Carib Scope

标签： Saint Lucia

圣卢西亚

  • Saint Lucia, Kalinago split tapeball fixtures

    Saint Lucia, Kalinago split tapeball fixtures

    The second day of the much-anticipated bilateral tapeball cricket series between Saint Lucia and the Kalinago Nationals of Dominica delivered two contrasting results on Tuesday, with the visiting Saint Lucia Veterans extending their unbeaten streak to secure a 2-0 advantage in the series, while the host Kalinago Nationals claimed their second consecutive victory in the senior national fixture.

    Hosted at the Kalinago Playing Field, located on Dominica’s scenic east coast, the opening clash of the day pitted the veteran sides of both regions against one another. After winning the toss, Kalinago Veterans opted to set a target batting first. Over the course of their allotted 12 overs, the home side compiled a total of 93 runs for the loss of 7 wickets. Top of the batting order, Abbisha Etienne anchored the innings with a knock of 25 runs, supported by useful contributions from Kenny Valmont, who scored 23, and Mario Lucien, who added a quickfire 15. The Saint Lucia bowlers, however, dominated the middle overs to restrict the hosts’ scoring. Marius Giddings delivered a standout performance with the ball, claiming three key wickets, which earned him the Player of the Match award. Glen Eurysthee chipped in with two wickets, while Anthony Adlein and Nick Abraham each picked up one wicket apiece to wrap up the Kalinago innings.

    Chasing a modest total, Saint Lucia reached the required 94 runs in just 9.5 overs, for the loss of 3 wickets, securing a comfortable seven-wicket victory. Alvin Lafieulle produced an explosive batting display, scoring an unbeaten 65 runs to steer his side across the finish line, even as Kalinago’s Wayne Auguste put up a fight with a three-wicket haul for the hosts.

    In the headline senior national match of the day, the Kalinago Nationals continued their winning momentum, defeating the full Saint Lucia national side by eight wickets. Saint Lucia took the first turn batting and posted a competitive total of 126 runs for 6 wickets from their 15 overs. Imbert Lorde top-scored for the visitors with 42 runs, while Orey Changoo contributed 21 and Garette Alphonse added 19 to the total. Federick Paris led the Kalinago bowling attack with two wickets, and Jason Paris, Neo Davis, and Dhal Wahland each took one wicket to keep the Saint Lucia total within reach.

    The home side knocked off the required target in just 12 overs, finishing on 130 runs for the loss of just two wickets. Neo Davis, who was named Player of the Match for his all-round performance, scored a brilliant 59 runs, and combined with Riyad Paris, who made 49, to build an unbroken match-winning partnership that secured Kalinago’s second consecutive senior win in the series.

  • HIA redevelopment at ‘advanced’ stage as control tower nears completion

    HIA redevelopment at ‘advanced’ stage as control tower nears completion

    St. Lucia’s ambitious upgrade of Hewanorra International Airport (HIA), the island nation’s key air gateway, has hit major new milestones, with the project’s new air traffic control tower nearly finished and a lead contractor selected for the broader redevelopment initiative, according to the country’s top infrastructure official.\n\nIn an on-the-record update with reporters from the St. Lucia Times outside Parliament Tuesday, Infrastructure Minister Shawn Edward shared detailed progress on the multi-year modernization project that aims to boost St. Lucia’s air connectivity and tourism competitiveness.\n\nEdward confirmed that construction of the new air traffic control tower is currently 95% complete, marking a dramatic jump in progress from just eight months ago. When Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre delivered his 2024 Budget Address in April, the facility was only halfway done, sitting at 52% completion.\n\nThe minister broke down the tower project into its two core components: physical construction of the tower structure, and installation of specialized air traffic management technology. Civil construction works have been carried out by NH, a construction firm based in neighboring Trinidad and Tobago, which has collaborated closely with a Canadian technology supplier to integrate the custom software required for air traffic control operations.\n\nIf current progress holds, Edward projects the fully operational control tower will be ready to launch as early as January or February 2025.\n\nBeyond the control tower, the full-scale HIA redevelopment scheme has cleared another key hurdle: the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) has finalized its competitive bidding process and selected a private contractor to lead the overall project. Edward noted that while formal contract negotiations are still ongoing, no binding agreement has been signed, so the identity of the selected firm cannot be released to the public at this time.\n\nThe minister emphasized that the contractor selection process followed SLASPA’s independent, rigorous procurement protocols, and was not directed by the Cabinet or Prime Minister Pierre’s office, reinforcing the government’s commitment to transparent public tendering.\n\nThe HIA modernization has a lengthy, checkered history that stretches across multiple administrations. Initial construction on a new passenger terminal launched under the previous United Workers Party government, but the project was put on hold shortly after the 2021 general election that brought Pierre’s administration to power. The pause was implemented to allow a full review of the project’s scope, costs, and priorities to align it with the current government’s development goals.\n\nEdward made clear that avoiding costly, drawn-out delays is a top priority for his team, drawing a parallel to the high-profile St. Jude Hospital redevelopment, which has been plagued by years of extended construction timelines. He told reporters he has repeatedly stressed to his staff that the HIA project must not fall into the same pattern of long delays.\n\n“Only this morning, I was saying to my staff that we have to ensure that the HIA redevelopment project does not become another St Jude Hospital in terms of the gestation period,” Edward said.\n\nThe current government has set a clear timeline for completion: the full, refurbished and upgraded Hewanorra International Airport will be delivered before the next general election, according to the minister.\n\nA large portion of the project’s funding comes from international development support: the World Bank’s Caribbean Air Transport Connectivity Project (CATCOP) is providing EC$121 million (approximately $44.8 million USD) to support key upgrades. Edward explained that this funding will be allocated to three critical areas: structural repairs to the airport’s main runway, modernization of air navigation equipment, and improvements to facilities for the airport’s firefighting and emergency response team.\

  • Saint Lucia Cruise Port awards two undergraduate scholarships

    Saint Lucia Cruise Port awards two undergraduate scholarships

    In a continued push to invest in Saint Lucia’s next generation of leaders, Saint Lucia Cruise Port (SLCP) has awarded two full, multi-year undergraduate scholarships to exceptional local students, marking the second cycle of its impact-driven youth education initiative.

    The formal award ceremony took place on August 7, where the 2026 scholarships were presented to recipients Shyne Savory and Rhea Barrett, who will pursue their higher education at accredited post-secondary institutions in North America. Savory will enroll at Bishop’s University in Canada, where she will major in Arts Administration with a concentration in Drama and a minor in Marketing. Barrett, meanwhile, will move to the United States to attend Florida State University, working toward a degree in Cell and Molecular Neuroscience.

    Unlike partial scholarships that only cover a portion of study costs, SLCP’s full award covers all core academic and living expenses for up to four years of undergraduate study. This comprehensive package includes tuition fees, on-campus accommodation, course materials, meal plans, and round-trip airfare between Saint Lucia and the student’s host country. Eligible study destinations include accredited universities across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and all campuses of the University of the West Indies, giving recipients flexibility to choose programs that align with their career goals.

    Launched in 2025, the scholarship program supported four inaugural students pursuing degrees in engineering and medicine in its first year. For the 2026 selection cycle, SLCP adjusted its focus to intentionally support both STEM and non-STEM academic pathways that align with Saint Lucia’s long-term workforce development and national economic priorities.

    A total of 93 qualified local students submitted applications for the 2026 awards, all demonstrating strong academic track records, active community engagement, and diverse personal and professional interests. To streamline the selection process, SLCP implemented a new centralized online application system that manages submissions and completes an initial automated screening of eligibility criteria. After the first round, an independent scholarship committee reviewed shortlisted applications through a blind review process, removing applicants’ names to reduce implicit bias. Committee members evaluated candidates based on three core criteria: past academic performance, demonstrated leadership potential, and alignment of the applicant’s chosen field with national development priorities.

    Speaking at the award presentation, Bernice Marcellin, Director of the Human Resource Development Unit within Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Education, emphasized the critical role of targeted investment in education to build a skilled, diverse professional workforce that drives inclusive national growth. John Paul Estephane, Minister in the Ministry of Tourism and Commerce, also praised the initiative, highlighting how private sector entities can complement government efforts to empower young people and advance national development goals.

    Lancelot Arnold, Director of GPH Eastern Caribbean and General Manager of Saint Lucia Cruise Port, noted that the scholarship program is a core reflection of SLCP’s long-standing organizational commitment to investing in people. Arnold added that the inaugural cohort of 2025 scholars is already performing strongly in their programs, and that SLCP remains committed to providing ongoing support to all recipients throughout their academic journeys and as they transition into professional careers.

    With the addition of Savory and Barrett to the growing cohort of SLCP scholars, the organization has reaffirmed its commitment to continued investment in Saint Lucia’s youth, with a goal of nurturing the next generation of skilled professionals and leaders across both STEM and creative, arts-focused fields.

  • Chamber of Commerce cautious on calls for carnival holiday

    Chamber of Commerce cautious on calls for carnival holiday

    A renewed public debate over elevating Carnival’s status in Saint Lucia has reignited calls to designate Carnival Monday and Tuesday as official public holidays, but the island nation’s leading business advocacy group is pushing for a measured approach, warning that additional statutory time off would create unmanageable operational strains and disrupt the delicate balance of the country’s economy. Brain Louisy, Executive Director of the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, emphasized that the current regulatory framework for public holidays already strikes a functional balance that most local businesses have adjusted to over time, making a major shift unnecessary.

    The push for new public holidays stems from growing advocacy to recognize Carnival as a cornerstone of Saint Lucia’s national cultural identity. While Louisy confirms that the vast majority of local business owners actively support and participate in the annual cultural celebration, he argues that practical economic constraints cannot be sidelined in the debate. Adding two new public holidays, he explains, would place disproportionate pressure on sectors that cannot suspend operations even during major national events.

    The tourism industry, one of Saint Lucia’s core economic drivers, serves as a key example: hotels, resorts, restaurants, and excursion providers must remain open to serve both international and domestic visitors, even on public holidays. Requiring these businesses to operate while paying mandatory holiday overtime rates would impose unplanned, significant extra costs that many small and medium-sized enterprises cannot absorb. Beyond tourism, Louisy notes that the broader population relies on continuous access to essential goods and services throughout the festive period, meaning the national economy cannot grind to a halt for two additional days of public holiday.

    Louisy added that many local businesses already face operational disruptions from Carnival events even without official public holiday status, particularly when street parade route changes block access to storefronts and leave some enterprises unable to conduct transactions for full days. In these cases, businesses already must make costly adjustments to offset lost revenue. For Louisy, adapting existing operations rather than adding new public holidays is a far more sustainable solution that avoids imposing unnecessary financial burdens on the private sector.

    “The current status works,” Louisy stated, though he acknowledged that targeted improvements to holiday management can be made at both the national government and individual business levels. Turning to the broader landscape of public holidays in Saint Lucia, Louisy pointed out that the country already recognizes a robust number of statutory holidays spanning religious, cultural, and national observances, which local society has adapted to accommodate.

    Rather than framing the debate as a question of cutting or adding public holidays, Louisy argued that policymakers and stakeholders should redirect their focus toward improving how existing holidays are managed and coordinated. “We certainly do not believe that there is a really strong case for increasing the number of holidays as it stands,” he said. “We do not have a perspective that reducing or increasing holidays is the answer. We need to adjust to make it more effective for the society as a whole.”

    For the specific challenges posed by Carnival, Louisy said businesses and individual stakeholders bear shared responsibility for adapting to event-related disruptions. Practical adjustments, such as modifying opening hours, adjusting supply chain logistics, or reconfiguring customer access to storefronts, can mitigate disruptions without requiring the systemic change of adding new public holidays. While flexible adaptations will look different for every sector and individual business, Louisy emphasized that flexibility, rather than new regulation, is the key to balancing cultural celebration and economic continuity.

  • Kings welcomed home for local CPL leg

    Kings welcomed home for local CPL leg

    As the 2024 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) enters its home stretch for regional fixtures, the Saint Lucia Kings have made their much-anticipated return to their home island, kicking off their local campaign with a celebratory welcome event hosted by Bay Gardens Resorts. The cocktail reception, held at the Kimchi and Callaloo Restaurant located within Sapphire Sands Villas, brought together team players, league officials, and sports journalists to mark the franchise’s homecoming and rally support ahead of the upcoming matches.

    In a keynote address during the event, Daren Sammy — the former Saint Lucia Kings captain who now leads the side as head coach — formally introduced this year’s roster to attendees. Sammy highlighted the unique makeup of the 2024 squad, noting that while the team brings together players from diverse cricketing backgrounds, every member shares an intense passion for the sport that aligns perfectly with the iconic, resilient spirit of the Saint Lucian people.

    For Sammy, returning to the island for home fixtures carries more than just sporting significance; it represents an opportunity to put Saint Lucia’s vibrant culture and hospitality on a global stage. “It’s always good to be back home. Saint Lucia is a place where people love to travel. And I think Saint Lucia Kings have a part to play in showcasing Saint Lucia to the world,” he shared at the reception.

    The CPL currently draws a global audience of more than 1 billion viewers across broadcast and streaming platforms, a reach that Sammy says gives the franchise a unique platform to highlight what makes the island special. “Saint Lucia Kings, the way we play, the excitement we bring, people love to watch us, and we have a team of players that… when they wear that blue, they bleed Saint Lucian spirit,” he added.

    The event also drew attendance from senior tourism leadership, including Louis Lewis, Chief Executive Officer of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority. Lewis emphasized the significant commercial and promotional value that the Saint Lucia Kings bring to the island’s economy, particularly through the global exposure the CPL provides, and reaffirmed the tourism authority’s full support for the team throughout the 2024 season.

    Lewis also shared his confident hopes for the franchise’s performance this year, telling attendees: “I’m already looking forward to September when I’ll be going across to Barbados to see the finals. But I want you to make it real for me so that we can get there.”

  • Agriculture Minister reacts as egg shortage hits Saint Lucia

    Agriculture Minister reacts as egg shortage hits Saint Lucia

    A persistent egg shortage that has left supermarket shelves across Saint Lucia empty for more than a month has spurred the country’s top agriculture official to call for stronger alignment and communication between the Ministry of Agriculture and local poultry producers. Speaking to reporters outside the country’s parliament on Tuesday, August 11, Agriculture Minister Lisa Jawahir publicly acknowledged the ongoing supply crunch, confirming that the ministry only reached out to egg producers after the shortage began to escalate. By the time government officials initiated contact, a number of farmers had already completed their scheduled flock replacement, a routine operational step that triggered an unexpected drop in domestic egg output that continues to impact consumers.

    In the wake of the disruption, Jawahir emphasized that the current crisis highlights a critical gap in collaboration that must be addressed as Saint Lucia pursues its long-term goal of expanding domestic food production and achieving national food self-sufficiency. When asked what policy and procedural changes would prevent similar shortages from occurring in the future, the minister pointed to consistent, open dialogue between producers and government stakeholders as the foundational solution. “We have to build closer, more transparent working relationships between the farming community and the ministry,” she noted, framing improved coordination as central to advancing the country’s food sector expansion agenda.

    Jawahir also made clear that the government of Saint Lucia has no intention of entering commercial egg production or investing directly in state-run hatcheries, noting that a robust community of large-scale private farmers already operates in the sector. Instead, she reaffirmed that the government’s core role is to create supportive policy frameworks for the agricultural industry and provide targeted assistance to producers when challenges arise.

    One key policy priority the ministry will move forward with in response to the shortage is expanding farmer registration, Jawahir revealed. Currently, a large share of the country’s egg producers are not formally registered with the Ministry of Agriculture, a gap that leaves the government unable to quickly coordinate support during supply disruptions or connect unregistered producers with existing sector incentives. The minister encouraged both active and aspiring poultry farmers to engage with the ministry’s extension officers and technical staff, who can guide producers through the registration process.

    Formal registration unlocks tangible benefits for farmers, Jawahir explained, including access to government subsidies, tax concessions, and other agricultural incentives that are only available to formally registered producers. The minister also clarified that there is no current government policy restricting farmers from selling eggs directly to supermarkets or other private distributors, noting that commercial agreements, quality standards, and inspection requirements are negotiated directly between producers and retailers. Registration becomes particularly critical during large-scale industry disruptions, she stressed, as government support will only be extended to producers that are formally documented with the ministry in the event of a widespread crisis.

  • Saint Lucia, Kalinago split tapeball openers

    Saint Lucia, Kalinago split tapeball openers

    A longstanding tradition of cross-border friendly sports rivalry has entered its latest chapter, as the 2026 tapeball cricket series between visiting teams from Saint Lucia and the host Kalinago Territory of Dominica kicked off this week at the Kalinago Playing Field. The opening round of matches ended in an even split, with each side claiming one win: Saint Lucia’s veteran squad took the opening fixture, while the Kalinago national team secured a narrow seven-run victory in the day’s senior contest.

    In the opening veterans’ match, the Kalinago side won the toss and chose to bat first, posting a competitive total of 159 runs for the loss of 9 wickets across the allocated 15 overs. Top-order batters Haynes Viville and Raymond Casimir anchored the host innings, contributing 44 and 36 runs respectively to build the challenging target. Saint Lucia’s bowling attack responded with a disciplined performance, led by Glen Eurysthee and Fendley Estephane, who each claimed three wickets to restrict Kalinago’s final score.

    Chasing 160 runs for victory, Saint Lucia lost just three wickets before crossing the finish line in the 19.5th over. All-rounder Sean Auguste delivered a standout performance, scoring 62 runs and taking one wicket to earn player-of-the-match honors, with valuable supporting contributions from Julius Simon, who added an unbeaten 56 runs to the winning total.

    Momentum shifted firmly in the hosts’ favor in the 10-over national team match that followed. Batting first, the Kalinago national side put up 120 runs for 5 wickets, with four batters reaching double figures: Jason Paris, Riyel Paris, Daren Toussaint, and player-of-the-match Neo Davis all made key contributions to the host total.

    Saint Lucia got off to a blistering start in their chase, reaching 42 runs without losing a wicket in just two opening overs, with opening batter Orey Changoo quickly notching 41 runs. However, the game turned dramatically from the third over onward, as Kalinago bowlers Fred Paris and Kevin Paris took charge, each claiming three wickets to break Saint Lucia’s opening partnership and trigger a steady collapse of the visitor’s batting order. Saint Lucia was bowled out for 113 runs in the 9.3rd over, giving Kalinago a tight seven-run win to level the series.

    The annual home-and-away tapeball series between the two sides is now a well-established regional tradition, with reciprocal tours stretching back multiple years. In 2025, it was Dominica’s turn to travel across the eastern Caribbean to compete in Saint Lucia, with the 2026 tour marking the latest installment of the friendly cross-community rivalry.

  • Telling our stories in our own voices: ‘Tiwé Listwa’ comes to life

    Telling our stories in our own voices: ‘Tiwé Listwa’ comes to life

    More than two and a half years of intentional community building and narrative reclamation has culminated in the launch of a landmark literary collection that centers underrepresented local voices from the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia.

    Titled *Tiwé Listwa: Emerging Voices from Saint Lucia*, the new anthology brings together short fiction, poetry, and personal essays from 12 up-and-coming Saint Lucian writers, and made its public debut on August 8 at the Finance Administrative Centre. The launch was intentionally scheduled as a core feature of the island’s annual Emancipation celebrations, aligning with the project’s core mission of centering local historical narratives.

    The idea that grew into this published collection traces back to early 2024, when Amanie Mathurin—founder and creative director of the Listwa Collective, as well as the anthology’s lead editor—found herself fixated on a deceptively simple question: what would unfold if emerging Saint Lucian creators were given dedicated space, mentorship, and community to nurture their craft and claim their unique narrative voices?

    That question bloomed into the organization of the inaugural three-day Tiwé Listwa Writing Retreat, held in October 2025 on the grounds of a former 19th-century slave plantation. Unlike generic writing workshops that focus solely on technical skill building, the retreat was designed to push participants to engage deeply with Saint Lucia’s layered history, distinct cultural identity, and unwritten local stories, encouraging creators to frame these narratives from their own lived perspectives rather than external interpretations.

    “At the heart of this idea was a desire to help them see writing as more than storytelling and imagination,” Mathurin explained. “I wanted them to appreciate writing as an exercise in courage and a tool of narrative justice. A means of confronting the past, making sense of the present, and imagining new possibilities for the future.”

    Over the retreat weekend, participating writers attended workshops covering everything from story structure and publishing navigation to cultural identity, oral folklore, and historical research. Activities included hands-on traditional oral storytelling sessions, deep dives into personal family lineage, and guided tours of the former plantation grounds, where participants processed the site’s complex history. Renowned Jamaican poet and author Kei Miller also joined the retreat to share his decades of experience and industry insight with the emerging creators.

    The resulting anthology features work from a diverse cohort of new writers: Tia Christopher, Monique Auguste, Petana Emilaire, Lyndell Halliday, Kerwin Eloise, Hayzan Louis, Kristina Daniel, Amanda Faye Clarke, Amanie Mathurin, Tresha Lionel, Danielle Ayla Du Bois, and Christa St Ange. Their contributions span a wide range of themes, from retellings of local folklore and explorations of colonial history to intimate personal reflections on family, community, and modern Saint Lucian identity. Mathurin notes the finished collection balances deep affection for the island with thoughtful reflection on its ongoing social and cultural challenges.

    “*Tiwé Listwa: Emerging Voices from Saint Lucia* is many things. It is at once a love letter to our homeland and an expression of quiet concern; a plea to be heard and a call to care,” Mathurin said.

    For the contributing authors, the journey from retreat brainstorm to published book has been a transformative, almost surreal experience. Christa St Ange, one of the featured writers, described the project as a one-of-a-kind opportunity for local creators.

    “It is a carefully crafted Saint Lucian writing space and experience like no other,” St Ange said. “I was able to pick at and probe so many thoughts that were triggered during our writing retreat. The outcome: A love letter to Saint Lucia posing as this impressive anthology of exceptional written works. I am immensely proud to be one of those featured.”

    Fellow contributor Hayzan Louis echoed that sentiment, noting the full emotional weight of the experience was impossible to anticipate before taking part. “Living this experience, from the retreat to the launch, honestly felt like a dream. I could have never imagined the range of emotions I would feel … from being part of such an enlightening retreat surrounded by so many inspirational people, to creating a piece of my own that could hopefully inspire others.”

    The launch event itself held a special surprise for the participating authors: none had seen the final printed volume or its cover art before the official unveiling. The original cover artwork, created by artist Jonathan Gladding, was revealed to the creators and audience for the first time that evening. Ten of the 12 contributors read excerpts from their work during the event, which also featured cultural performances from violinist Michael Fletcher, vocalist Shan Lucien, and the Youth In Arts masqueraders. The Cultural Development Foundation provided funding to support the launch event.

  • Saint Lucia women to defend volleyball title after tense wait

    Saint Lucia women to defend volleyball title after tense wait

    The 2026 Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) Championships are set to kick off this week at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, and for Saint Lucia’s national squads, the road to the tournament has been anything but smooth. The nation’s defending women’s champion team will step onto the court this week after weeks of uncertainty that almost kept both the women’s and men’s teams out of the competition entirely.

    Sources with direct knowledge of the Saint Lucia Volleyball Association (SLVA) confirmed to local media that up until the start of this week, program leaders for both national squads had no guarantee they would compete. Severe funding gaps left the association scrambling to cover travel costs, putting both teams at high risk of a last-minute withdrawal. In a dramatic turnaround over the 72 hours leading into the tournament, the SLVA successfully secured the full amount of funding needed to book a charter flight for both squads, clearing the final barrier to participation.

    For the defending champion women’s squad, the team brings a core of experienced veteran talent from their 2025 title-winning run. Seven players from the 2025 Final Four championship roster are returning to compete, including a host of award-winning standouts who dominated individual honors at the last tournament. Team captain Cindy Wilson, a decorated playmaker, previously earned the tournament’s Best Setter award. At the 2025 event, Tenayestigni Joseph took home two individual honors: Best Digger and Best Libero, while Amalia Louis claimed awards for Best Outside Hitter and Best Receiver. The other returning veterans include Nevaeh Wilson, Denila Prospere, Clio Phillip and Chenoa Evans.

    Head coach Kendall Charlery and team manager Khrisann Eugene have built out a 10-player roster for this year’s tournament, with three new talents joining the core group: Jemima Evans, Nyoka Nugent and Yosherbel Emmanuel. Notably absent from this year’s squad is star opposite player Lisa Casimie, who was the Most Valuable Player of the 2025 Final Four, and also took home awards for Best Opposite and Best Scorer at that event.

    Saint Lucia’s women’s program is one of the most successful in the history of the ECVA senior women’s division, with six overall championship titles to their name. Recent victories include titles in 2022, 2024, and the 2025 Final Four tournament held last September. The team also carries momentum from a recent gold medal win at the Windward Islands Schools Games just one month ago.

    Alongside the women’s squad, Saint Lucia’s men’s national team will also compete in this week’s ECVA Championships, joining the action at the Tortola venue. The men’s program enters the tournament with strong recent form: they claimed bronze at the last full-format ECVA competition and took home a silver medal at the 2025 Final Four tournament.

  • A well-deserved ‘anko’ for a calypso king

    A well-deserved ‘anko’ for a calypso king

    On a reflective Sunday at Castries City Hall, hundreds of loved ones, colleagues and cultural stakeholders came together to celebrate the extraordinary life and legacy of Pancruce McGriffin Theodore, the iconic Saint Lucian calypso artist universally known by his stage name “The Mighty Terra”. The celebration of life, dubbed an “Anko” event, was jointly organized by the Carnival Music Management Committee (CMMC) and the Folk Research Centre (FRC), drawing members of the island’s tight-knit calypso and cultural community from across the region.

    The eight-time national calypso crown holder – a record that includes seven consecutive championship wins – passed away on July 19 at the age of 86, leaving behind a decades-long imprint on Caribbean cultural life. Terra launched his historic reign at the top of Saint Lucian calypso in 1957, when he claimed his first title with the beloved track “Rock and Roll Calypso”. He would go on to dominate the local calypso scene for generations, penning enduring fan favorites including “Ban the Advocate” and “Wabeen Government”, with his final public performance taking place at the same Castries venue in 1996 with the powerful track “War”.

    Born and raised in Vieux Fort, Terra broke barriers from his earliest days in the industry. As a student at Saint Mary’s College, he defied strict school policies that discouraged student participation in calypso performance, challenging outdated stereotypes about the art form and paving the way for young Saint Lucian artists to pursue their creative passions openly. Beyond his recording and performance career, Terra made his mark far beyond the stage: he was an active leader with the Saint Lucia Arts Guild, contributed extensive public service to his home island, and built a second life as a community leader in Canada, where he studied, worked and lived for many years.

    Claude Paul, a representative of the CMMC, framed Terra as one of the foundational trailblazers that pushed Saint Lucian calypso into the respected global cultural force it is today. “He was truly a trailblazer with respect to Calypso and music, and I also learnt he was a member of the Arts Guild,” Paul shared during Sunday’s tribute. “I am very happy to learn that Terra was part of that movement as well, making Saint Lucia part of the cultural capital of the Caribbean.” Paul noted that the Arts Guild, which elevated early works from the iconic Walcott brothers and other pioneering Saint Lucian creators, was a core driver of the island’s mid-20th century cultural renaissance – a movement that benefited greatly from Terra’s participation and leadership.

    The event featured tributes from calypso tent leaders across the island, including Sean Marcelin of Fire One Tent, Mervin Wilkinson of South Tent and Kennedy “Boots” Samuel. TC Brown from the Kaiso Pros Tent honored Terra’s legacy with a special performance of his track “Where are they now?”, which explicitly references the late artist. Additional musical tributes came from performers Blaze, Haggai and Lord Jackson, accompanied by musician Martin James. Former FRC director Hilary Laforce shared personal recollections of Terra’s career, recalling the artist’s 1996 final performance and participating in the traditional Saint Lucian wake custom of sharing lighthearted “quick, quack” jokes in Kweyol. Sunday’s gathering was chaired by Calixte George Junior, Terra’s nephew, and opened with a formal blessing from Monsignor Patrick Anthony.

    While the day was filled with celebration and remembrance, one prominent calypso leader raised a urgent call to action to preserve Terra’s legacy for future generations. Cecil Charles, leader of the Take Over Tent, voiced concern over the critical lack of surviving audio recordings and formal documentation of Terra’s vast body of work. Holding up the only existing published resource connected to the artist – a book released by the FRC – Charles emphasized that preserving the pioneer’s cultural contribution must be a top priority for all calypso advocacy and preservation groups.

    The legendary calypsonian is set to be formally laid to rest on Tuesday, August 11, at the Lady of Our Rosary of Fatima Church in La Clery, bringing a close to a life that forever reshaped Saint Lucian and Caribbean culture.