Carib Scope

标签： Saint Lucia

圣卢西亚

  • HAPA launches carnival band for autistic children in Saint Lucia

    HAPA launches carnival band for autistic children in Saint Lucia

    One of Saint Lucia’s leading disability advocacy organizations, the Helen Association for Persons with Autism (HAPA), is breaking new ground in community inclusion with a first-of-its-kind initiative that will welcome autistic people to the island’s iconic carnival celebration in 2026.

    Centered on the transformative slogan “Embracing Uniqueness, Unlocking Potential,” the project will roll out two interconnected community events in July 2026, designed specifically to remove longstanding barriers to cultural participation for neurodivergent people. The first event, a relaxed, accessible Carnival Social, is scheduled for Saturday, July 11, and will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Serenity Park. The following day, participants will take part in the island’s popular national Kiddies Carnival as members of the custom inclusive marching band dubbed the Spectrum Warriors.

    This marks the first time a formal, sensory-adapted carnival participation program has ever been launched on the island, opening the door for autistic people and their families to engage with one of Saint Lucia’s most beloved cultural traditions. For years, overstimulating environments and a lack of accessible planning have excluded many neurodivergent residents from joining large public celebrations, a gap this new initiative directly addresses.

    The Carnival Social is intentionally crafted to serve as a low-pressure, safe gathering space that welcomes a broad cross-section of the community. Beyond offering core activities like face painting, hands-on arts and crafts, gentle live music, dancing, and complimentary refreshments, the event prioritizes opportunities for connection between autistic people, their caregivers, their families, allies, and casual community members. While the program’s primary focus is supporting autistic participation, HAPA has extended invitations to people living with all other disabilities and their families, expanding the organization’s core mission of cross-disability inclusion and collective community building.

    For the Kiddies Carnival parade, organizers have integrated a full suite of sensory-friendly adjustments to the Spectrum Warriors band to ensure all participants can enjoy the experience without discomfort. Details of these adjustments have been tailored to common sensory sensitivities common among autistic people, from volume controls for music to designated quiet break areas along the parade route.

    Dr. Delia Samuel, president of HAPA, emphasized the deep cultural and social importance of the new program in a public announcement. “HAPA believes that every individual deserves the opportunity to participate in and enjoy our cultural celebrations,” she stated. “True inclusion means ensuring that everyone, including autistic individuals, has the opportunity to participate, belong, and create joyful memories with their families.”

    The initiative has already earned widespread backing from across Saint Lucia’s cultural and civic sectors. Two prominent local cultural groups, Take Over Tent and Kaiso Pros Tent (Keep People Talking), have signed on as official partners, with calypsonians from both organizations set to deliver performances at the July 11 Carnival Social designed to keep the energy warm and inclusive.

    HAPA is also collaborating closely with local schools, national government agencies, neighborhood community groups, and private sector partners to coordinate logistics, expand outreach, and ensure the program delivers on its accessibility goals. To build long-term public buy-in, the association is calling on all Saint Lucian community members to support the initiative and engage with participants. Residents are specifically encouraged to welcome the Spectrum Warriors during the Kiddies Carnival parade and to take advantage of opportunities to learn more about autism and neurodiversity.

    Beyond public participation, HAPA is also seeking additional support from private businesses, government bodies, and individual residents in the forms of sponsorships, volunteer hours, advocacy, and direct event participation.

    the organization emphasizes that meaningful inclusion begins with public understanding and acceptance, and that cross-sector collaboration is the foundation of building a society where every resident feels seen and valued. Through this carnival initiative, HAPA aims to drive long-term shifts in public attitudes toward autism, breaking down systemic barriers and replacing exclusion with widespread support that allows all people to take an active role in national life.

  • Blackheart tournament reaches semifinal stage

    Blackheart tournament reaches semifinal stage

    Four regional under-20 men’s football squads—La Clery, Gros Islet, Vieux Fort South and Soufriere—have booked their places in the final four of the 2026 Blackheart/Saint Lucia Football Association Inc. (SLFA) Knockout Tournament, after a thrilling weekend of quarterfinal action hosted at Soufriere Stadium.

    The knockout stage pitted top-ranked teams from Saint Lucia’s northern and southern zones against their counterparts from the island’s east and west regions, with only four squads advancing to the next phase of the country’s longest-running football knockout competition.

    As the reigning champions of the SLFA Under-20 Men’s Zonal Tournament, Soufriere delivered a dramatic comeback victory in a hotly contested west coast derby against Canaries. Canaries drew first blood early in the match: Zyhym Jn Charles netted the opening goal in the 24th minute, holding onto a 1-0 lead through halftime. It was not until the 55th minute that Soufriere, nicknamed the Sulphur City squad, found an equalizer from Rishawn Prospere. The team sealed their win with two late goals from Eymani Butcher and Cassian Joseph, scored in the final two minutes of regulation, to lock in a 3-1 final score.

    In southern zone action, Vieux Fort South claimed a narrow 1-0 win over South Castries, with Y Francis netting the decisive match-winning goal in the 74th minute. Top-seeded La Clery faced off against Mabouya Valley in a tightly matched contest that ended in a 0-0 draw after full time, pushing the matchup to penalty kicks. La Clery held their nerve from the spot, securing a 5-4 penalty shootout win to advance to the semifinals.

    Fourth overall seed Gros Islet, which dominated the Northern Zone to qualify and swept past Laborie in the Round of 16, cemented their status as one of the tournament’s standout teams with a 3-1 victory over Dennery. Rickelme Lionel put Gros Islet ahead early, scoring in the 21st minute to carry a 1-0 lead into halftime. Thierry Morille doubled the squad’s advantage in the 52nd minute, though Dennery cut the deficit not long after when Dervontae Agyemang found the back of the net in the 62nd minute. As full time approached, Joshua George iced the win for Gros Islet, scoring in the seventh minute of second-half stoppage time to restore the two-goal lead and lock in their semifinal spot.

  • Windies Women fine‑tune ahead of T20 World Cup

    Windies Women fine‑tune ahead of T20 World Cup

    As the countdown to the ICC Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup hosted in England enters its final stretch, the West Indies Women’s national team has intensified their on-ground preparations, kicking off their warm-up schedule with a 26-run defeat against India at Cardiff’s Sophia Gardens on Monday.

    India got off to a electrifying start thanks to captain Smriti Mandhana, who produced a devastating batting display that saw her rack up 39 runs from only 13 deliveries, dotted with eight crisp boundaries. Middle-order batter Bharti Fulmali steered the innings with a steady 56 runs off 40 balls, while wicket-keeper batter Yastika Bhatia chipped in with a valuable 36 runs. The trio combined power the Indian side to a formidable total of 179 for 8 at the end of their 20 overs. For the West Indies, spinner Afy Fletcher turned in an exceptional performance with the ball, claiming four wickets while conceding just 23 runs. All-rounders Aaliyah Alleyne and Deandra Dottin also contributed one wicket each to the bowling effort.

    Chasing a target of 180, the West Indies struggled to build consistent momentum, finishing their allotted overs on 153 all out. Dottin emerged as the hosts’ top run-getter with 49 runs from 44 deliveries, and her opening partner Shemaine Campbelle retired hurt on 25 after a solid start. Beyond the top order, the West Indies batting line-up collapsed against India’s spin attack. Spinners Shreyanka Patil and Radha Yadav dominated the contest, sharing seven wickets between them: Patil finished with 4 wickets for 36 runs, while Yadav took 3 wickets for just 25 runs.

    Despite the opening warm-up loss, the result has done little to dampen the West Indies’ confidence ahead of the main tournament. The side, nicknamed the Maroon Warriors, recently claimed the 2026 Evara International Tri-Series title in Dublin after commanding wins against Ireland and Pakistan, a performance that head coach Shane Deitz says has left the squad well-placed for the World Cup. “We’re in a good place going into the World Cup,” Deitz noted of the team’s preparation following their tri-series triumph.

    The West Indies will look to iron out kinks in their batting line-up and secure a confidence-boosting win when they face Australia in their second and final warm-up fixture at the same Cardiff venue on Wednesday, with the match kicking off at 10 a.m. Eastern Caribbean time. After the warm-up phase, the Maroon Warriors will open their group stage campaign against New Zealand on June 13.

    Going into the tournament, the West Indies will rely on the experience and consistent leadership of star captain Hayley Matthews, former skipper Stafanie Taylor, and powerhouse all-rounder Deandra Dottin to challenge for the title. The side will also be counting on the youthful energy of emerging talents including Zaida James and Qiana Joseph to complement the leadership of their veteran core, as they chase a second ICC Women’s T20 World Cup trophy.

  • ‘Fire Kay’ and ‘Zizi’ capture secondary schools soca and calypso crowns

    ‘Fire Kay’ and ‘Zizi’ capture secondary schools soca and calypso crowns

    On Friday, Saint Lucia’s annual National Secondary Schools Calypso and Soca Monarch Competition wrapped up to widespread acclaim, with a new generation of young Caribbean performers exceeding every expectation and wowing crowds with talent that many attendees argued could hold its own against professional senior competitors.

    Split across a full day of dynamic programming, the event opened with the hotly contested Calypso segment in the morning, before shifting to high-octane Soca performances in the afternoon. When the final judges’ scores were counted, two schools claimed top honors: Sir Ira Simmons Secondary School took home the national Calypso title, while Corinth Secondary School secured the Soca crown.

    In the individual Calypso competition, Zalaya “Zizi” Fannis of Sir Ira Simmons Secondary claimed the top spot with her original track “Zizi & I”, which earned her a total of 357 points from the panel of judges. Alex “Lexxii” Pinel of Castries Comprehensive Secondary School finished a close three points behind with his socially conscious performance “S.O.S – Save Our Society”, securing first runner-up.

    Rounding out the top four Calypso finalists were Raygena “Queen Gena” Victor of Patricia D. James Secondary School, whose emotional performance of “Dear Daddy” earned 347 points and second runner-up, and Kenyan “Ti Keno” Osman of Vieux Fort Comprehensive Secondary School, who took third runner-up with 343 points for his track “Teacher”. The additional special award for Best Stage Presence went to Anthony “Mighty Swift” Theophilus of the Saint Lucia Sports Academy, whose dynamic command of the stage captured the attention of judges and attendees alike.

    As the afternoon rolled around, the energy in the venue shifted dramatically for the Soca segment. Backed by raucous groups of school supporters who filled the stands with chants, school colors and homemade signs, every competitor brought infectious energy and commanding stage presence that kept the crowd on its feet throughout the segment.

    When scores were finalized, Kaylee “Fire Kay” Simmons of Corinth Secondary emerged as the new Soca Monarch with her performance of “A Mad Party”, which outscored all competitors. The Soca crown was far from a landslide victory, however: just five points separated Simmons from first runner-up Rickel “Baby T” Joseph of Patricia D. James Secondary, who earned 375 points for his performance of “Ah Bon Ti TayTay La”. Though Joseph narrowly missed taking the top title, his set was widely named one of the most memorable moments of the entire day, drawing some of the loudest cheers and applause from the packed audience.

    Completing the Soca top four were Khloe “Baby K” Joseph of Entrepot Secondary School, who took second runner-up with 341 points for “Put It Up”, and Akayla “Ti Pima” Lewis of Castries Comprehensive Secondary School, who earned 335 points for “Pressure” to claim third runner-up.

    Event organizers have hailed the 2026 iteration of the competition as a resounding success, noting both the exceptional quality of student performances and the event’s critical role in nurturing emerging artistic talent across the island. “This is where we get the next generation of cultural ambassadors, artistes and performers,” said Tamara Gibson, Chairperson of the Carnival Planning and Management Committee, emphasizing the long-term cultural value of investing in youth participation in calypso and soca, two foundational genres of Caribbean culture.

  • Leon Hess Comprehensive wins inaugural schools panorama competition

    Leon Hess Comprehensive wins inaugural schools panorama competition

    On June 6, 2026, Saint Lucia wrote a new chapter in its cultural music history, as Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School claimed the title of the first-ever National Schools Panorama Competition. Held at Castries’ iconic Mindoo Phillip Park, the competition was a centerpiece event of the island’s annual Junior Lucian Carnival, bringing together the most promising young steel pan players from across the nation for a celebration of local cultural heritage.

    Seven competing bands, drawn from a collective of 10 different schools across Saint Lucia, gathered to compete for the historic inaugural title. Conceived as a long-term investment in the island’s beloved steel pan tradition, the competition was created to nurture new generational interest in the art form, ensuring this core pillar of Saint Lucian culture continues to thrive for decades to come.

    For the winning team from Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary, the path to victory was not without its hurdles. Jonathan Howell, a key core member of the school’s competing band, opened up about the group’s months-long journey to the top spot.

    “It felt absolutely amazing; I had utmost faith in my teammates from the very start,” Howell shared in remarks after the win. “I always knew we had what it took to pull this off.”
    Howell explained that the group faced unique challenges throughout their preparation process, most notably the fact that a number of band members were participating in a large-scale steel pan competition for the first time. “It was difficult, because some players were new; it was their first time actually preparing for something like this,” he said.

    Rather than letting these setbacks slow them down, the team leaned on collective commitment and mutual support to work through every obstacle. “Although it was difficult, we pulled through, and we got the win,” Howell stated. Already looking ahead to future competitions, the young musician made clear the team’s ambition has not waned: “For the road ahead, [the aim] is to get first place again.”

    Sir Ira Simmons Secondary School claimed second place, delivering a standout performance that earned widespread acclaim from judges and audience members alike. Corinth Secondary School took home third place, while the fourth spot went to a collaborative combined band representing Canaries Primary School and Soufrière Secondary School.

    Rounding out the field of competitors were bands from Vieux Fort Comprehensive Secondary School, Laborie Boys and Girls Primary School, and a combined group from Dennery Primary and Secondary Schools. Every participating band brought energy, creativity, and disciplined musicianship to the stage, turning the event into a vibrant showcase of the incredible depth of young musical talent spread across Saint Lucia. The inaugural competition’s success has laid a strong foundation for what organizers hope will become a beloved annual tradition, cementing the role of youth in carrying forward the island’s iconic steel pan culture.

  • British man fined $15 000 for rifle seized at Vieux Fort port

    British man fined $15 000 for rifle seized at Vieux Fort port

    In a high-profile enforcement action targeting cross-border criminal activity in Saint Lucia, a British national who resides in Laborie has been ordered to pay $15,000 in fines after entering guilty pleas to two firearm-related charges. The penalties stem from the seizure of an undeclared rifle at the Vieux Fort Seaport, uncovered during a coordinated multi-agency crackdown.

    The operation, carried out last Wednesday, brought together three specialized law enforcement units: the Gangs, Narcotics and Firearms Unit (South) of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF), the service’s K-9 Unit, and the Customs and Excise Preventative Unit. According to official statements from the RSLPF, the joint inspection was part of a broader, stepped-up campaign to disrupt organized criminal activity across the island. Law enforcement teams focused their searches on high-priority locations, including courier company facilities and cargo storage sheds throughout the Vieux Fort district.

    During a systematic search of the seaport’s Shed 2, officers located a rifle hidden inside an incoming cargo shipment. The consignee listed for the package was David Charles Mulvany, who was present at the facility during the search. Following the discovery, Mulvany was taken into police custody and charged with two violations under Saint Lucia’s firearms laws: possession of a firearm without a valid license, and illegal importation of a firearm without the required authorization.

    On the day of his court appearance before the Second District Court, Mulvany pleaded guilty to both charges. In sentencing, the judge imposed a $10,000 fine for the unlicensed possession charge, plus an additional $5,000 fine for the unlawful importation count, bringing the total penalty to $15,000. The court ruled that the full sum must be paid immediately, with a strict fallback provision: if Mulvany fails to satisfy the fine, he will face a five-year prison sentence in lieu of payment.

    The case underscores the Saint Lucian government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening border security and cracking down on illegal weapons trafficking, a priority that has driven increased joint operations between police and customs agencies across the island’s ports of entry.

  • Global sounds, Lucian roots: Ricky T and Beenie Man ignite the season with ‘Bend It’

    Global sounds, Lucian roots: Ricky T and Beenie Man ignite the season with ‘Bend It’

    One of Saint Lucia’s most decorated soca legends, Ricky T, has officially ignited the 2026 Lucian Carnival season with a high-profile cross-regional collaboration that is already taking Caribbean music circles by storm. The nine-time Power Soca Monarch and nine-time Road March champion has teamed up with iconic Jamaican dancehall star Beenie Man for the new single *Bend It*, the lead track off the highly anticipated Stratosphere Muzic Wining Plan riddim. Just weeks after its initial release, the track is already gaining widespread traction across regional and international music platforms.

    While the pairing of a top Saint Lucian soca artist and a global dancehall pioneer may have caught some fans off guard, the partnership is far from a last-minute novelty. It grew organically out of a long-standing professional relationship between Beenie Man and Ricky T’s longtime label, Trinidad-based Stratosphere Muzic. Looking back on the collaborative process, Ricky T noted that the pairing was years in the making, aligning with his long-held belief that creative opportunities unfold at the right time. After the artist and his manager Curty laid down the original track, they immediately recognized it had the perfect foundation to welcome the self-proclaimed King of the Dancehall, inviting him to add his one-of-a-kind vocal style to the production.

    The collab achieves two key goals: it launches the 2026 Lucian Carnival season with explosive, unmissable energy and carves out a permanent historic milestone in Saint Lucia’s growing music archives. Ricky T explained that his team had already locked in a clear creative direction for *Bend It* before Beenie Man joined the project, which let the dancehall icon seamlessly weave his signature swagger into the mix without disrupting the track’s core identity.

    “It never felt forced or like anybody was trying to change the sound completely. It felt more like two Caribbean sounds meeting in one space and creating something authentic,” Ricky T shared in a statement on the collaboration. “Beenie Man respected the Lucian Soca style, while still bringing his dancehall presence people know him for.”

    It is not just the star power that sets this release apart. The entire Wining Plan riddim was intentionally crafted to serve as a sonic bridge between regional Caribbean traditions and global mainstream audiences. The production balances a modern, international sound with deeply rooted Caribbean musical heritage, creating a track that feels both familiar to local Carnival-goers and accessible to listeners across the world.

    For Ricky T, *Bend It* stands out from his other work because of its one-of-a-kind energy from the very first recording session. “It has that raw Carnival feeling, but also a crossover that can work anywhere in the world,” he said. “The collaboration itself equals growth for Saint Lucian music and where we’re heading creatively.”

    The track also marks a key evolution in Ricky T’s decades-long career, showcasing his artistic versatility while retaining the distinct Lucian soca sound that has earned him legions of loyal fans across the globe. The artist has long prioritized creative growth without abandoning his cultural roots, and this new single delivers on that vision. “I’m always trying to evolve without losing the Lucian identity in the music,” he explained. “This song allows me to step into a bigger international space while still sounding authentic to who Ricky T is.”

    With the official start of the 2026 Lucian Carnival season scheduled for July 1, Ricky T hints that this year’s celebrations will be extra special, with a string of unannounced surprises planned for attendees. The artist says his preparation for this season has gone far beyond what he has done in years past, and his goals extend beyond delivering a standout on-stage performance. He is focused on creating lasting, immersive memories that will stick with Carnival-goers long after the final parade truck leaves the route.

    “This season is about elevation and showing different sides of Ricky T while still delivering the energy the fans love,” he said.

    A widely celebrated global cultural ambassador for Saint Lucia, Ricky T was previously awarded the country’s Gold Medal of Merit in recognition of his decades of transformative contributions to the island’s music industry and cultural sector. He is optimistic that Caribbean music as a whole is entering an unprecedented new era of global recognition, and his core mission remains unchanged: to lift Saint Lucia’s profile on the world stage while creating pathways for emerging local talent to build their own careers.

    “I want Ricky T to be recognised globally while staying rooted in where I come from,” he added.

  • Swimmers take to the pool for Karen Beaubrun Meet

    Swimmers take to the pool for Karen Beaubrun Meet

    This weekend, the Rodney Heights Aquatics Centre will play host to one of Saint Lucia’s most anticipated annual aquatic competitions, the 10th Karen Beaubrun Swim Meet, organized by the Seajays Swim Club. Drawing nearly 200 competitive swimmers across a wide age spectrum—from young athletes under 9 years old to mature competitors 18 and older—the tournament will feature more than 50 individual and team events, with all six member clubs of the Saint Lucia Aquatics Federation (SLAF) sending rosters to compete.

    As the host of this year’s meet, Seajays Swim Club enters the competition with an impressive historic streak to defend: the club has claimed the overall team title for eight consecutive years, and is gearing up to secure its ninth straight win. Standing firmly in their path is their long-time top rival, Sharks Swim Club, which has also entered a strong lineup hungry to dethrone the defending champions and take home the 2024 title. The remaining competing squads include Lightning Aquatics, RR Aquatics Rhinos, Southern Flying Fish, and the host venue’s own Rodney Heights Aquatic Centre team.

    What makes this year’s anniversary edition particularly exciting is the stacked field of elite talent set to take to the pool, headlined by two Olympians with recent international experience. Mikaili Charlemagne of Sharks Swim Club and Jayhan Odlum-Smith of host club Seajays both carry the distinction of competing at the highest global stage: Charlemagne represented her nation at Tokyo 2020, while Odlum-Smith qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Currently the top seeds in the women’s and men’s sprint events respectively, the pair also hold multiple national short-course records in Saint Lucia, making their races must-watch matchups.

    A cohort of standout college swimmers who currently compete at U.S. collegiate programs have also returned to Saint Lucia to join the fray, adding even more depth to the competition’s top tiers. Seajays’ own Tristan Dorville, who swims for Virginia Tech, will go head-to-head against his club teammate Odlum-Smith, while Karic Charles of Lightning Aquatics is projected to be a top contender in his events. Naima Hazell, a sprinter from Lightning Aquatics who competes for Seton Hall University, and Naekeisha Louis, an unattached swimmer racing for the University of North Carolina Pembroke, enter the tournament as top seeds in multiple events, with their showdowns against Olympian Mikaili Charlemagne widely marked as the weekend’s marquee highlights.

    Rounding out the field of elite contenders is Sapphire Parks, a rising young star from Seajays who has already made a name for herself across the Caribbean. Parks is a two-time consecutive winner of the high points trophy at the CARIFTA Aquatics Championships, and will compete in several of the weekend’s top events alongside the sport’s more established names.

    Beyond the on-pool competition, the 10th annual meet carries special commemorative meaning. The tournament is held annually in honor of the late Karen Beaubrun, a beloved Saint Lucian swim coach and sports administrator who played a key role in developing youth swimming across the island. In addition to competitive medals, one swimmer from each participating club will be selected to receive the Karen Beaubrun Award, which recognizes the core values Beaubrun championed throughout her career: discipline, perseverance, and a positive competitive spirit.

    For spectators looking to attend the two-day event, ticket pricing is set at $15 for adult admission and $5 for children under the age of 13.

  • Lubin levels up with Taiwanese table tennis

    Lubin levels up with Taiwanese table tennis

    A rising young table tennis talent from the Caribbean island nation of Saint Lucia is writing a unique cross-cultural athletic story in Taipei, Taiwan. Twenty-year-old Joshua Lubin, a native of the Saint Lucian communities of Dennery and Entrepot, recently wrapped up a comprehensive two-month training block at Taipei’s Nangang Senior High School, building on his new chapter of athletic and academic growth that began when he arrived in Taiwan in summer 2025.

    This valuable training opportunity was made possible through the coordination of local Taiwanese sports agent Tony Chiang Lin, with additional backing from the Embassy of Saint Lucia in Taiwan. Over the course of eight weeks, Lubin logged more than 80 hours of court time training alongside the school’s promising young table tennis squad, refining his technical skills and competitive instincts in a disciplined, supportive training environment.

    Beyond his athletic pursuits, Lubin is also laying the groundwork for an academic future in Taiwan: he is currently enrolled in Mandarin language courses at Ming Chuan University, preparing to pursue a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology and food nutrition. A former national under-19 table tennis champion in his home country, Lubin has maintained his focus on competitive training even as he balances his language studies and academic preparation.

    Reflecting on his training experience, Lubin emphasized the lasting impact of his time at Nangang Senior High School. As the only long-term foreign athlete in the program, he noted that the welcoming atmosphere created by local players and staff made his integration seamless. “During my time there, I focused on developing my table tennis skills, gaining valuable experience, and building friendships with players and coaches,” he said. “The atmosphere was great, especially as the only foreigner among them for such a long time.”

    Lubin repeatedly highlighted the warmth and generosity extended to him throughout his stay. “I was impressed by the kindness and respect shown to me by both the players and coaching staff,” he shared. “The coaches and players consistently made me feel welcome and were always willing to offer assistance whenever I needed help.”

    For Lubin, the training camp delivered far more than just athletic improvement. The daily interactions with his Taiwanese teammates and coaches gave him a firsthand, deep look into local culture and the traditional hospitality of the Taiwanese people. “The experience not only contributed significantly to my athletic development but also allowed me to gain a deeper appreciation for Taiwanese culture and hospitality through my daily interactions with the team,” he explained.

    To mark the end of his training stint and express his gratitude, Lubin presented personalized tokens of appreciation to the program’s head coach, assistant coaches, and all 30 of his training teammates on Wednesday, June 3. As he moves forward with his language studies and continues to pursue both academic and athletic goals in Taiwan, the experience at Nangang Senior High School will remain a foundational step in his journey as an athlete and global citizen.

  • SLFA to stage 40th congress this weekend

    SLFA to stage 40th congress this weekend

    The Saint Lucia Football Association (SLFA) is preparing to convene its landmark 40th Annual Ordinary Congress this Saturday, June 6, bringing together representatives from all its member leagues at the Bay Gardens Hotel in the northern district of Gros Islet. Unlike extraordinary general assemblies that often feature leadership contests, this session will follow standard procedural protocols, meaning no elections for association board positions will take place during the gathering. The timing of the annual congress is strategically placed just weeks before the highly anticipated third iteration of the Saint Lucia Semi-Professional Football League, which is scheduled to kick off its new campaign later this month. Beyond domestic club competition, the Caribbean nation’s football governing body is gearing up for a packed second half of the year that will see three of its national youth and senior representative teams take the international stage. Those commitments include the senior men’s national side competing in the Concacaf Nations League, the country’s male Under-14 squad participating in the Caribbean Football Union regional Tournament, and the female Under-15 team contesting the Concacaf Under-15 Championship. The core business of this weekend’s meeting centers on laying out the SLFA’s strategic roadmap for the coming 12 months, covering both domestic development initiatives and international competition planning, alongside a series of required organizational reports. Lyndon Cooper, the sitting SLFA president and chairman of the organization, will deliver opening and keynote remarks to attending delegates, before the 2025 National Executive Report is formally presented for discussion. Delegates will also cast votes on several key administrative items: the approval of the SLFA’s 2025 Audited Financial Statements, the 2026 Programme of Activities, and the association’s official 2026 operating budget. Additional agenda items include the formal appointment of independent external auditors and the selection of trustees to oversee the association’s governance structures, wrapping up the full day of procedural and strategic discussions.