Carib Scope

标签： Saint Lucia

圣卢西亚

  • Windwards lose to Barbados in CWI Rising Stars opener

    Windwards lose to Barbados in CWI Rising Stars opener

    The 2026 Cricket West Indies Under-19 Rising Stars Men’s 50-Over Championship kicked off its opening fixture at Antigua & Barbuda’s Bethesda Sports Ground, where a high-octane clash between Windward Islands and Barbados ended with Barbados securing a comfortable 114-run win to open their campaign on a high note.

    Barbados won the toss and opted to bat first, but got off to a rocky start, losing their opening wicket when the total scoreboard had only reached three runs. Rather than collapsing, however, the young Barbadian side rallied around captain Gadson Bowens and batter Jordan Graham, who put together a crucial century partnership that dragged their side out of early trouble and into a commanding position on the pitch. After the pair fell, the middle-order duo of Kelani Clarke and Kemar Dixon extended the momentum with a 78-run stand, before lower-order batter R’Jai Gittens delivered a blistering cameo: he smashed 49 runs off just 16 deliveries to accelerate the total to a massive 392 for 9 at the close of the 50 overs. Thirty-two of Barbados’ total came from extras, while for Windward Islands, seamer Aiden Burton turned in the standout bowling performance, claiming three wickets for just 36 runs from his full 10-over allocation. Kevin Joseph supported with two wickets for 51 runs from his 10 overs.

    Chasing a daunting target of 393 to claim an opening win, Windward Islands suffered immediate early setbacks that put them on the back foot. Top-order batters Derwin Lewis and West Indies Under-19 representative Earsinho Fontaine departed for just four and three runs respectively, leaving the innings in disarray early on. Windward Islands captain Theo Edward and Aiden Burton, the side’s leading bowler from the first innings, stepped up to steady the chasing effort, putting together a 139-run partnership from 23 overs that brought the run rate up to a solid 6.15 and kept the side in the hunt past the halfway mark of the chase.

    Disaster struck soon after, however, when both Edward and Burton were dismissed with the score still at that 139 mark. The collapse deepened when subsequent batters Johnathan Daniel and Zach Thomas both fell without adding a single run to the total. While Saint Lucian batter Tyler Venner mounted a determined rearguard effort, finishing with an unbeaten 71 runs from 62 balls, his knock was not enough to overcome the early damage. Both Edward and Venner posted half-centuries for the side, but consistent wicket losses left the chase unmoored, and Windward Islands was bowled out 114 runs short of Barbados’ total.

    Windward Islands will now turn their focus to bouncing back from this opening defeat, when they face Trinidad & Tobago at Coolidge on Monday in their second group fixture of the championship.

  • Saint Lucia win gold, silver at ECVA beach volleyball

    Saint Lucia win gold, silver at ECVA beach volleyball

    The Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) Under-20 Beach Championships wrapped up this week on the sun-soaked sands of Frigate Bay, Basseterre, St Kitts & Nevis, and athletes from Saint Lucia are heading home with a haul of well-earned medals, headlined by a gold medal finish from the men’s division.

    For Saint Lucian men’s pair Peter Emmanuel and Lindan Clarke, the tournament was nothing short of a masterclass in consistent dominance. The duo entered the competition with one key goal: to outperform the silver medal result Emmanuel earned with the 2025 Under-21 national team. By the end of the week, they delivered far beyond that mark, finishing the entire tournament undefeated to claim the top spot on the podium.

    Heading into the semifinal round, Emmanuel and Clarke had outclassed every opponent they faced, winning each set by an average margin of seven points. Their toughest test came in the gold medal match, where they squared off against Dominican pair Tahj Jno Jules and Caiston Anthony. Despite a stiff challenge from the Dominican side, the Saint Lucian duo held their ground to secure a straight-set victory, 21-18 in the first set and 21-19 in the second, closing out an undefeated run to the title.

    Speaking after the win, Emmanuel opened up about his mix of excitement and targeted reflection. “Personally, I feel overjoyed,” he said. “But at the same time, we still have a couple of areas to brush up on, like the starting of our game. I feel like we do too many careless errors, and it takes a while for us to get our momentum going. And when we do get one, we sometimes let it go too easily to the other team. But other than that, I feel excited.”

    On the women’s side of the tournament, Saint Lucia’s Abigail Evans and Aryanna Desir fought their way to a third-place bronze medal finish, marking an impressive debut for the new pairing. The duo got off to a rocky start, dropping a hard-fought three-set opening match to Grenada, but they quickly rebounded with a win over host nation St Kitts & Nevis to punch their ticket to the quarterfinals against St Eustatius. That matchup also went the full three sets, with Evans and Desir pulling out a narrow win to advance to the semifinal round.

    In the semis, the Saint Lucian pair faced a determined host nation team that ultimately blocked their path to the gold medal match. But Evans and Desir refocused quickly for the third-place playoff, where they faced the St Kitts & Nevis second team for the second time in as many days. The pair controlled the match from start to finish, picking up a comfortable 2-0 win (21-7, 21-18) to secure a spot on the podium.

    Evans noted that while the pair had higher aspirations for the tournament, the result was a promising milestone for their new partnership. “I would say it wasn’t what we wanted, and we sure could have won the gold medal, but I’m very happy with our effort,” she said. “I think we did well for our first real tournament together.”

    In the women’s gold medal match, Team Bermuda claimed the top prize after a dramatic three-set battle against the St Kitts & Nevis first team, winning 21-16, 11-21, 15-12 to take home the regional title.

  • CARICOM leaders promise action as households feel cost-of-living pressure

    CARICOM leaders promise action as households feel cost-of-living pressure

    Against a backdrop of widespread household financial strain driven by skyrocketing living costs across the Caribbean, regional government leaders and private sector stakeholders have finalized a coordinated package of actionable measures designed to cut import expenses, upgrade cross-border transportation connectivity, eliminate unnecessary trade restrictions, and make basic consumer goods more accessible to vulnerable populations.

    The landmark agreements were reached during the second High-Level Breakfast Dialogue, a gathering that brought together CARICOM Heads of Government, the CARICOM Private Sector Organisation (CPSO), and the OECS Business Council (OBC). The event was hosted in Saint Lucia alongside the 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government, held July 6 under the overarching theme “Meeting the Affordability Challenge: Toward a Proactive Agenda for Member States and the Private Sector.” More than 120 senior stakeholders, including private sector executives, leaders from 13 CARICOM member nations, organized labor representatives, development partners, and officials from regional institutional bodies, took part in the day’s discussions.

    Attendees centered their talks on concrete, implementable solutions to the region’s rising cost pressures, with priorities ranging from cutting transportation and logistics overhead to diversifying import sources, stimulating intra-regional investment, and forging stronger connections between the Caribbean’s dominant tourism sector and local domestic industries.

    One of the most significant outcomes of the dialogue was a renewed focus on improving regional mobility and connectivity. Leaders formally committed to advancing development of a private-sector-led regional ferry service, a project expected to cut cross-border transportation costs dramatically. A September 2026 deadline was set to finalize the full regulatory framework required for the initiative, including rules for mutual recognition of insurance coverage, operating licenses, and road taxes—all critical preconditions to launching the service. In the near term, stakeholders have agreed to move forward with interim operational arrangements to get the service up and running ahead of full regulatory completion.

    The dialogue also marked a milestone for regional air cargo connectivity, with attendees welcoming the launch of Executive Air Cargo, a new service that already began moving agri-food products between CARICOM member states, helping reduce food waste and cut delivery times for local producers.

    On trade barriers, participants agreed to adopt a targeted “pairwise” approach to address the 57 non-tariff barriers that private sector businesses have identified as major obstacles to intra-regional commerce. Under this framework, the countries maintaining each restrictive policy will work directly with the affected trading nations, supported by private sector groups and relevant government agencies, to develop time-bound plans for elimination or reform.

    Import diversification emerged as another key strategy to cut long-term costs, with analysis showing the region could save approximately $2 billion USD by shifting a portion of non-fuel imports to regional suppliers instead of relying solely on foreign sources. Additional savings are projected as Caribbean nations accelerate their transition to renewable energy, reducing their heavy dependence on costly imported fossil fuels.

    Short-term relief for consumers was also a core topic of discussion. Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley put forward a formal call for a tripartite compact bringing together governments, the private sector, and organized labor, focused on stabilizing prices for a basket of essential consumer products. Mottley also urged businesses to accept reduced profit margins on essential goods to ease the financial burden being carried by Caribbean households.

    Dialogue participants also prioritized mobilizing regional capital for strategic infrastructure investment, identifying renewable energy projects, desalination facilities, battery storage systems, and port upgrades as key priority areas. Attendees agreed that all regional investment opportunities should be published on a shared regional platform to improve accessibility for local investors, with agriculture highlighted as a sector that needs increased targeted investment.

    The gathering also reaffirmed broad support for completing the ongoing Tourism Linkages Project, an initiative designed to strengthen connections between the Caribbean’s $50 billion tourism industry and regional agriculture, manufacturing, and service sectors, ensuring more tourism revenue stays within local economies.

    On climate policy, private sector representatives reaffirmed their commitment to supporting regional climate action, but raised urgent concerns about the potential economic impact of the International Maritime Organisation’s Net-Zero Framework. Stakeholders warned the policy could drive up shipping costs, placing additional strain on consumers, small island economies, and the tourism sector that forms the backbone of most CARICOM nations’ economies.

    To ensure all agreed commitments are delivered on, participants approved the establishment of dedicated working groups with clear timelines and measurable performance targets to track implementation progress. The CPSO will partner with the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee to lead coordination of the agenda moving forward.

    The dialogue closed with a unified commitment from all three sectors—government, private business, and organized labor—to advance the agreed practical measures, with the shared goal of delivering tangible, meaningful improvements to the quality of life for all people across the CARICOM community.

  • Ezra, Kisha Kay capture Soca Monarch titles

    Ezra, Kisha Kay capture Soca Monarch titles

    On a historic Friday night at the Saint Lucia Athletics Association (SAB) facility in Vigie, the 2026 Soca Monarch competition delivered two landmark victories, breaking long-standing barriers and capping a 12-year comeback journey for two standout performers.

    In the hotly contested Groovy Soca division, Kisha Kay etched her name into the history books as the first woman ever to claim the Groovy Soca Monarch title. She secured the crown in one of the tightest competitions in recent memory, finishing with a total of 388 points — just a single point ahead of first-time contender Deevon, who claimed second place. Imran Nerdy, the defending Groovy Soca Monarch, finished third with 385 points, while veteran competitor Arthur Allain took fourth place with 368 points to round out the top four.

    Along with her historic title, Kisha Kay took home a top prize of EC$40,000 for her win. Second-place finisher Deevon received EC$30,000, with Imran Nerdy collecting EC$20,000 for his third-place finish and Arthur Allain earning EC$15,000 for fourth.

    The drama continued in the Power Soca Monarch division, where Ezra D’Funmachine completed a stunning 12-year comeback to reclaim the title he last won over a decade ago. Like the Groovy division, the Power Soca competition was decided by a razor-thin margin: Ezra notched a winning score of 384 points, edging out runner-up Shemmy J by just one point. Shemmy J finished with 383 points to take second place, while the trio of Tension, Bobo and Samo secured third with 361 points. The collaborative entry from Sedale, HP and Deevon finished fourth with 344 points.

    Ezra matched Kisha Kay’s prize winnings, taking home EC$40,000 for his first-place finish. Shemmy J received EC$30,000 for second, Tension, Bobo and Samo earned EC$20,000 for third, and Sedale, HP and Deevon collected EC$15,000 for their fourth-place showing.

    In a notable upset, the defending Power Soca Monarch duo of Dezral and Jardel failed to crack the top four in their bid to retain the title, missing out on a spot in the winners’ circle after returning to compete.

    Photographs of both new champions were captured by photographer McAllister Hunt, documenting the historic night for Caribbean soca music.

  • Labour Department moves to tackle issues in security industry

    Labour Department moves to tackle issues in security industry

    In a groundbreaking move to tackle widespread labor disputes, the Saint Lucia Department of Labour has launched an unprecedented targeted engagement initiative with private security service providers, a sector that has consistently accounted for a disproportionate share of worker complaints related to unfair wages, substandard working conditions and unlawful employment termination.

    The first gathering of this initiative, held on July 8, brought together key operators and senior leadership from across the private security industry. The meeting centered on unpacking the most common recurring labor relations challenges, walking stakeholders through explicit employer obligations outlined in the national Labour Act, and rolling out evidence-based best practices for ethical and compliant human resource management.

    Deputy Labour Commissioner Nicolai Lansiquot explained that the unprecedented collaborative approach was born from years of data showing the private security sector outpaces most other industries in labor complaints. “For years, our department has recorded that security firms make up a significant share of all grievances we receive, covering everything from unpaid wages to unfair dismissal,” Lansiquot noted in remarks at the meeting. “Through routine inspections, formal investigations and alternative dispute resolution conciliation processes, we’ve mapped out consistent, solvable gaps in compliance. This direct engagement lets us address these concerns head-on, boost industry-wide understanding of legal requirements, and encourage voluntary compliance before individual issues escalate into costly, formal legal disputes.”

    Department investigations have outlined eight core recurring violations that plague the sector: employers failing to issue legally compliant pay slips to workers, incorrect calculations of overtime wages, refusal to pay mandatory premium rates for work on public holidays, violation of legally required rest break rules, inadequate and non-compliant employee record-keeping, improper and unlawful use of fixed-term employment contracts, and significant procedural flaws in disciplinary actions and employment termination processes.

    While the Department of Labour remains fully committed to rigorous enforcement of the Labour Act to protect worker rights, Lansiquant emphasized that the new strategy prioritizes proactive education, dispute prevention and public-private partnership over reactive enforcement alone. The agency recognizes that private security firms operate under unique operational constraints: the nature of the work requires nonstop around-the-clock coverage, irregular shift scheduling, extended work periods and mandatory staffing on public holidays. Even with these unique operating conditions, the department stressed that all employers are legally obligated to meet the minimum labor standards set out in the national legislation.

    Speaking directly to industry stakeholders at the July 8 meeting, Labour Minister Emma Hippolyte acknowledged the outsized positive contribution the private security sector makes to both national economic activity and public safety. “Our government recognizes the critical work done by private security officers and the companies that employ them,” Hippolyte said. “This sector delivers essential services across every corner of our national economy, and it plays a huge role in upholding public safety and keeping businesses operating smoothly. That said, compliance with the Labour Act is non-negotiable: it is the foundation of fair, stable and productive workplaces that benefit both employers and employees.”

    Hippolyte reaffirmed the government’s dual commitment to supporting sustainable private sector growth while upholding fundamental worker rights and fostering healthy, collaborative industrial relations. “Strong, positive industrial relations deliver benefits for every group: employers, workers, and the entire national community,” she added. “Our core goal is to partner with industry stakeholders to strengthen employment practices, boost overall compliance, and make sure every workplace in the sector remains fair, respectful and productive for all.”

    Moving forward, the Department of Labour plans to hold regular ongoing engagement sessions with private security industry stakeholders as part of its long-term efforts to cut down on preventable workplace disputes, lift overall compliance with labor laws, and build stronger, more collaborative labor relations across the entire sector.

  • Alfred impresses with record-breaking run in Monaco

    Alfred impresses with record-breaking run in Monaco

    In a historic display of sprinting dominance at Friday’s Meeting Herculis held at Monaco’s Stade Louis II, Saint Lucian Olympic 100m gold medalist Julien Alfred delivered a performance for the record books, clocking a blistering 21.51 seconds in the women’s 200m to claim the third-fastest time ever recorded over the distance. The 25-year-old speedster outpaced a star-studded field of global competitors, turning a mediocre start into a legendary victory that left the sold-out crowd roaring with excitement.

    Alfred’s historic run not only shattered her own 2023 national record of 21.71 seconds set in London, but it also toppled a 31-year-old meeting record that had stood since 1993 – a 21.77s mark set by Jamaican sprint legend Merlene Ottey. Her time also jumps to the top of the 2026 global rankings, knocking British Virgin Islands sprinter Adaeajah Hodge from the top spot. Hodge, who had previously posted the year’s fastest time of 21.68 seconds just one month prior, took second place in Monaco with a solid 21.70s run. Closing out the podium was American Olympic 200m gold medalist Gabby Thomas, who finished third in 21.84 seconds. Only two women in track and field history have ever run faster than Alfred: the long-standing world record holder Florence Griffith-Joyner and Jamaica’s own Shericka Jackson.

    Race observers noted that Alfred got off to a relatively slow start out of the starting blocks under clear, sunny skies, but the sprinter found her gear within the first 10 meters of the race and never gave up the lead, pulling away from the field down the home straight. In post-race comments, Alfred downplayed the importance of a quick reaction time, emphasizing that the final result is all that matters. “It’s not about the reaction time; it’s about how you finish. I don’t care about my reaction time, I was first, that’s all that matters,” she said.

    Reflecting on the years of work that led to her historic performance, Alfred shared that she had spent months preparing for this breakthrough moment, and only realized the scale of her achievement once she crossed the finish line and saw the clock. “I have been preparing for this for such a long time; to finally see it pay off, I am just happy. I didn’t realise how fast it was till I crossed the line. I looked at the clock and saw my time, and that’s why I was screaming like at the Olympics. Because I have been looking forward to this for a long time.”

    Alfred added that her result exceeded her own pre-race expectations, leaving her elated and hungry for more success. “I am just so happy to see that time. There are no limits right now. Today, I was actually hoping to see 21.6; I got 21.5, so I am happy nonetheless.” Her groundbreaking performance has sent shockwaves through the global track and field community, cementing her status as one of the greatest sprinters of her generation and setting the stage for an exciting showdown at upcoming world championship and Olympic events.

  • Nestor to kickstart pro basketball career in Spain

    Nestor to kickstart pro basketball career in Spain

    A rising basketball talent from the small fishing village of Canaries, Saint Lucia, is set to begin the next chapter of her athletic career: Megan Nestor has officially signed with Spain’s Movistar Estudiantes Madrid, marking her debut as a professional athlete after a record-breaking collegiate career in the United States.

    The 24-year-old, 6-foot-3 post player built an impressive resume during her time competing across U.S. college basketball. A graduate of the University of North Texas, Nestor transferred from Wayland Baptist University early in her collegiate journey, and went on to set new rebounding records at both programs. For two consecutive seasons, she led all players across both the NAIA and NCAA divisions in average rebounds per game, a rare feat that cemented her reputation as one of the most dominant defensive rebounders in collegiate women’s basketball.

    In her final college season earlier this year, Nestor posted an average of 12.8 points and 14.1 rebounds per game. Her standout defensive performance earned her American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year honors, alongside selections to the All-Conference First Team and All-Defensive First Team. Following the conclusion of her collegiate eligibility, she received an invite to attend training camp with the WNBA’s Chicago Sky, an experience that helped her refine her skills and prepare for the jump to professional European basketball with Estudiantes.

    Isaac Fernández, the club’s incoming head coach, noted that Nestor’s addition brings a much-needed dominant physical presence to the team’s interior play. “Megan is our clear starting center, and she comes to us off an exceptional college career,” Fernández explained. “On top of that, she was invited to train with a WNBA franchise, which is a clear testament to the high level of play she demonstrated during her time in the U.S. We recognize she will likely need a short adjustment period to adapt to the pace and style of our league, but we have no doubt her strong skill set will translate to outstanding performances for our team.”

    Movistar Estudiantes, nicknamed the “Women in Black,” posted mixed results in the 2025-26 season. The squad delivered a standout run in EuroCup play, closing out Group I stage play with a solid 5-1 win-loss record. However, in Spain’s top-tier LF Endesa domestic league, the team finished in the upper-middle of the standings, unable to break through to compete with elite top clubs such as Valencia and Girona. This off-season, the organization has prioritized roster upgrades to push the club into contention among Spain’s best women’s basketball programs.

    Alongside Nestor, the club has added several high-profile new pieces: playmaker Laia Lamana, Spanish 3×3 national team star Júlia Soler, and fellow 6-foot-3 American center Kendall Cooper. They will join returning versatile forwards Irati Etxarri and Kristina Topuzović to form a deep, well-rounded roster. Nestor is expected to pair with Cooper and defensive specialist Etxarri to create one of the league’s most formidable frontcourt units. While this will be Nestor’s third different team in as many years, the young star has said she is eager to put down roots in Madrid and help lead her new club to new heights of success.

  • Local hoopers benefit from summer camp

    Local hoopers benefit from summer camp

    A groundbreaking new youth basketball development effort has kicked off its summer programming in Saint Lucia, bringing international coaching expertise to local young athletes aged 8 to 18. The program, run by local youth initiative Basketball For The Future (BFTF), hosted its first ever Elite Basketball Summer Clinic at the Vigie Multipurpose Sports Complex, helmed by BFTF head coach Ron Du Murville alongside visiting American coach Brad Seaman.

    Seaman brings decades of elite youth basketball experience to the collaboration: he leads Team EbLens, one of the top-ranked Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball programs across New England, and also serves as a coach at Kingswood Oxford Prep in Connecticut. Based out of West Hartford, Seaman’s programs field competitive teams for both boys and girls from fourth through 12th grade, with a core mission centered on refining fundamental on-court skills, building cohesive team dynamics, and creating more exposure opportunities for aspiring young players to catch the eye of college scouts.

    The joint clinic was structured to meet the needs of athletes across all skill levels. Younger, new participants received hands-on instruction covering core basketball fundamentals, while older, more experienced players got the chance to refine advanced techniques and elevate their existing abilities. Far from just a one-off summer camp, the initiative is designed as a foundational step to open long-term athletic and academic pathways for Saint Lucian youth, including the chance to compete in high-profile AAU tournaments based in the United States.

    Du Murville, speaking to local outlet St Lucia Times, outlined the core goals of the clinic: sharing specialized technical training, including plyometric footwork techniques he learned during his time training in the U.S., with the next generation of local players. He expressed surprise and delight at the enthusiasm young participants brought to every session, noting even during scheduled water breaks, many young athletes returned to the court early to practice their shooting before drills resumed.

    For the more advanced older athletes, Du Murville explained that coaching focused on more granular, position-specific technical details, and the group has embraced the new training wholeheartedly. “I think it’s with every basketball player; their strength is able to learn. They want to get better. Their shot form looks pretty good. They’re athletic and fast, and they can get to the rim,” Du Murville said of the group. Up to this point in the clinic, coaching staff have covered core skills including ball handling, reading and coming off ball screens, and pre-shot preparation technique. Du Murville also left participants with a full set of structured drills to continue practicing throughout the rest of the summer, ensuring athletes can keep progressing after the visiting coaches wrap up their time in Saint Lucia. He praised the local BFTF coaching staff for their work preparing athletes for the clinic ahead of time.

    The professional connection between Du Murville and Seaman grew organically through BFTF alumni: former program participants who earned U.S. college basketball scholarships introduced the two coaches, laying the groundwork for the current partnership. Looking ahead, Du Murville’s next major goal is to assemble a team of Saint Lucian athletes to compete directly in U.S. AAU tournaments.

    “What we’re really getting into is to see our level of skill level of our kids down here and see what’s the availability to actually have a team to travel overseas and participate in these AAU tournaments that tend to be taking over the basketball landscape in America and kind of creating a lot of opportunities for these young 15- to 17-year-old athletes that try to pursue their basketball dreams,” Du Murville explained.

    Du Murville emphasized that developing elite-level basketball talent is a long-term process that requires buy-in and dedication from all stakeholders, from the athletes themselves and their coaching staff to parents, Saint Lucia’s national basketball federation, and government entities. He noted that the inaugural clinic operated with very limited sponsorship support, but remains optimistic that with expanded investment and backing, Saint Lucia can cultivate world-class competitive players in the coming years.

  • Another Saint Lucian reaches 100 mark

    Another Saint Lucian reaches 100 mark

    On July 8, Saint Lucia welcomed a new member to its growing community of centenarians, as family, friends, and government officials gathered to mark the 100th birthday of Virginia Philip — known affectionately to nearly everyone in her circle as Hettie. Over a lifetime shaped by adversity and quiet purpose, Philip has emerged as a shining example of the core values that anchor Saint Lucian society: unwavering resilience, selfless sacrifice, deep-rooted faith, and sustained service to those around her.

    Born in Garrand, Babonneau, on July 8, 1926, to parents Lydia Philip and Anthony Beharry, Philip has borne first-person witness to a century of transformative change across the island nation, watching small communities grow and national progress reshape daily life across decades. In her later years, she settled permanently in Marchand, Castries, where she built her family legacy and still resides today.

    A devoted mother of seven, Philip’s influence extends across four generations: she leaves an enduring legacy through 14 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Raising her seven children alone as a single mother, Philip leaned on relentless hard work and quiet determination to provide for her family, holding positions over decades at three prominent local businesses: M&C, JQ Charles Supermarket, and Elwin Supermarket.

    Beyond her professional work, Philip carved out a beloved role in her local community as a skilled traditional herbalist. Guided by her deep Christian faith, she viewed her healing knowledge as a divine calling, freely sharing her expertise with any community member in need of care. For her, faith has remained a steady anchor through every season of life, carrying her through hardship and amplifying joy in times of blessing.

    To honor this extraordinary centennial milestone, the Older Persons Unit under Saint Lucia’s Department of Equity, Social Justice, Gender and Older Persons joined Philip’s loved ones for the July 8 celebration. The small, heartfelt ceremony centered on Philip, with agency representatives presenting her with commemorative gifts and formal notes of appreciation for her decades of perseverance, quiet dignity, and service to the nation.

    In a statement following the celebration, the Older Persons Unit emphasized that centenarians like Philip are more than just historical witnesses — they are living embodiments of the values that bind and strengthen Saint Lucian society. Her life story serves as a powerful reminder of the irreplaceable role older adults play in shaping national identity, and the importance of honoring the wisdom, lived experience, and enduring legacy they pass down to younger generations.

  • Kaiso Cop wins Intercommercial Calypso competition

    Kaiso Cop wins Intercommercial Calypso competition

    On Thursday night, Saint Lucia’s Cultural Centre played host to the annual Intercommercial House Calypso Competition, a celebration of lyrical creativity that drew widespread backing from the island’s business community and general public alike.

    The event brought together performing representatives from a diverse cross-section of Saint Lucian organizations, each bringing their own distinct stylistic flair and unique thematic messages to the main stage. The packed venue buzzed with energy, as colleagues, friends and family of the competitors filled the stands to cheer on their favorites, cultivating a warm, lively atmosphere that carried through every performance.

    When the final scores were tallied, Shaqelle Charlery — performing under the stage name Kaiso Cop and representing the Bordelaise Correctional Facility — claimed the top spot of the night. His moving original work *Bordelaise Sad Stories* resonated deeply with both the panel of judges and the packed audience, blending sharp lyrical storytelling with authentic emotional delivery to secure his first-place win.

    Claiming the runner-up position was Erny Johnny, better known by his stage name Erny J, who represented the Saint Lucia Workers Credit Union. His performance of *One Last Time* earned widespread acclaim for its powerful, well-crafted lyrics and confident stage presence, cementing his status as one of the most memorable acts of the competition. Notably, this is not Erny J’s first time on the competition’s podium: he took home the first-place title at the 2025 event, while third-place finisher Eka Fergus also repeated her 2025 podium placing in 2026.

    Performing under the shortened stage name Eka, Fergus represented the Saint Lucia Social Development Fund and took home third place for her heartfelt track *Matters of the Heart*. The song showcased her strong vocal control and raw emotional range, earning her a warm reception from the crowd.

    Every competitor who took the stage elevated their performances with extra creative touches, from elaborate custom costumes and theatrical acting to immersive visual effects. Their narrative-driven songs covered a wide array of themes, keeping the audience fully engaged from the opening act to the final award announcement. The 2025 competition saw a different podium order: Chocolate, representing the Inland Revenue Department, claimed third place that year, alongside returning podium favorites Erny J in first and Eka in second.