Carib Scope

标签： Saint Lucia

圣卢西亚

  • Saint Lucia, Indonesia agree to boost coconut, fruit processing

    Saint Lucia, Indonesia agree to boost coconut, fruit processing

    In a significant development for South-South cooperation, the Caribbean nation of Saint Lucia and Southeast Asia’s Indonesia have formalized an ambitious agricultural partnership with concrete projects scheduled to commence in 2026. This collaboration represents a strategic alignment between two nations separated by vast geographical distance but united in their agricultural development objectives.

    The partnership framework was solidified during high-level discussions in Castries, where officials from both governments endorsed a comprehensive roadmap for modernizing Saint Lucia’s agricultural infrastructure. This agreement follows extensive field assessments conducted by Indonesian agricultural specialists who identified key areas for technological transfer and capacity building.

    Central to the cooperation are plans to revolutionize Saint Lucia’s coconut industry through advanced processing techniques, expanded cultivation of oil-producing varieties, and the introduction of modern agricultural machinery. The partnership will additionally focus on developing value-added production chains for mangoes, breadfruit, and other tropical fruits indigenous to the Caribbean region.

    Kemuel Jn Baptiste, Director of Agricultural Services for Saint Lucia, emphasized the practical implementation framework: “Today’s discussions confirmed the operational details outlined in our roadmap. The division of responsibilities is clear – Saint Lucia will provide personnel and technical expertise, while Indonesia will supply advanced plant materials and agricultural equipment.”

    The sentiment was strongly echoed by Indonesian representative Herry Laksono, who characterized Saint Lucia as Indonesia’s priority partner in the Caribbean region. “Despite the considerable geographical distance spanning approximately 18,000 kilometers, our nations share compatible development objectives that necessitate collaborative effort,” Laksono stated.

    This bilateral cooperation is strategically significant for both parties: Saint Lucia gains access to Indonesian agricultural technology and expertise to enhance food security and rural development, while Indonesia establishes a strategic foothold for agricultural cooperation within the Caribbean community.

    With implementation scheduled for 2026, both governments anticipate the partnership will generate substantial economic benefits for farming communities and contribute to sustainable agricultural development across Saint Lucia.

  • Miss Universe Jamaica to return home for continued treatment after stage fall

    Miss Universe Jamaica to return home for continued treatment after stage fall

    Dr. Gabrielle Henry, the reigning Miss Universe Jamaica 2025, is scheduled for medical evacuation from Thailand to Jamaica after sustaining severe injuries from a fall during the preliminary competition on November 19. The coordinated repatriation effort was confirmed through a joint announcement by the Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) and the Henry family on Monday.

    The comprehensive medical plan involves transporting Dr. Henry with a specialized medical escort team who will provide continuous care during transit. Upon arrival in Jamaica, she will be immediately transferred to a medical facility for ongoing treatment and rehabilitation.

    Medical reports detail the extent of her injuries, which include an intracranial hemorrhage accompanied by loss of consciousness, facial fractures with lacerations, and additional significant trauma. Following the accident, Dr. Henry was urgently admitted to an intensive care unit in Bangkok where she remained in critical condition under constant neurological surveillance, requiring round-the-clock specialized medical supervision.

    The recent statement follows earlier communications from MUO President Raúl Rocha, who addressed public speculation on November 24th. While acknowledging ‘difficult moments and unexpected concerns’ during her treatment, Rocha had previously expressed optimism about her progress, noting that excellent medical care had successfully addressed complications and that Dr. Henry was reportedly ‘in good health and nearing discharge’.

    The Henry family expressed profound gratitude for the organization’s support and extended heartfelt thanks to the Jamaican public, the global Miss Universe community, and international supporters for their overwhelming demonstrations of love, prayers, and encouragement during this challenging period.

  • The dirty side of the 2025 election campaign

    The dirty side of the 2025 election campaign

    The commencement of Saint Lucia’s 2025 general election campaign triggered a 21-day period of intensified political engagement characterized by aggressive messaging, heated debates, and a notable deterioration into personal attacks. The nation’s political landscape, shaped by a winner-take-all electoral system and a deeply adversarial political culture inherited from Westminster, created an environment where personal vilification frequently overshadowed policy discussions.

    Professor Cynthia Barrow-Giles, a distinguished Saint Lucian political scientist, had presciently analyzed this dynamic in her 2010 publication ‘Democracy at Work: A Comparative Study of the Caribbean State.’ Her examination of how electoral systems and political culture shape regional democracy remains remarkably relevant fifteen years later. She argued that this combination inevitably produces “high-stakes elections, skewed parliaments, and a style of politics where personal attacks often overshadow policy.”

    Despite superficial assessments describing the 2025 campaign as proceeding “smoothly,” the rhetorical landscape revealed a different reality. Charges of “corruption,” “criminal” behavior, and being “unfit for office” dominated political discourse across platforms. Particularly disturbing were at least two pro-UWP campaign songs that derogatorily referred to Prime Minister Philip J Pierre as “autistic” and “retarded,” language that sparked cross-party outrage and drew condemnation from advocacy groups including the Helen Association for Persons with Autism.

    The targeting extended beyond political figures to their families. UWP’s Vieux Fort North candidate Calixte Kakal Xavier found himself defending attacks directed at his partner and son rather than addressing policy issues. Female candidates from both major parties faced gender-based questioning rather than evaluations of their competence. Former Prime Minister Allen Chastanet continued to face racially-charged criticism with his “whiteness” routinely used as shorthand for foreignness.

    Significantly, the most virulent attacks frequently originated not from the candidates themselves but from party surrogates, supporters, and unofficial mouthpieces operating outside formal party messaging structures. This phenomenon of “unregulated actors” shaping campaign tone without accountability, as noted by Barrow-Giles, represents a regional pattern in small states’ political cultures.

    The Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) centered its campaign on governance achievements, with Prime Minister Pierre emphasizing his administration’s “record” while explicitly rejecting participation in “roro” (local vernacular for rhetorical excess). The party maintained consistent messaging around continuity and stability, bolstered by former UWP figures including Andy Daniel, Edmund Estephane, and Felix Champagne Deterville, who appeared on Labour platforms to condemn UWP leadership, providing the strategic advantage of insider criticism.

    The United Workers Party (UWP) mounted a campaign fueled by large rallies, promises of renewal, and sharp critiques of the Labour administration. Their messaging focused on accusations of mismanagement, rising living costs, and failures in healthcare and law enforcement. A cornerstone of their strategy involved introducing twelve new faces, many political newcomers, which regional pollster Peter Wickham described as an “impressive” rebuild following the party’s devastating 2021 defeat.

    However, this infusion of new talent presented challenges when several candidates faced backlash for controversial remarks. Tommy Descartes’s comment that “gangsters are yellow” and Stephen Fevrier’s remarks about auctioning Olympian Julien Alfred’s shoe required subsequent withdrawals and clarifications, illustrating the tension between political spectacle and substance that Barrow-Giles identified in Caribbean electoral competitions.

    With the election concluded and Prime Minister Pierre preparing to form his new Cabinet, public exchanges have notably diminished. Candidates across the political spectrum have thanked their teams, exchanged congratulations, and acknowledged voter efforts. As the new administration takes shape, attention is expected to shift toward governance and policy, though discussions about campaign rhetoric and its implications for democratic discourse will undoubtedly continue.

  • Women’s leadership event sparking local breakthroughs

    Women’s leadership event sparking local breakthroughs

    The Sandals Grande Palladium hosted a transformative gathering of female executives on November 29 as Influential BossLady’s ImpactUS 25 conference brought together CEOs, entrepreneurs, directors, and emerging leaders for a day of substantive dialogue and strategic learning.

    Unlike conventional motivational events, ImpactUS 25 distinguished itself by focusing on actionable insights and authentic success stories. The conference specifically addressed the challenges women face in bridging the gap between their current positions and their leadership aspirations, tackling both systemic barriers and deeply personal obstacles that have historically undermined confidence.

    Conference architect Shermalyn Sidonie-John, Brand Marketing Manager at GraceKennedy Ltd, inaugurated the proceedings with an expert masterclass on ‘influence capital.’ She articulated this concept as ‘how we are perceived in the minds of people who make the decisions,’ identifying three foundational pillars: Presence, Platform, and Power.

    Behavioral specialist Sharlene Jn Baptiste delivered a compelling session examining ‘The Bravery Gap,’ revealing how fear frequently masquerades as rational thinking. Her presentation emphasized radical self-honesty and the conscious rejection of fear-based decision-making in leadership development.

    The event’s keynote address featured GraceKennedy Ltd CEO Andrea Coy, who expounded on leadership as a multidimensional craft requiring both tactical execution and nuanced understanding of subtle dynamics. Coy emphasized that mastering core competencies significantly enhances a leader’s personal equity and professional presence.

    A particularly inspiring testimony came from Lorraine Sidonie, CEO of Events Company of Saint Lucia, who revealed how her goal-setting commitment at ImpactUS 2023 resulted in the publication of her book ‘Soul Medication’ on Amazon. This achievement represented a full-circle moment demonstrating the conference’s lasting impact.

    Two expert panels provided practical guidance on critical topics: financial literacy as an empowerment foundation and strategic self-care practices. The first panel, featuring Ava Beckles, Shermain George, Alisha Ally, and Ana-Kaye Green Marshall, explored ‘Money Moves for Leaders: Strategic Investment for Personal and Organisational Growth.’ A subsequent panel offered reflections from six distinguished women including Crisy Laurent, Dr. Natasha St Aimee, and other prominent figures.

    The conference’s most poignant moments emerged during attendee testimonials, where participants shared tangible outcomes from previous events—including business launches, enhanced communication skills, and renewed confidence. First-time attendees spoke openly about overcoming trauma and dismantling limiting mental patterns.

    One emerging entrepreneur captured the event’s value: ‘Hearing women discuss challenges I currently face and their solutions provided clear vision for what my future could look like after implementing these strategies.’

  • Lantern Festival centrepiece of National Day celebrations

    Lantern Festival centrepiece of National Day celebrations

    The Cultural Development Foundation (CDF) is revitalizing Saint Lucia’s cherished annual Festival of Lights, maintaining key traditions despite a streamlined December festival calendar. This cultural celebration serves as dual homage to both National Day on December 13 and the official commencement of the Christmas season.

    Historical significance underpins the festivities, as Saint Lucia’s National Day concurrently honors St. Lucy, the patron saint of light. The island’s nomenclature traces back to French sailors who allegedly shipwrecked on the feast day of Sainte Lucie.

    While Communications Director Kendal John acknowledges this year’s reduced festival scale, the organization has strategically preserved the lantern competition and core illumination events. “We have retained some elements for Derek Walcott Square, such as carol singing, but we are hoping to bring carolling back as a full festival next year,” John disclosed to St. Lucia Times.

    The lantern competition remains the festival’s centerpiece, demonstrating the artistic ingenuity of Saint Lucians across generations. The CDF facilitated this creative expression through comprehensive lantern-building workshops conducted in communities, educational institutions, and corporate environments.

    These educational initiatives represent a deliberate conservation effort for the ancient tradition of lantern crafting, which incorporates both Christian and pre-Christian customs venerating Saint Lucia and the patron saint of light. Anthony Wilkie Jr, Senior Officer for Training, Promotion and Development at the CDF, emphasized: “We feel the importance of encouraging all sectors within our society to be part of our traditions and to learn the various skills that contribute to those elements which are our cultural practices.

    For participants like Cassie Emmanuel, marketing officer at IBS Inc., the workshops provided inaugural hands-on experience. “It’s a fun experience, and it aligns perfectly with our corporate social responsibility, where we are looking forward to collaborating with the creative arts,” she noted.

    The festival schedule features public lantern judging on December 6 at the National Cultural Centre, followed by the grand lantern parade on December 12. This procession will originate at Vigie Playing Field at 7 p.m., featuring the Royal Saint Lucia Police Band, masqueraders, drummers, steelpan performers, folk dancers, stilt walkers, and Papa Jab with his entourage.

    The celebration culminates at William Peter Boulevard, transitioning into the Festival of Lights at Derek Walcott Square. The finale will incorporate a solo band, bamboo bursting, carol singing, traditional lighting ceremonies, and fireworks, collectively marking National Day’s arrival and inaugurating Saint Lucia’s Twelve Days of Christmas.

  • Boo’s Christmas spectacle delivers encore of joy

    Boo’s Christmas spectacle delivers encore of joy

    The Sandals Grande ballroom transformed into a festive spectacular on November 29th as Ronald ‘Boo’ Hinkson’s acclaimed annual concert ‘Show the World – It’s Christmas’ delivered an unforgettable evening of musical excellence. The event brought together Saint Lucian cultural icons including former Governor-General Dame Pearlette Louisy, former Caribbean Court of Justice President Sir Dennis Byron, and noted economist Dr. Stephen King, all sharing the dance floor in celebration.

    The evening commenced with an elegant cocktail reception featuring themed beverages and exquisite holiday décor, setting the stage for what would become a remarkable showcase of musical talent. The audience, adorned in formal tuxedos, suits, and ball gowns, greeted Hinkson with thunderous applause before he even played the first note—a testament to his revered status in Saint Lucian culture.

    Musical director Omari Maxwell led the ensemble through a program that balanced traditional favorites with contemporary arrangements. The Tru Tones opened with a refreshing rendition of ‘Winter Wonderland,’ establishing the evening’s magical atmosphere. Sibling duo Denisha and Denny Marshall delivered a emotionally resonant performance of Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers’ ‘The Greatest Gift of All,’ while the James family offered a tender interpretation of ‘Silent Night.’

    Saxophonist Arturo Tappin energized the crowd with a vibrant ‘Feliz Navidad,’ maintaining the concert’s joyful momentum. True to tradition, Hinkson introduced emerging talent, this year spotlighting Vincent, a promising vocalist whose powerful delivery of Luther Vandross’ ‘Every Year, Every Christmas’ earned immediate demands for an encore and visible approval from Hinkson himself.

    The program further showcased exceptional young musicianship with trumpet virtuoso Eli and violinist Turro, Arturo Tappin’s son, demonstrating remarkable artistry. Christa Bailey transitioned seamlessly from reggae rhythms to a breathtaking performance of ‘What Child Is This.’

    TC Brown closed the main program with infectious energy, leading the audience through Caribbean Christmas classics including Ras Africa’s ‘Slice of the Pie’ and delivering a soaring rendition of the Imagination Brass classic that filled the ballroom with celebratory spirit.

    The evening extended into an after-party where admirers gathered to congratulate Hinkson and capture photographs with the musical legend, preserving memories of a night that perfectly captured the essence of Caribbean Christmas celebration through artistic excellence.

  • Family of man slain in a US boat strike in the Caribbean lodges complaint

    Family of man slain in a US boat strike in the Caribbean lodges complaint

    The relatives of Alejandro Carranza Medina, a Colombian national killed in a US military operation targeting suspected drug smuggling vessels, have formally lodged a human rights complaint with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR). Filed on Tuesday and reported by AFP on Wednesday, the legal submission contends the United States violated Carranza’s fundamental rights to life and due process during a September 15th maritime strike conducted as part of President Donald Trump’s intensified counter-narcotics campaign.

    The family’s complaint explicitly accuses US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth of authorizing the bombing without verifying the identities of those aboard targeted vessels, resulting in what they characterize as extra-judicial killings. They maintain Carranza was an innocent fisherman whose boat was disabled and adrift at the time of the attack, denying any involvement in drug trafficking.

    This incident has sparked significant diplomatic tension, with Colombian President Gustavo Petro publicly condemning the strikes as violations of sovereignty and murder. Petro has pledged governmental support for Carranza’s family in their pursuit of justice. The case has emerged as a focal point for criticism against US military actions in the region, with reports indicating over 83 fatalities across 21 known strikes since early September.

    Legal experts and human rights organizations have raised alarms about the operation’s legality under international law, noting that drug trafficking does not constitute combat and thus doesn’t justify military engagement. Scrutiny intensified following revelations of a ‘double-tap’ strike on September 2nd, where the US military allegedly launched a second missile after survivors were spotted following an initial attack—a tactic potentially constituting war crimes under the Pentagon’s own guidelines.

    While the Trump administration has defended the strikes as necessary measures against ‘narco-terrorists’ and continues to threaten expanded operations—including possible land incursions into Venezuela—the IACHR now faces pressure to review the complaint and potentially refer the case to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.

  • U13 cricket final pits Babonneau against Soufrière

    U13 cricket final pits Babonneau against Soufrière

    The Phillip Marcellin Grounds in Vieux Fort will serve as the battleground for the historic conclusion of the Saint Lucia National Cricket Association’s inaugural Under-13 tournament this Saturday, December 6. Sponsored by Laborie Credit Union, the championship match between Babonneau and Soufrière promises to showcase emerging cricketing talent at 2 p.m.

    Last weekend’s semifinals unfolded under challenging weather conditions with overcast skies and strong winds. In the first semifinal at Soufrière Stadium, Babonneau secured their place in the finals through a commanding performance. After winning the toss, captain Jovonnie Dorville elected to field first, restricting Desruisseaux to a modest 69-7 from their allotted 15 overs. Liam Anderson emerged as the standout batsman for Desruisseaux with 22 runs, while Babonneau’s bowling attack demonstrated remarkable discipline with Jahim Mathurin and Dorville each claiming two wickets, supported by tight spells from Michael Jones, Vincy Cadasse, and Kerlani Joseph.

    Babonneau’s response was equally impressive as they comfortably chased down the target, finishing at 71-2. Vice-captain Vincy Cadasse redeemed himself from recent subpar performances with an unbeaten half-century that anchored the successful run chase.

    The second semifinal witnessed Soufrière’s dominant bowling display against Dennery. The home team’s disciplined attack dismantled Dennery’s batting lineup, bowling them out for a mere 36 runs. Kaiden Charlery emerged as the bowling sensation with impressive figures of 3-7, effectively containing Dennery’s batters throughout the innings.

    Despite facing early challenges in their run chase and losing wickets at regular intervals, Soufrière demonstrated resilience by surpassing Dennery’s total in the eighth over with seven wickets down. Eric Flavien complemented Charlery’s performance with an outstanding bowling effort of 4-13.

    Tournament organizers and cricket enthusiasts have praised the competition for exceeding its developmental objectives. The initiative has successfully revived cricket in regions where the sport had previously remained dormant, providing a significant boost to grassroots programs across the island. SLNCA president Wayne Auguste’s vision, coupled with Laborie Credit Union’s sponsorship, has created a sustainable platform for youth cricket development.

    Choiseul coach and umpire Johann Williams emphasized the tournament’s importance: “We haven’t had cricket at this level since my childhood. The progression from these young players has been remarkable, and while there’s room for improvement, their continuous development bodes well for Saint Lucian cricket’s future.”

    Although Laborie’s team didn’t advance beyond the initial knockout round, their unbeaten preliminary record has ignited renewed interest in the community. Makeva Anthony, representing the Laborie program, noted: “The credit union’s support has revealed the latent interest in cricket within our community. This tournament has shown we’ve been underestimating our children’s potential.”

    The championship match between Babonneau’s consistent bowling and batting depth versus Soufrière’s pressure-handling capabilities and home advantage promises an exhilarating conclusion to this groundbreaking development tournament.

  • OPINION: Some Reasons Why Saint Lucia Stuck with Mr. Pierre Part I

    OPINION: Some Reasons Why Saint Lucia Stuck with Mr. Pierre Part I

    The Saint Lucian political landscape has delivered a decisive verdict, with Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre’s Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) securing a commanding supermajority in the December 1 general elections. This electoral outcome, analyzed through the unique lens of political calypso, reveals a nation largely satisfied with its leadership and deeply skeptical of the opposition. Traditionally a medium for anti-government sentiment, calypso music this season unusually echoed pro-administration views and delivered sharp critiques of the United Workers Party (UWP) and its leader, Allen Chastanet. The resonant lyrics of calypsonian TC Brown, in particular, are seen as having captured the national mood, framing the election as a direct referendum on leadership character and performance.

    The core of the electorate’s decision appears to have hinged on a comparative assessment of the two leaders. Prime Minister Pierre was widely perceived as a humble, rooted, and empathetic figure whose policies—such as raising the minimum wage, liberalizing cannabis laws, and advancing the St. Jude Hospital project—were viewed as tangible benefits for ordinary citizens. His background and demeanor fostered a connection with the populace, positioning him as a leader who genuinely understood their struggles.

    In stark contrast, Allen Chastanet and the UWP campaigned on a platform of visionary infrastructure projects and business acumen, harkening back to a pre-pandemic 2019 as a golden era. However, this message failed to gain traction. Chastanet was persistently portrayed by opponents as divisive, arrogant, and out of touch with the cultural and social fabric of Saint Lucia. Criticisms focused on his policy inconsistencies, unfulfilled promises from his previous term, and a perceived inability to connect with the electorate on a personal level. The UWP’s failure to present a cohesive shadow cabinet further exacerbated sentiments that the party was overly centralized around a flawed leadership.

    Analysts like Dr. Anderson Reynolds suggest that the UWP’s future resurgence is intrinsically tied to moving beyond the leadership of Chastanet and Deputy Guy Joseph, whom the public has shown a clear reluctance to rally behind. The election result, featuring a statistically significant positive swing for the incumbent government—a rarity in the Caribbean for a second-term party—signals a robust vote of confidence in Pierre’s administration. Voters ultimately chose the leader they deemed more trustworthy, caring, and effective, solidifying a new political chapter for Saint Lucia grounded in perceived humility and service over grand, unfulfilled vision.

  • Saint Lucian athletes level up

    Saint Lucian athletes level up

    In a groundbreaking initiative for Caribbean sports development, twenty-three emerging athletes from Saint Lucia recently completed an intensive career transformation workshop conducted by the Saint Lucia Athletes Commission (SLAC). The program, strategically titled “Power Up Your Future,” was expertly facilitated by Hazel Ann Regis-Buckels, a distinguished two-time Olympian from Grenada and current chair of the Grenada Athletes Commission.

    The comprehensive two-day curriculum, held at Olympic House in La Clery during late November, represented SLAC’s final programming effort for 2025. Day one immersed participants in profound self-discovery exercises across four transformative sessions: Strengths and Values, Interests and Skills, Passion and Impact, and Purpose and Planning. This introspective approach enabled athletes to identify their unique capabilities beyond athletic performance.

    Day two shifted to practical application with an intensive module on “Writing a Winning CV/Résumé.” Regis-Buckels guided athletes through crafting compelling professional documents that effectively showcase their transferable skills, character attributes, competitive experience, and achievement history. She emphasized that “a résumé serves as a persuasive marketing tool to position athletes for success outside competitive sports.”

    The workshop facilitator brought exceptional credibility to the program as both a decorated athlete and certified educator. Regis-Buckels had previously captured gold for Grenada at the 2000 CARIFTA Games and Central American Caribbean Under-20 Championships in the 400m event. She now serves as an official educator with the International Olympic Committee’s Athlete 365 Career+ Programme.

    Reflecting on the workshop’s philosophical foundation, Regis-Buckels explained: “We focused initially on self-discovery because athletes typically concentrate intensely on performance and competition without pausing to contemplate what follows. This workshop helped participants identify their superpowers—understanding their strengths, values, motivators, and transferable skills.”

    She highlighted the critical importance of early preparation: “Recognizing these inner strengths now ensures that when athletes transition—whether through retirement or advancement—they can leverage these skills to secure ideal opportunities. Most crucially, they must understand their personal values and identify organizations that align with those principles.”

    Makeba Alcide, SLAC Chair and former elite track athlete turned sports administrator, declared the workshop an essential initiative for Saint Lucia’s athletic community. “This was a program that urgently needed implementation,” Alcide stated. “Hazel proved an exceptional facilitator, and participant engagement exceeded expectations. Attracting over twenty athletes carried significant meaning for our development goals.”

    Alcide emphasized the program’s broader vision: “Not every athlete sustains long-term sports careers, making alternative pathways imperative. We discovered participants with talents in artistry and entrepreneurship—all at remarkably young ages. Honing these abilities helps them develop personal brands beyond athletics. Personally, I’m committed to providing opportunities I never received during my competitive career.”

    Despite demanding schedules—six hours on day one and four on day two—athletes maintained remarkable engagement throughout. Initial hesitations transformed into profound appreciation for self-understanding and future planning. This workshop marked Regis-Buckels’ second regional facilitation following Grenada, with Trinidad scheduled for December implementation.

    The success underscores the growing collaboration between Athletes Commission Chairs, National Federations, and athletes themselves to maximize newly available resources. Alcide confirmed that Career+ workshops will continue through 2026 alongside athlete development initiatives, coach training programs, and national forums, ensuring sustainable support for Caribbean athletic career transitions.