Carib Scope

标签： Saint Lucia

圣卢西亚

  • ‘Reds’ Perreira backs Desmond Haynes as new batting coach

    ‘Reds’ Perreira backs Desmond Haynes as new batting coach

    Renowned West Indies cricket commentator Dr. Joseph Reds Perriera has endorsed legendary batsman Desmond Haynes as a potential batting coach for the Men in Maroon ahead of their upcoming tour to New Zealand. This recommendation comes amid the Caribbean team’s persistent batting struggles, particularly in the red-ball format. Perriera emphasized that Raymond Reifer’s tenure as batting coach has run its course, suggesting a fresh approach is needed.

    Desmond Haynes, a revered figure in cricket, was one of the most consistent opening batsmen during the 1980s and early 1990s, boasting an impressive batting average of 42.29. His cricketing expertise extends beyond the field, having served as the Lead Selector for the West Indies Men’s teams from January 2022 to June 2024. In April 2025, Haynes was appointed to the ICC Men’s Cricket Committee, representing the West Indies on one of the sport’s most influential governance bodies.

    Although Haynes has limited official coaching experience, he has made significant contributions in coaching roles, including leading the Barbados Tridents to a Caribbean Premier League (CPL) title in 2014. He has also mentored several West Indian players, offering valuable insights to improve their performance.

    Perriera highlighted Haynes’ successful track record in New Zealand and his ability to connect with players, making him an ideal candidate for the role. He also suggested the inclusion of New Zealander James Franklin in the coaching unit to bolster fielding and catching, areas where the West Indies have struggled. Franklin previously worked with the team under Daren Sammy and could provide crucial support in adapting to New Zealand’s challenging conditions.

    The West Indies’ tour of New Zealand, commencing on November 5, will feature five T20Is, three ODIs, and three Test matches. These proposed coaching changes aim to enhance the team’s preparation and competitiveness on the international stage.

  • Patricia D James Secondary wraps Jounen Kwéyòl with cultural celebration

    Patricia D James Secondary wraps Jounen Kwéyòl with cultural celebration

    From October 20 to 24, Patricia D James Secondary School (PDJSS) became a vibrant center of cultural celebration as it hosted Jounen Kwéyòl 2025. The week-long event culminated in a spectacular Friday finale that highlighted Saint Lucia’s rich heritage and the extraordinary talents of its students. The festivities featured a diverse array of activities, including traditional games, a Creole showcase, a door decoration contest, a treasure hunt, and an exhilarating woulélaba match. Students also engaged in a traditional hairstyle competition, savored a classroom brunch of local delicacies, and watched a locally produced film. The grand finale on Friday transformed the school grounds into a lively cultural fair, complete with horse riding, a competitive Creole Iron Chef challenge, bamboo bursting, fire dancing, and dynamic musical performances. Beyond celebrating cultural heritage, the event also showcased the entrepreneurial spirit and creativity of PDJSS students. From aspiring chefs and hairstylists to musicians and content creators, the students demonstrated their potential as the next generation of innovators. A standout moment was the participation of student Ethane Neptune, who professionally represented his business, Sunrise Stables, in collaboration with the school. Ms. Abraham, a teacher and event coordinator, emphasized the broader significance of the event, stating, ‘As educators, we don’t just teach, we help shape pathways for our students to express themselves, lead, and succeed. This year’s Jounen Kwéyòl celebrations were not just about culture, but also about empowerment, entrepreneurship, and pride in identity.’

  • Govt moves to safeguard students affected by Hurricane Melissa

    Govt moves to safeguard students affected by Hurricane Melissa

    As Hurricane Melissa, now a Category 5 storm, threatens Jamaica with unprecedented intensity, the Government of Saint Lucia has taken proactive steps to ensure the safety of its students residing in the affected region. Education Minister Shawn Edward announced on October 27 that comprehensive precautionary measures have been implemented in collaboration with Prime Minister Philip J Pierre. These measures include securing hotel accommodations for Saint Lucian students and providing financial assistance to help them stock up on essential supplies ahead of the hurricane. Meteorologists have warned that Melissa, the most powerful hurricane to hit Jamaica since records began in 1851, could cause severe flooding, landslides, and widespread infrastructure damage. Minister Edward called on Saint Lucians to keep the students and Jamaican residents in their thoughts, emphasizing that the government is closely monitoring the situation through established liaison channels. He urged the public to remain vigilant and supportive as Jamaica braces for the storm’s impact.

  • Catastrophic category 5 hurricane bears down on Jamaica

    Catastrophic category 5 hurricane bears down on Jamaica

    Hurricane Melissa has escalated into a devastating Category 5 storm, posing a severe threat to Jamaica and other Caribbean nations. On the morning of October 27, the hurricane was reported to be approximately 205 kilometers southwest of Kingston, Jamaica, with maximum sustained winds of 160 mph—surpassing the threshold for a Category 5 storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale. The slow-moving storm, crawling westward at just 3 mph, is expected to unleash up to 30 inches of rain and a life-threatening storm surge upon landfall on October 28. This makes Melissa the most powerful hurricane in recent history to directly target Jamaica. Authorities have issued urgent warnings, with Desmond McKenzie, deputy chairman of Jamaica’s Disaster Risk Management Council, urging residents to take the storm seriously and avoid complacency. The hurricane is projected to continue its path, impacting eastern Cuba and the Bahamas by October 29. In eastern Cuba, hurricane warnings are in effect for Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, and Holguin provinces, with forecasts predicting up to 20 inches of rain and significant coastal storm surges. The storm has already wreaked havoc in Hispaniola, claiming at least four lives—three in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic—while displacing thousands and damaging over 750 homes. Flooding has isolated numerous communities, with the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation warning of potential agricultural devastation as floodwaters obstruct access to farmland and markets. As Melissa continues to dump torrential rain over southern Haiti and the Dominican Republic, the region braces for further destruction.

  • Global athletics champions relax in Saint Lucia

    Global athletics champions relax in Saint Lucia

    Saint Lucia, the Caribbean island nation, has recently emerged as a favored destination for world-class athletes following the 2024 Olympics. The island, already renowned as the home of 100m Olympic champion Julien Alfred, has welcomed a series of high-profile visitors, including triple World champion Melissa Jefferson-Wooden. Alfred’s role as a Tourism Ambassador for her homeland appears to be yielding significant benefits, drawing attention to the island’s allure. Jefferson-Wooden, who married her college sweetheart Rolan Wooden II in March 2025, chose Saint Lucia for her belated honeymoon after a demanding athletics season. The 24-year-old from South Carolina, fresh from her gold medal triumphs in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m events in Tokyo, Japan, celebrated her nuptials at the luxurious Jade Mountain resort. She expressed her joy on social media, stating, ‘I love being Mrs. Wooden!!! Saint Lucia owes us nothing.’ Joining her at Jade Mountain in October was British sprinter Amy Hunt, a World Championships 200m silver medalist and Olympic 4x100m silver medalist. The 21-year-old from Nottinghamshire shared her enchantment with the island, posting, ‘Saint Lucia, I’ve only been here for 24 hours, but I’m in love.’ Meanwhile, Julien Alfred has been showcasing her homeland to former University of Texas teammate Rhashidat Adeleke, an Irish Olympian, and social media influencer Tiara Williams. The trio was spotted on a catamaran in Soufrière, enjoying the island’s vibrant culture. Adeleke, Williams, and American long sprinter Vernon Norwood also attended a reception for Alfred at BodyHoliday. Norwood, a seven-time global relay gold medalist with Team USA, added to the star-studded guest list. Saint Lucia’s appeal was further cemented in 2024 when Keisha Caine Bishop, mother of Olympic gold medalist and quadruple World Champion Noah Lyles, visited the island after meeting Alfred at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

  • OPINION: Nuts and bolts of Caricom ‘free movement’ for Saint Lucia in the future (Part 2)

    OPINION: Nuts and bolts of Caricom ‘free movement’ for Saint Lucia in the future (Part 2)

    Saint Lucia’s economic and societal development could be significantly accelerated by embracing freedom of movement, a policy that not only allows individuals to relocate but also to contribute meaningfully to the local economy. These individuals would pay taxes, contribute to national insurance, participate in the local economy through shopping and dining, fill labor gaps, and bring valuable educational and vocational expertise. However, freedom of movement is a reciprocal arrangement; Saint Lucians would also gain the right to move freely, improving their quality of life abroad while stimulating economic activity and enriching the social fabric of host countries.

    Under CARICOM law, Article 7 prohibits discrimination based on nationality, and Article 8 bars any member state from receiving more favorable treatment than another. The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ruling in Maurice Tomlinson v. Trinidad and Tobago and Belize further clarifies that domestic legislation conflicting with regional integration law does not constitute a breach unless the state’s practices are incompatible. This means Saint Lucia’s actions at ports of entry and within the country must align with treaty obligations.

    Article 46, which grants the right to seek employment, could help address the skills gap that public officials have long lamented. However, it could also increase competition for jobs currently held by Saint Lucians. To manage this, a comprehensive dialogue is needed on how to manage competition for scarce jobs while creating pathways for upskilling, cross-migration, and employment in emerging sectors. A radical expansion of tertiary education and skills training is essential to ensure Saint Lucians remain competitive in both regional and global markets.

    Policy guardrails must also be considered. Local content policies in Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana raise questions about non-discrimination and most-favored nation treatment. Differentiation must be based on qualifications, expertise, and experience rather than nationality. Upskilling the local population is the best defense against perceived intrusion.

    Logistical and transportation issues must be addressed to make air and sea travel across the region more affordable, accessible, reliable, and user-friendly. This would unlock the full benefits of freedom of movement. Additionally, the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (RTC) anticipates a future where passports are no longer the sole means of verifying identity within the Caribbean community. Other forms of identification, such as synchronized driver’s licenses, should also be considered.

    Addressing myths and misconceptions is crucial. Data from the OECS shows that even with full freedom of movement, migration remains moderate and manageable. People tend to move where skill gaps exist, not indiscriminately. Job security and public services remain intact, and managed migration will continue to exclude those who pose genuine threats.

    Caribbean history is a history of migration, and the richness of Saint Lucian experience has long been shaped by the intermingling of skills, talents, and perspectives from across the region. Fear-mongering around this policy is unwarranted. Saint Lucia stands to gain from the infusion of new skillsets, economic, and social capital, and educational and vocational expertise, all of which can strengthen both the country and the wider Caribbean. However, there remains an urgent need to root this vision in the minds, hearts, and souls of the people through consultation, education, and meaningful engagement.

  • The ladies changing the game in football

    The ladies changing the game in football

    Two Saint Lucian women, Examin Philbert and Dr. Natasha Innocent-Thomas, are making history as trailblazers in football administration. Their recent appointments to FIFA Standing Committees, alongside Lyndon Cooper, President of the Saint Lucia Football Association (SLFA), mark a significant milestone for gender representation in global sports governance. The trio will serve from 2025 to 2029, following the FIFA Council Meeting in Zurich, Switzerland. While all three appointments are noteworthy, the inclusion of women in these decision-making roles is particularly groundbreaking, given the historical underrepresentation of women in sports administration. This development is expected to inspire greater professional growth in Saint Lucian sports and beyond. Philbert, currently the women’s football coordinator for the SLFA and president of the Vieux Fort Football League, has been appointed to the FIFA Women’s National Team Competition Standing Committee. This body plays a pivotal role in shaping women’s football globally, overseeing events like the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Dr. Innocent-Thomas, a respected medical professional with extensive experience in sports medicine, will serve on the FIFA Medical Committee. Her role is critical as the committee addresses health, medical, and player welfare issues in an era of increasing global football demands. Both women emphasized the transformative potential of their appointments. Philbert highlighted the opportunity to strengthen Saint Lucia’s global football network and enhance women’s football programs. Innocent-Thomas underscored the importance of improved health management for athletes, focusing on injury prevention and rehabilitation. Their achievements serve as a powerful inspiration for young women and girls, demonstrating that careers in football extend beyond the pitch. Philbert and Innocent-Thomas encourage aspiring professionals to pursue diverse opportunities in the sport, from media and marketing to governance and medicine. Their journey to FIFA leadership exemplifies the rewards of perseverance, preparation, and passion for the beautiful game.

  • Jamaica braces for major impact as Hurricane Melissa strengthens

    Jamaica braces for major impact as Hurricane Melissa strengthens

    The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued a dire warning as Hurricane Melissa rapidly intensifies, posing a significant threat to Jamaica with destructive winds and torrential rainfall. The storm, currently located south of Jamaica, is moving westward at a slow pace of approximately 3 mph (6 km/h) and is expected to maintain this trajectory through the weekend. By October 27 and 28, the hurricane is forecast to turn north and northeast, potentially bringing its center near or over Jamaica and approaching eastern Cuba by midweek. Maximum sustained winds have already reached 115 mph (185 km/h), with higher gusts, and the NHC warns of continued rapid strengthening. Residents are urged to seek immediate shelter and remain indoors as conditions are expected to worsen significantly through October 26 and into October 28. A Hurricane Warning remains in effect, indicating that dangerously high water levels and exceptionally rough seas are anticipated within 36 hours, even if winds are below hurricane force. The storm’s impacts are expected to be severe, with the potential for widespread damage and disruption.

  • Destang named Florida swimmer of the year

    Destang named Florida swimmer of the year

    Antoine Destang, Saint Lucia’s most accomplished young swimmer, continues to make waves both nationally and internationally. As he gears up to represent his country at the upcoming Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Championships in St Vincent and the Grenadines, Destang is still basking in the glory of his high school achievements. Now a freshman student-athlete at the University of Michigan, he has already begun to carve out a promising collegiate career.

    Destang’s recent accolades include being named Florida Swimmer of the Year for his age group at the 2025 Florida Swimming Annual Awards Banquet. This honor places him alongside swimming legends like Katy Ledecky, the most decorated female swimmer in history. His senior year at The Bolles School was marked by multiple top-ten national performances in the 15-17 age group, showcasing his ability to excel under pressure.

    Earlier this year, Destang shone at the CARIFTA Aquatics Championships in Trinidad and Tobago, securing a bronze medal in the freestyle and a silver in the 100m butterfly. His performance in the latter event was the third fastest in CARIFTA history. Competing for the Bolles Sharks, he amassed five medals and eight top-ten finishes in the first quarter of 2025, including a silver in the 100-yard backstroke at the Florida Senior Championship.

    Destang’s versatility was further highlighted at the French Elite Championships and the 22nd World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, where he competed against seasoned professionals. At Michigan, he has already achieved a top-ten finish in the 100-yard butterfly, signaling his potential to become a world-class swimmer.

    As the OECS Championships approach, Destang aims to help Saint Lucia improve on their previous fourth-place finish. Despite being overlooked for Saint Lucia’s Junior Sportsman of the Year award in 2023 and 2024, his consistent performances and record-breaking swims have cemented his status as one of the Caribbean’s brightest swimming talents.

  • At the intersection of neuroscience and coaching, a Saint Lucian voice emerges

    At the intersection of neuroscience and coaching, a Saint Lucian voice emerges

    Sarah Joseph, a Certified Neuro-Behavioural Coach, has made significant strides in the field of mental health and brain function. Earlier this year, she was selected as the only Caribbean-based speaker at the International Association of Functional Neurology and Rehabilitation Global Annual Conference, where she delivered a keynote address titled ‘Rewiring the Stuck Mind: Leveraging Neuroplasticity to Overcome Emotional Avoidance and Overthinking.’ Her session received rave reviews, marking a pivotal moment in her career.

    Joseph’s journey into behavioural coaching began in 2023 when she started blogging about her personal experiences with autoimmune, neuroimmune, hormonal imbalances, and chronic illnesses. Her blog, S.A.R.A.H Chronicles, evolved into a brand offering mindset transformation services rooted in cognitive neuroscience and behavioural psychology. Her mission is to help individuals rewire their minds, restore emotional balance, and build confidence.

    Certified in neuroscience, behavioural change, and emotional mastery, Joseph transitioned from a 13-year career in finance and leadership to full-time behavioural coaching in 2024. She also serves as a facilitator for the Saint Lucia Employers Federation and lectures with the Youth Development and Empowerment Programme. Her work has earned her two nominations for the Caribbean Posh Icon Award.

    Joseph’s coaching programmes have garnered widespread acclaim, with clients praising her professionalism and transformative methods. One client noted significant improvements in self-confidence and risk-taking abilities, attributing these changes to Joseph’s one-on-one programme.

    Beyond private sessions, Joseph is expanding her reach through various platforms, including her YouTube podcast ‘Master Your Mindset,’ her LinkedIn newsletter ‘The CEO Mindset,’ and a free e-book titled ‘Mastering You.’ These resources aim to empower individuals to take charge of their mental well-being and navigate the often-stigmatised space of mental health.

    Joseph’s approach to coaching focuses on the subconscious, addressing neural pathways and emotional triggers to facilitate lasting change. While her business does not provide counselling services, she offers a unique form of support that complements traditional therapy, focusing on restoration and future-oriented growth.

    As one of the few behavioural coaches in the Caribbean, Joseph is charting new ground and making a profound impact on mental health in the region.