标签： Saint Lucia

The Ladelin (Delcer) Women Farmers Association in Choiseul, Saint Lucia, has received a transformative donation of advanced irrigation equipment from the Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM). This initiative, aimed at addressing persistent water scarcity issues, was officially handed over during a ceremony at the Delcer R.C. Combined School on October 17, 2025. The donation includes a state-of-the-art blended irrigation system featuring drip lines and sprinklers, designed to ensure a reliable water supply for crop cultivation.

In a landmark initiative aimed at bolstering regional economic growth and advancing gender equity, Helen’s Daughters has unveiled a multi-year partnership with CIBC Caribbean Bank. This collaboration will ensure sustained financial support for Helen’s Daughters’ flagship initiatives—the Life Academy and the Ag-Cademy—which offer free services to women in Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Saint Kitts and Nevis. The partnership underscores CIBC Caribbean’s commitment to fostering community resilience, creating economic opportunities, and driving transformative change in sectors critical to regional stability. It also seeks to elevate women’s participation and leadership in the Eastern Caribbean’s agricultural landscape. The Life Academy, a monthly educational series, focuses on cultivating well-rounded female leaders by addressing key areas such as financial literacy, climate change adaptation, health and wellness, and public speaking. Meanwhile, the Ag-Cademy, a ten-week program, equips participants with the knowledge and tools to establish and manage sustainable agricultural enterprises. The curriculum emphasizes sustainable farming practices, nutritional marketing, and agri-tourism integration. Notably, the Ag-Cademy Certificate is officially recognized by Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Agriculture as equivalent to the national “Good Agricultural Practices” (GAP) Certification, enabling participants to secure a Saint Lucia Farmer’s License and access government concessions and premium markets. Nigel Ollivierre, CIBC Caribbean’s country head for Saint Lucia, emphasized the bank’s vision during the partnership announcement, stating, “When women thrive, communities thrive. We are proud to support Helen’s Daughters in their mission to empower women, families, and the future of regional agriculture.” The partnership was formally launched during an Ag-Cademy practical session at Mother Nature’s in Bloom Farm, allowing CIBC Caribbean representatives to witness the program’s impact firsthand.

A severe collision between two vehicles occurred on the afternoon of October 23 on Vide Boutielle Road in Castries, near Allied Sales and Monchery Tires. The incident, which took place around 4:00 p.m., involved a silver Suzuki Grand Vitara and an older model blue Isuzu NPR truck. The collision caused the truck to veer into multiple power poles, resulting in significant damage to the vehicle, the poles, and the surrounding power lines. Emergency services promptly arrived at the scene to manage the aftermath. The extensive damage to the power infrastructure has raised serious concerns about potential power outages. Residents in the Vide Boutielle and La Clery areas are advised to prepare for possible disruptions in their electricity supply as repair efforts are underway.

As Saint Lucia marks Creole Heritage Month, the Forestry Department has issued a strong reminder to the public about their legal obligations to safeguard the island’s unique wildlife. The department emphasized the importance of protecting endangered and endemic species, which are vital to the island’s ecological balance. Under the Wildlife Protection Act, hunting, capturing, or selling fully protected animals such as the agouti, opossum (locally known as manicou), Saint Lucia iguana, and boa constrictor is strictly prohibited. These species are listed under Schedule 1 of the Act due to their vulnerability and ecological significance. The Forestry Department also highlighted Section 17 (e) of the Act, which makes it illegal to expose, offer for sale, or purchase protected wildlife or their parts without a valid permit. Additionally, the public is urged to avoid purchasing or consuming wildlife products during the festive season, as such actions fuel illegal wildlife trade and endanger biodiversity. Violators face severe penalties, including fines of up to $5,000 and imprisonment for up to 12 months. The department calls on citizens to celebrate Creole Heritage Month responsibly by preserving Saint Lucia’s natural heritage for future generations.

The Police Marine Unit (PMU) of Saint Lucia has made significant progress in combating maritime theft, recovering multiple stolen vessel components and investigating a series of maritime incidents across the island. These developments were outlined in a press release issued by the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) on October 20, 2025. Collaborating closely with the Marine Investigation and Intelligence Unit (MIIU), the PMU successfully retrieved parts belonging to a French-owned pirogue that had been reported stolen in Martinique. The operation was initiated after French authorities alerted local police on October 8, leading to a two-day search in Monkey Town, Ciceron. During the operation, officers executed several search warrants and discovered the stolen components in an abandoned house. Among the recovered items were two grey fenders, an orange bailer, a black boathook, two boat masts (one black and one grey), and a Yamaha throttle controller. Additionally, a black Mercury outboard engine was seized. In a subsequent incident on October 17, PMU officers responded to reports of a potentially stolen French vessel at Marigot Bay. They located a fiberglass pirogue lacking visible registration details, which was subsequently towed to the PMU base for further investigation. On October 19, another joint operation with the MIIU led to the interception of a vessel suspected of carrying illegal goods at the Castries Fisheries Complex. One individual was detained for questioning, and the case was referred to the Customs Department. The PMU has emphasized its commitment to enhancing maritime security through intensified patrols and has urged mariners to adhere to safety, security, and registration regulations. The public is encouraged to report suspicious maritime activities by contacting the PMU at 456-3870.