Carib Scope

标签： Saint Lucia

圣卢西亚

  • Two charged with having cannabis resin

    Two charged with having cannabis resin

    In a significant law enforcement operation, authorities in Saint Lucia have apprehended two individuals on serious narcotics charges following a coordinated raid in the Gros Islet district. The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) executed search warrants at a Ti Morne residence on February 5, 2026, targeting properties connected to 35-year-old Lance Alfred (alias ‘Bolo’) and 36-year-old Tresha Richard.

    The operation yielded substantial evidence, including a quantity of cannabis resin and approximately US$13,000 in cash found on the premises. Both suspects were immediately taken into custody and formally charged with dual counts of possession of cannabis resin and possession with intent to supply.

    Following their arrest, the defendants appeared before a magistrate on February 6, where each was granted bail set at EC$1,500. The relatively swift judicial proceedings demonstrate the authorities’ commitment to expediting drug-related cases.

    Notably, the substantial cash discovery prompted police to initiate asset forfeiture procedures under Section 29(a) of the Crime Act, based on reasonable suspicion that the funds represented proceeds of criminal activity. The Financial Intelligence Authority has been formally notified and has assumed an investigative role, pursuing permanent seizure of the currency and conducting expanded financial investigations into the suspects’ assets and transactions.

  • Jawahir: End in sight for free-roaming cattle at Choc Roundabout

    Jawahir: End in sight for free-roaming cattle at Choc Roundabout

    The persistent issue of free-roaming cattle near the Choc roundabout in St. Lucia is undergoing a significant government-led resolution. Agriculture Minister Lisa Jawahir has confirmed the commencement of a systematic relocation operation, moving approximately 77 heads of cattle from the hazardous highway vicinity to a newly prepared, enclosed site in Cocoa Dan, Vieux Fort.

    The initiative, which began over the weekend, involves a complex process of sedating, restraining, and transporting untethered animals. Minister Jawahir acknowledged the preparatory work initiated by her predecessor, Alfred Prospere, noting that several livestock farmers are already utilizing the secured southern pastures. The ministry’s livestock representatives provide daily oversight at the new location.

    This action follows a September 2023 vehicle collision with cattle near the roundabout, which accelerated long-standing plans to identify alternative grazing land. A local cattle owner who assessed the Vieux Fort site expressed approval, confirming the area is fully fenced and ready for occupation.

    Addressing concerns about merely transferring the problem to another region, Minister Jawahir emphasized the site’s security and distance from major highways. She also revealed ongoing inter-ministerial collaboration with the Ministry of Transport to install signage prohibiting public grazing. Enforcement will leverage the Animals Act (Cap. 3.11), which permits fines up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to two years, and impoundment of livestock for owners who allow animals to cause obstructions or danger. The full relocation is anticipated to require several weeks to complete.

  • Gov’t orders Uber to halt operations

    Gov’t orders Uber to halt operations

    The Saint Lucian government has officially declared Uber’s operations unlawful within its jurisdiction, mandating the immediate cessation of services until the ride-hailing giant complies with national regulations. This decisive action follows extensive consultations between government officials and key transportation stakeholders.

    Deputy Prime Minister Ernest Hilaire, who oversees tourism, investment, and creative industries, revealed that formal written notice had been delivered to Uber representatives after high-level meetings with the National Taxi Union and the National Council on Public Transportation. The government’s position was formally communicated during Monday’s pre-Cabinet press briefing, where Hilaire outlined three critical regulatory violations.

    The primary compliance issues include Uber’s failure to obtain necessary trade licensing, non-registration with the Inland Revenue Department for tax purposes, and lack of certification under the Tourism Development Act framework. “We have explicitly communicated to Uber that their current operational model constitutes illegal activity within Saint Lucia’s borders,” Minister Hilaire stated authoritatively.

    Despite the government’s suspension order, internal verification confirms the Uber application remains fully functional, with trip booking capabilities still accessible to users. In parallel developments, the National Taxi Union has issued stern warnings to its membership against partnering with the platform, threatening disciplinary measures for those who defy the advisory.

    When questioned about potential enforcement mechanisms should Uber continue operations, Hilaire maintained strategic ambiguity, noting, “We are currently evaluating all available options without predetermining specific actions.” The government anticipates further diplomatic engagement with Uber management to resolve the regulatory impasse, with additional meetings expected in the coming weeks.

  • Saint Lucian women win in Guadeloupe rugby

    Saint Lucian women win in Guadeloupe rugby

    The Saint Lucia women’s rugby sevens squad has achieved a remarkable victory at the French West Indies tournament in Gosier, Guadeloupe, capturing both team and individual honors in dominant fashion. The team secured the prestigious Monique Ribeaut Shield after demonstrating exceptional performance throughout the competition.

    In a commanding final match against hosts Union Good Luck 972 A, Saint Lucia emerged victorious with a decisive 19-7 scoreline. The team’s success was spearheaded by standout athlete Makeba Alcide, who received the tournament’s Most Valuable Player recognition, and captain Renatta Reynolds, whose leadership proved instrumental in controlling the game’s tempo. Alcide contributed two crucial tries to the final victory, complemented by a try from Mary Roberts and two successful conversions executed by Kera Dornelly.

    The championship journey featured impressive performances across multiple matches. During the semifinal round, Saint Lucia delivered a stunning 22-0 shutout against Diamante Martinique, with scoring contributions from Roberts, Alcide, Marline Cherry, and Allana Paul. The tournament’s opening day witnessed an overwhelming 33-5 victory over Good Luck 972, highlighted by Reynolds’ exceptional hat trick of tries, two additional tries from Roberts, and a sixth try scored by Shammah Philgence.

    Further demonstrating their offensive prowess, the team achieved a resounding 41-7 victory against RCAS, featuring another hat trick from Roberts, two tries and two conversions from Reynolds, and an additional try from Cherry.

    Wayne Pantor, Technical Director of the Saint Lucia Rugby Football Union, praised the team’s achievement: ‘These victories highlight the preparation, fitness, and attacking strength of the Saint Lucia Women’s team as they made a strong statement in the tournament. The women’s championship victory highlights the continued rise of Saint Lucia rugby, while the senior men’s competitiveness and youth development efforts signal a strong future for the sport.’

    The tournament also featured participation from Saint Lucia’s men’s teams, with the senior squad securing fifth place and the Under-20 development team finishing eighth. Despite narrow losses in several closely contested matches, both teams gained valuable experience against international competition, with notable performances from players Alexis (senior team) and Dante Asson (Under-20s). Pantor emphasized that for many players, this tournament represented their first exposure to international competition, serving as crucial preparation for higher tiers of rugby competition.

  • Organisers expect ‘epic’ 2026 Jazz Festival

    Organisers expect ‘epic’ 2026 Jazz Festival

    The highly anticipated Soufriere Jazz 2026 festival, officially branded ‘The Ultimate Experience,’ was formally launched on February 8th at Hotel Chocolat in Soufriere, Saint Lucia. This premier musical extravaganza represents one of the island’s most significant cultural celebrations, forming an integral part of the broader Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts calendar.

    Ernest Sam Augier, Executive Chairman of the Soufriere Regional Development Foundation (SRDF)—the organization overseeing both the event and local natural attractions like Sulphur Springs Park—characterized the upcoming festival as ‘epic’ during his keynote address. Augier emphasized the event’s historical significance while promising an unparalleled experience for attendees in 2026.

    ‘Soufriere Jazz has consistently delivered monumental performances within an extraordinary ambiance, and this year will certainly maintain that distinguished tradition,’ Augier declared. While the main concert is scheduled for May 2nd, organizers are curating an entire weekend immersion, including a special preliminary event on May 1st and an exclusive post-concert breakfast at Sulphur Springs on May 3rd.

    The Soufriere Events Management Organization (SEMO) continues its four-year partnership with SRDF to actualize the festival. Windia Jaunia of SEMO reaffirmed their dedication to producing exceptional quality while creating meaningful opportunities for local talent and small businesses. This year’s theme, ‘The Ultimate Experience,’ embodies their commitment to crafting unforgettable moments through atmospheric connection and premium production values.

    The 2026 lineup features a historic reunion of two legendary Saint Lucian bands—Boo & the Tru Tones and Reasons Orchestra, led by Gregory Piper. The festival will showcase reggae artist Meshach, Groovy Monarch Imran Nerdy, soca sensations Ezra D Fun Machine and Arthur Allain, alongside musical collective DYP.

    International talent includes Trinidad’s soca star Voice, Guadeloupe’s 1T1, and Grammy-winning reggae icon Gramps Morgan of Morgan Heritage fame as the headline performer. The complete festival experience is set to unfold at Soufriere Mini Stadium on May 2nd, promising an extraordinary celebration of Caribbean musical excellence.

  • Eight franchises finalise squads for sixth edition of SPL T20

    Eight franchises finalise squads for sixth edition of SPL T20

    The Saint Lucia Premier League T20 (SPL T20) officially launched its 2026 season with a highly anticipated player draft event held on February 7th at the Palmville Conference Center of Coco Palm Resort. The draft ceremony set the stage for the tournament’s sixth edition, scheduled to run from April 10 to May 25 across various venues throughout the island.

    The drafting process unfolded through five meticulous rounds, with each of the eight franchises strategically selecting one player per round. These new acquisitions will join 11 pre-selected protected players to form complete 16-member squads. The protected player composition followed specific league requirements: six mandatory homegrown talents, two retained players from the 2025 season, one marquee player, and up to two optional overseas players.

    League regulations also mandated that each team include at least two players under age 19 as of October 1, 2026 (excluding international signings). New franchise entries without retained players received two additional draft rounds, while teams opting out of overseas selections gained compensatory draft opportunities.

    Zayee Antoine emerged as the draft’s first overall selection, highlighting his coveted status among team managers. The event showcased the league’s growing professionalism and competitive balance as franchises built their rosters for the upcoming campaign.

    SPL CEO Hassan Euristee expressed enthusiasm during pre-draft interviews, promising “production like no other” for the 2026 season. “We’re gonna take it up a step, up a level,” Euristee announced. “It’s time that we get into that professionalism. I’m just happy that we could have the draft and we get things going for 2026.”

    The eight competing franchises include: Babonneau Leatherbacks, Choiseul Craftmasters, City Blasters, Gros Islet Knights, Micoud Eagles, Mon Repos Pioneers, Soufriere Titans, and South Castries Lions. Each team finalized their squads through the draft, blending established veterans with emerging young talents to create dynamic rosters for the two-month cricket extravaganza.

  • GMC, Northern set up intriguing Bay Bay Cup finale

    GMC, Northern set up intriguing Bay Bay Cup finale

    In a dramatic Sunday showdown at the Francis Baba Lastic Playing Field, GMC United delivered a remarkable comeback to defeat previously unbeaten New Generation FC 2-1 in the Kenson Casimir Bay Bay Cup tournament. The February 8th match saw New Generation seize an early advantage when Yanic Noel capitalized on a defensive error in the 18th minute, putting the Group A leaders ahead.

    Despite trailing at halftime, the defending national club champions mounted a spirited second-half resurgence reminiscent of their midweek derby triumph over Dominators. GMC’s equalizer came through an extraordinary set-piece execution as Jayden Etienne curved a corner kick directly into the net. The turnaround was completed when captain Tonius Simon converted a decisive penalty, securing three crucial points for the Corinth-based squad.

    Meanwhile, defending Bay Bay Cup holders Northern United continued their dominant form in Group B, establishing a commanding 3-0 halftime lead against Police FC. Dorian Marcellin, Devonte Herman, and Nicholas Lawrence all found the net before the interval. Although Police’s Tarrique Phillip managed a consolation goal in the 68th minute, Justice Germaine restored Northern United’s three-goal margin just two minutes later with a fourth strike.

    The tournament landscape remains fluid as GMC United awaits Wednesday’s critical matchup between Gros Islet Youth and Dominators FC. While GMC currently holds second position in Group A, their semifinal qualification hinges on this pivotal fixture. In Group B, Police FC faces must-win circumstances against unbeaten Gros Islet Veterans to keep their advancement hopes alive.

  • Prize Giving Ceremony honours creativity at Walcott Expressions Competition

    Prize Giving Ceremony honours creativity at Walcott Expressions Competition

    Saint Lucia’s vibrant arts scene took center stage during the prestigious Walcott Expressions Competition Prize Giving Ceremony last Friday. The event, a cornerstone of the island’s annual Nobel Laureate Festival, honored exceptional creative works inspired by the legacy of Nobel laureate Sir Derek Walcott.

    Organized by the Cultural Development Foundation (CDF), the ceremony showcased the remarkable talent emerging from Saint Lucia’s younger generation. CDF Executive Director Raymona Henry-Wynne emphasized the extraordinary diversity of submissions, noting that participants had “beautifully expressed their interpretation of Walcott’s work through numerous artistic forms.”

    The Foundation has strategically expanded its Nobel Laureate Month programming beyond the traditional Derek Walcott Lectures to embrace broader creative participation. Henry-Wynne encouraged all artists—including dancers, literary artists, and other creatives—to engage with this growing platform while urging parents to actively support their children’s artistic development and recognize the arts’ power to foster empathy.

    A particularly significant aspect of this year’s ceremony was the participation of inmates from Bordelais Correctional Facility. Minister for Crime Prevention and Conflict Resolution Jeremiah Norbert characterized the prison environment as “dynamic” and noted that while not all inmates are drawn to vocational programs, many possess strong artistic interests. He emphasized that artistic expression provides crucial emotional outlets and enables inmates to “see life differently.”

    Norbert commended the CDF for their courageous inclusion of the correctional facility in the program and expressed hope that this initiative would continue. The competition winners included Khadijah Halliday (first place), Ken Hardy (second), Nicole Monalisa Samuel (third), and Koffee Emanuel (People’s Choice Award), along with numerous other distinguished participants. Top winners received cash prizes of $500, $300, and $200 respectively.

  • Saint Lucian artistes unite for remix of ‘Praise Him to de Max

    Saint Lucian artistes unite for remix of ‘Praise Him to de Max

    The Saint Lucian gospel music landscape is witnessing a dynamic evolution with the launch of a revitalized remix of the acclaimed single “Praise Him to de Max.” Spearheaded by artist Berty James, professionally recognized as Humble Official, this new iteration represents a strategic fusion of established and emerging musical talent.

    This collaborative project unites James with gospel veteran Nintus Magre and promising newcomer Tally Boy, creating a multi-generational blend that underscores both artistic innovation and communal unity within the island’s gospel community. James characterizes the production as a significant milestone for his creative team, noting that the remix serves as an enhancement rather than a replacement of the original composition.

    The remix introduces distinct auditory dimensions through Magre’s powerful and seasoned vocal contributions, which provide profound emotional depth to the track. Simultaneously, Tally Boy injects contemporary vitality and youthful exuberance, creating a balanced sonic experience that appeals to diverse audiences. James emphasized the intentionality behind these collaborations, reflecting his commitment to showcasing both experienced artisans and rising stars within Saint Lucia’s music industry.

    Produced under James’ artistic direction, the project exemplifies a dedication to continuous creative and professional development. “Our fundamental objective remains constant growth, elevation, and improvement across all our endeavors,” James affirmed during the release announcement.

    While the original recording already enjoyed substantial listener engagement, the creative team anticipates the remix will deliver heightened impact through enhanced vocal arrangements and modernized production techniques. James publicly expressed hope that audiences would embrace this version even more enthusiastically than its predecessor.

    Beyond its musical merits, James highlighted the track’s inspirational messaging, encouraging widespread sharing of its positive spiritual content. The remix is currently accessible globally through YouTube, providing listeners with immediate access to this cultural and artistic expression of Saint Lucian gospel music.

  • Nestor fuels massive UNT recovery

    Nestor fuels massive UNT recovery

    In a stunning display of resilience, the University of North Texas women’s basketball squad engineered their most remarkable comeback of the season this past Saturday. Facing a daunting 13-point deficit against Temple at the Liacouras Centre, the Mean Green mounted a spectacular second-half surge to clinch a narrow 69-66 victory.

    The comeback was spearheaded by a phenomenal individual performance from the team’s 6-foot-4 center, who single-handedly accounted for all 13 of North Texas’ points in the decisive fourth quarter. Her late-game heroics included consecutive baskets that first tied the game and then secured the lead. She finished with an impressive stat line of 20 points on highly efficient 12-shot attempts, complemented by six successful free throws out of seven. Dominating the boards with 13 rebounds and setting a personal best with four steals, she recorded her 14th double-double of the campaign.

    Despite entering halftime with a 10-point disadvantage, North Texas (13-10, 7-4) exploded offensively in the final two quarters, putting up 41 points. The third period proved to be the critical turning point in the game, with the team unleashing an offensive barrage of 28 points and connecting on six three-pointers to shift the momentum entirely.

    The victory was a testament to a collective team effort. Four other players made significant scoring contributions: Jazzy Owens-Barnett, Aysia Proctor, and Andi Schissler each added 9 points, while Chania Price chipped in with 8. Schissler’s hot hand from beyond the arc continued, as she sank three more triples, bringing her shooting tally to an impressive 9-of-14 from deep over the last three contests. Price also made a notable impact by successfully landing her second and third three-pointers of the year.

    Head Coach Jason Burton praised his team’s unselfish and confident play, stating, ‘We spread the wealth today. We’ve emphasized becoming a team with multiple scoring threats, and that vision was realized on the court. Witnessing multiple players shoot with such confidence fundamentally transforms our identity as a team.’