In a gripping conclusion to the Canada Premier League (CPL) season on October 18, Saint Lucian forward Caniggia Elva delivered a standout performance for Cavalry FC, helping the defending champions secure third place despite their lowest points tally in the league’s six-year history. Elva, named Player of the Match, played a pivotal role in a 2-2 draw against bottom-ranked Vancouver FC at Willoughby Community Park. The match saw Halifax Wanderers and York United both falter in their final games earlier that day. The encounter came alive in the final third, with Vancouver’s Tyler Crawford receiving a red card in the 60th minute. Niko Myroniuk put Cavalry ahead in the 78th minute, but Vancouver equalized shortly after. A well-crafted move in stoppage time saw Elva score his fourth goal of the season, only for Vancouver to level again through a penalty by David Norman Jr. Elva’s contributions, including three shots, five chances created, and two successful dribbles, earned him top honors. Reflecting on the result, Elva emphasized the importance of securing third place and the upcoming playoff clash at Spruce Meadows’ ATCO Field. Cavalry, as the third seed, will face either Halifax or York in the quarterfinals. Forge FC claimed the regular-season title, but Cavalry remains determined to defend their playoff crown, aiming to become the first team to achieve the double. Despite a challenging season with just 42 points, Elva expressed confidence in their playoff potential, stating, ‘We’re a completely different team in the playoffs.’
标签： Saint Lucia
圣卢西亚
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‘Chef Papi’ stirring traditions into modern Creole cuisine
As Saint Lucia commemorates Mwa Éwitaj Kwéyòl (Creole Heritage Month), the essence of Creole culture is vividly alive in its cuisine. For Chef Rashid ‘Papi’ Defraitas, a Saint Lucian chef based abroad, the aromas of green seasoning, fried accra, and simmering bouillon are more than just culinary delights—they are a profound connection to his roots, heritage, and purpose. Defraitas’ journey into the culinary world began unexpectedly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Isolated from loved ones, he turned to cooking as a creative outlet, transforming curiosity into a professional passion. Starting with humble experiments in his kitchen, Defraitas faced initial skepticism from family and friends, who were amused by his newfound interest. However, through relentless practice and countless trials, he honed his skills and began sharing his creations online, eventually turning his passion into a career. For Defraitas, Saint Lucian cuisine is more than food—it is identity. He believes in evolving traditional dishes rather than reinventing them, aiming to celebrate classic flavors while adding his unique touch. One of his signature innovations is the reimagined fish cake, or ‘accra,’ paired with a garlic-lime aioli to elevate its presentation while preserving its authentic essence. Defraitas’ cooking philosophy is deeply rooted in the principles of patience, layering, and seasoning, techniques passed down through generations of Saint Lucian cooks. His signature dish, pig foot souse, exemplifies this approach, blending traditional ingredients with fresh herbs and vibrant vegetables to create a dish that is both familiar and refreshingly new. As Mwa Éwitaj Kwéyòl continues, Defraitas’ story embodies the spirit of the season, showcasing how heritage, heart, and purpose can come together to create culinary masterpieces that honor and innovate Saint Lucian culture.
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Lara commends West Indies’ resilience despite series loss
Despite another series loss, this time to India, the West Indies men’s cricket team demonstrated a commendable fighting spirit that earned praise from legendary cricketer Brian Lara. The second Test at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi concluded with a sweep for India, but not before the West Indies showcased moments of grit and determination, particularly in their final innings. Lara, previously critical of the team’s perceived lack of commitment, acknowledged their resilience and called for greater involvement of cricket legends in the team’s development. The series began with a crushing innings defeat in the first Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, leaving little optimism for the Windies. However, the second Test revealed promising signs, including a maiden century by opener John Campbell, who became the first West Indies opener in over two decades to score a Test hundred on Indian soil. Campbell’s 115-run innings, alongside Shai Hope’s century, highlighted the team’s potential. The lower order also showed notable resistance, with contributions from Khary Pierre, Jayden Seales, and Anderson Philip. Fans on social media lauded the team’s improved performance and fighting spirit. Lara, who traveled to India with Sir Vivian Richards and Sir Richie Richardson to seek sponsorship for regional cricket development, emphasized the importance of mentorship and guidance for the players. He suggested that Cricket West Indies should integrate legends into the team’s environment to inspire and support the players. Team captain Roston Chase expressed hope that the series would serve as a stepping stone for future Test matches. While the West Indies continue their journey to reclaim their former glory, the second Test offered a glimmer of hope for their fans.
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Olympian ‘Zeph’ Joseph launches game-changing cross country event
For over three decades, Zepherinus Knockay Joseph, a native of Mon Repos, Saint Lucia, has been a stalwart in the world of distance running. Now, at 50, Joseph is set to embark on a new chapter in his illustrious athletic career, this time as a pioneer in youth sports development. The recent announcement of the Zepherinus Joseph Cross-Country Invitational marks a significant milestone in his journey, aiming to inspire the next generation of athletes in Saint Lucia.
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Creole rhythms and global dreams: Boo, Sly call for cultural sound revolution
The celebration of Creole Month in Saint Lucia is deeply intertwined with its vibrant music scene. The harmonious blend of melodious voices, rhythmic drums, and resonant stringed instruments creates an atmosphere that is distinctly Saint Lucian, unparalleled anywhere else in the world. However, the question arises: should these unique sounds be confined to just one day or month of celebration? Is there potential to expand the influence of Creole music beyond the annual Jounen Kwéyòl festivities? These were the central questions posed to two renowned music practitioners, Ronald ‘Boo’ Hinkson and Sly, during a recent interview with St. Lucia Times. Hinkson, a leading jazz musician in Saint Lucia, advocates for integrating Kwéyòl sounds into more sophisticated and globally appealing formats. He has personally embraced this approach by infusing Creole rhythms and melodies into his jazz compositions, resulting in a sound that is both unique and distinctly Saint Lucian. Hinkson emphasized the importance of maintaining this cultural identity, stating, ‘It’s not just important in today’s age, it’s always been important because it’s our identity. It is what makes us unique, is what is indigenous to us, it is what makes us who we are and for that reason, I believe we must never disconnect from it.’ He further highlighted the need for deliberate efforts to incorporate indigenous rhythms into contemporary music, suggesting that this could elevate Saint Lucian music to international acclaim, much like Reggae has for Jamaica or Bouyon for Dominica. Hinkson also pointed out that Saint Lucian rhythms are already influencing other cultures, citing the hit soca single ‘The Greatest Bend Over’ by Yung Bredda as an example. Sly, another prominent musician, underscored the profound impact of Creole musical instruments on Saint Lucian culture, particularly the tambo, which he described as ‘second to none.’ He called for greater creativity in integrating traditional instruments like the banjo into modern music, suggesting that this could bridge the gap between traditional and contemporary sounds. As Saint Lucia continues to export its culture on the global stage, music remains a dynamic and essential part of its national identity, transcending the island’s 238 square miles and resonating with audiences worldwide.
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Lucian Carnival turns heads, moves feet in Miami
The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) unveiled the Lucian Carnival 2026 on the global stage during Miami’s Carnival celebrations last week. Held in Miami, Florida, the event marked a strategic effort to elevate the Lucian Carnival brand by showcasing the vibrant Dennery Segment, a musical genre deeply rooted in Saint Lucian culture. The genre, characterized by its fusion of English and Kwéyòl lyrics, has become synonymous with the island’s Carnival energy and cultural identity.
Three renowned Dennery Segment artists—DJ Sir Lancealot, Umpa, Blackboy, and Mighty—delivered electrifying performances that captivated the audience. Lancealot, credited with coining the term Dennery Segment, alongside Umpa, Blackboy, and Mighty, brought the infectious rhythms of Saint Lucia to life. Their performances not only thrilled the crowd but also highlighted the genre’s growing influence on regional and international Carnival scenes.
Geraine Georges, SLTA’s public relations manager, emphasized the strategic shift in promoting Lucian Carnival through its authentic music. “We recognize how the music has grown and how it excites regional and international carnivals,” Georges told St. Lucia Times. “What better way to showcase Lucian Carnival, which has grown tremendously, than through music that is authentically Saint Lucian?”
The event, attended by travel partners, media, and influencers, also featured Saint Lucian dancers demonstrating signature moves to the pulsating beats. The celebration continued at No Borders, an event showcasing Caribbean Soca artists, further amplifying the island’s cultural presence.
The culmination of Saint Lucia’s Miami Carnival participation was the Parade of Bands and mega concert on October 12 at the Miami-Dade County Fairgrounds. Umpa, Mighty, and Blackboy, backed by Lancealot and supported by Barry Hype, set the stage ablaze, with Saint Lucians in the crowd cheering passionately. Saint Lucia’s 2024 Groovy Monarch Nerdy and Arthur Allain, both veterans of past Lucian Carnival launches, also performed, adding to the event’s grandeur.
Brand Saint Lucia and Lucian Carnival were prominently featured on Revel Nation’s truck during the parade, further solidifying the island’s presence. The SLTA team, including Consul General Darrel Montrope and Director of Global Marketing Dexter Percil, fielded numerous inquiries about Saint Lucia and its Carnival, which were met with widespread recognition and enthusiasm.
Carnival enthusiasts from around the world expressed their admiration for Lucian Carnival, with many pledging to attend or return in the future. The event not only celebrated Saint Lucian culture but also positioned Lucian Carnival as a must-experience global phenomenon.
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Saint Lucian boxing delegation heads to Guadeloupe
A formidable delegation of six boxers and two coaches from Saint Lucia is gearing up to compete at the 1st Annual Open International Boxing Tournament in Guadeloupe, scheduled for October 25-26, 2025. The Saint Lucia Boxing Association (SLBA) has announced the eight-member team, which includes some of the nation’s most promising emerging and elite talents, ready to make their mark on the international stage. The event, which will host participants from across the Caribbean and Canada, offers a unique opportunity for Saint Lucia’s athletes to gain exposure, experience, and developmental growth. The delegation features boxers Kyghan Mortley, John Didier, Kyle Marcel, Danail Cooman, Nacham Alex, and Orlando Monrose, supported by National Head Coach Conrad Frederick and Cuban Specialist Coach Yunior Quintero-Perez. David Christopher, president of the SLBA, expressed optimism about the team’s preparedness, emphasizing that the tournament is a stepping stone for future competitions such as the Commonwealth Games and Olympic qualifiers. The team will depart Saint Lucia on October 21, following final training and fitness assessments. The SLBA also acknowledged the invaluable support of sponsors, including the Saint Lucia Olympic Committee Inc. and the French Embassy to the OECS, for facilitating this international endeavor.
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Cycling star Jean Louis dead at 66
The cycling community in Saint Lucia and beyond is mourning the tragic loss of Jean Louis, a revered figure in Caribbean cycling, who passed away on October 17 at the age of 66. Louis, a former champion cyclist, died in a tragic accident while riding his bicycle in Burlington, Ontario, Canada. He was struck by a vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. Louis’s legacy extends far beyond his competitive achievements, as he was widely celebrated for his mentorship and unwavering support for younger cyclists. Born in the Anse La Salopwe community of La Toc, Louis rose to prominence in the 1980s, winning numerous titles, including the inaugural Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Cycling Championships men’s title in 1987. His brother, Daniel Louis, who was named Saint Lucia’s Sportsman of the Year in 1985, credited Jean with introducing him to the sport. Jean Louis was known for his sportsmanship and dedication to fostering talent, often providing equipment and guidance to aspiring cyclists. Even after relocating to Canada, he remained deeply involved in the sport, participating in national championships as recently as 2023 and 2024 to support the next generation. Tributes poured in from cycling administrators, fans, and former athletes, including Saint Lucia Cycling Association president Cyril Mangal, who described Louis as a father figure and a pillar of the cycling community. Gregory Downie, a former cyclist, paid homage to Louis on Facebook, acknowledging the risks of road cycling and honoring his enduring legacy as a pioneer and champion. Louis’s contributions to Caribbean cycling will continue to inspire future generations.
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Saint Lucian turns passion into purpose teaching Kwéyòl to a new generation
Centuries ago, on the plantations of colonial Saint Lucia, a unique language emerged from the fusion of French, African, and English influences. This language, Kwéyòl, became a symbol of resistance, rhythm, and resilience for the island’s people. For generations, it thrived in homes, markets, and hillsides, passed down orally but rarely written. Over time, English dominated public spaces, relegating Kwéyòl to informal use, often seen as less prestigious. However, in a wave of cultural revival, Kwéyòl is experiencing a resurgence, particularly among the younger generation, who are reclaiming it as a source of pride and identity. Leading this movement is Sylvie Soir Kwéyòl Smith, a Saint Lucian author and Creole enthusiast. Smith’s passion for Kwéyòl stems from her childhood immersion in the language, but it was her time abroad that deepened her commitment to preserving it. She realized that many people, even Saint Lucians, lacked understanding of Kwéyòl’s roots and significance. Determined to bridge this gap, Smith began sharing her knowledge on social media, starting with simple tweets in Creole. Her posts quickly gained traction, revealing a widespread desire to learn and write the language. This digital outreach evolved into a global movement, inspiring Smith to create *The Kwéyòl Phrase Book*, a practical guide for everyday use. The book has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm, helping locals and the diaspora reconnect with their heritage. Despite lingering misconceptions about Kwéyòl’s value, Smith remains dedicated to changing perceptions and fostering unity through language preservation. For her, Kwéyòl is more than a linguistic artifact—it’s a reflection of Saint Lucia’s shared history and a vital part of its identity.
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Windies beaten by 74 runs in Mirpur
The West Indies faced a crushing 74-run defeat against Bangladesh in the first One Day International (ODI) of their three-match series on Saturday, October 18, at Mirpur. This series holds immense significance for both teams as they vie for crucial points to secure a spot in the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa.