The Saint Lucia National Cricket Association (SLNCA) launched its much-anticipated Under-13 Grassroots Tournament this week, supported by Laborie Credit Union, with matches held across the island. The tournament saw enthusiastic participation from young cricketers, with victories for teams like Gros Islet, Choiseul, Laborie, Mabouya Valley, and Mon Repos. This event follows the grassroots festival held earlier this year at the Beausejour Gymnasium, where SLNCA affiliates have been preparing for months. In a notable change, Babonneau replaced Laborie in this year’s Saint Lucia Premier League, as the southwest district aims to revive its cricket presence through youth development. Laborie’s strong performance in their opening match against Vieux Fort South at Cross Over Park signals a promising future for the team. Meanwhile, Gros Islet showcased dominance at the Balata Playing Field, defeating Babonneau by 99 runs. John Michael Auguste led the charge with 34 runs, supported by Andrus Paul and Evan Gilbert. Ethan St Marthe’s remarkable bowling, including a hat-trick, sealed the win for Gros Islet. In the East Coast derby, Mabouya Valley triumphed over Dennery by a massive 112 runs, with Ethan Charlery scoring the tournament’s first century. Mon Repos also secured a 60-run victory against Micoud, thanks to Cyril Charles’ impressive 88 runs. Choiseul added to the excitement with a win over Anse La Raye. The tournament continues this weekend with matches at Mindoo Phillip Park, Dennery Playing Field, Desruisseaux Playing Field, and Canaries Playing Field. Sponsors Ackelles Holdings and Cool Breeze Jeep and Car Rentals have backed this developmental competition, which features 16 district teams. SLNCA Second Vice President Nerville Florence is overseeing the event as tournament coordinator.
标签： Saint Lucia
圣卢西亚
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Graveyards are now last option shelters in Gaza for Palestinians amid ruins
Amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians, stripped of their homes by widespread destruction, have resorted to setting up makeshift tents in graveyards. This desperate measure underscores the severity of the situation, as the enclave grapples with the aftermath of conflict despite a fragile ceasefire agreement. Al Jazeera correspondent Hind Khoudary, reporting from Khan Younis in southern Gaza, highlighted the grim reality: ‘This graveyard wasn’t meant for the living. But today, it’s home to dozens of families who have nowhere else to go.’ Khoudary emphasized that these families are not choosing to live among tombstones but are driven by sheer desperation, as graveyards have become the only available free spaces. Rami Musleh, a father of 12 displaced from Beit Hanoon in northern Gaza, shared the emotional burden of raising children in such dire conditions. ‘For parents, the psychological trauma of war is made worse by having to raise children among tombstones,’ he told Al Jazeera. Another resident, Sabah Muhammed, lamented the loss of sanctity in these spaces: ‘Graveyards, once sacred for the dead, are now silent witnesses to a living crisis. No water, no electricity, and no privacy … only the bare minimum to survive.’ The poignant reality is that in Gaza, even the land reserved for the dead has become the last refuge for the living.
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Spreading ‘Mighty’ Dennery Segment vibes year round
For nearly a decade, Nevis Mighty Alexander has been a trailblazer in the Dennery Segment genre, a unique musical fusion that blends indigenous rhythms with African and Soca influences, enriched by lyrics in both English and Kwéyòl. While the genre is often associated with Lucian Carnival, Alexander’s work transcends seasonal boundaries, offering anthems for Jounen Kwéyòl, Solo, and Christmas celebrations. His discography includes chart-toppers like ‘Bad in Bum, Bum,’ ‘Two Clap,’ ‘Bagay,’ and the recent hits ‘Keh Dek Keh Dek’ and ‘Nuh Nuh.’
Currently based in the UK, Alexander recently embarked on a promotional tour in Miami with the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority to spotlight Lucian Carnival. In an exclusive interview with St. Lucia Times, he shared insights into his musical journey, the essence of Dennery Segment, and his commitment to preserving the Kwéyòl language.
‘Dennery Segment is a reflection of Saint Lucian culture—how we communicate, express ourselves, and celebrate our identity through music,’ Alexander explained. His passion for music ignited at the age of 12, inspired by artists like Yardie, Exodus, and LT. He credits Subance, a fellow Dennery Segment artist, for their collaborative hits, and Jaheim for producing his debut track, ‘Tout Cet Fanm La Matay La.’
However, it was ‘Bad in Bum, Bum,’ a 2017 collaboration with Subance, that catapulted Alexander to international fame. ‘That song put Dennery Segment on the global map,’ he recalled. Despite his carnival success, Alexander emphasizes the importance of year-round creativity. ‘I’m an artist first. I want to make people happy and honor our traditions, whether it’s Jounen Kwéyòl or any other occasion.’
Alexander also champions the use of Kwéyòl in his music, viewing it as a vital link to his heritage. ‘This is our language, our authenticity. I want to inspire others to carry it forward,’ he said. Looking ahead, he aims to expand his international reach, citing Cardi B’s recent appreciation for ‘Keh Dek Keh Dek’ as a sign of growing global interest. ‘More vibes, more collaborations—that’s what’s next for me,’ he declared.
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US axes website for reporting human rights abuses by US-armed foreign forces
The US State Department has recently taken down an online portal designed to report alleged human rights violations by foreign military units equipped with American weapons. Known as the Human Rights Reporting Gateway (HRG), this platform served as a formal “tip line” for the US government, offering the only publicly accessible channel for organizations or individuals to directly inform authorities of potential serious abuses by US-armed foreign forces. The removal of this portal has drawn sharp criticism from human rights advocates and a senior congressional aide who played a key role in drafting the legislation that mandated its creation. Despite the backlash, the State Department maintains that it continues to comply with the law. The HRG was established in 2022 under pressure to enforce updated provisions of the Leahy Law, named after former US Senator Patrick Leahy. This law requires the government to facilitate the receipt of information regarding alleged gross human rights violations by military units supported by Washington. Tim Rieser, a former senior aide to Senator Leahy who authored the 2011 amendment mandating such information gathering, expressed concern to the BBC, stating that the gateway’s removal indicates the State Department is “clearly ignoring the law.” Rieser warned that this move could lead to the US supporting foreign security forces involved in heinous crimes without accountability, thereby reducing the incentive for foreign governments to bring perpetrators to justice. In response, the State Department emphasized its ongoing efforts to receive reports of gross human rights violations and its engagement with credible organizations on a wide range of human rights issues, asserting that it remains committed to fulfilling its legal obligations.
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Digital menus set to transform hospitality, advertising landscape
A groundbreaking digital platform named ‘My Restaurant Menu’ is set to revolutionize the operational dynamics of restaurants and local businesses in Saint Lucia. Spearheaded by Abraham Sutherland, Founder of Quasland Media Group Ltd., this innovative solution addresses persistent challenges in menu management, customer engagement, and advertising. Sutherland shared with St. Lucia Times that the concept emerged from observing the difficulties businesses face in updating menus, controlling costs, and maintaining online visibility. Unlike traditional printed menus, which are expensive to reprint and lack flexibility, this digital system enables businesses to effortlessly update prices, incorporate photos, and directly engage with customers. Sutherland emphasized that the platform is more than a menu; it’s a comprehensive digital interface designed to save costs, enhance convenience, and amplify visibility. The platform’s unique dual functionality serves as both a restaurant management tool and a marketing hub. Customers can browse menus via a mobile-friendly interface, while businesses can integrate advertisements seamlessly within the menu layout. Sutherland highlighted that this feature transforms menu space into valuable digital real estate for advertisers, including beverage companies, event organizers, and local attractions. These ads are strategically placed to enrich the browsing experience rather than disrupt it. Sutherland noted that while digital menus exist elsewhere, this platform stands out due to its combination of functionality and opportunity, creating a unified ecosystem for restaurants, advertisers, and customers. He anticipates rapid adoption in Saint Lucia, citing the island’s increasing digital literacy and the platform’s proven success in other Caribbean regions. A significant advantage of the platform is its monetization potential, allowing restaurants to generate additional revenue through hosted ads. Sutherland explained that advertisers pay for featured placements, providing restaurants with a supplementary income stream. The platform is designed for practicality, requiring only an internet connection and a smartphone, tablet, or computer for menu management. Sutherland revealed ongoing efforts to collaborate with local tech and media firms to facilitate onboarding and create employment opportunities. Looking ahead, Sutherland envisions the platform as the cornerstone of a broader digital ecosystem, aiming to establish a comprehensive hospitality engagement network where restaurants, advertisers, and customers interact seamlessly. He believes this initiative will significantly enhance business sustainability, online visibility, and customer experience across Saint Lucia.
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US jury finds man, 61, guilty of killing Saint Lucian man
In a landmark verdict, Timothy Timmons has been found guilty of second-degree murder by a Clinton County, New York jury for the December 2024 killing of Jahfari Joseph, a Saint Lucian resident of Plattsburgh. The decision, reached on Thursday after a 10-day trial, marks the culmination of a high-profile case that gripped the local community. Joseph, a 40-year-old who had lived and worked in the Plattsburgh area, was reported missing on December 29, 2024. The investigation gained momentum when authorities charged Timmons, 61, following a search of property linked to the case. Jurors deliberated for less than an hour before delivering a unanimous guilty verdict, swayed by compelling evidence presented by prosecutors, including witness testimonies, digital records, and phone call logs. In an emotional interview with NBC5, Joseph’s mother, Theresa John, expressed profound relief, stating, ‘I’m just happy as a mom that justice is served.’ Clinton County District Attorney Andrew Wiley confirmed that sentencing is set for January 2026. Under New York law, second-degree murder carries a penalty ranging from 15 years to life, with a maximum of 25 years to life in prison.
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Saint Lucia, SIDS left waiting as global shipping emissions deal sinks
A landmark global initiative aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the shipping industry has been postponed following opposition led by the United States and Saudi Arabia. The International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) Net-Zero Framework (NZF), designed to make maritime trade cleaner and more sustainable, was expected to be adopted during the Marine Environment Protection Committee’s (MEPC) meeting in October 2025. However, the framework faced significant resistance, resulting in a year-long delay. The NZF proposed drastic emission cuts by transitioning vessels from fossil fuels to renewable energy-based alternatives and introduced a carbon levy to fund climate adaptation in developing nations, particularly Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The US criticized the emissions pricing as an ‘unsanctioned global tax regime,’ while Saudi Arabia proposed an adjournment, which passed with 57 countries in favor. The decision has left small island nations, already vulnerable to climate change, in a precarious position. Countries like Saint Lucia, which rely heavily on maritime trade, face economic challenges in balancing climate commitments with financial realities. Despite the setback, technical work on the framework will continue, with hopes for renewed dialogue between developed and developing nations.
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La Marguerite King calls for more recognition
Antoninus Thomas, a revered figure in Saint Lucia’s cultural landscape, has proudly worn the crown as La Marguerite King for four decades. His unwavering dedication to the Dennery Marguerite Society and his advocacy for the recognition of cultural royalties have made him a national icon. On October 17, during the Grande Fete La Marguerite in La Ressource, Dennery, Thomas marked his 40th anniversary as King, reflecting on his profound love for the festival and Saint Lucian culture.
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Kindergartener dead following Vieux Fort collision
The community of Vieux Fort is grappling with profound grief after a devastating three-vehicle collision on October 25, which claimed the life of a young kindergarten student, Rikki Samuel. The tragic incident occurred along the Vieux Fort-Laborie Highway, near the Hewanorra International Airport and the Marine Base (Il Pirata), shortly before 11:00 a.m. Rikki, born on Christmas Eve in 2020, was described by his mother, Alister Antoine, as a joyful and car-loving child. He had accompanied his father, Jonard Samuel, a taxi driver, to refuel their vehicle when the accident occurred. Disturbing footage from the scene showed the child lying on the ground, having been ejected from the vehicle. The collision involved three minibuses, including a public bus with a route band. While Rikki is the only confirmed fatality, 11 others sustained injuries. The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force and Saint Lucia Fire Service responded promptly, but no official statement has been released. The tragedy has sparked intense social media debates, with calls for stricter driving regulations and heightened road safety awareness.
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One dead, multiple injured after three-vehicle Vieux Fort collision
A devastating incident occurred in Vieux Fort on October 25, as a three-vehicle collision resulted in multiple injuries and the tragic death of a young child. According to reports from St. Lucia Times, several individuals were rushed to the hospital for urgent medical care. Eyewitnesses recounted the harrowing scene, describing the child as motionless at the crash site. Tragically, it was later confirmed that the child succumbed to his injuries. The deceased was identified as a student of Banse La Grace Combined School, leaving the local community in profound grief. The aftermath of the collision, captured in images and videos circulating on social media, has ignited widespread sorrow and anger among residents. Many Saint Lucians have taken to social media to express their frustration, calling for immediate action to enhance road safety measures and stricter enforcement of traffic laws. One Facebook user emphatically stated, “High time they take the necessary actions to deal with these drivers.” The incident has reignited urgent discussions about the need for improved road safety protocols to prevent such tragedies in the future.