标签: Saint Lucia

圣卢西亚

  • Big game from Megan Nestor wasted as University of North Texas loses

    Big game from Megan Nestor wasted as University of North Texas loses

    Despite a monumental individual performance from Megan Nestor, the University of North Texas (UNT) women’s basketball team saw its three-game winning streak halted in a narrow 54-58 home defeat against Rice on Saturday, January 17.

    Megan Nestor, the towering 6’4″ forward from Saint Lucia, delivered a career-defining performance in the loss. She secured her fifth consecutive double-double and tenth of the season by pouring in 15 points and dominating the glass with a remarkable 21 rebounds. This marked the second time this term she has grabbed at least 20 rebounds in a single contest. Her efficiency was notable, converting six of her nine field goal attempts and three of five from the free-throw line.

    Nestor’s prowess on the offensive glass places her as a co-leader nationally in the NCAA for offensive rebounds, while she also ranks among the top ten players in the country for both total rebounds and double-doubles. The alumna of Soufriere Comprehensive Secondary School and former national netball player logged a UNT career-high 37 minutes of play.

    The sole other bright spot for the Mean Green was Aysia Proctor, who erupted for a career-best 25 points on an efficient 10-of-16 shooting from the field. However, the collective effort fell just short. UNT mounted a late surge in the final quarter, trimming a significant deficit to a mere two points, but Rice managed to withstand the pressure and execute down the stretch to secure the conference victory.

    The result moves UNT to a record of 10 wins and 8 losses on the season. Reflecting on the hard-fought battle, Head Coach Jason Burton acknowledged the quality of the opponent. ‘We knew today was going to be a battle,’ Burton stated. ‘We knew today was going to be a really good game. Hats off to Rice for getting it done… Still really proud of our team and the direction that we’re headed.’

  • Anse La Raye reign as U15 girls football champions

    Anse La Raye reign as U15 girls football champions

    In a thrilling conclusion to the Saint Lucia Football Association Inter-District Under-15 Girls Championship, Anse La Raye staged a remarkable second-half comeback to defeat Dennery 2-1 in the final held January 17 at the SLFA Technical Centre in Grande Riviere, Dennery.

    The championship match unfolded as a near replica of the teams’ preliminary encounter, with Anse La Raye once again overcoming an early deficit to secure victory. Dennery’s electric midfielder Faye Alphonse (#10) opened the scoring with a spectacular looping free kick that found the top corner of the net during the first half.

    Despite Dennery’s dominant possession in the opening thirty minutes, the momentum shifted decisively after halftime. Anse La Raye’s relentless pressure through standout players Destiny Herman and Akala Sam resulted in multiple corner opportunities. The persistent offensive push paid dividends in the 39th minute when Lacey Popo capitalized on a poorly cleared goal kick, delivering a clinical finish from 15 yards out.

    The match-winning goal arrived six minutes later when Valencia Lysan Seraphine unleashed a spectacular 20-yard strike into the far corner, marking the first goal from open play and securing Anse La Raye’s advantage. Alphonse nearly equalized in the 60th minute but narrowly missed what would become the penultimate scoring opportunity of the match.

    Anse La Raye head coach Jovette Wilson attributed the victory to her team’s resilience and execution. “We had to speak to them, tell them what to do,” Wilson explained to St. Lucia Times. “They were not attacking. They were not taking the opportunities. We asked them to stay focused because they know what to do.”

    Wilson praised the seven-team tournament that began in November, emphasizing its significance for women’s football development. Her championship squad included players from Anse La Raye Primary, Ciceron Secondary, and Castries Comprehensive Secondary schools.

    “I love it because I never got the opportunity to play under 15,” Wilson reflected. “At a young age, I had to play seniors. We never got that. And I love the fact that now there is football for females from all ages. Every district on island should have a female team so we can develop more and have more females engaged in football.”

    In the third-place match, Desruisseaux secured the consolation trophy with a 2-1 victory over Soufriere. Janii Prevost of Choiseul Secondary School scored her tournament-leading 12th goal despite her team’s loss.

    The ceremony recognized individual excellence with Karimah Ferguson (Canaries) receiving Most Promising Player honors, Shariella Arthur (Anse La Raye) earning Best Goalkeeper distinction, and Janii Prevost (Soufriere) claiming the Leading Goal Scorer award.

  • Attempted robbery, shooting at La Clery supermarket

    Attempted robbery, shooting at La Clery supermarket

    Authorities in Saint Lucia have launched a comprehensive investigation into a violent armed robbery attempt at Falcon Mart Supermarket in La Clery, formerly known as Wintrades Supermarket. The incident unfolded around 1:00 PM on January 19th, marking a dramatic escalation of criminal activity in the commercial district.

    According to preliminary police reports, a group of four armed individuals initiated what appears to have been a coordinated robbery attempt at the popular retail establishment. The situation turned violent when at least one assailant discharged their weapon, striking the supermarket’s security guard during the confrontation. Emergency services promptly transported the wounded guard to a nearby medical facility for urgent treatment, though authorities have yet to disclose his current medical status.

    Law enforcement personnel quickly secured the perimeter and initiated forensic analysis of the crime scene. Investigators are currently gathering witness testimonies and reviewing available surveillance footage to identify the perpetrators and reconstruct the sequence of events. The supermarket remained closed following the incident as police continued their evidence collection process.

    The community of La Clery has expressed growing concern over this brazen daylight criminal activity, with local business owners calling for enhanced security measures in commercial areas. This incident represents one of the most serious armed robbery attempts in the area in recent months, highlighting ongoing challenges in urban security management.

    Police Commissioner Severin Moncherry has assured the public that all necessary resources are being deployed to apprehend those responsible. ‘We are treating this incident with the utmost seriousness and will pursue every lead until these individuals are brought to justice,’ Moncherry stated in a brief press address.

    As the investigation progresses, authorities have urged anyone with relevant information to come forward and assist with the ongoing manhunt. Further updates are expected as police develop additional leads in the case.

  • West Indies U19s suffer heavy defeat against Afghanistan in Namibia

    West Indies U19s suffer heavy defeat against Afghanistan in Namibia

    In a stunning display of cricketing prowess, Afghanistan’s Under-19 team delivered a crushing 138-run defeat to the West Indies during their ICC Under-19 World Cup encounter in Namibia on Sunday. The comprehensive victory significantly shifts the tournament dynamics for both teams.

    Opting to bowl first after losing the toss, the Caribbean side found themselves immediately on the back foot as Afghan openers Khalid Ahmadzai and Osman Sadat constructed a formidable 86-run opening partnership. West Indies bowler Vitel Lawes eventually broke through, but the relief proved temporary as captain Mehboob Taskin joined Sadat to build another substantial 77-run stand, ultimately propelling Afghanistan to a commanding total of 262-6 from their 50 overs. Despite the challenging conditions, Jakeem Pollard and Lawes emerged as silver linings for the West Indies bowling attack, each claiming three wickets.

    The Afghan bowling unit then demonstrated why they are considered one of the most dangerous in the tournament, unleashing a devastating powerplay performance that saw three West Indian batsmen return to the pavilion within the first five overs. Wicketkeeper-batsman Jewel Andrew provided the only resistance for the Caribbean team, crafting a determined half-century against a relentless and disciplined Afghan attack. His efforts, however, proved insufficient as the West Indies batting lineup collapsed dramatically, bowled out for a meager 124 runs in 31.2 overs.

    The result leaves the West Indies in a precarious position as they prepare for their crucial January 22 showdown against tournament favorites South Africa. This upcoming match now represents a virtual must-win scenario for the Caribbean side if they hope to advance to the knockout stages of the competition.

  • One dead, multiple injured in Vieux Fort collision

    One dead, multiple injured in Vieux Fort collision

    A devastating head-on collision in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, on Sunday evening resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries, highlighting ongoing road safety concerns in the island nation.

    The fatal incident occurred approximately at 7:05 p.m. near Il Pirata, involving a private automobile and a passenger minibus. Preliminary evidence from social media footage suggests the car, operated solely by Viclann Gollet Joseph, appears to have crossed into the opposing traffic lane moments before impact with the oncoming minibus.

    Emergency response teams from the Saint Lucia Fire Service arrived promptly at the scene to discover nine individuals sustaining various injuries. Joseph was found without vital signs in his vehicle. Despite immediate life-saving measures and rapid transportation to a medical facility, he was subsequently pronounced dead.

    The minibus driver required specialized extrication by rescue personnel after being trapped within the damaged vehicle. Medical assessment confirmed injuries to both lower limbs. Seven additional passengers from the minibus sustained multiple trauma injuries, including significant head and chest trauma alongside other bodily injuries.

    All injured parties received preliminary emergency treatment at the location before being transferred to healthcare facilities for comprehensive medical attention.

    The tragedy has sparked emotional responses across social media platforms, with friends and acquaintances memorializing Joseph as an ambitious individual and dedicated automotive enthusiast known for embracing life passionately.

    Local authorities have initiated a comprehensive investigation to determine the precise causation factors behind the collision. In response to this incident, government officials have reiterated urgent appeals for enhanced road safety awareness and increased vigilance among motorists, emphasizing the critical importance of cautious driving behaviors on national roadways.

  • Suffren goes off in Virginia Tech win over SMU

    Suffren goes off in Virginia Tech win over SMU

    The Virginia Tech women’s basketball team delivered a commanding performance on the road, overwhelming Southern Methodist University with a decisive 79-42 victory. This Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) triumph, secured at Moody Coliseum over the weekend, marks the Hokies’ third consecutive conference win, signaling a strong mid-season surge.

    Redshirt sophomore Samyha Suffren emerged as the standout performer, registering a career-best 18 points to lead all scorers. The 5’8″ guard demonstrated remarkable efficiency off the bench, converting 7 of 15 field goal attempts and maintaining a perfect 4-for-4 record from the free throw line in just 24 minutes of play. Beyond scoring, Suffren delivered a comprehensive stat line with five rebounds, three steals, and two blocked shots—another career milestone.

    Virginia Tech established dominance from the opening tip, launching an 8-0 scoring run to set the tone. The Hokies maintained control throughout the contest, leading 16-8 after the first quarter and expanding their advantage to 32-19 by halftime. After three quarters, the margin grew to 57-33, with Tech closing the game emphatically on a 15-0 run in the final period where Suffren contributed six of her points.

    The victory featured balanced offensive production with four Hokies reaching double figures in scoring. Suffren’s all-around contribution saw her tie for third in team rebounding and tie for the lead in steals. The team’s defensive intensity limited SMU’s scoring opportunities throughout the contest.

    With this result, Virginia Tech improves to 14-5 overall and strengthens its ACC standing to 4-3 in conference play, demonstrating significant momentum as the season progresses.

  • From shy beginnings to finding her voice: Bella Emmanuel thrives at Castries Comprehensive

    From shy beginnings to finding her voice: Bella Emmanuel thrives at Castries Comprehensive

    In 2024, Bella Emmanuel entered Castries Comprehensive Secondary School (CCSS) as a quiet, wheelchair-using student carrying both academic promise and physical challenges. Two years later, the 13-year-old has transformed into a confident, socially engaged scholar whose journey exemplifies how intentional inclusion policies can reshape educational experiences for students with disabilities.

    Bella first gained national recognition through her outstanding performance on the 2024 Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA), achieving an overall score of 79 across core subjects. This accomplishment secured her placement at CCSS, where school administrators have implemented concrete measures to ensure physical accessibility doesn’t limit educational opportunities.

    The school’s infrastructure includes ramps and adaptive classroom arrangements. When Bella advanced to Form Two and encountered classrooms only accessible by stairs, administrators creatively reshuffled room assignments rather than restricting her subject options. “We rotate the classes to ensure students like Bella have access,” explained Vice Principal Anne Giffard Elcock. “A child is not banned from doing a subject because they have no access.”

    Beyond physical accommodations, Bella has flourished through extracurricular engagement, particularly in the school choir where she has discovered confidence and self-expression. Her musical pursuits have extended beyond campus to regional competitions and showcases. “I’m in Red Cross, arts club, a lot of clubs, but the one I enjoy most is the choir,” Bella shared.

    The school’s holistic approach includes approximately 25 students receiving additional support through special needs teachers and teaching assistants. According to Elcock, the program aims to “bridge learning gaps so students are not left behind” while focusing on “the holistic development of the child.”

    Transportation challenges persist, with Bella relying on compassionate assistance from classmates and teachers who ensure her safe commute. Students gently lift her onto buses while folding her wheelchair for storage, demonstrating a community-driven support system.

    Bella’s academic self-awareness remains sharp, as she acknowledges finding mathematics challenging while maintaining determination to improve. Socially, she has become “the life of the party” according to school staff, shedding earlier shyness to become fully integrated among peers.

    Her journey from apprehensive newcomer to confident participant illustrates how educational institutions can transform lives through committed inclusion practices that extend beyond mere infrastructure to encompass academic, social, and logistical support systems.

  • Man shot dead in Micoud

    Man shot dead in Micoud

    Authorities in Micoud have launched a comprehensive investigation following a deadly shooting incident that resulted in one fatality earlier today. Law enforcement officials confirmed that an adult male victim succumbed to a fatal gunshot wound to the head at the scene.

    Police units remain actively engaged at the crime scene as forensic specialists work to gather evidence and establish the precise sequence of events. While the exact circumstances leading to the shooting remain undetermined, authorities have classified the case as a homicide investigation.

    Local residents reported hearing a single gunshot followed by the arrival of multiple police vehicles. The area remains cordoned off as investigators conduct door-to-door inquiries and examine potential surveillance footage from nearby properties.

    The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force has issued a statement acknowledging the incident but has declined to release specific details pending notification of next of kin and preliminary forensic analysis. Police Commissioner Crusita Descartes-Pelius emphasized that ‘all necessary resources are being deployed to ensure a thorough investigation.’

    This incident marks the latest in a series of violent crimes reported in the Micoud area this year, raising concerns among community leaders about public safety measures. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.

  • Young writers honoured at SLUDTERA Literary Arts Awards

    Young writers honoured at SLUDTERA Literary Arts Awards

    Saint Lucia’s emerging literary talents took center stage at the 2025 SLUDTERA Literary Arts Awards ceremony held this Wednesday. The event specifically honored eleven distinguished secondary school students who demonstrated exceptional prowess in both the Songtry Literary Excellence Awards and the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition.

    Denney Estava from Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School emerged as the standout performer, securing the prestigious Songtry Youth of the Year overall award. The multi-talented student additionally claimed top honors in three distinct categories: Visual Arts, Global Crisis, and Poetry.

    “This recognition feels incredibly rewarding—I genuinely didn’t anticipate winning,” Estava expressed during his acceptance address. “My approach has simply been to engage actively in available opportunities like the Commonwealth essay and Songtry competitions, recognizing their potential to create transformative pathways for young individuals.”

    The awards ceremony highlighted diverse creative disciplines with category-specific achievements. Entrepot Secondary School’s Katalia Felix and St Joseph’s Convent’s Amalia Victor received Global Crisis awards for visual artworks depicting youth responses to contemporary challenges.

    Literary Arts category accolades were awarded to Merkisha Justin, Samuella Bertrand, Latoya Jadel Murray, and Iyana Aaliyah Paul for their exemplary creative writing compositions. Nathaniel Charles earned recognition in Visual Arts for demonstrating extraordinary creativity and originality.

    The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition national honors featured St Joseph’s Convent’s Melanie Alcee and Denney Estava in the under-14 division, while Iyana Aaliyah Paul (Sir Arthur Lewis Community College) and Phaedra Auguste (LHCSS) triumphed in the 14-18 category. Merkisha Justin and Malachai Bondiemaitre received bronze medals, with Samuella Bertrand achieving gold medal distinction.

    SLUDTERA, the organizing body behind both award programs, continues its mission to foster youth engagement with literary arts. The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition international winners were formally announced on November 6, 2025, with this national ceremony reinforcing Saint Lucia’s commitment to nurturing young literary talent.

  • Police: Tyson did not die from poison

    Police: Tyson did not die from poison

    The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force has officially dispelled months of public speculation regarding the demise of K9 Officer Tyson, confirming through comprehensive toxicological analysis that the canine did not succumb to poisoning. Assistant Commissioner of Police Luke Defreitas revealed that advanced laboratory testing detected zero traces of toxic substances in the animal’s system.

    This definitive conclusion follows an earlier series of examinations initiated in 2025 that had previously excluded rodenticide poisoning as the fatal mechanism. Despite these initial findings, police authorities pursued additional forensic investigation to address persistent uncertainties and achieve absolute clarity regarding the circumstances.

    According to medical documentation, a preliminary pathological assessment conducted earlier had identified internal hemorrhage as the immediate cause of death, presenting four potential underlying conditions: toxic poisoning, severe coagulopathy, critically low thrombocyte levels, or acute bacterial infection. With toxicological causes now entirely eliminated, investigators must reengage with veterinary pathologists and medical specialists to pursue alternative diagnostic avenues.

    Defreitas emphasized that the investigation will continue through collaborative consultation with forensic experts to determine the precise pathological mechanism that led to the animal’s tragic demise. The case has drawn significant public attention and highlights the sophisticated forensic capabilities employed in modern animal death investigations.