resilience of both teams but ultimately saw the Black Caps emerge victorious.
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“The child could not move on the bed”: Boy battles rare illness after school marathon
A 13-year-old boy, Carlton St. Omer, is fighting for his life at the Owen King European Union (OKEU) Hospital in Saint Lucia after being diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a rare neurological disorder that causes paralysis and can impair breathing. His father, Calton St. Omer, described the past few days as a nightmare for the family, as Carlton’s condition rapidly deteriorated following his participation in a school marathon on October 29. Initially, Carlton exhibited a limp and leg pain, but by October 31, he was unable to move and was rushed to the hospital. Despite extensive tests, including CT scans and blood work, doctors were unable to pinpoint the cause of his symptoms. By November 1, Carlton lost the ability to swallow, move his limbs, and breathe independently, requiring a ventilator. Doctors have recommended that he be airlifted to Martinique for specialized care, with the transfer scheduled for November 6. Carlton’s sister, Abbie John, has launched a GoFundMe campaign titled ‘Save Abbie’s Little Brother – Urgent Help Needed’ to raise funds for the air ambulance and medical expenses. The family is holding onto hope, urging the public for prayers and donations. Carlton’s father also recalled a previous medical episode in April, suspecting a possible connection to his current condition. The family remains focused on securing the urgent care Carlton needs to survive and recover.
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Saint Lucia unaffected by largest BYD battery recall
Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant BYD has initiated its most extensive recall to date, impacting over 115,000 vehicles in China. The recall stems from battery-related risks and design defects, raising concerns about vehicle safety. However, JQ Motors, BYD’s local distributor in Saint Lucia, has assured customers that models sold in the Caribbean nation are unaffected by this recall.
A spokesperson from JQ Motors emphasized the manufacturer’s rigorous notification process, stating, ‘Our models are not part of this recall. In the event of any recalls, whether safety-related or not, the manufacturer promptly informs all dealers and specifies the affected chassis numbers.’
The recall, announced by China’s State Administration for Market Regulation on October 17, includes 44,535 Tang series SUVs manufactured between March 2015 and July 2017. These vehicles are being recalled due to component design flaws that could lead to abnormal functionality. Additionally, 71,248 Yuan Pro EVs produced between February 2021 and August 2022 are being recalled over manufacturing issues related to battery installation.
This latest recall follows a separate incident in September 2024, where nearly 97,000 Dolphin and Yuan Plus EVs were recalled due to steering system faults that posed a fire risk. The consecutive recalls highlight ongoing challenges in BYD’s quality control and manufacturing processes, despite its rapid growth in the global EV market.
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Jazz Festival Takes Centre Stage at World Travel Market London
The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) has seized the spotlight at this year’s World Travel Market London, shining a renewed focus on its globally acclaimed Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival. Held from November 4-6, the prestigious travel event served as an ideal platform for the SLTA to engage with industry partners and offer a sneak peek into the 2026 edition of the festival, slated for April 30 to May 10.
Geraine Georges, SLTA Public Relations Manager, emphasized the festival’s significance, stating, ‘Building on last year’s emphasis on community tourism, the 2025 highlight is our world-renowned Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival.’ To amplify its reach, the SLTA hosted a preview event in London, attracting over 40 media representatives, influencers, trade partners, diaspora members, and festival enthusiasts.
The showcase aimed to spotlight the festival’s evolution, artistic diversity, and its pivotal role in bolstering Saint Lucia’s cultural identity. Louis Lewis, SLTA CEO, remarked, ‘This year, we’ve brought special attention to our Jazz & Arts Festival, exposing it to the UK traveling public as a unique travel opportunity for Saint Lucia.’
The SLTA delegation, led by Chairman Thaddeus M. Antoine, included key figures such as Board Director Thomas Leonce, Director of Global Marketing Dexter Percil, and Tourism Ambassador Julien Alfred, a World Champion sprinter. Accommodation partners like The Landings Resort and Spa and Harmony Marina Suites, alongside performers Ronald Boo Hinkson and Christa, also participated.
Lewis highlighted Saint Lucia’s growing appeal among travel partners, noting strong airline load factors and hotel occupancy rates. He underscored the festival’s dual role as a tourism driver and a platform for local artisans to gain international exposure. ‘We continue to capitalize on the festival not just to attract visitors but also to provide intrinsic benefits, such as offering our artisans a global stage,’ he added.
Unlike previous years, which focused on lineup announcements, this year’s approach was more thematic, emphasizing the festival’s cultural depth, community jazz initiatives, and artisan participation.
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Education, healthcare, highlighted at Doha Second World Summit for Social Development
The Second World Summit for Social Development, held in Doha, Qatar, from November 4-6, 2025, brought together global leaders to reaffirm the centrality of people in driving progress. The summit emphasized the need for enhanced global solidarity, robust social protection systems, and rights-based policies to eradicate poverty and inequality. Delegates showcased national initiatives, such as South Africa’s expanded welfare safety net, Brazil’s anti-hunger campaigns, Finland’s trust-based welfare model, and Singapore’s inclusive growth strategy, underscoring that sustainable prosperity hinges on equality, dignity, and peace.
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New ECSC headquarters aims to expand justice access in the OECS
On November 5, the Government of Saint Lucia officially inaugurated the new headquarters of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) at Orange Grove Plaza in Gros Islet. This state-of-the-art facility, spanning three floors, boasts a total area of approximately 62,006 square feet, with 14,850 square feet in the basement, 21,650 square feet on the ground floor, and 26,506 square feet on the first floor. The building features expanded courtrooms, advanced IT infrastructure, dedicated conference spaces, and secure archival storage, all designed to enhance judicial efficiency and public service delivery. Attorney General Leslie Mondesir praised the facility as a significant step forward in improving access to justice, particularly through remote interactions that reduce barriers like distance and cost. Prime Minister Philip J Pierre highlighted the broader implications of the move, emphasizing the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring accessible justice for all citizens of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). The relocation addresses long-standing issues of space and functionality at the previous headquarters, marking a new chapter for the ECSC.