标签： Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia is poised to establish a National Maritime Authority, a significant step aimed at separating regulatory oversight from port operations and modernizing the nation’s maritime governance framework. The announcement was made during a Maritime Symposium hosted by the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA), where officials unveiled a series of reforms designed to enhance safety, professional standards, and international compliance. Lorraine Matthew, Permanent Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure, Ports and Transport, emphasized that the reform, led by a Cabinet-appointed committee chaired by her office, will eliminate conflicts of interest and ensure a modernized transport governance structure. The symposium served as a critical platform for dialogue, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss emerging opportunities and strategies to advance the maritime industry. Among the initiatives highlighted was the National Demarcation Programme, which aims to improve safety and spatial management along Saint Lucia’s coastline. Matthew noted that all equipment has been procured, technical training finalized, and contractor selection is underway, with Rodney Bay chosen as the first site due to its high marine activity density. Additional reforms include licensing and certification upgrades, streamlined vessel concessions, and enhanced safety and environmental measures. Internationally, Saint Lucia reaffirmed its support for the High Seas Treaty, a vital tool for global cooperation in biodiversity conservation. Domestically, the country is modernizing its maritime legislative framework through measures such as finalizing the Open Ship Registry Framework and enacting the Marine Pollution Bill. These reforms collectively strengthen Saint Lucia’s compliance with international conventions and reinforce its position as a responsible maritime sector.

Veterans In Sports Inc. has once again demonstrated its commitment to social change with its annual ‘Kick for a Cure’ initiative. This community-driven event, which also marks the official launch of the veterans’ football season, serves as a powerful platform for raising cancer awareness. This year’s edition, held on November 1 and 2 at the Francis Baba Lastic Grounds in Gros Islet, saw 12 teams, each comprising 30 players, compete in the Super Knockout Championship. The Marchand Veterans emerged victorious, defeating the reigning champions Vieux Fort North with a 3-1 scoreline. Lincoln ‘Ice Cream Man’ Philip stole the show with a hat-trick, earning him multiple accolades, including MVP of the Finals and the Tournament, as well as Most Goals of the Tournament. Marchand’s Canicius Philip was also recognized as the Best Goalkeeper. Beyond the competitive spirit, the event carried a profound message, symbolically issuing a ‘red card’ to cancer. With non-communicable diseases accounting for 82 percent of deaths on the island, ‘Kick for a Cure’ served as both a celebration of sport and a call to action for public health. Alvin Malaykan, CEO of Veterans In Sports, emphasized the organization’s goal to encourage regular health checkups, particularly among older men who are often reluctant to seek medical attention. This year, the initiative partnered with the Saint Lucia Cancer Society, which provided on-site medical professionals to offer cancer screening information and address public inquiries. Dr. Tamara Remy, one of the participating professionals, highlighted the event’s timing, coinciding with Men’s Health Month, as an opportune moment to educate and fundraise for cancer awareness.

Law enforcement agencies in Saint Lucia have reported significant drug seizures from January to October 2025, focusing on cannabis cultivation and cocaine trafficking. Data from the police crime management system highlights heightened efforts along major smuggling routes. The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force’s official report underscores cocaine trafficking as the most pressing threat, with over half a metric ton intercepted in the first five months. While synthetic drugs remain less prevalent, authorities emphasize the need for vigilance at entry points. May saw a notable decline in interdiction activity, possibly indicating a temporary lull or a shift in smuggling strategies. The breakdown of seized substances includes 105.653 kg of cannabis, 8,345 cannabis plants, 30 seedlings, 1,214.26 kg of cannabis resin, 585.227 kg of cocaine, 0.378 kg of ecstasy, and 1.045 kg of crystal meth. These developments occur as crime reduction becomes a hot-button issue between the island’s leading political parties ahead of the upcoming general election.

The National Community Foundation (NCF) has proudly announced that its Executive Director, Vanya Reid-Hinkson, has been chosen to participate in the United Nations Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent. Hosted by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva, this prestigious program aims to empower emerging leaders of African descent by fostering human rights, equality, and sustainable development. Reid-Hinkson is one of only nine global fellows selected for the 2025 cohort and one of two representatives from the Caribbean, alongside a colleague from Jamaica, a nation currently recovering from a catastrophic hurricane. Their selection underscores the Caribbean’s resilience and dedication to advancing equitable development, inclusion, and social justice. The three-week intensive program in Geneva will enable fellows to engage with international experts, organizations, and missions while developing projects tailored to their countries’ needs. Reid-Hinkson’s focus will be on enhancing human rights education, community empowerment, and policy accountability, aligning with Saint Lucia’s development goals. Her leadership at the NCF has already driven initiatives improving access to healthcare, education, housing, and social assistance, empowering vulnerable groups. This fellowship highlights Saint Lucia’s growing role in global human rights and development frameworks, as well as the critical contributions of civil society. Reid-Hinkson expressed her gratitude, stating, ‘This fellowship is both an honour and a responsibility. It allows me to represent Saint Lucia and the Caribbean in global discussions on equality and human development. The insights gained will strengthen our efforts to address community needs with fairness and accountability.’ The NCF sees this as a pivotal opportunity to bolster partnerships with government, civil society, and the private sector, reinforcing its commitment to dignity, equity, and inclusion as cornerstones of sustainable development.