标签： Saint Lucia

The long-awaited reconstruction of St Jude Hospital in Saint Lucia has finally reached a significant milestone, thanks to the bold financial risks taken by the project’s contractor. Rayneau Gajadhar, Managing Director of Construction & Industrial Equipment Ltd., revealed to St. Lucia Times that he proceeded with major orders without formal government approval to ensure the project’s completion. This unconventional approach, while risky, was driven by his commitment to delivering the hospital to the people of Saint Lucia. Gajadhar stated, “I took the risk, and I said, ‘I am going to order it, and if you don’t like it, I will keep it and you don’t pay for it.’ It was a very big risk, but because I really wanted to get the hospital done, I took that risk.” Fortunately, none of the materials ordered have been rejected, though Gajadhar was prepared to absorb any potential losses. The physical structure of the hospital was handed over to the government earlier this month, but the facility is not yet fully operational. Key medical equipment is still being installed and tested, with the remaining shipments expected soon. Gajadhar emphasized that the project transcends political affiliations, stating, “This is not about me. This is not about the Prime Minister. This is not about [the] party in power. This is something the people of the south and the people of Saint Lucia deserve to have.” He also praised the healthcare professionals who have been providing services from makeshift facilities at the George Odlum Stadium since the original hospital was destroyed by fire 16 years ago. Looking ahead, Gajadhar’s company is expanding its regional portfolio, with major hospital projects in Montserrat and Grenada, as well as private sector developments in St Vincent, Grenada, and Dominica.

In a groundbreaking effort to prepare Caribbean youth for environmental and economic challenges, the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) has launched the EcoYouth Ventures initiative. This two-year programme, funded by Taiwan and implemented in partnership with Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Education, will benefit over 1,500 students and 75 teachers across Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The initiative aims to integrate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) with environmental leadership and sustainable tourism, equipping participants with the skills to build a greener and more resilient Caribbean future. At the launch event held at the Bay Gardens Hotel, key stakeholders, including representatives from Taiwan, the Ministry of Education, and leaders from the tourism and environmental sectors, emphasised the programme’s role in modernising education and fostering innovation. Activities will include teacher training, Innovation Challenges, and National STEM Fairs, culminating in the 2027 Regional Sustainability Summit in Saint Lucia, where students will showcase their projects and collaborate with industry experts and policymakers.

Saint Lucia’s National Culinary Team has returned home triumphantly after securing multiple silver medals at the prestigious Taste of the Caribbean 2025 competition, held in Barbados from November 16 to 18. Organized by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association since 1993, this event is recognized as the Caribbean’s premier culinary showcase, attracting 11 participating nations this year, with Bonaire crowned as the Caribbean National Culinary Team of the Year.

Each year, as Saint Lucia commemorates St. Cecilia’s Day on November 22, the feast of musicians, there is a renewed outcry for increased support for local artists. This year’s celebrations, once a vibrant tradition on the island’s cultural calendar, were notably subdued, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the music sector. For decades, the industry has struggled with inconsistent national backing, despite the presence of organizations like the Carnival Music Management Committee (CMMC), the Eastern Caribbean Collective Organisation (ECCO), and the largely inactive Association of Music Professionals (AMPP SLU). None of these entities has provided sustained advocacy or development for musicians. In recent years, however, Export Saint Lucia has stepped in to address this gap. As a statutory body tasked with promoting the island’s exports across goods and services, Export Saint Lucia has embraced music as part of its creative services mandate. Through its “Music Saint Lucia” platform, developed in partnership with the European Union and funded by the Caribbean Development Bank, the agency has fostered relationships with artists across genres, including Jazz, R&B, Gospel, Hip Hop, Reggae, Soca, and Dennery Segment. Glenfield Gilbert, Director of Client Management at Export Saint Lucia, emphasized the agency’s commitment to supporting artists through technical, developmental, promotional, and financial assistance. Export Saint Lucia has also collaborated with entities like the Ministry of Commerce, Events Company Saint Lucia, and the Carnival Planning and Management Committee (CPMC) to amplify its impact. Local musicians have performed at global showcases such as Expo Dubai and Expo Osaka, and the agency has facilitated their participation in international events like Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival (WCMF). In 2024, artists such as Umpa and Subance performed at WCMF, while Imran Nerdy, Ezra De Fun Machine, and Arthur Allain took the stage this year. Ezra expressed gratitude for the opportunity, praising Export Saint Lucia for creating avenues to showcase Saint Lucian music internationally. The agency has also hosted workshops on the business of music, covering topics like contracts, bookkeeping, and copyright. In 2024, Export Saint Lucia introduced the “Most Exportable Song” award during Lucian Carnival, with Imran Nerdy’s “Start di Party” winning the public and international DJs’ vote. Nerdy hailed the recognition as a testament to the global reach of Saint Lucian music. Looking ahead, Export Saint Lucia plans to expand its creative support through initiatives like a Music Video Development Forum, a copyright workshop, and participation in global expos in Serbia and Saudi Arabia. By investing in music as a viable export and positioning musicians as cultural ambassadors, Export Saint Lucia aims to elevate the island’s creative economy.