Carib Scope

标签： Saint Lucia

圣卢西亚

  • School term to begin on January 6

    School term to begin on January 6

    The Ministry of Education, Youth Development, Sports and Digital Transformation has officially confirmed the academic calendar for the upcoming school term in a December 31 announcement. According to the ministerial release, educational institutions across the nation will resume operations with students returning to classrooms on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, marking the commencement of the second academic term.

    The ministry has outlined specific reporting protocols for educational staff to ensure a seamless transition into the new term. School administrators, teaching faculty, and support personnel are required to resume their duties on Monday, January 5, 2026 – one day prior to student arrival. This strategic scheduling allows educational professionals to complete essential preparatory work, including classroom organization, administrative planning, and curricular alignment before welcoming students back to academic institutions.

    The coordinated approach emphasizes the government’s commitment to maintaining educational continuity and operational efficiency within the national school system. By establishing clear timelines for both staff and students, the ministry aims to facilitate an organized restart of academic activities following the term break, ensuring minimal disruption to the educational calendar while maximizing instructional effectiveness from the first day of term.

  • Forestry Department condemns killing of 5 Saint Lucia boas

    Forestry Department condemns killing of 5 Saint Lucia boas

    Authorities in Saint Lucia have launched a formal investigation and pledged to pursue maximum legal penalties following the brutal killing of multiple protected snakes, an incident captured in a viral social media video that has sparked official outrage.

    The Forestry Department issued a forceful condemnation on December 31st after being alerted to a deeply disturbing video circulating online. The footage graphically depicted five Saint Lucia boas (locally known as ‘Tete Chien’) being bludgeoned to death. This endemic species holds protected status under the nation’s Wildlife Protection Act.

    In an official statement, the Department characterized the act as ‘extreme cruelty’ and ‘unacceptable,’ confirming it constitutes a major criminal offense under Chapter 6.03 of the Wildlife Protection Act, last revised in 2001. The legislation explicitly prohibits hunting, capturing, or killing protected wildlife without specific authorization, with additional provisions banning cruel methods of execution.

    The Department emphasized its zero-tolerance stance toward such ‘irresponsible and indiscriminate killing,’ asserting it will exhaust all legal avenues to ensure perpetrators face full prosecution. Officials are collaborating closely with national police forces to advance the investigation.

    Under the Act, penalties for such wildlife crimes can reach up to EC $5,000 per animal killed, potential imprisonment, or both. The Department has confirmed it will be seeking the most severe sanctions available.

  • US to impose 1% tax on cash remittances in 2026

    US to impose 1% tax on cash remittances in 2026

    Beginning January 1, 2026, the United States will implement a groundbreaking federal excise tax that will significantly alter the cost structure of international money transfers for Caribbean communities and other migrants sending funds abroad. The newly enacted 1% levy targets specifically cash-based remittances, marking a fundamental shift in how cross-border financial support is taxed.

    This fiscal policy, embedded within Section 4475 of the Internal Revenue Code, was legislated by the US Congress in July 2025 as a component of the comprehensive ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ package. The tax represents the first federal imposition on international money transfers, which previously only incurred service charges and exchange rate margins without direct government taxation.

    The regulatory framework specifically applies to remittances facilitated through physical cash transactions at brick-and-mortar locations including grocery stores, pharmacies, and dedicated money transfer outlets. Paper-based payment instruments such as money orders and cashier’s checks also fall within the taxable category. Both US citizens and foreign nationals utilizing American remittance services will be subject to the tax when using cash or cash-equivalent methods.

    Critical exemptions exist for digital and electronic transfer mechanisms. The Internal Revenue Service clarifies in Notice 2025-55 that bank account transfers, debit/credit card transactions, wire transfers, and digital wallet services (including Apple Pay and Google Pay) remain exempt from the additional levy. This creates a distinct advantage for technologically-enabled remittance channels over traditional cash-based methods.

    For Caribbean-American communities, where remittances constitute vital financial lifelines covering educational expenses, medical bills, and household necessities, the tax introduces new economic considerations. The legislation does provide potential relief through a tax credit mechanism for senders possessing Social Security numbers, contingent upon proper transaction reporting by remittance providers. However, the IRS has yet to issue final implementation guidelines regarding credit claims procedures.

  • Six long weekends in 2026

    Six long weekends in 2026

    The government of Saint Lucia has officially released its 2026 public holiday calendar, revealing an exceptional year featuring six distinct three-day weekends complemented by a special four-day Easter break. This scheduling arrangement provides numerous extended leisure periods throughout the year, offering significant opportunities for both tourism promotion and enhanced work-life balance for residents.

    The extended weekend pattern begins immediately in January with the observance of New Year’s Day on Friday, January 2, creating the first three-day weekend from January 2-4. The most substantial break occurs during Easter celebrations in April, where the consecutive holidays of Good Friday (April 3) and Easter Monday (April 6) combine to form an extended four-day weekend.

    May delivers two separate long weekends, beginning with Labour Day on Friday, May 1, followed by Whit Monday on May 25, which extends the weekend from Saturday, May 23 through Monday, May 25. The summer season brings another leisure period with Carnival Monday observed on July 20, creating a holiday weekend from July 18-20.

    The extended weekend pattern continues into the final quarter with Thanksgiving Day in October providing a break from October 3-5. The year concludes with a Christmas holiday weekend running from December 25-27, offering residents a festive three-day period to conclude the calendar year.

    This strategic distribution of public holidays creates optimal conditions for domestic tourism development while providing structured opportunities for family time and community celebrations throughout the year.

  • US-based football scouts eager to recruit Saint Lucians

    US-based football scouts eager to recruit Saint Lucians

    The MAD Sports Group (MSG) has identified significant potential in Saint Lucian footballers for US collegiate programs following their talent scouting mission during the inaugural Gros Islet Football League Showcase Classic in early December. Led by Sporting Director Daniel Fragachan and CEO Manuel “Manu” Hernández, the US-based college placement agency conducted comprehensive evaluations of youth players in northern Saint Lucia.

    MSG distinguishes itself through its established US operations and Latin American roots, focusing on the crucial intersection of athletic development and educational advancement. Fragachan emphasized their unique approach: “We provide a bridge for young athletes to obtain college scholarships. A Saint Lucian player could earn an American degree by age 21 or 22, ensuring valuable qualifications even after their football career concludes.”

    The scouts expressed particular admiration for the physical attributes of Saint Lucian players, noting exceptional athleticism, speed, and strength. Hernández, whose professional background includes administrative roles with elite clubs including Real Madrid, PSG, and Arsenal, observed: “The technical and physical aspects are impressive. Tactical understanding requires development, but this is knowledge that can be acquired through proper training.”

    MSG’s comprehensive program encompasses player evaluation, performance guidance, competitive pathway planning, and individualized academic support. The organization has announced an international showcase in Dallas, Texas, scheduled for March, where selected Saint Lucian players will compete against peers from across the Americas. Additionally, MSG plans to facilitate international tournament exposure for U16 and U13 teams in the United States, Spain, and Costa Rica.

    The collaboration with Gros Islet Football League represents a strategic initiative to provide Saint Lucian athletes with specialized training and competitive opportunities that could ultimately lead to collegiate scholarships and university degrees, creating pathways for both athletic and academic achievement.

  • ‘Martyrs’ of Castries honoured on 25th anniversary of cathedral massacre

    ‘Martyrs’ of Castries honoured on 25th anniversary of cathedral massacre

    A quarter-century after the horrific New Year’s Eve Massacre that traumatized Saint Lucia, the nation continues to grapple with the painful legacy of the attack that claimed multiple lives during a religious service. On December 31, 2000, worshipers attending Holy Eucharist at Castries’ Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception found themselves targeted by assailants wielding machetes, gasoline, and incendiary devices in a brutal assault that transformed the sacred space into a scene of unimaginable violence.

    The attack resulted in multiple casualties, including Sister Theresa Egan, who was killed at the cathedral’s western entrance, and Father Charles Gaillard, who sustained severe burns and later died from his injuries. Numerous other congregants suffered grave harm, with victims including Sister Mel Kenny, Victor Reyes, Mark Beaubrun, Celsus Merville, Mary Bynoe, Agnes Biscette, Gregory Biscette, Desmond Devaux, Gwendolyn Winters, Victor Darius, Edison Elcock, and Richard St. Omer.

    Medical responses spanned international borders as critically injured victims required specialized care. Six victims endured severe burns ranging from first to third-degree injuries, prompting emergency medical evacuations. Father Gaillard and Mary Bynoe were airlifted to La Meynard Hospital in Martinique, while others including Reyes, Beaubrun, Biscette, and Merville were transported to the specialized burn unit at New York’s Cornell Hospital. Those with head trauma including Gregory Biscette and Desmond Devaux were transferred to Barbados for advanced diagnostic imaging.

    Justice proceedings eventually identified two perpetrators—Kim John, then 20, and Francis Philip, 34—both of whom pleaded guilty and received life imprisonment sentences. Although both individuals identified with the Rastafarian faith, community leaders swiftly denounced the violence and advocated for religious tolerance and coexistence.

    In a significant act of remembrance and healing, the Roman Catholic Church has incorporated the tragedy into its ongoing Jubilee Year celebrations under the theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope.’ This period of spiritual renewal, forgiveness, and pilgrimage now includes a formal initiative recognizing the attack’s victims as martyrs of Saint Lucia. Through ceremonial lighting of candles from the Jubilee Candle for each martyr, the Church aims to establish devotion to these figures as an enduring legacy of Jubilee 2025.

  • Dennery Falcons Athletics Club spreads Christmas cheer with hampers

    Dennery Falcons Athletics Club spreads Christmas cheer with hampers

    The Dennery Falcons Athletics Club embraced the holiday spirit by distributing essential hampers to underprivileged community members on Christmas Eve. This charitable endeavor, facilitated through a strategic partnership with Rubis Saint Lucia and local philanthropist Gary Gustave, transcended mere gift-giving to embody a profound educational mission.

    Club leadership emphasized that the program serves as a practical platform for instilling core values of civic duty and collective welfare in young athletes. Kevin Mathurin, President of Dennery Falcons, articulated the initiative’s philosophical foundation, noting contemporary society’s prevalent individualism. “We exist in a highly self-centered environment where the ‘me’ mentality dominates,” Mathurin stated in an interview with St. Lucia Times. “This project consciously shifts focus toward the ‘us’ paradigm, delivering crucial lessons that extend beyond sports into everyday life.”

    Established merely seven months ago, the nascent club demonstrates ambitious vision by embedding social responsibility into its institutional DNA. Rather than treating philanthropy as seasonal charity, administrators are building frameworks for sustained community engagement. Mathurin revealed long-term aspirations for developing organizational stability through continued corporate partnerships. “Cultivating enduring relationships with entities like Rubis ensures the sustainability of our responsibility development culture,” he affirmed, signaling the club’s commitment to transformative social impact through athletics.

  • ARC organisers donate supplies to boys training centre

    ARC organisers donate supplies to boys training centre

    In a heartwarming annual tradition, participants of the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) have once again demonstrated maritime generosity by donating substantial food provisions to benefit the Boys Training Centre (BTC) and their families in Saint Lucia. The initiative, coordinated by the World Cruising Club, redirects surplus supplies from transatlantic voyagers to community institutions most in need.

    The donation mechanism leverages a practical reality of ocean crossings: sailing crews preparing for the 2,700-nautical-mile journey from the Canary Islands frequently overprovision for safety. Upon reaching Caribbean shores, approximately 150 vessels annually contribute their excess canned goods, dry stores, and non-perishable items rather than letting supplies go unused.

    ARC Director Paul Tetlow explained the program’s rationale: ‘Mariners naturally err on the side of caution when stocking for ocean passages. This system allows us to transform their calculated surplus into community support, creating a meaningful bridge between international sailors and local populations.’

    The strategic distribution to BTC families was facilitated through local ARC coordinator Peta Cozier in collaboration with the Army Winehouse Foundation, which maintains an established partnership with the youth facility. Timing was deliberately coordinated with the center’s Christmas break, ensuring provisions reached households during the festive period when support is most impactful.

    BTC Manager Leanna Wallace welcomed both the material and symbolic significance of the donation. ‘Beyond addressing practical needs, this gesture profoundly demonstrates to our young men that the global community invests in their wellbeing and development,’ she stated, emphasizing how such interactions broaden students’ perspectives on service and global citizenship.

    The 2025 donation carried special significance, marking both the ARC’s 40th overall edition and its 35th consecutive finish in Saint Lucia, reinforcing long-standing ties between the international sailing community and Caribbean host nations.

  • Antigua ends medical partnership with Cuba

    Antigua ends medical partnership with Cuba

    In a significant geopolitical shift, Antigua and Barbuda has reportedly terminated its longstanding medical cooperation agreement with Cuba after facing sustained pressure from the United States government. While official confirmation remains pending, the apparent dissolution of this decades-old partnership marks a dramatic reversal from Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s previously staunch defense of Cuban medical assistance programs.

    The United States has consistently criticized Cuba’s medical missions abroad, labeling them as forms of “human trafficking” and demanding that compensation be paid directly to healthcare professionals rather than through Cuban government channels. Washington maintains that the current arrangement constitutes exploitation of medical workers and violates international labor standards.

    This diplomatic pressure escalated considerably during summer months when US officials indicated that Caribbean leaders facilitating Cuban medical programs could potentially face personal sanctions. In response, Antigua and Barbuda attempted to implement what government officials described as “payment tweaks” to address American concerns while preserving the essential medical partnership.

    The complete termination of the program indicates these compromise measures ultimately failed to satisfy US demands. Notably, the Browne administration has maintained official silence regarding the partnership’s dissolution, despite the Prime Minister’s history of directly addressing controversial matters.

    Instead, political opposition forces have broken the silence. The United Progressive Party issued a December press release expressing regret over the partnership’s abrupt termination while clarifying their non-involvement in the decision. The statement affirmed continued gratitude toward Cuba despite the administration’s apparent policy shift.

    The program’s cessation raises practical concerns about healthcare delivery in Antigua and Barbuda, where Cuban medical professionals previously formed what Prime Minister Browne himself described as “the core of our health services.” The government has yet to outline strategies for addressing anticipated healthcare workforce shortages resulting from this diplomatic realignment.

  • How the Law and the Court are continuing to circle around politicians

    How the Law and the Court are continuing to circle around politicians

    In a landmark ruling with profound implications for political discourse, the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court has delivered a powerful judgment in Frederick v. Chastanet [2025], establishing stringent legal boundaries for political speech. The case centered on allegations made by former Prime Minister Allen Chastanet against sitting minister Richard Frederick, whom he accused of corruption, dishonesty, and abuse of office in a widely circulated Facebook video.

    The court meticulously applied Saint Lucia’s defamation framework, incorporating the UK Defamation Act 2013 through Article 917A of the Civil Code. Justice Pariagsingh’s ruling emphasized that while robust political debate is essential to democracy, allegations of criminal conduct must be substantiated with evidence rather than presented as rhetorical weapons.

    Critical to the case was the failure of Chastanet’s defenses of truth, honest opinion, and public interest. Testimony from key witnesses, including Stephenson King and managing directors of SLASPA and NHC—all appointed during Chastanet’s own administration—systematically dismantled the factual basis for the allegations. Records revealed no objection to the land sale in question, no existing plans for a marine police base on the property, and full compliance with established board processes.

    The judgment particularly scrutinized the casual deployment of the term ‘corruption’ in political rhetoric. The court noted that such language carries specific legal connotations of misuse of office, abuse of public trust, and improper enrichment—not merely colorful criticism. By using these terms without evidence, politicians risk eroding public trust and discouraging honest individuals from public service.

    Regarding serious harm, the court considered both the significant reach of the Facebook video and the gravity of allegations against a sitting minister. The ruling distinguished between the ‘court of public opinion,’ where unsubstantiated claims may circulate freely, and the legal system where words carry precise consequences.

    The court awarded $60,000 in damages to Frederick, noting that while no financial loss was demonstrated, the allegations caused significant humiliation and embarrassment. Aggravating factors included Chastanet’s refusal to apologize, persistence in unsubstantiated claims, and conduct during litigation.

    Beyond the immediate case, the judgment raises crucial questions about democratic accountability. It challenges citizens, institutions, and media to move beyond passive consumption of political rhetoric and actively demand evidence for serious allegations. The ruling suggests that effective democracy requires continuous citizen engagement through mechanisms like freedom of information requests, parliamentary petitions, and rigorous media scrutiny—not merely electoral participation every five years.

    This decision establishes an important precedent for Caribbean jurisprudence, signaling that the judiciary will hold politicians accountable for unfounded allegations that damage reputations and undermine governance.