Carib Scope

标签： Saint Lucia

圣卢西亚

  • Jacobie sets school record, makes Commonwealth standard

    Jacobie sets school record, makes Commonwealth standard

    Saint Lucian high jumper Jenneil Jacobie has positioned herself as a strong contender for the 2026 Commonwealth Games following a record-shattering performance in Texas. The 21-year-old athletics star from Gros Islet achieved a critical qualifying standard by clearing 1.87 meters at the Charlie Thomas Invitational on January 6, becoming only the seventh athlete from Saint Lucia to meet the stringent requirements set by the Saint Lucia Athletics Association (SLAA).

    Competing for East Texas A&M University, Jacobie’s remarkable clearance not only secured her event victory but also established a new institutional record for her university. The achievement propelled her into the NCAA Division I top 10 rankings and marked her inaugural entry into the global top 50 rankings. This milestone six-foot jump simultaneously maintained her leading position in the Southland Conference and equaled the meet record for the Charlie Thomas Invitational.

    Jacobie must now replicate this success by achieving the 1.82-meter standard at least twice more before the qualification period concludes on May 31 to secure her ticket to Glasgow. Currently, only sprinter Julien Alfred and fellow athlete Marvric Pamphile have satisfied the SLAA technical committee’s requirement of three qualifying performances during the current period.

    The weekend competition also showcased exceptional performances from other Saint Lucian athletes internationally. Joy Edward from the University of Charleston dominated the shot put with a 14.01-meter throw at the Marshall Jewel City Invitational, while Natalie Albert from the University of Memphis excelled in the weight throw with an 18.34-meter effort at the UAB Green and Gold Invite.

    Additional notable performances from Saint Lucian athletes included Mya Hippolyte’s second-place finish in the 60m (7.72s), Carl Drakes’ eighth-place showing in the 60m (6.98s) at the IC4A/ECAC Indoor Championships, and Miguel Charlery’s victory in the 55m (6.46s) at the DeSchriver Invitational, demonstrating the depth of track and field talent emerging from the Caribbean nation.

  • Hetmyer and Shepherd power Windies to opening World Cup victory

    Hetmyer and Shepherd power Windies to opening World Cup victory

    The West Indies cricket team commenced their quest for a third T20 World Cup title with an emphatic 35-run triumph against Scotland in their tournament opener on Saturday. The match, held at Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens, showcased a dominant all-round performance that sets a formidable precedent for their campaign.

    Electing to bat first after winning the toss, the Caribbean side established a solid foundation through a cautious yet effective opening partnership. Captain Shai Hope and Brandon King navigated the initial powerplay without casualty, accumulating 54 runs to provide crucial stability at the top of the order.

    The innings transformed dramatically with the arrival of Shimron Hetmyer, whose explosive batting display electrified the Kolkata crowd. The Guyanese batsman unleashed a devastating assault on the Scottish bowlers, hammering 64 runs from just 36 deliveries. His remarkable innings featured six maximums and two boundaries, including a blistering half-century achieved in merely 22 balls. Supported by Rovman Powell’s brisk 24 (14 balls) and Sherfane Rutherford’s rapid 26 (13 balls), Hetmyer propelled the West Indies to a competitive total of 183/5.

    Scotland’s response began disastrously as the West Indian pace attack wreaked havoc during the powerplay, reducing the associates to 38/3. A valiant 78-run partnership between Richie Berrington and Tom Bruce temporarily revived Scottish hopes, but the mounting required run rate ultimately proved insurmountable. The collapse culminated in a spectacular bowling exhibition from Romario Shepherd, who claimed a hat-trick en route to sensational figures of 5/20, dismantling Scotland’s lower order and sealing a comprehensive victory.

    Man of the Match Hetmyer attributed his match-winning performance to mental resilience, having overcome significant visa complications that delayed his arrival in India. “Everything happens for a reason. I’ve put those challenges behind me to focus entirely on my batting and contribute to the team’s success,” the left-hander stated during the post-match presentation.

    The Caribbean squad now turns its attention to their next Group Stage encounter against defending champions England on Wednesday, seeking to maintain their winning momentum in the prestigious tournament.

  • Alfred opens 2026 with 60m world lead

    Alfred opens 2026 with 60m world lead

    Saint Lucian sprint sensation Julien Alfred made a spectacular return to competition by posting the fastest indoor women’s 60m time globally this season. The 24-year-old Olympic champion dominated Heat 1 at the Woo Pig Classic in Fayetteville, Arkansas, clocking an impressive 7.04 seconds at the Randal Tyson Track Center on Saturday.

    The University of Texas alumna chose to launch her 2026 campaign in Arkansas rather than at the previously announced Millrose Games, marking her first competitive appearance since securing 100m bronze at last September’s Tokyo World Championships. This return to the track ends a 146-day competitive hiatus and represents her first 60m race since claiming gold at the 2024 World Indoor Championships in Glasgow 707 days ago.

    Alfred, currently ranked as the second-fastest woman in history over the indoor 60m distance, has declared ambitious dual objectives for the season. The sprint star aims to defend her title at next month’s World Indoor Championships in Kujawy Pomorze, Poland, while simultaneously targeting the longstanding world record of 6.92 seconds set by Russia’s Irina Privalova.

    Her season-opening performance surpassed the previous indoor season best of 7.05 seconds set by Czech athlete Karolína Maňasová nearly three weeks prior. Notably, Alfred’s time also outperformed Jamaican sprinter Tia Clayton’s 7.02-second mark achieved at GC Foster College, which was recorded outdoors with wind assistance and therefore not eligible for indoor rankings.

  • Theresa holds on to headline SJC track

    Theresa holds on to headline SJC track

    In a nail-biting finish at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, St Theresa Secondary School successfully defended their title at the 2025 St Joseph’s Convent athletics championships, narrowly overcoming a formidable challenge from Blessed Anne. The final standings saw St Theresa accumulate 650 points, with Blessed Anne finishing a close second at 631 points. St Anne secured third place with 540 points, while Maria Goretti completed the competition with 504 points.

    The championship unfolded as a dramatic two-day battle between the top contenders. St Theresa established a significant advantage during the opening day’s road race, fun sports, and field events, building a 45-point cushion with 311 total points. However, Blessed Anne mounted a spectacular comeback on the track finals day, dominating with 367 points compared to St Theresa’s 339 in track events.

    Individual performances highlighted the exceptional talent across all divisions. St Theresa’s victory was propelled by Imara-Marie Fadlien-Fevriere, who dominated Division 3 with victories in the 100m (13.6 seconds) and 200m (28.5 seconds), while also leading her teams to relay triumphs. Breyanie James contributed crucial points with her 400m win in 1:19.5.

    Blessed Anne’s campaign featured outstanding performances from Destinee Cenac, who demonstrated remarkable versatility in Division 1. The CARIFTA silver medalist set a high jump record during field events before claiming triple gold in the 100m (12.7), 200m (27.7), and 400m (1:15.0), culminating in a 4x100m relay victory.

    The competition showcased emerging talent across all age groups. First-former Skai Sammy made waves for Maria Goretti with Division 5 wins in the 80m (10.7) and 150m (20.0), adding to her earlier shot put record. Kimaura Francois of Blessed Anne set school records in the Division 4 100m (13.3) and 200m (27.3), while St Theresa’s Miracle Isaac claimed the 400m in 1:10.8.

    Physical education teacher Michael Annius revealed the strategic preparation behind St Theresa’s success, noting that training had commenced since September with the objective of securing a third consecutive Island Champs trophy. “We stress preparation from the beginning of the year, not just months before the event,” Annius explained to St Lucia Times. “Everyone is coming for us, we know that. And it’s all about coming out big, coming out strong to retain our championship.”

  • Anglican Primary, Sir Ira Simmons win again at schools choir competition

    Anglican Primary, Sir Ira Simmons win again at schools choir competition

    In a spectacular display of musical excellence, two Saint Lucian educational institutions have reaffirmed their dominance in the nation’s premier choral competition. The Canon Laurie Anglican Primary School and Sir Ira Simmons Secondary School both successfully retained their championship titles during Tuesday’s thrilling finale of the 4th Annual Sagicor Schools Choir Competition.

    The competition culminated with six finalist institutions—four primary and two secondary schools—battling for top honors in front of an enthusiastic audience. Canon Laurie Anglican Primary achieved an extraordinary third consecutive victory in the primary division through their innovative calypso and reggae medley performance that captivated both judges and spectators.

    Meanwhile, Sir Ira Simmons Secondary delivered a profoundly moving tribute performance dedicated to the memory of the late Nicole ‘Niki’ David, securing their continued reign in the secondary school category. Their emotionally charged presentation demonstrated exceptional technical proficiency and artistic sensitivity.

    Additional participants in this year’s finals included Augier Combined, Babonneau Primary, and Ave Maria Girls Primary at the elementary level, while Stanley Jon Odlum School of Arts, Media and Design represented the secondary division alongside the champions.

    Event organizer Jason ‘Bachelor’ Joseph, a renowned musician and cultural preservation advocate, expressed immense satisfaction with this year’s competition while acknowledging systemic challenges within music education. Joseph highlighted concerning trends in choir participation, noting practical obstacles facing educators: ‘The instrumental programmes at schools survive through individual student dedication, but coordinating larger ensembles has become increasingly difficult as teachers struggle to conduct after-school rehearsals.’

    Looking toward the future, Joseph announced significant format changes for the 2027 event, which will revert to a comprehensive music festival structure not implemented in five years. This revitalized approach will incorporate both solo and group performances, potentially addressing participation barriers while providing a more comprehensive assessment of musical development across Saint Lucian schools.

    ‘This transformation will better represent the island’s diverse musical educational landscape,’ Joseph emphasized, envisioning greater variety in performances and broader school participation in the proposed Sagicor Schools Music Festival scheduled for January 2027.

  • LUCELEC defends record on road rehabilitation project

    LUCELEC defends record on road rehabilitation project

    A public disagreement between St. Lucia’s primary electricity provider and a construction contractor has brought to light critical issues concerning infrastructure project management and cost accountability. Gilroy Pultie, Managing Director of St. Lucia Electricity Services Limited (LUCELEC), has publicly addressed concerns raised by Rayneau Gajadhar, the contractor for the Norbert Road Rehabilitation Project, who accused the utility company of insufficient cost transparency and public safety negligence.

    The controversy emerged when Gajadhar claimed his team proceeded with construction after LUCELEC declined four formal requests for a detailed breakdown of a $554,878.86 estimate for relocating electrical infrastructure. In response, Pultie defended the company’s pricing methodology, explaining that LUCELEC employs standardized procedures aligned with international standards and best practices.

    Pultie emphasized the company’s fiduciary responsibility to manage costs prudently, noting that unnecessary cost absorption could ultimately impact consumer electricity tariffs. “Costs associated with relocating power lines for road works should properly be treated as project expenses borne by the government, relevant agencies, or contractors,” Pultie stated.

    The estimated costs cover substantial work including the relocation of 21-25 electrical poles and sections of the existing distribution network. Pultie acknowledged the need for improved stakeholder coordination in future projects, stating: “Going forward, projects like this require more responsible management through enhanced planning and coordination among all stakeholders to prevent public safety hazards from occurring.”

    Despite the tension, constructive dialogue continues between LUCELEC, the contractor, and the Ministry of Infrastructure overseeing the project. Recent discussions have yielded additional cost breakdowns, with expectations that the Ministry will provide feedback within days. The costing estimates were developed using updated technical specifications including road profiles, landowner information, and civil works designs to ensure safe repositioning of electrical infrastructure.

    LUCELEC reaffirms its commitment to supporting the safe and efficient completion of the Norbert Road relocation works while maintaining its standardized costing approach for infrastructure projects.

  • Stewart named businessman/philanthropist of the year

    Stewart named businessman/philanthropist of the year

    Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, has received the distinguished Businessman/Philanthropist of the Year award for 2025 from Caribbean National Weekly (CNW), recognizing his exceptional leadership and humanitarian contributions during a period of both remarkable achievements and significant regional challenges.

    The regional publication highlighted Stewart’s multifaceted accomplishments throughout the year, including his strategic guidance of the luxury hospitality empire, substantial investments in Caribbean tourism infrastructure, and exemplary crisis management capabilities. His invitation to join the prestigious Wall Street Journal CEO Council further underscored his standing as a globally respected business leader.

    A pivotal moment in Stewart’s leadership emerged during late October’s Hurricane Melissa, which inflicted severe damage on Jamaica’s tourism infrastructure. Stewart orchestrated a comprehensive response strategy featuring transparent communication with international travel partners and a groundbreaking commitment to employee welfare. He guaranteed full payroll continuity and Christmas bonuses for all Sandals and Beaches employees, including those at temporarily closed resorts undergoing restoration. The company additionally allocated over US$3 million in direct staff recovery assistance for storm-affected families.

    Under Stewart’s stewardship, the Sandals Foundation achieved record levels of community engagement, delivering targeted disaster-recovery support across healthcare systems, livelihood restoration, and environmental conservation initiatives throughout the Caribbean region.

    In accepting the honor, Stewart expressed profound humility, emphasizing the collective nature of the achievement. “This award reflects far more than any one individual. It is a direct result of people showing up every day for their communities and believing business is a force for good,” he stated. He dedicated the recognition to the organization’s teams and the Sandals Foundation for their ongoing work in education, healthcare, disaster relief, and environmental stewardship.

  • Vieux Fort schools hit the track

    Vieux Fort schools hit the track

    In a display of youthful athleticism and spirited competition, Walcott House emerged victorious over Lewis House at the Vieux Fort Infant and Primary Schools championship held Wednesday at Phillip Marcellin Grounds. The closely contested meet culminated in a decisive 496-437 point victory for Walcott, with enthusiastic support from teachers, parents, and community members fueling the competitors throughout the event.

    The championship showcased exceptional talent across multiple age categories. In the girls’ open 1000m race, McKenzee Ambrose, Andia Tal, and Shannia Classe delivered impressive performances, while the boys’ 1200m event featured strong showings from Markie Louis, Treyvion Felicien, and Khalil Jonas.

    Notable individual achievements emerged in the Under-11 and Under-13 divisions. Arianna Descartes demonstrated remarkable consistency in U11 girls’ events, while Aiden Smith dominated the U13 boys’ category. Mariella Descartes excelled in U13 girls’ middle-distance competitions, highlighting the depth of talent across age groups.

    Relay events formed a centerpiece of the championship program, emphasizing teamwork, coordination, and technical precision. Athletes including Arianna Descartes, Kyron Beckford, Curticia Marcellin, Aiden Smith, and Nya Joseph executed flawless baton exchanges and powerful anchor legs, contributing significantly to their teams’ successes.

    Organized under the leadership of physical education teachers Sashima Harry and Jesse Fontallio, the event represented weeks of dedicated preparation. Fontallio emphasized the institutional support for physical education, noting: ‘The principals of both schools recognize physical education as essential to holistic student development. Their unwavering support has been instrumental in making events like this possible.’

    The championship benefited from substantial community and corporate backing, with donations and parental involvement playing crucial roles. ‘We’ve received tremendous support from the commercial sector and parents alike,’ Fontallio told St Lucia Times. ‘The turnout today demonstrates how deeply our community values youth development through sports.’

    This collaborative meet established a robust framework for future inter-school initiatives within the Vieux Fort district, effectively embodying the ‘Phoenix Stars Rising’ ethos while promoting comprehensive student development through athletic excellence.

  • Simon House leads the charge at BCGRCP sports meet

    Simon House leads the charge at BCGRCP sports meet

    In a vibrant display of youthful athleticism and school spirit, Simon (Red House) claimed victory at the Bishop Charles Gachet RC Primary School’s annual track and field meet. The event, hosted at Mindoo Philip Park this past Wednesday, saw Red House secure a commanding win with 401 total points. They were followed by Quinlan (Green House) in second place with 344 points, and George (Blue House) in third with 238 points.

    Principal Alison Lewis, in a discussion with St Lucia Times, emphasized that the competition’s purpose extends far beyond determining a winner on the track. She framed the event as a critical component of the school’s holistic education strategy, designed to foster essential life skills and personal development outside the traditional classroom setting.

    “Participation in sports is fundamental for character development,” Lewis stated. “It instills the value of teamwork while simultaneously encouraging children to strive for their personal best. For some students who may face academic challenges, the track becomes a venue where they can excel and build immense self-confidence. This newfound belief in their abilities invariably transfers to their academic pursuits, creating a positive feedback loop of achievement.”

    The event was notably bolstered by strong community involvement, with parents enthusiastically filling the stands to cheer on the young athletes. Principal Lewis highlighted their indispensable dual role, noting that their support went beyond mere spectatorship. With a limited teaching staff stretched thin across various organizational duties—from managing the public address system to directing the meet and managing concessions—parental assistance with supervision was crucial for the event’s seamless execution.

    School facilitators expressed strong confidence that the values promoted through such activities—including discipline, cooperation, and resilience—are instrumental in nurturing well-rounded individuals prepared for success both on and off the field.

  • Roadworks around power poles spark safety concerns

    Roadworks around power poles spark safety concerns

    A critical infrastructure project in Saint Lucia has reached an impasse due to a financial disagreement between the contracted construction firm and the national electricity provider, raising significant safety concerns for northern commuters.

    The Norbert Road rehabilitation project, designed to alleviate traffic congestion on the Sir Julian R Hunte Highway, has advanced to its final phase with construction occurring around existing electricity poles. Rayneau Gajadhar, owner of Rayneau Construction & Industrial Products Ltd., revealed his team proceeded with work after four formal requests for a detailed cost breakdown from Saint Lucia Electricity Services Limited (LUCELEC) were denied. The utility company had provided an estimated quote of $554,878.86 for relocating electrical infrastructure.

    “It’s impossible for us to be paying all those monies out and not know what you’re going to do and what we’re paying for,” Gajadhar stated in a social media video addressing the situation. His company has since installed reflective markers on the poles to enhance nighttime visibility as an interim safety measure.

    LUCELEC Managing Director Gilroy Pultie confirmed in an official statement that the company received the contractor’s request and has been engaged in discussions with both the contractor and overseeing government ministry over the past fortnight. “We have subsequently provided further breakdown of the cost. It is under discussion,” Pultie stated, expressing expectation that the ministry would provide feedback within days.

    The electricity provider defended its pricing methodology, explaining that it employs standard unit rates for materials and labor. Pultie emphasized the company’s responsibility to manage costs prudently to avoid passing unnecessary expenses to consumers through tariff adjustments. “Costs like the relocation of lines associated with roadworks should be treated and passed on to the government, or the agency or the contractor as part of the project,” he asserted.

    The managing director called for more responsible planning of future infrastructure projects, stressing the need for improved coordination among all stakeholders to prevent similar situations where utility infrastructure becomes public hazards.

    Meanwhile, northern residents and daily commuters who regularly use Norbert Road to avoid highway gridlock have expressed growing concerns about safety prioritization. One Bonneterre Gardens resident told local media that the apparent disregard for pedestrian and motorist safety represents “really bad optics for both companies” amidst their financial dispute.

    With approximately 21-25 electrical poles and sections of the distribution network requiring relocation, further delays now appear inevitable for the government’s congestion-reduction initiative.