The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has delivered a landmark ruling, dismissing Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet’s appeal in a protracted customs case tied to the importation of a Land Rover Discovery vehicle. The decision, issued on October 15, 2025, upheld prior judgments from the High Court and the Court of Appeal, affirming that the Comptroller of Customs acted lawfully in withdrawing the charges. The CCJ further stated that seeking judicial review of the Comptroller’s decision was “legally misconceived.” Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire hailed the verdict as a personal vindication after nearly a decade of legal and political scrutiny. In a social media post, Hilaire emphasized his resilience, vowing to continue serving his constituents despite ongoing challenges. The United Workers Party (UWP), however, criticized the ruling, labeling it a blow to accountability and transparency in Saint Lucia. The party argued that the decision prevented a full examination of the facts, leaving the public in the dark. The CCJ’s ruling marks the definitive conclusion of the case, with no further appeals possible, and the court lamented the case’s excessive consumption of judicial resources.
标签： Saint Lucia
圣卢西亚
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Jah Cure continues to make headlines
Renowned reggae artist Siccature “Jah Cure” Alcock has once again become the focal point of widespread discussions on social media and within the reggae community. His current legal predicament has reignited memories of the “Free Jah Cure” movement, which gained significant traction during his earlier imprisonment in Jamaica in the early 2000s. That campaign, which advocated for his release and shed light on systemic issues within the justice system, played a pivotal role in shaping his public persona and musical journey. Jah Cure, celebrated for hits like “Longing For” and “True Reflection (Prison Walls)”, is presently serving a six-year sentence in the Netherlands. This sentence stems from a 2021 altercation where he stabbed concert promoter Nicardo Blake following a dispute over unpaid performance fees. While he was acquitted of attempted murder, he was convicted of attempted manslaughter in March 2022. A hearing was conducted on June 18th, with the case set to be revisited on October 9th, 2025. Currently, Jah Cure awaits a decision from Dutch prosecutors who are appealing his attempted manslaughter conviction, aiming to extend his sentence to a potential nine and a half years on attempted murder charges.
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Sandals challenge surpasses £100,000 for neonatal care, pushes on for more
The Sandals Foundation’s 2025 Island Challenge has achieved a remarkable milestone, raising over £100,000 (EC$363,000) to provide life-saving neonatal equipment for Saint Lucia’s Millennium Heights Medical Complex. Surpassing its initial target, the initiative now aims to secure even more funds to enhance the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU).
From October 17 to 20, thirty UK residents and six Saint Lucian athletes will undertake a grueling multi-day endurance challenge. Their efforts will fund critical medical equipment, including a neonatal ventilator, incubator, infant warmer, jaundice meter, infusion pump, nesting system, and specialized blankets. These tools are essential for treating premature and critically ill newborns.
Karen Zacca, Operations Director of the Sandals Foundation, hailed the event as “extremely successful,” noting that the team has already exceeded its fundraising goal. The challenge features a half-marathon, a 12km rainforest trek, a 10km sea kayak, and a climb up Gros Piton, all designed to raise awareness and support for Saint Lucia’s most vulnerable patients.
Dr. Lashorn Christian, Head of the Paediatric Department at Millennium Heights Medical Complex, expressed deep gratitude for the initiative. She emphasized that the new equipment will provide premature and critically ill babies with a fighting chance for survival. “A neonatal ventilator is crucial for babies with breathing difficulties, while incubators help maintain body temperature for premature infants,” she explained. Additionally, specialized blankets for jaundice treatment will allow mothers to continue bonding with their babies during care.
The Sandals Foundation attributed the event’s success to strong partnerships, including support from British Airways, TripAdvisor, Nico Tours, CPJ, and the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority. The Foundation described the initiative as a testament to the power of the tourism network to bring hope and improve lives. Reaffirming its commitment, the Foundation pledged to go beyond its goal, ensuring every newborn in Saint Lucia receives the best possible start in life.
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Monchy Traditional Games Day brings community together
As St. Lucia continues to celebrate Kwéyòl Heritage Month throughout October, the Folk Research Centre (FRC) emphasizes that festivities extend beyond the primary host communities of Belle Vue and Babonneau. One standout event, Festen Jwé, a traditional games festival organized by the Monchy Kwéyòl Committee, took place on October 12 at the Monchy Playing Field. Now in its second year, the festival showcased a variety of traditional games such as wawi, tiki tok, marbles, skipping rope, rounders, and top spinning. Attendees of all ages enjoyed interactive activities like pushing “Kabouwe,” rolling “sek,” and participating in ring games. The event also featured workshops, including one on the ancient African strategy game wawi, led by committee co-chair Lillian Alexander, a passionate advocate for the Kweyòl language and traditional games. Christa St. Ange, the committee’s public relations officer, expressed delight at the strong turnout and community engagement, noting how the event brought together residents from various sub-sections of Monchy, including La Borne, Riviere Mitan, and Desrameaux. The festival not only rekindled nostalgic memories for older participants but also introduced younger generations to the cultural heritage of traditional games. Organizers aim to make Festen Jwé an annual event, potentially expanding it to include workshops and “listwa” days to document and preserve St. Lucian history and traditions. Kwéyòl Heritage Month continues with La Wen Kwéyòl, a major event hosted by the FRC at the National Cultural Centre on October 18.
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Hurdler Laurencin sets big goals for 2026
Saint Lucian hurdler Aasia Laurencin, a 23-year-old double national record holder, is making a bold move to elevate her career by relocating to Florida A&M University. Under the guidance of renowned coach Garfield Ellenwood II, known for shaping NCAA champions and world-class hurdlers, Laurencin aims to refine her technique and secure a place among the world’s elite athletes. This transition marks her first full season as a professional, following her recent graduation from the University of Michigan.
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Former Jamaican PM decries US drone strikes in Caribbean
Former Jamaican Prime Minister P.J. Patterson has issued a stern warning against recent United States drone attacks on vessels in Caribbean waters, labeling them a “fundamentally dangerous and horrible erosion” of the region’s collective sovereignty. Patterson, who served as Jamaica’s leader from 1992 to 2006, expressed grave concerns over the US military’s confirmation of at least five such strikes since early September. He emphasized that these actions undermine the Caribbean’s longstanding commitment to being a zone of peace, a principle established during the region’s first integration meeting in 1972. The US administration, under President Donald Trump, justifies the strikes as targeting vessels suspected of transporting illegal drugs to the US, claiming 27 deaths so far, including six in the most recent incident on October 14. Patterson urged Caribbean heads of government to urgently convene and adopt a unified stance, referencing the 1997 Shiprider Agreement as a precedent for collective action. This agreement, enforced by Jamaica’s Maritime Drug Trafficking (Suppression) Act of 1998, permits US vessels to pursue and search suspected drug traffickers in Jamaican and international waters. The drone attacks have sparked fear among regional fisherfolk and maritime users, who fear becoming “collateral damage.” Patterson stressed that the strikes violate international law and pose a “clear and present danger to all maritime users,” urging CARICOM to reaffirm the Caribbean’s status as a zone of peace. Despite US claims, including one linking a destroyed vessel to the Tren de Aragua Cartel, no substantive evidence has been provided. Colombia’s president has disputed a US claim, stating a targeted boat was Colombian, not Venezuelan. Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, has yet to respond to inquiries on the matter.
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Financing secured for Castries–Gros Islet highway expansion
The Government of Saint Lucia has achieved a significant milestone in its infrastructure development agenda by securing $33 million in financing for the expansion of the Castries–Gros Islet Highway. This critical project aims to address persistent traffic congestion and enhance road safety along one of the island’s most heavily traveled routes. The funding was secured through two separate loan agreements with international development partners, marking a pivotal step forward for the nation’s transportation network.
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Grassroots cricket takes centre stage — First-ever U13 tournament launched
The Saint Lucia National Cricket Association (SLNCA), in collaboration with the Laborie Credit Union, has unveiled a pioneering initiative aimed at nurturing the next generation of cricketers. The SLNCA/Laborie Credit Union Under-13 Grassroots Tournament, a first-of-its-kind event, will bring together young athletes from 16 districts across the island for weekend softball cricket matches. This program emphasizes inclusivity, featuring both boys and girls, and aims to foster a robust cricket culture from the ground up. The tournament officially launched on October 14, with senior district teams providing mentorship and support to the young participants. Nerville Florence, SLNCA’s second vice president and head of youth cricket, highlighted that grassroots development remains the association’s top priority. He emphasized the extensive planning and dedication behind the initiative, calling it the ‘baby of the SLNCA.’ SLNCA President Wayne Auguste, who conceptualized the tournament, shared his personal connection to grassroots cricket, citing its transformative impact on his life and that of his son, Ackeem Auguste, a recent West Indies senior team selection. Auguste stressed the importance of engaging young talent early, stating that a strong grassroots system is vital for the sport’s future. The Laborie Cooperative Credit Union, the tournament’s title sponsor, reaffirmed its commitment to cricket development and community unity. President Augustin Dominique expressed pride in supporting a program that not only develops athletic talent but also strengthens communal bonds. The tournament is set to commence on October 18, with communities encouraged to rally behind their budding cricket stars.
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ECSE announces Regional Schools Investment Competition
The Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange (ECSE), in partnership with key stakeholders, has unveiled the Regional Schools Investment Competition, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at high school and first-year college students. This program seeks to immerse young minds in the world of investing while shedding light on the operations of the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange. By doing so, it aspires to bolster the development of money and capital markets within the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) by nurturing a generation of knowledgeable and engaged investors.
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Two Saint Lucian stars return home on holiday
Joseph Marcell, the internationally renowned actor celebrated for his iconic role as Geoffrey Butler in *The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air*, is currently savoring a much-needed holiday in his homeland, Saint Lucia. This visit follows his recent performance in Scotland, where he starred in the world premiere staging of Bach’s rediscovered work, *Markus Passion*.