Carib Scope

标签： Saint Lucia

圣卢西亚

  • Uber encouraged by ‘numerous’ local sign-ups

    Uber encouraged by ‘numerous’ local sign-ups

    Uber has reported an overwhelmingly positive response from Saint Lucia’s licensed taxi industry just over a week after opening its platform to local drivers. The ride-hailing giant, following its December 16 announcement, revealed significant registration numbers from both individual taxi operators and established associations throughout the island nation.

    The company emphasized its primary objective of providing accessible earning opportunities through its digital platform. “We are encouraged by the positive response we have already seen, with numerous sign-ups from both taxi drivers and associations in the past few days,” Uber stated in a recent communication.

    Addressing unique aspects of Saint Lucia’s taxi industry structure, Uber provided crucial clarifications regarding vehicle ownership and operation scenarios. The company specified that in cases where vehicle owners employ licensed drivers, the active operator must complete registration—provided they meet all requirements and submit necessary documentation.

    Uber’s system accommodates the common practice of shared vehicles by permitting multiple driver profiles to be associated with a single taxi registration number. However, the platform’s technical framework ensures only one driver can remain active on the app at any given time, maintaining operational integrity.

    For fleet owners managing multiple drivers, Uber offers specialized registration options that provide comprehensive visibility over all operations associated with a particular vehicle. This tailored approach demonstrates the company’s adaptability to local market conditions while maintaining its global service standards.

  • CWI to postpone Breakout League, move First-Class season to Antigua

    CWI to postpone Breakout League, move First-Class season to Antigua

    Facing significant financial pressures and an overcrowded cricket calendar, Cricket West Indies (CWI) is implementing substantial structural changes to its domestic competitions. The board has officially postponed its emerging talent initiative, the Breakout League, and is preparing to consolidate the regional first-class championship within a single territory.

    While CWI’s public statement attributed the Breakout League’s delay to scheduling conflicts with international commitments and preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, insider reports indicate financial constraints have been equally decisive. Veteran cricket analyst Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira revealed that monetary challenges have compelled the board to make difficult decisions regarding tournament organization.

    The Breakout League, conceived as a Caribbean Twenty20 platform to identify and develop emerging cricketing talent, was originally scheduled for January but has been deferred until later this year. Perreira noted that the board anticipates improved financial conditions following the distribution of ICC funds after the 2026 World Cup, which would enable the league’s eventual execution, potentially with an adjusted under-23 format to better uncover young talent.

    In parallel cost-containment measures, CWI plans to centralize its four-day first-class tournament exclusively in Antigua & Barbuda during April. The competition will utilize three designated venues: Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua Recreation Ground, and Coolidge Cricket Ground. This strategic consolidation aims to significantly reduce expenditures on inter-island air travel and hotel accommodations for teams and officials.

    Perreira endorsed this geographical streamlining, highlighting potential benefits beyond mere cost reduction. He particularly emphasized the commercial advantages of utilizing the Antigua Recreation Ground, noting its proximity to populated areas in St. John’s compared to the more remote Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. The veteran analyst suggested that renovating the Recreation Ground’s playing surface following heavy football usage could create a revenue-friendly venue that attracts larger crowds for premium matches.

  • Alfred to begin world record quest in New York

    Alfred to begin world record quest in New York

    World champion sprinter Julien Alfred, currently ranked as the joint second-fastest woman in history over 60 meters, is poised to challenge one of athletics’ most enduring records as she opens her 2026 season at the prestigious Millrose Games. The World Athletics Indoor Tour Gold event, scheduled for February 1st at New York City’s Armory facility, will mark Alfred’s highly anticipated return to the indoor circuit after a year’s absence from the 60m event.

    The Saint Lucian speedster, who captured the 2024 World Indoor Championship title, currently boasts a personal best of 6.94 seconds—merely two-hundredths of a second shy of Irina Privalova’s legendary world record set over three decades ago. This marginal difference has become the primary focus of Alfred’s training regimen as she seeks to etch her name in the history books.

    Alfred’s relationship with the 60m distance runs deep, having extensively competed in the event during her collegiate career and early professional years. In a recent appearance on the CITIUS MAG podcast, the Olympic gold medalist expressed genuine enthusiasm for her return to indoor racing: ‘I love the 60m. It’s really a fun event for me doing the things that I actually love and enjoy. Considering that the 60m is something I really love, I decided it would be part of my plans for 2026.’

    Currently balancing vacation time with intensive training in her native Saint Lucia, where she also serves as a tourism ambassador, Alfred has been preparing for this record attempt since early November. Her coaching team, led by Edrick Floréal, has implemented a meticulous technical analysis program focused on deconstructing Privalova’s record performance. ‘We spent time looking at the different increments of the world record and just how she ran it, particularly her first 10 meters,’ Alfred revealed. ‘That’s when I started paying attention to the way I run and analyzing my race pattern.’

    The Millrose Games will present a formidable competitive field, featuring American rivals Aleia Hobbs (who shares Alfred’s 6.94 second benchmark) and defending champion Jacious Sears. British sprinter Dina Asher-Smith, Alfred’s former training partner, will also join the lineup, ensuring a world-class competition that could potentially produce record-breaking conditions.

    Alfred already holds the Millrose Games meet record at 6.99 seconds, achieved in 2024—one of her five career sub-seven-second performances. This places her behind only Privalova’s remarkable 13 sub-seven-second runs in the historical rankings. The upcoming event represents not only a personal challenge for Alfred but an opportunity to join the most exclusive company in sprint history.

    The 24-year-old’s journey to sprinting elite status began during her collegiate career at the University of Texas, where she became the third-fastest teenager in 60m history before the COVID-19 pandemic prematurely ended her 2020 season. Now in her third professional year, Alfred has strategically designed her 2026 campaign around this record attempt, having bypassed major outdoor championships this season to focus on this singular goal.

  • “Shower on Wheels” initiative brings dignity, care to the homeless

    “Shower on Wheels” initiative brings dignity, care to the homeless

    In a powerful demonstration of community compassion, members of Saint Lucia’s Seventh-day Adventist Church extended vital support to the island’s most vulnerable populations on December 21. The initiative saw volunteers from Zone A of the local SDA Churches, joined by community supporters, provide essential services including bathing facilities, meals, and clothing to homeless individuals in Castries.

    The operation was strategically conducted at Church Lane, utilizing the facilities of St. Aloysius R.C Boys School to create a comprehensive care center. The program featured remarkable intergenerational participation, with adult volunteers handling technical aspects while children from the ministries department assisted by serving breakfast items including tuna sandwiches, cheese sandwiches, cake, and juice. Younger participants also helped direct beneficiaries to shower facilities and lunch services.

    This outreach forms part of the innovative ‘Shower on Wheels’ initiative spearheaded by Evangelism for Saint Lucia, a program designed to share spiritual messages through practical acts of kindness. Coordinator Donatus Sydney explained the seasonal significance of their intervention: ‘We deliberately chose this period when collective generosity peaks, aiming to establish an annual tradition that restores dignity and national belonging to our homeless citizens.’

    Pastor Chad Goolaman, District Pastor for the Maranatha District of SDA, emphasized the holistic philosophy behind the initiative: ‘Our church recognizes that meaningful transformation addresses both spiritual and social needs. By providing nourishment, hygiene, and encouragement, we aspire to empower individuals for renewed beginnings.’ The pastor further revealed plans to expand community impact programs throughout 2026, reinforcing the church’s commitment to sustainable social development across Saint Lucia.

    Photographic documentation by Quinn St. Juste captured the profound human connections forged during the event, showcasing volunteers engaged in meaningful service that transcended mere charity to foster genuine human dignity.

  • 2025 Year in Review – Part 1

    2025 Year in Review – Part 1

    The year 2025 unfolded as a dynamic period for Saint Lucia, marked by significant cultural celebrations, economic developments, and national challenges that captured the island’s resilience and spirit.

    January ignited with cultural vibrancy as Castries hosted the triumphant return of Assou Square on New Year’s Day. The capital’s streets pulsated with live performances, including a calypso and country music showdown, alongside a DJ competition that spotlighted exceptional local talent. Simultaneously, athletic excellence took center stage with the Eastern Caribbean Challenge, where 35 runners embarked on a six-nation marathon circuit beginning and concluding at the Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium. However, road safety concerns emerged as police investigated 120 vehicular accidents by month’s end, prompting urgent calls for increased driver vigilance.

    February witnessed the nation’s 46th Independence anniversary celebrations, culminating in the All Stars Independence Showcase featuring cultural dancers, local singers, and appearances by the 2024 Carnival Queen. The celebratory mood extended to economic advancements as the government disbursed nearly $80 million in tax-free backpay to public servants. This fulfillment of a labor agreement benefited over 11,000 employees with a 6% wage increase for 2022-2025 and 7% for 2025-2028. In a landmark decision, authorities established a Sovereign Wealth Fund designed to bolster economic stability and enhance climate change resilience through investments guided by strict environmental and governance standards.

    March presented both fiscal ambition and human drama. Prime Minister Philip J Pierre unveiled a record $2.06 billion budget for the 2025/2026 fiscal year while initiating a nationwide cost-of-living survey. The month concluded with the emotional repatriation of Saint Lucians Anthony Emmanuel and Sophia Raphael, who endured seven weeks adrift in the Caribbean Sea after their pirogue’s engine failed during a return trip from Martinique. Rescued by the Colombian Coast Guard in January, they finally reunited with families on March 22.

    April’s narrative turned cautionary with the collapse of Creators Alliance, a UK-based pyramid scheme that left numerous Caribbean investors with substantial losses. The platform’s abrupt disappearance stalled payments and dissolved communication channels. Despite this setback, positive developments emerged through free hand surgeries offered via international medical collaboration, student innovations at the National Schools’ Science and Technology Fair, and disaster-preparedness agreements signed with the World Food Programme. Olympic champion Julien Alfred’s announcement of her 2025 outdoor season and Sanchez’s headline performance at the Micoud Jazz Festival provided inspirational highlights.

    May immersed the island in artistic expression during the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival, featuring renowned performers including Earth, Wind & Fire, John Legend, and Beenie Man across multiple venues. However, logistical challenges and traffic congestion at Pigeon Island sparked public criticism. National discourse intensified around period poverty when opposition figure Guy Joseph questioned the government’s $250,000 allocation for school sanitary napkin distribution, igniting debates about comprehensive solutions versus necessary interventions. The political landscape shifted when former Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony announced his retirement from electoral politics after 28 years representing Vieux Fort South.

    June commenced with profound cultural loss as the nation mourned three artistic icons within two days: veteran musician Lennie Stone (71), soca queen Nicole ‘Niki’ David (51), and master sculptor Vincent Joseph Eudovic (83). Diplomatic history was made through Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s inaugural visit, strengthening ties between Nigeria and the OECS through discussions on trade, education, and shared heritage. The month concluded under controversy as K9 Tyson, a French-gifted police sniffer dog instrumental in combating drug trafficking, died under mysterious circumstances that sparked public suspicion and allegations of mismanagement within the police force.

  • 10 game changers in Saint Lucia sports for 2025

    10 game changers in Saint Lucia sports for 2025

    While Olympic champion Julien Alfred continues to shine as Saint Lucia’s premier athletic icon, an impressive cohort of emerging talents is now forging its own path on the international stage. These rising stars across multiple disciplines signal a remarkable expansion of the island nation’s sporting prowess beyond its track and field traditions.

    The teenage sprint sensation Jady Emmanuel made history at the CARIFTA Games in Trinidad & Tobago, becoming Saint Lucia’s first-ever double sprint champion. The 16-year-old from Morne Laborie dominated the Under-17 girls’ 100m and 200m events with spectacular times of 11.50 and 23.47 seconds respectively—the latter setting a new national record for U-18 athletes.

    In aquatic competition, 12-year-old Sapphire Parks delivered an astonishing performance at her CARIFTA Aquatics Championships debut. The youngest Team Saint Lucia member captured four gold medals among her eight-medal haul, earning the high point trophy in her division and already targeting the 2026 Martinique edition.

    Cricket witnessed the ascent of Ackeem Auguste, whose 229-run performance for the Saint Lucia Kings propelled him to the West Indies T20 and ODI teams. The 22-year-old has since accumulated 13 international appearances, including a half-century against Bangladesh.

    Basketball standout Megan Nestor achieved legendary status by becoming only the third NCAA Division I athlete since 1981 to record a 30-point, 30-rebound game. The 6’4″ center from Canaries has transitioned seamlessly from record-breaking performances at Wayland Baptist to commanding the boards at the University of North Texas.

    Football prospect Donavan Phillip emerged as NCAA Division I’s leading scorer for North Carolina State, earning selection by Colorado Rapids in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft. The talented forward now faces the consequential decision between returning to college or pursuing professional opportunities.

    Defying conventional athletic timelines, 41-year-old mother Ava Fevrier has revolutionized Saint Lucian distance running since taking up the sport in 2022. The New York-based Dennery native now holds six national records, including half-marathon and marathon benchmarks, while fostering community through her curated WhatsApp group for Saint Lucian runners.

    Table tennis prodigy Shatal Charles, despite her diminutive stature, has dominated regional competition. The 15-year-old former Caribbean U-13 champion swept club competitions in Grenada, secured silver at the OECS Championships, and advanced to knockout rounds at the Caribbean Youth Championships.

    Bodybuilding witnessed Shani Victorin’s triumphant performance at the 52nd IFBB Central American and Caribbean Championship hosted in Saint Lucia. Her gold medal performances in women’s fit model and bikini fitness categories earned her a professional card—only the second Saint Lucian woman to achieve this distinction.

    Boxing talents John Didier and Alex Nachan captured gold at the Caribbean Championships, with 19-year-old light heavyweight Didier subsequently earning most outstanding boxer honors at the OECS Championships and making history as the first Saint Lucian to advance past opening rounds at the IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships.

    Completing this diverse athletic movement, former heptathlon record holder Makeba Alcide now shapes Saint Lucia’s sporting future through her dual roles as coach and administrator, serving on the Saint Lucia Athletics Association executive and leading athlete empowerment as president of the Athletes Commission.

  • FROM THE BLEACHERS: My 2026 wish list for sports

    FROM THE BLEACHERS: My 2026 wish list for sports

    Saint Lucia’s newly appointed Minister for Education, Youth Development, Sports, and Digital Transformation, Kenson Casimir, alongside colleague Minister Danny Butcher, face an ambitious timeline to transform the nation’s sports infrastructure by 2026. Their mandate encompasses three critical areas: enhancing existing tournaments, resolving persistent challenges, and developing community and national sports facilities.

    The centerpiece of this initiative is the long-awaited refurbishment of the George Odlum Stadium. The Philip J. Pierre administration secured $8 million from the Saudi Fund for Development in 2024 to restore the country’s sole international-quality athletics facility. However, the project’s commencement remains contingent upon the full completion of St Jude Hospital, anticipated in the first half of 2026. While the Sports Ministry will consult with national athletic and football governing bodies regarding track and pitch renovations, operational control of the stadium project falls outside their direct jurisdiction.

    Beyond physical renovations, the ministry must develop a comprehensive utilization strategy for the venue. This requires collaboration with local and regional track and field organizations, masters athletics groups, and football associations to identify hosting opportunities that would allow Saint Lucian athletes to compete on home turf. The Ministry of Tourism and Hotel and Tourism Association must be integral partners in these discussions to maximize the facility’s economic and sporting potential.

    The original vision for the stadium as part of a larger sports complex remains partially unrealized. While constructing a hostel and indoor sports facilities may prove challenging within five years, establishing a 25-meter four-lane pool warrants serious consideration. This aligns with the anticipated completion of the National Aquatic Centre in northern Saint Lucia by late 2026, finally realizing swimming’s long-standing goal of accessible practice pools across the island. The upcoming hosting of the 2027 CARIFTA Aquatics Championships provides additional impetus for aquatic facility development.

    Attention also turns to the Vigie Multipurpose Sports Complex, which has hosted basketball, netball, and volleyball events for decades despite repeated unfulfilled promises to cover at least one court. These sports have experienced declining participation and regional competitiveness, necessitating immediate intervention. The ministry prioritizes constructing covered courts in three key communities outside Castries—Micoud, Vieux Fort, and Soufrière—coupled with development programs to grow these disciplines through national federation involvement in grassroots training initiatives.

    Educational sports programming undergoes significant restructuring under the new administration. With only 25 schools eligible for sports participation now falling under a single ministry, the government aims for at least 50% school representation in the 2026-2027 sports program. This involves assigning coaches to schools and coaching supervisors to districts in collaboration with governing bodies.

    The Saint Lucia Sports Academy (SLSA) presents another critical challenge. Since 2019, the former Gros Islet Secondary School has operated as a regular secondary institution with specialized coaching in athletics, cricket, and football. The administration envisions transforming SLSA into a post-secondary institution functioning as a high-performance center similar to American prep schools. This elite development facility would prepare student-athletes for professional careers or university placements in North America, the UK, Australia, and India, particularly for netball and cricket.

    Implementing an effective scholarship program requires dedicated personnel to establish relationships with overseas institutions and systematic videotaping of practices and competitions for distribution to coaches and scouts. This structured approach could potentially provide free higher education for dozens of Saint Lucian athletes annually.

    While fully realizing Saint Lucia’s untapped sports potential represents a long-term endeavor, strategic investments in infrastructure and human resource development over the next two to three years could produce significant advancements in the nation’s athletic competitiveness and facilities.

  • OPINION: Some reasons Saint Lucia stuck with Mr Pierre (Part 3)

    OPINION: Some reasons Saint Lucia stuck with Mr Pierre (Part 3)

    In the aftermath of Saint Lucia’s recent elections, a thorough examination of the United Workers Party’s (UWP) campaign critiques reveals several substantiated concerns, though their delivery ultimately failed to resonate with voters. The opposition party accurately highlighted pressing issues including the high cost of living, healthcare deficiencies, and escalating crime rates, yet struggled to present coherent alternative policies.

    The UWP’s central economic argument focused on the government’s maintenance of artificially elevated gasoline prices despite declining global and regional rates. While correctly identifying this pricing discrepancy, the party failed to acknowledge how complex economic ecosystems might justify such pricing through offsetting taxes that generate crucial government revenue for redistribution programs. This oversight revealed a significant gap in their economic reasoning.

    Further complicating their position, the UWP simultaneously proposed tax reductions while promising economically ambitious initiatives without clarifying their funding mechanisms. Their manifesto contained this fundamental contradiction: advocating for lower taxes while proposing programs that would require substantial government expenditure. Notably, the party avoided repeating their previous campaign promise of VAT reduction, instead offering no clear alternative taxation strategy.

    The government’s defense of fuel pricing rests on the concept of inelastic demand—gasoline as a necessity with few substitutes creates fiscal space for revenue generation. However, this approach inevitably burdens lower socioeconomic groups, potentially undermining the redistribution goals it aims to support.

    Regarding healthcare, the UWP accurately identified systemic weaknesses but faced credibility challenges due to their unfinished St. Jude Hospital project and vague health insurance proposals. Their plan lacked crucial details about financing structures, coverage specifics, and inclusion mechanisms for vulnerable populations, reducing it to what critics termed “elusive schemes and dreams.”

    On crime and violence, the UWP correctly criticized the government’s overreliance on resource provision to police without addressing root causes. However, their own proposals proved equally superficial—focusing on technical solutions like reinstating K-9 units and implementing port scanners rather than addressing institutional and social drivers of criminal activity. Their border control concept particularly suffered from insufficient detail, collapsing under minimal scrutiny.

    The party’s problematic comparison of crime statistics risked trivializing human tragedy, while their predominantly punitive approach—emphasizing expanded incarceration, relaxed firearm legislation, and attacks on marijuana decriminalization—failed to offer comprehensive solutions. As commentator TC Brown noted, those who politicize crime “play with fire,” though the UWP eventually introduced rehabilitative measures late in their campaign.

    Ultimately, while the UWP identified legitimate governance challenges, their inability to present coherent, fully-developed policy alternatives and their tactical missteps in campaign messaging contributed to their electoral outcome. The analysis suggests that effective opposition requires not just criticism but viable, well-articulated policy frameworks that withstand rigorous public scrutiny.

  • Republic Bank’s Power to Make a Difference invests $2 million in Eastern Caribbean community partnerships

    Republic Bank’s Power to Make a Difference invests $2 million in Eastern Caribbean community partnerships

    Republic Bank (EC) Limited has officially inaugurated the 2025–2026 cycle of its Power to Make a Difference (PMAD) Programme, reinforcing its four-year legacy of strategic, purpose-driven social investment throughout the Eastern Caribbean. Under the revitalized theme ‘Powered by Purpose, Transforming Communities,’ the initiative continues to drive meaningful change across the region.

    The launch event, a Presentation of Partners gathering held on December 10 at the Sandals Grande Ballroom, introduced 14 new and returning partner organizations spanning six Eastern Caribbean territories. This expansion signals both the program’s growing influence and its deepening commitment to regional development.

    Financial commitments underscore the scale of this initiative: Republic Bank has channeled over $6.3 million into community projects across its operational territories during the past five years. Notably, nearly $2 million has been dedicated specifically to the PMAD Programme over the last three years, with Saint Lucia receiving approximately $500,000 in investments.

    The 2024/2025 funding cycle supported diverse initiatives focusing on youth empowerment through educational and cultural programs, environmental conservation, healthcare accessibility for differently-abled individuals, and entrepreneurship and sports development.

    Tracy Bartholomew, Managing Director for Republic Bank (EC) Limited Group, articulated the program’s philosophical foundation: “Our PMAD programme embodies the deepest values of Caribbean people. We help each other, lift as we climb, and build communities and bridges. Sustainability at Republic Bank transcends environmental concerns—it encompasses creating systems that enable individuals to flourish, communities to thrive, and opportunities to multiply regardless of geography, background, or circumstance.”

    The PMAD framework aligns with the United Nations Principles for Responsible Banking and supports the achievement of all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This cycle brings particular momentum to Saint Lucia, where projects emphasize innovation, inclusion, and youth development.

    Returning partner Orbtronics continues its leadership in STEM education, providing advanced robotics and industry-level training that prepares students for scholarships, university placements, and global technology careers. The National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities advances its media-based aquaponics program, enabling persons with disabilities to cultivate food, generate income, and operate modern agricultural technology independently.

    The Daren Sammy Foundation, established by the celebrated cricket icon, continues creating pathways for promising student-athletes from low-income backgrounds through mentorship, scholarship opportunities, and leadership development. New partner St. Mary’s College Secondary School joins with its robotics, coding, and ICT program designed to bridge the digital divide by providing hands-on technological access for young boys, cultivating future engineers, programmers, and digital innovators.

    Anna-Kaye Boodho, General Manager of Orbtronics, highlighted the distinctive nature of the bank’s partnership approach: “Republic Bank’s investment is not silent. It has enabled partners to learn, grow, and expand beyond initial expectations. Their care transcends corporate social responsibility obligations, nurturing authentic relationships rooted in a shared passion for lasting, positive change.”

    Collectively, these partnerships reflect RBEC’s steadfast belief in community-led progress and its dedication to forging opportunities for future generations. Through PMAD, the Bank sustains its investment in programs that strengthen social infrastructure, promote equity, protect vulnerable populations, encourage innovation, and empower Caribbean communities to thrive.

  • The sounds of a Lucian Christmas: How music and masquerade shape Christmas in Saint Lucia

    The sounds of a Lucian Christmas: How music and masquerade shape Christmas in Saint Lucia

    In Saint Lucia, the conclusion of Jounen Kwéyòl signals an immediate cultural pivot to the Christmas season, marked by a palpable shift in social media expressions and daily conversations as citizens seek to embrace the festive spirit. This transition finds its most profound expression through sound and tradition, where music and cultural performances form the essential bedrock of the island’s unique Christmas identity.

    A recent inquiry by St. Lucia Times into favorite Christmas songs revealed a diverse musical landscape that blends local creations with regional and international influences. The playlist includes Ras Africa’s ‘Slice of the Pie,’ the Mighty Pelay’s ‘Twadisyon Nwel’ and ‘Merry Christmas, Saint Lucia Style,’ alongside Bindley Benjamin’s ‘Santa Looking for a Wife’ and Ricky T’s ‘My Christmas Pork.’ This musical tapestry extends to Ruff & Ready’s ‘Christmas Medley,’ Papa Vader’s ‘This Christmas,’ and Crazy’s ‘Put Jesus in Your Christmas,’ complemented by regional favorites like Jacob Miller’s ‘Wish You a Irie Christmas’ and Sugar Aloes’ ‘Black Cake Lover.’

    Renowned local reggae artist Semi describes Saint Lucia’s Christmas sound as a ‘mixing pot’ of musical influences that collectively define the season. ‘Without the music, there’s no Christmas,’ Semi emphasizes, noting how the music evolves throughout Christmas Day—beginning with mellow morning melodies that gently usher in the celebration, transitioning to vibrant parang and soca rhythms as the day progresses. This year marked a significant milestone for Semi with the release of his first original Christmas track, ‘Merry Christmas, Baby,’ which captures the emotional essence of the season through themes of happiness and family togetherness.

    Beyond music, the traditional masquerade—particularly the Papa Jab entourage—remains a cornerstone of Saint Lucian Christmas celebrations. June Frederick, producer at the Youth in Arts Theatre Company, explains that these performances feature two distinct groups: one that dances to masquerade music and another that performs dramatic death and resurrection rituals to chanted rhythms, exclusively during Christmas. Frederick describes the masquerade as generating an ‘unexplainable magic’ that celebrates African heritage and cultural identity.

    However, Frederick expresses concern about increasingly aggressive reactions toward performers, citing recent incidents during the Festival of Lights where fear-driven hostility emerged. While acknowledging that fear has historically been part of the masquerade’s mystique, Frederick emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between natural apprehension and physical or verbal aggression, particularly when directed at young tradition-bearers.

    Despite these challenges, Frederick detects a promising renewal of the tradition, evidenced by growing involvement from educational institutions, enhanced focus on theater arts, and increasing support from civil society and government sectors. Efforts to commercialize the tradition, including the production of a short film about the masquerade, indicate a vibrant future for this cultural practice.

    Together, the musical diversity and cultural traditions create a multifaceted Christmas experience in Saint Lucia—a celebration defined not by单一 rhythm or genre but by the collective voices, movements, and memories that converge at year’s end.

    The Youth in Arts Theatre Company has scheduled performances for December 20 at the FarmHers Christmas Market (Rodney Bay Aquatic Centre Grounds, 7:30pm) and Frydays Bar in Gros Islet (8:30pm).