Carib Scope

标签： Saint Lucia

圣卢西亚

  • Craft Masters edge Eagles to reach SPL Qualifier 2

    Craft Masters edge Eagles to reach SPL Qualifier 2

    On the evening of May 12, the Francis “Baba” Lastic Grounds played host to a do-or-die knockout clash in the Saint Lucia Premier League T20, where Choiseul Craft Masters and Micoud Eagles fought tooth and nail for a continued shot at the tournament title. What unfolded was a contest full of unexpected twists, with the Craft Masters ultimately claiming a hard-fought five-wicket victory to advance to the next qualifying round, despite costly fielding errors that nearly handed the game to their opponents.

    Micoud Eagles, batting first, got off to a disastrous start. The Craft Masters’ opening bowling attack struck immediately, removing opener Dominic Auguste for a golden duck. Wickets continued to fall on a regular basis through the first 10 overs, leaving the Eagles reeling at 71 runs for the loss of four wickets. It was at this point that the game’s most dramatic turn unfolded.

    Middle-order batters Murlan Sammy and Rohan Lesmond stepped to the crease, and the Craft Masters’ bowling unit created multiple clear chances to send both batters packing early. However, uncharacteristic lapses in the outfield let the Eagles off the hook: Choiseul dropped a total of seven catches during the pair’s innings, gifting them extended time at the wicket to build a formidable partnership. Sammy capitalized on his lucky escape, compiling a shaky but impactful 55 runs from 47 deliveries, while Lesmond chipped in with a valuable 39 runs. By the end of their 20 overs, Micoud Eagles had posted a surprising total of 164 runs, a score that looked far out of reach just a few overs earlier. For the Craft Masters, bowlers Bronté Bess and Shawnil Edward delivered consistent performances despite the fielding lapses, claiming two wickets apiece for 28 and 19 runs respectively.

    Chasing 165 runs for victory, the Craft Masters got off to a blistering start in their run chase. The opening pair raced to 48 runs inside the first four overs before losing Jason Simon, the first wicket of the innings. Simon’s opening partner Trevon James, an overseas import, held his ground through the rest of the innings to anchor the chase, eventually earning the Man of the Match award for his match-winning knock. James remained unbeaten on a destructive 75 runs from just 42 deliveries, hitting five fours and five towering sixes to guide his side across the finish line. The win secured the Craft Masters a spot in Qualifier 2, which will be held at the same venue this coming Sunday, sending the large contingent of traveling orange-clad Choiseul fans into wild celebrations.

    In his post-match press interaction, Kurstan Jules, captain of the victorious Craft Masters, highlighted his side’s ability to stay resilient despite the self-inflicted pressure from costly fielding mistakes. He also paid tribute to the unwavering support of his team’s fanbase, who turned out in large numbers for the knockout clash.

    “Dropping seven catches definitely put us under a lot of unnecessary pressure,” Jules noted. “Even with that, we still managed to restrict them to only 164, which speaks volumes about the quality of our bowling attack. I have to give a lot of credit to our bowlers for staying focused, and our batters for stepping up and closing out the win for us.”

    Speaking about the team’s fan support, Jules added: “Choiseul is just on the other side of the island, but our fans still turn out in huge numbers to support us. Here in Gros Islet, we had more supporters here than any other team, and that just shows how committed they are to this side. Every win we get is for them.”

    The Craft Masters will now wait for the result of Qualifier 1, scheduled to take place on Friday evening, to learn the identity of their next opponent. The upcoming Qualifier 2 acts as a de facto semi-final, with the winner earning a place in this year’s Saint Lucia Premier League T20 final.

  • Saint Lucia gets tool to detect outbreaks faster

    Saint Lucia gets tool to detect outbreaks faster

    Ten Caribbean countries and territories have successfully upgraded their diagnostic capabilities with cutting-edge Molbio rapid PCR testing platforms, a development that is set to revolutionize how the region detects and responds to infectious disease outbreaks. The rollout, completed by March 26 under the Pandemic Fund Project, is led by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), which confirmed Saint Lucia, Barbados, The Bahamas, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, the Turks and Caicos Islands, and Trinidad and Tobago as the participating member states.

    Unlike traditional testing setups that can take multiple days to deliver results, the new platform delivers accurate diagnostic outputs for a wide range of pathogens in under two hours. The technology is designed to detect more than a dozen high-priority infectious diseases that pose major threats to public health in the region, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, cholera, malaria, HIV, hepatitis, tuberculosis, salmonella, leptospirosis and rabies. It also has the capacity to test for pathogens with high pandemic potential, such as Nipah virus and norovirus, filling a critical gap in the region’s early warning systems.

    Following the completion of installations, the initiative is moving into its next operational phase: routine diagnostic testing across all participating sites. All testing data will be compiled and shared on a weekly basis with CARPHA through the platform’s integrated digital reporting system, enabling seamless aggregation of information into regional public health surveillance networks. This connected data infrastructure allows for continuous monitoring of platform performance and supports coordinated, fast-acting responses when new disease threats emerge.

    Complementing the hardware rollout, CARPHA has also completed targeted training for more than 50 laboratory professionals across the participating countries, building sustainable local technical capacity to operate and maintain the new systems. This hands-on training ensures that national health networks can leverage the full potential of the technology long after the initial deployment.

    CARPHA Executive Director Dr. Lisa Indar framed the successful completion of installations as a transformative milestone for regional public health infrastructure. “By combining cutting-edge diagnostic technology with targeted workforce training, CARPHA is ensuring that countries are better prepared to detect, respond to and manage public health threats in real time,” she said.

    The initiative has already demonstrated its value in emergency response scenarios. During Hurricane Melissa that impacted Jamaica in October 2025, the platform was installed and local staff were fully trained within just a few days, enabling immediate emergency testing and boosting the country’s disaster response readiness. Looking ahead, the upgraded diagnostic systems are expected to cut turnaround times for diagnosis from days to under two hours, enabling earlier case identification, faster isolation of infected individuals, and more effective containment of outbreaks. This progress ultimately strengthens regional surveillance capabilities and boosts the long-term resilience of national health systems across the Caribbean.

  • Health authorities monitoring hantavirus outbreak; no local cases reported

    Health authorities monitoring hantavirus outbreak; no local cases reported

    A global public health monitoring effort is underway after a hantavirus outbreak emerged aboard the cruise vessel MV Hondurus, with the Caribbean nation of Saint Lucia confirming it remains at low risk of local transmission as authorities track the evolving situation.

    The cruise ship set sail from Argentina on April 1, carrying a diverse group of passengers and crew representing 28 nationalities. As of May 11, the outbreak has been linked to nine reported hantavirus infections, three of which have resulted in fatalities. Five of the nine cases have received formal laboratory confirmation, and public health investigators are continuing active surveillance to detect unreported cases and curb further spread of the pathogen.

    In an official public statement released Tuesday, Dr. Michelle Francois, Saint Lucia’s leading national epidemiologist, reaffirmed the island’s current risk status. “At present, Saint Lucia is considered to be at low risk for hantavirus transmission…. At this time, there are no suspected or confirmed cases of virus in Saint Lucia,” she stated.

    Francois explained that all nations with citizens who disembarked from the infected vessel are coordinating closely with global public health agencies to conduct ongoing monitoring of all exposed passengers and crew for early signs of infection. Health authorities have also received notification that one Caribbean national onboard the ship may have been exposed to the virus, but the government of that country has since confirmed no suspected or confirmed infections have been detected within its borders to date.

    Per the epidemiologist, the World Health Organization (WHO) has also assessed the global public health risk posed by the outbreak as low, though officials note that additional cases may still surface in coming weeks due to hantavirus’s lengthy incubation period.

    For context, hantavirus is primarily a zoonotic pathogen, meaning it most often spreads to humans from direct contact with infected rodents, specifically through exposure to the animals’ urine, feces, or saliva. Limited person-to-person transmission has only ever been recorded for the Andes virus strain – the same strain connected to this current outbreak – and even this route of infection requires close, prolonged contact with an already infected individual to occur.

    Common early symptoms of hantavirus infection include fever, persistent headache, muscle pain, abdominal discomfort, nausea, and vomiting. In the most severe cases, the infection can progress rapidly to dangerous respiratory complications, including persistent coughing, shortness of breath, dangerous fluid accumulation in the lungs, and even septic shock.

    To support public prevention efforts, Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition has issued updated guidance for residents. People traveling to regions affected by the outbreak are advised to avoid areas known to have high rodent populations whenever possible. For anyone cleaning spaces that have been contaminated by rodents, the Ministry strongly recommends using appropriate personal protective equipment, including disposable face masks and rubber gloves, as well as effective disinfectants to reduce the risk of exposure to airborne virus particles.

    Saint Lucia’s health department says it will continue to monitor all developments related to the MV Hondurus outbreak closely, and will issue timely public updates as new information becomes available.

  • Teen starts snack business to fund his accounting dream

    Teen starts snack business to fund his accounting dream

    Beneath the dappled shade of the Massy Stores building in Rodney Heights, 19-year-old Dwight Regobert stands steady, holding an open cardboard box at chest height. For passersby stopping to browse, the box reveals an assortment of granola bars, rice crispy treats, and other grab-and-go snacks – the core of his self-started small business.

    For five months, this driven teen has operated his informal venture across the route between Rodney Bay and Castries, and his quiet, unwavering commitment has not gone unnoticed by repeat customers and community members who have encountered him. Just two days after agreeing to share his journey, Regobert stepped away from his usual post outside the supermarket to sit down for an exclusive interview with St Lucia Times.

    A soft-spoken young man of few words, Regobert speaks openly about the planning that went into launching his business and the community support that has kept it running. “I wanted to start a business, and I figured people would like these,” he explained candidly, gesturing to the colorful red, orange, and blue-wrapped snacks stacked inside his box. Though the venture has no official name, it serves a clear, purpose-driven goal that keeps Regobert showing up every day.

    Years ago, while a student at Castries Comprehensive Secondary School, Regobert found he not only enjoyed accounting classes but also possessed a natural aptitude for the subject. After leaving school, he still resides with his mother in the Georgeville neighborhood of Castries, and his choice to launch a snack sales business comes directly from his determination to earn professional accounting qualifications independently. Every dollar of profit from his snack sales goes toward covering tuition and exam fees for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) programme, a globally recognized credential for accounting professionals.

    To date, Regobert has already passed two ACCA exams: the first, which he paid for in December, and a second he covered with business revenue this past March. Four more exams stand between him and full ACCA certification, with his next exam scheduled for June, carrying a $750 price tag that he plans to fund entirely through his snack sales.

    Regobert admits his professional goals command almost all of his focus; he struggles to name other hobbies that fill his free time. But his expression brightens when he talks about his long-term plans after completing the ACCA programme, which include further specialized education in accounting. “I would like to do a Master’s at the University of London,” he shared, his gaze set on the institution’s MSc Professional Accountancy programme. “It’s so I could have enough qualifications” to build his dream career, he added.

    Regobert’s story of self-reliance and determined ambition has resonated deeply with everyone who has crossed paths with him. He remains open to additional support from community members who want to help him reach his goal, and welcomes anyone interested in reaching out to contact him via phone or text at 1 (758) 384-1969, or via email at caleb.wilson316@gmail.com.

  • Roseau Valley take top spot in Western football

    Roseau Valley take top spot in Western football

    A gripping penalty shootout unfolded at the Marigot Playing Field on Saturday, May 9, that crowned Roseau Valley the champions of the Saint Lucia Football Association Western Zone Under-20 Men’s District Tournament. After 90 minutes of regulation play ended in a 1-1 deadlock, Roseau Valley held their nerve from the spot, converting all five of their penalties and securing a match-winning save from their goalkeeper to edge Canaries by a final score of 5-4.

    The match delivered drama from start to finish. Canaries, who advanced to the final after a strong semifinal performance, drew first blood against Roseau Valley, the tournament’s highest-scoring outfit that had conceded the fewest goals throughout the zonal competition. With regulation time winding down and just two minutes remaining on the clock, Canaries conceded the equalizing goal that sent the contest to penalties, where Roseau Valley’s goalkeeper made the decisive stop on Canaries’ final spot kick to seal the title.

    With the Western Zone crown in hand, Roseau Valley now joins three other zonal youth champions: Gros Islet, Dennery, and Soufriere. In the tournament’s third-place playoff, South Castries claimed the bronze medal, while Anse La Raye finished in fourth position. Individual honors went to Armani Lesmond of South Castries, who topped the tournament’s goal-scoring charts with four total goals. Close behind him were Zyhym Jn Charles of Canaries—who netted two goals in the team’s semifinal victory over South Castries—and his teammate Jaden Longville, each ending the competition with three goals apiece.

    All four zonal champions will now turn their attention to the upcoming Blackheart Football Tournament, an interdistrict knockout competition kicking off this weekend in Vieux Fort. This year marks a historic milestone for the tournament, as Under-20 men’s teams will compete in the event for the first time ever, giving the young champions a chance to test their skill against the best youth squads across the island.

  • Lu City urges more cultural funding after Jazz Festival performance

    Lu City urges more cultural funding after Jazz Festival performance

    Fresh off an electrifying headline set that captivated crowds on the main stage of World Beats at the 2025 Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival, held at Pigeon Island National Landmark on May 9, one of the Caribbean nation’s most acclaimed musical acts, Lu City, is turning the spotlight from performance to advocacy. The duo, composed of members Ryie and Luja, is using their newly amplified platform to push for systemic changes that support the next generation of Saint Lucian creative talent, drawing from their own years of struggle to break into the global music industry.

    In a media interview immediately following their high-energy performance, the pair stressed that they are determined to ensure emerging local artists do not have to navigate the same barriers that blocked their path early in their careers. Ryie and Luja argued that island leaders and industry influencers must adopt intentional, proactive strategies to build an ecosystem where creative entrepreneurs can grow sustainably, rather than leaving young talent to fend for themselves.

    Outlining their key priorities for reform, Ryie pointed to three critical gaps in the current support system: expanded access to professional recording space, targeted public funding for creative projects, and comprehensive music education programs in local schools. He emphasized that meaningful, sustained music education, rather than superficial offerings, is foundational to nurturing young talent from an early age.

    Luja expanded on this vision, noting that Saint Lucia already has all the raw ingredients for a thriving local music scene: skilled young artists, talented audio engineers, and innovative producers who are already pushing creative boundaries and producing world-class work. “The youth today are making incredible beats and getting better by the day,” he explained. “What we lack is a dedicated space where they can gather, collaborate, create, and learn from one another. We need a purpose-built music hub for young creators, and we need organized training camps to help them hone their craft. It’s time to get serious about investing in our creative future.”

    Notably, Lu City is not merely calling on public and private stakeholders to act—they are ready to contribute their own time, expertise, and influence to turn this vision into reality. Luja made clear the duo is open to partnership with any willing party: “We’re ready to move this work to the next level. Any organization or leader that wants to help build this ecosystem, we’re ready to sit down and make it happen together.”

  • Footballer Charles plans to transfer to new college in Kansas

    Footballer Charles plans to transfer to new college in Kansas

    A rising talent in international women’s football, Shania Charles from Saint Lucia, is set to take the next step in both her athletic and academic journey at Hesston College, a small liberal arts institution located in central Kansas. The experienced defensive player will make the move from Allen Community College, where she has spent the past two years competing and studying, and is scheduled to begin her tenure at the Kansas-based campus in the fall of 2026 while pursuing her undergraduate degree.

    Hesston College, which boasts a tight-knit student body of just over 400 enrollees, fields its sports teams under two national collegiate athletic bodies: the Continental Athletic Conference (CAC) and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The program has already shown impressive momentum in its young NAIA history – last season, in the Larks’ first year competing as an NAIA member, the women’s football squad fought their way all the way to the CAC championship match, marking one of the most successful debut seasons in the program’s recent history.

    Known as a versatile and battle-tested defender, Charles brings a wealth of on-pitch leadership experience to the Larks, where she will join the squad’s mission to “Defend The Nest” when she steps onto campus next year. During her time at Allen Community College, where she played for the Lady Red Devils, Charles earned the honor of serving as team captain in her final season. That year, she put up solid offensive numbers alongside her defensive duties, netting two goals and notching three assists while anchoring the team’s backline. Beyond the pitch, Charles has also established a strong track record of student leadership engagement at her current institution.

    In her sophomore year at Allen Community College, Charles held the presidency of both the campus Student Senate and the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. She also took a lead organizing role in the college’s annual World Food Fair, building connections across the diverse campus community. A healthcare-focused student, Charles was a core member of a student team that took home first place at a statewide collegiate competition for their impactful mental health awareness campaign targeted at local amateur and youth athletes.

  • Hippolyte takes top spot on quiet collegiate track weekend

    Hippolyte takes top spot on quiet collegiate track weekend

    As most American collegiate track and field programs entered a quiet transitional period this past weekend — with some student-athletes wrapping up their academic careers via commencement and others fine-tuning their preparations for upcoming championship events — a small group of Saint Lucian competitors turned in standout performances across multiple meets around the United States.

    One of the most notable results came from Western Illinois University senior Mya Hippolyte, who claimed gold in the women’s 100-meter dash at the Huskie Classic. Crossing the finish line in 11.88 seconds, Hippolyte not only secured the win but also set a new personal season best. A 1.3 m/s tailwind aided her run, which marks her fastest 100m time since she clocked 11.71 seconds at the 2025 Ohio Valley Conference Outdoor Championships.

    Over at Washburn University, Kereser Augustin logged two strong 400-meter races across two separate meets in three days. Competing first at the Wichita State Shocker Open, Augustin took second place on the podium with a time of 55.66 seconds. Just a few days later, she traveled to the Pittsburg State Almost Last Chance Meet, where she added a fifth-place finish to her weekend resume with a time of 55.81 seconds.

    Lewis University sprinter Cagini Pilgrim also turned in a pair of solid results at the St. Francis Fighting Chance Invite. In the men’s 200-meter dash, Pilgrim clocked 21.46 seconds to earn a second-place finish. He also advanced to the 100-meter final, where he crossed the line in fourth place with a 10.59-second run after posting a 10.62-second time in the preliminary rounds. His final 100m time marks his second-fastest wind-legal result of the 2026 outdoor season.

    Beyond on-track results, two more Saint Lucian student-athletes celebrated major academic milestones over the weekend. Naya Jules, the current holder of Saint Lucia’s national women’s pole vault record, graduated from Garden City College with an associate degree. Miguel Charlery similarly crossed the commencement stage to collect his bachelor’s degree from East Stroudsburg University.

    The 2026 outdoor collegiate track postseason is set to kick off this week, with the first major championship action kicking off Thursday, May 14, at the junior college Division I Outdoor Championships hosted by New Mexico Junior College in Hobbs, New Mexico. Jules is set to compete in three events and is widely considered a legitimate medal contender heading into the meet: she ranks inside the national top 10 in both the javelin throw and heptathlon, and sits 15th in the pole vault rankings.

    For four-year NCAA Division I, II and III programs, conference championship tournaments will kick off this coming weekend, with more than a dozen Saint Lucian athletes expected to compete for coveted spots in their respective division’s national championship meets in the weeks ahead.

  • ‘Never Fail Me’: Son’s tribute after mother’s killing in double homicide

    ‘Never Fail Me’: Son’s tribute after mother’s killing in double homicide

    Days before one of the most cherished holidays for families across the globe, a brutal shooting on Marchand Boulevard claimed two lives, leaving tight-knit communities in Saint Lucia reeling from senseless violence. The first victim, 64-year-old Charmaine Pearl Ramsay, a 22-year veteran of the local police force and mother of five surviving children, was killed instantly in the Saturday night attack on May 9. A second victim, 38-year-old Sheston Duncan, succumbed to his critical injuries just hours later after being rushed to a nearby hospital.

    In the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, Ramsay’s eldest son, whose identity has been withheld by authorities for personal security, spoke publicly with reporters to share his family’s overwhelming grief. Fighting back tears, he described his mother as a relentless, devoted parent who never once let him down throughout his 28 years of life. “I never imagined my mother would lose her life in that kind of way,” he told reporters. “For the kind of person my mother was, I never thought I would lose her to such violence.”

    Ramsay, who spent more than two decades serving the community as a police officer, shaped her son’s entire upbringing through the values of honesty, accountability and unwavering support she instilled in him. Even in his adult years, she remained a constant, caring presence: cleaning his home, washing his clothes, and showing up for him in every challenge and milestone. When asked what he would miss most, he highlighted this unshakable commitment. “In every aspect of my life, my mother would always come and represent me no matter what it be,” he said.

    The grieving son recalled the chaotic, terrifying moments after the shooting that still haunt him. He was at his own home nearby when he heard a volley of gunshots ring out across the neighborhood, but had no idea his mother was caught in the crossfire. It was only when he walked toward her home to check on her that a neighbor broke the devastating news. “When I go there, I see my mother lying there, lifeless already,” he said. “I feel like I was just losing my brains at the moment.” Still, he said he is clinging to his faith and the lessons his mother taught him to stay strong for the rest of his family. “I already gave my life to Christ, so I just consider I have to pray and let life take its course.” To this day, he says he cannot fathom any motive for killing his mother, who dedicated her life to protecting and supporting her community.

    A close friend of Ramsay, who had planned a joyful Mother’s Day celebration with the victim just days before, shared her own heartbreak over the killing. The two had arranged to attend church together, then spend the evening dancing in honor of the holiday. “And look at how the lady pass away,” she said in disbelief. Like many residents, she is now calling for an immediate end to the wave of violence that has shaken the neighborhood. She warned that innocent bystanders—especially children—face constant risk as violent incidents continue to plague the area. After the shooting, fear has spread so widely that local parents are keeping their children home from school, she confirmed. “A mother called the principal and said she not sending her children to school because of what happened,” she said. In an emotional appeal to those behind the violence, she urged them to lay down their weapons. “All those who are doing violent things, stop it, please. Have mercy on everybody else because all of us have family.”

    Top political leaders have also weighed in on the tragedy, condemning the brutal killings and pledging action to bring those responsible to justice. Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, who also serves as Parliamentary Representative for Castries East, released a formal statement via his official Facebook page expressing his deep sorrow over the deaths. “As Parliamentary Representative, I am deeply saddened by the homicides that occurred over the weekend. I extend sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives,” he wrote. Pierre confirmed that his administration has already held urgent talks with the leadership of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, and assured the public that authorities are working tirelessly to track down and prosecute the perpetrators. “These acts of violence are a matter of grave concern,” he stated. “The safety and security of our citizens remain a top priority of my Government.”

  • American woman, St Lucian man charged in firearm case

    American woman, St Lucian man charged in firearm case

    A cross-district law enforcement operation in Saint Lucia has resulted in multiple firearm-related charges against two people, following a seizure of illegal gun components at a major international airport and subsequent raids on two residential properties.

    In an official public statement released Saturday, local police confirmed that 52-year-old U.S. citizen Shelly Ann Paul and 51-year-old local resident Lenny Hyacinth Noelien were formally arraigned on multiple charges on May 7. The case is the product of a targeted investigation led by the island’s Gangs, Narcotics and Firearms Unit (South).

    The investigation traces back to May 5, when customs officials at Hewanorra International Airport alerted police to suspicious items in incoming luggage. Paul, who had just arrived on a flight from Atlanta, was found to have two suspected unregistered firearm magazines hidden in her baggage, and was taken into custody immediately at the airport.

    As detectives expanded their probe, law enforcement officers stopped a vehicle operated by Noelien at the Vieux Fort Free Zone. During a search of the vehicle, investigators found a loaded pistol. While Noelien presented a valid license for that specific weapon, officers still arrested him on suspicion of helping Paul facilitate the unauthorized importation of gun components.

    The next day, a coordinated search operation was launched at two properties located in Gros Islet, a district in the northern part of the island: Noelien’s home in Beausejour and Paul’s residence in nearby Cap Estate. During these searches, police uncovered an unlicensed revolver and a cache of additional unauthorized firearm parts that were not covered by Noelien’s existing license.

    Following the completion of evidence gathering, both suspects were charged with six total offenses across two people: three counts each of possession of unauthorized firearm components, importation of restricted firearm components, aiding and abetting illegal firearms activity, unlicensed possession of a firearm, and illegal possession of ammunition. Following their court appearances, Paul was released on bail set at $47,000, while Noelien was granted bail at $65,000. The case is now set to move through the Saint Lucian judicial system in coming months.