Carib Scope

标签： Saint Lucia

圣卢西亚

  • Creators celebrate Independence with handmade pride

    Creators celebrate Independence with handmade pride

    As Saint Lucia approaches its Independence celebrations, local artisans at Blue Coral Mall are transforming the national occasion into a vibrant platform for cultural expression and economic resilience. These craftspeople are not merely displaying their creations but are actively preserving traditions while navigating significant entrepreneurial challenges.

    Terril Nicholas of Illuminating Designs represents the passionate spirit of these artisans. What began as a hobby evolved into a full-time vocation in 2008. “Crafting was always my parallel pursuit regardless of my employment situation,” Nicholas recounted. Her transition to professional artistry confronted substantial obstacles, particularly import duties and material accessibility. “Securing raw materials remains our most persistent challenge,” she noted, highlighting the financial constraints of island-based production. Despite these hurdles, Independence provides crucial exposure opportunities: “This season lets us showcase our products while proudly displaying the national colors.”

    Nicholas’s copper creations embody both artistic vision and functional benefits. “I create entirely self-inspired pieces without digital references,” she emphasized. Her copperwork extends beyond aesthetics, offering purported health advantages including improved circulation and arthritic pain relief.

    Similar narratives of innovation echo throughout the mall. Em’s Creations distinguishes itself through inventive material reuse, particularly with can caps. Francis Beverly Pierre of Goshen Pierre Plus has developed a commemorative jigsaw puzzle honoring Saint Lucia’s Nobel laureates—economist Sir Arthur Lewis and poet Sir Derek Walcott. “This collector’s item represents what we want to preserve about our heritage,” Pierre explained, noting strong interest from international visitors seeking meaningful souvenirs.

    The textile arts find vibrant expression through Samantha Suzy Rosanna Alexander’s Suzy Dezigns. Her crochet journey began at age eight under maternal guidance. “My mother knitted all our childhood clothes,” Alexander recalled. Her business emerged organically in 2016 when floral arrangement classes sparked demand for crochet accessories. “People began requesting earrings and brooches featuring my floral designs,” she said.

    Generational craftsmanship continues through Constance A. Alexander, who has maintained crochet traditions since the 1960s. Meanwhile, Marina Monroque-Lafeuillee of Belle Lici Designs demonstrates extraordinary resourcefulness, having initially crafted tools from coconut branches and flower sack threads. “I sharpen coconut leaf bones to create knitting needles,” she shared, embodying the innovative spirit that characterizes Saint Lucian artisans.

    Despite their creativity, these entrepreneurs face shared challenges: limited retail spaces, export barriers, and material import complexities. Yet Independence celebrations provide vital temporary venues and international exposure. Many artisans already reach overseas markets through initiatives like Export Saint Lucia’s London store, but aspire to broader global recognition while maintaining their distinctive cultural identities.

  • Authentic Green fig and saltfish

    Authentic Green fig and saltfish

    Beyond mere sustenance, Green Fig and Saltfish embodies the historical and cultural soul of Saint Lucia. This iconic dish, with origins tracing to the island’s colonial era, represents a culinary adaptation that transformed imported preserved cod from European traders and locally grown green bananas into a national symbol.

    Its evolution from a practical meal for earlier generations to a contemporary staple served across households, luxury resorts, and festive gatherings illustrates its profound role in Saint Lucian identity. The preparation is a ritual in itself, connecting modern-day cooks to their heritage through time-honored techniques.

    The meticulous process begins with the saltfish, which requires thorough desalination, typically achieved through an overnight soak or a double boiling method with water changes. The fish is then carefully flaked and deboned. Simultaneously, the green bananas (known locally as ‘green figs’) are prepared by scoring their skins and boiling them until tender before being peeled and sliced.

    The heart of the dish is an aromatic sauce. Oil is heated in a pan to sauté a traditional sofrito of sliced onions, chopped garlic, sweet pepper, and fresh thyme. Chopped tomatoes are added to create a rich, saucy base. The flaked saltfish and a whole hot pepper—left intact to impart flavor without overwhelming heat—are then incorporated.

    In the final step, the boiled green bananas are gently folded into the savory mixture, seasoned with black pepper, and simmered to allow the flavors to meld harmoniously. The dish is traditionally presented alongside fresh accompaniments like avocado, cucumber, or a crisp coleslaw, completing a meal that is both a tribute to the past and a vibrant part of Saint Lucia’s living culture.

  • A’ila rises on Mt Pimard

    A’ila rises on Mt Pimard

    Saint Lucia’s tourism landscape is undergoing a transformative expansion with the imminent opening of the first phase of the massive A’ila Resort project. Perched on the slopes of Mt Pimard in Rodney Bay, the development offers breathtaking panoramic views encompassing Pigeon Island and extending as far as Martinique.

    The project’s inception traces back to developer Yunus Dogan’s initial visit to the island, where he found himself captivated by both Saint Lucia’s natural beauty and the genuine warmth of its people. This personal connection sparked the ambitious development that broke ground in early 2025.

    The inaugural phase features a 65-room wellness hotel operated by TheLifeCo, scheduled to welcome guests beginning March. This strategic emphasis on wellness aligns perfectly with Saint Lucia’s tourism evolution. Dexter Percil, Director of Global Marketing at the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, confirmed the island’s deliberate pivot toward wellness tourism, noting that A’ila Resort will significantly enhance their promotional efforts while addressing critical room capacity needs.

    Tourism and Investment Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire emphasized the project’s importance in replenishing the island’s accommodation inventory, particularly after the loss of several hotel properties along the Reduit strip last year. The minister expressed considerable excitement about both the immediate opening and subsequent phases planned through 2027.

    The project’s local impact has been substantial already. According to administrative consultant Sean Bonete, hundreds of Saint Lucians have gained employment during construction, with the resort expected to create numerous permanent positions across various skill levels. When fully completed, the development is projected to employ over 800 nationals directly while generating additional indirect economic benefits for surrounding communities.

    TheLifeCo wellness center will serve as a holistic retreat offering natural therapies and programs designed to help guests reconnect with themselves through conscious living practices. Project manager Aslihan Ozgur explained that Saint Lucia’s pristine natural environment and vibrant culture made it an ideal location for expanding their mission that began in Turkey two years ago.

    The comprehensive $1.3 billion development, representing one of Saint Lucia’s largest tourism projects under Invest Saint Lucia, will eventually include a family hotel, adults-only resort, luxury villas, residential units, a shopping boulevard, and one of the country’s largest conference facilities. Subsequent phases are targeted for completion between late 2026 and 2027.

  • Saint Lucian ballers in Jamaica transfer tangle

    Saint Lucian ballers in Jamaica transfer tangle

    Two prominent Saint Lucian footballers, Vino Barclett and Melvin Doxilly, find themselves embroiled in a professional struggle to resume their careers in Jamaica’s Premier League. The longtime teammates, who have played together since their teenage years for both the Saint Lucia national team and Cavalier SC, now face uncertain futures with their respective clubs.

    Barclett, the 26-year-old goalkeeper from Vieux Fort, earned recognition as the Caribbean’s top goalkeeper less than two years ago after leading Kingston club Cavalier SC to their first Caribbean Cup title. Since joining Cavalier in 2021, he has demonstrated exceptional performance with 43 clean sheets in 102 appearances, including 29 games during the 2024-25 season.

    Doxilly, who recently turned 28, is a versatile defender from Caye Mange, Gros Islet, capable of playing multiple positions including midfield, center back, and right fullback. His defensive prowess helped Mount Pleasant FA secure the national title in the 2022-23 season, showcasing his value to Jamaican football.

    The professional standoff emerged when both players found themselves sidelined by their clubs. Barclett submitted his termination notice to Cavaliers in July and has not seen playing time since, while Doxilly has participated in only one match this term—the season opener against Montego Bay on August 24, 2025—followed by four months of training without game action.

    Their case is being handled by Canadian sports lawyer Andrew Werners, founder of Pitchside Sports Consulting and former legal counsel to the World Leagues Association. Werners has invoked FIFA Regulations Section 4, Article 15, which permits established professionals (aged 21 or older) who have appeared in fewer than 10% of their club’s official matches to terminate contracts prematurely for sporting just cause.

    The situation has been complicated by alleged administrative delays from the Jamaica Football Federation, which according to Werners has failed to process registration documents in the FIFA Transfer Matching System months after initial requests. This has prompted Werners to file an official protest with FIFA.

    The prolonged inactivity poses significant concerns for Saint Lucia’s men’s national team head coach Stern John, as both players are considered automatic selections for upcoming CONCACAF and FIFA engagements. Doxilly has occasionally captained the ‘Piton Boyz,’ while Barclett has earned multiple CONCACAF Team of the Week honors, making their current situation particularly damaging to national team preparations.

  • Saint Lucia weighs future of Cuban medical aid as US pressure mounts

    Saint Lucia weighs future of Cuban medical aid as US pressure mounts

    A delicate healthcare partnership that has sustained Saint Lucia’s medical infrastructure for decades now faces unprecedented pressure amid escalating diplomatic tensions between Washington and Havana. For years, Cuban medical professionals have served as a critical workforce solution, staffing rural clinics and emergency departments that would otherwise remain vacant due to the Caribbean nation’s persistent brain drain of local nursing and specialist talent.

    The longstanding arrangement faces potential disruption as the United States intensifies its opposition to Cuba’s medical brigade programs throughout the Caribbean region. Health Minister Moses Jn Baptiste confirmed the government is developing contingency plans to address possible geopolitical shifts that might jeopardize this vital healthcare collaboration.

    While expressing gratitude for Cuba’s humanitarian assistance, Minister Jn Baptiste highlighted the broader regional challenge of medical personnel migration that has left Caribbean governments struggling to maintain adequate healthcare coverage. The administration is actively pursuing alternative training and recruitment partnerships, including potential agreements with African nations following Barbados’ successful recruitment of Ghanaian nurses.

    Concurrently, the government is boosting domestic training capabilities through enhanced support for nursing programs at Sir Arthur Lewis Community College to encourage more Saint Lucians to enter the healthcare profession.

    The diplomatic friction escalated recently when the US Embassy in the Eastern Caribbean alleged Cuban medical workers face withheld wages, passport confiscation, forced family separation, and intimidation tactics—claims vigorously denied by Saint Lucia and neighboring Caribbean governments.

    External Affairs Minister Alva Baptiste maintained that Cuban doctors in Saint Lucia are legally employed and not subjected to forced labor conditions. Regional leaders from Jamaica to Trinidad have expressed strong opposition to Washington’s position, with some, like former St. Vincent Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, declaring they would sacrifice US visas before expelling Cuban medical professionals.

    Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre acknowledged the reality of US diplomatic pressure while emphasizing Saint Lucia’s commitment to navigating these geopolitical challenges without compromising national interests or healthcare accessibility. The government is proactively developing alternative arrangements to insulate the country’s health system from external political shocks, though no definitive decisions have been finalized.

  • Uber dodges legal questions but open to talks with stakeholders

    Uber dodges legal questions but open to talks with stakeholders

    The global ride-hailing behemoth Uber has declared its intention to remain part of Saint Lucia’s future despite facing mounting regulatory challenges and government opposition. This Caribbean confrontation escalated when Deputy Prime Minister Ernest Hilaire publicly declared Uber’s operations illegal earlier this month, citing significant regulatory violations.

    Despite direct questioning from St Lucia Times regarding its legal status and compliance intentions, Uber provided evasive responses, avoiding specific answers about its regulatory standing. Instead, the company reiterated its willingness to engage in “respectful dialogue with all stakeholders” while maintaining operations despite the government’s cease-and-desist order.

    The core regulatory conflicts identified by Minister Hilaire encompass three critical areas: Uber’s failure to obtain a necessary trade license, non-registration with the Inland Revenue Department for tax purposes, and lack of certification under the Tourism Development Act. Compounding these official challenges, the National Taxi Union has warned its members that association with the Uber platform could jeopardize their union registration status.

    Since its January 27 launch on the island, Uber has promoted its platform as a technological solution benefiting local drivers through enhanced connectivity with tourists, credit card payment options, and schedule flexibility. However, its arrival has ignited complex debates about transportation modernization versus regulatory compliance.

    The controversy reflects deeper systemic issues within Saint Lucia’s transportation infrastructure. Residents report persistent challenges with limited routes, inconsistent service, and coverage gaps that complicate daily commutes for workers and students alike.

    One Beausejour resident, familiar with international ride-hailing services, expressed cautious optimism tempered by practical concerns: “The idea of a dependable service is appealing but I’ve faced disappointing experiences with local platforms—unavailable drivers or unexpected fees eventually made me stop trying.”

    This standoff transcends corporate-regulatory tensions, revealing fundamental questions about how Saint Lucia might develop more reliable, affordable, and accessible transportation systems. As the government and union maintain firm opposition, many citizens are weighing the potential benefits of technological innovation against the necessity of regulatory oversight and fair competition.

  • Fisherfolk want end to US military action in region

    Fisherfolk want end to US military action in region

    A recent United States military drone strike in Caribbean waters has triggered widespread alarm and economic disruption throughout Saint Lucia’s fishing industry, raising serious questions about sovereignty and military intervention in the region.

    Fishermen across the island nation report plummeting morale and operational paralysis following the Trump administration’s confirmation of a ‘lethal kinetic strike’ conducted last Friday against suspected drug traffickers near the Grenadine island of Bequia. While official confirmation remains pending regarding potential Saint Lucian casualties, the proximity of the military action has created palpable anxiety among maritime workers.

    For generations, fishing has served as both economic backbone and cultural cornerstone in Saint Lucia, sustaining coastal communities from the era of Arawak and Carib inhabitants to modern times. Now, this vital heritage faces unprecedented threat as fishermen hesitate to venture into traditional fishing grounds.

    Mathaius ‘MJ’, a southern-based fisherman, expressed raw anger in interviews: ‘What Trump is doing is wickedness. We have loans to pay, children to feed. Now men are afraid to go out.’ He described the eerie transformation at Vieux Fort Fisheries Complex, where typically bustling docks now sit nearly empty—only two boats departed recently compared to normal activity levels.

    The psychological impact extends beyond economic concerns. Fishermen traditionally launch around 3 a.m. to reach fish aggregating devices before marine life moves, but many now fear their predawn movements might be misinterpreted by military surveillance. Veteran fisherman Joseph Dalsan emphasized the cultural dimension: ‘My grandfather did this, his grandfather before him. Why kill people on the spot? If you suspect a boat, board it, search it, arrest people if they’re criminals.’

    The Goodwill Fishermen’s Cooperative Society urges compliance with fishing regulations—including vessel specifications governed by the Department of Fisheries—as protective measures. Operations Manager Kaygianna Toussaint advised: ‘Fishers must ensure their operations are legal and above board so there is evidence to support them if anything happens.’ She specifically recommended remaining within verifiable territorial waters.

    However, many fishermen doubt compliance alone can protect against aerial strikes that allow no opportunity for verification or response. The situation escalated further as the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force confirmed investigating the disappearance of local man Ricky Joseph, whose family fears he may have been caught in the strike. Assistant Commissioner Luke Defreitas acknowledged examining potential connections between Joseph’s disappearance and charred vessel remains recovered off Micoud.

    The community’s outrage stems from perceived double standards, with Dalsan noting: ‘America does not kill their own like that. They have bigger problems to deal with.’ As anxiety mounts, Saint Lucian fisherfolk increasingly demand their government advocate for removal of US military operations from Caribbean waters.

  • Police set to relocate to new $35.8M Gros Islet headquarters

    Police set to relocate to new $35.8M Gros Islet headquarters

    The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force has initiated a significant operational transition, relocating its Gros Islet division from the Human Resource Development Centre to a newly constructed, purpose-built facility in Massade. This strategic move concludes the force’s prolonged dependence on leased accommodations, establishing a permanent base of operations designed for modern law enforcement needs.

    This advanced divisional headquarters will accommodate a substantial contingent of personnel, having absorbed 25% of the force’s most recently graduated officers. Senior police leadership emphasizes that this reinforced staffing level will substantially augment the division’s capacity to maintain security and engage with the local community effectively.

    During the formal inauguration on February 19, Deputy Commissioner of Police Ronald Philip addressed attending officers, framing the relocation as a profound opportunity rather than a mere change of venue. He challenged the division to embrace the facility as a catalyst for elevated professional standards, describing it as one of the most contemporary police stations in the English-speaking Caribbean. Philip articulated a vision for the headquarters to become a benchmark for professionalism, a paradigm of community-oriented policing, and a institution recognized for its inclusivity, accessibility, and responsiveness to public needs.

    Echoing this sentiment, Gros Islet Parliamentary Representative Kenson Casimir highlighted the station’s design philosophy, which prioritizes operational efficiency, enhanced service delivery, and the provision of a secure, professional working environment for officers dedicated to daily community service.

    Financed through a Build, Own, Lease, Transfer (BOLT) agreement valued at approximately $35.86 million, the project was a collaborative venture between the Saint Lucian government and NIPRO, a subsidiary of the National Insurance Corporation. NIPRO Chairperson Everistus Jn Marie noted the project’s completion was achieved despite significant challenges, including global supply chain disruptions, extensive hurricane season rainfall, and competitive shortages in labor and materials amid a broader construction surge. Remarkably, the development was finalized without exceeding its initial contractual budget.

    With interior furnishings and fittings now complete, the station is poised for imminent occupancy by police personnel. The successful BOLT model employed for this project is already slated for replication in the planned Vieux Fort Administrative Complex, signaling continued partnership between NIPRO and the government.

  • Saint Lucia clears latest EU review, remains off blacklist

    Saint Lucia clears latest EU review, remains off blacklist

    Saint Lucia has successfully preserved its position outside the European Union’s tax blacklist, as confirmed by the EU’s latest assessment published on February 17, 2026. This marks another validation of the Caribbean nation’s commitment to international tax transparency standards, a significant achievement for a country that faced EU listing less than a decade prior.

    The island nation’s journey toward tax compliance began after its initial placement on the EU’s non-cooperative jurisdictions list in December 2017. Following high-level commitments made in March 2018, Saint Lucia implemented comprehensive legislative overhauls that resulted in its complete removal from all EU tax-related lists by February 2021.

    Substantive reforms included the abolition of preferential tax regimes considered potentially harmful, particularly elements of the International Business Company framework and related offshore incentives. The government modernized its corporate tax system through the introduction of a territorial regime coupled with rigorous economic substance requirements designed to prevent artificial profit shifting.

    Transparency measures were significantly enhanced through full participation in the OECD’s Common Reporting Standard for automatic financial information exchange and compliance with Global Forum standards on information exchange upon request. The nation further aligned domestic regulations with OECD Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) minimum standards, incorporating transfer pricing rules and anti-abuse measures.

    Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre emphasized that Saint Lucia’s achievement demonstrates how small states can meet rigorous international standards while preserving economic sovereignty. The government views tax compliance as integral to protecting correspondent banking relationships, maintaining access to international financial markets, and promoting sustainable economic growth.

    With the next EU review scheduled for October 2026, Saint Lucia maintains its commitment to upholding the highest standards of tax governance and international cooperation.

  • Book launch celebrates ancestors who built foundations of modern Saint Lucia

    Book launch celebrates ancestors who built foundations of modern Saint Lucia

    In a profound celebration of national heritage, author Louise Mathurin-Serieux unveiled her seminal work ‘On the Shoulders of Peasants’ as both scholarly examination and emotional homage to Saint Lucia’s foundational generations. The launch event transformed into a ceremonial recognition of post-emancipation ancestors who transcended mere survival to architect the nation’s economic and social infrastructure.

    Mathurin-Serieux revealed the project originated as an economic historical analysis but evolved into a deeply personal mission upon discovering the compelling human narratives within the data. ‘Their story kept screaming out to me,’ she confessed, noting how statistical research unexpectedly revealed the vibrant accounts of landholders, farmers, and rural citizens who shaped modern Saint Lucia.

    The work meticulously traces the island’s economic transformation from emancipation through various industry cycles, beginning with Chapter One’s exploration of the immediate post-liberation period. Despite legislative barriers and taxation policies designed to limit economic autonomy, Mathurin-Serieux documents how formerly enslaved individuals pursued dignity through land acquisition, market commerce, and emerging agricultural industries.

    Chapters Two through Six analyze specific economic contributions, while Chapter Seven expands to examine broader social impacts, including advocacy efforts and community development initiatives. The title embodies dual significance: recognizing both the economic foundation built by rural citizens and the disproportionate burdens they shouldered during industry collapses.

    The author emphasized oral history’s critical role, lamenting that most interviewees have since passed away. She issued an urgent call for systematic preservation of community memory, stressing that without concerted effort to maintain these records, future generations risk losing essential connections to their national narrative.

    Mathurin-Serieux concluded by reframing the event as more than a book launch—characterizing it as a tribute to resilience that serves as an anchor for national identity and collective strength.