Carib Scope

标签： Saint Lucia

圣卢西亚

  • Edward to captain Windward U19s

    Edward to captain Windward U19s

    The regional youth cricket landscape is gearing up for one of the Caribbean’s most prestigious age-group competitions, with five young Saint Lucian cricketers securing places on the Windward Islands Under-19 men’s squad. The 14-player roster was finalized by the Windward Islands Cricket Board’s selection panel immediately following the conclusion of the sub-regional age-group knockout tournament held Saturday in Dominica’s capital, Roseau.

    In the sub-regional tournament that served as the main selection trial, host nation Dominica claimed the top title, with Saint Lucia finishing as runners-up. This strong performance from Saint Lucian youth players translated into five spots in the final squad bound for the Cricket West Indies Rising Stars Men’s Under-19 Tournament.

    Heading up the selected squad as captain is Theo Edward, a batting all-rounder from Saint Lucia who turned in an impressive all-around performance throughout the selection tournament. Across four innings, Edward accumulated 84 runs with the bat, picked up two wickets with the ball, contributed six catches in the field and completed one run-out. Joining Edward from Saint Lucia are top-order batsman Johnathan Daniel, leg-spin bowler Cody Fontenelle, pace bowler Nathaniel Joseph and off-break bowler Tyler Venner.

    The vice-captain role goes to Earsinho Fontaine, an all-rounder from host nation Dominica. Fontaine is joined by two other Dominican players: Derin Lewis, an opening batsman who also fills the wicketkeeper role, and all-rounder Aiden Burton. Grenada is represented by batsman Khavaughn Bartholomew and left-arm unorthodox spin (chinaman) bowler Aravinda Bishop. Four players round out the squad from St Vincent and the Grenadines: left-arm fast bowler Kazado Henry, who led all competitors in wicket tallies at the selection tournament, along with Zach Thomas, Kevin Joseph and Elran Glasgow.

    The squad announcement was made official during the closing ceremony of the Windward Islands sub-regional series. John Eugene, a Saint Lucian cricket coach, has been appointed to lead the team as head coach. Two additional players, Bjorn Fanis and Neil Poyotte, have been named as official reserves for the upcoming regional tournament.

  • Fuel prices stable, but larger gas cylinders cost more

    Fuel prices stable, but larger gas cylinders cost more

    Consumers filling up their vehicles at gas pumps will enjoy stable fuel prices for the next three weeks, but commercial operators and bulk users of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) are facing a notable cost increase following the latest government price announcement. In an official statement released overnight, the administration of Prime Minister Philip J Pierre confirmed that pump prices for gasoline and diesel will hold steady at $3.52 per litre (equal to $16.00 per gallon) for the entire pricing window from April 20 to May 10. Kerosene prices will also remain unchanged, staying at $2.12 per litre, or $9.66 per gallon.

    For most residential households that rely on small LPG cylinders for daily cooking, the price freeze also applies: the 20 lb cylinder will continue to retail at $34.00, while the slightly larger 22 lb option remains fixed at $38.00. The change comes for bulk LPG consumers, primarily small businesses, large households and commercial food operations that use 100 lb cylinders. The new pricing pushes the cost of a 100 lb cylinder up by $25, from the previous $238.50 to the new rate of $263.50. Bulk LPG sold by the pound has also risen, moving from $2.26 per pound to $2.51 per pound.

    To offset the impact of volatile global oil markets on local consumers, the government says it is maintaining its targeted subsidy program that keeps everyday energy costs affordable for ordinary households. For this current pricing period, diesel carries a government subsidy of $2.34 per gallon, while kerosene is subsidized at $8.61 per gallon. Subsidies for small residential LPG cylinders remain substantial, with $36.04 covering part of the cost of each 20 lb cylinder and $39.04 applied to each 22 lb cylinder.

    According to the administration, without these in-place subsidies, consumers would pay more than double the current rate for small residential gas cylinders. A 20 lb cylinder would cost roughly $70.04, while a 22 lb cylinder would retail for more than $77.04. “These interventions aim to protect households and key sectors of the economy from external price shocks,” the government’s statement explained. The latest price adjustments align with the government’s modified market pass-through petroleum pricing framework, which ties local price changes to fluctuations in international crude oil and refined product markets. The next scheduled review and adjustment of fuel and LPG prices will take effect on May 11.

  • Mathurin’s ‘Manmay-la, nou wivé’ longlisted for Commonwealth short story prize

    Mathurin’s ‘Manmay-la, nou wivé’ longlisted for Commonwealth short story prize

    A emerging voice from the Caribbean has earned a prestigious nod on the global literary stage: Saint Lucian author Amanie Mathurin has secured a spot on the 2026 Commonwealth Short Story Prize longlist for her original work *Manmay-la, nou wivé*, selected from a pool of thousands of submissions from across the Commonwealth.

    This year’s prize drew a total of 7,806 entries from writers across the globe, with fewer than 200 works advancing to the longlist round. Mathurin’s inclusion places her alongside a diverse cohort of storytellers representing regions from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific and the wider Caribbean.

    Recounting the moment she discovered her selection, Mathurin shared her excitement in an interview with local outlet St Lucia Times, calling it a deeply personal milestone. “It was a really proud moment for me,” she said, describing how she scanned the longlist roster before spotting both her name and the title of her story, which is written entirely in Saint Lucian Kwéyòl, the Creole language of her home nation. “I can’t quite put into words that feeling of seeing not just my name, but the name of my story.”

    The longlisting recognition comes as Mathurin continues to refine her literary voice, with a deliberate shift toward centering narratives rooted in Saint Lucian local experience, cultural identity and untold history. “I truly feel like I discovered my purpose when I started writing about the issues close to home,” she explained.

    For the author, the international recognition of her Kwéyòl-language work reinforces a critical truth: that local stories and marginalized cultural voices carry inherent global weight. She has made a deliberate choice to weave Saint Lucian Creole into her writing, noting, “our voices and perspectives matter.”

    *Manmay-la, nou wivé* weaves together the lives of three generations of Saint Lucian women, drawing directly from the island nation’s history to explore the deeply human stories left out of formal colonial archives. Framed through the lens of speculative fiction, the story reimagines the life of a little-known historical figure to unpack enduring themes of resistance and intergenerational survival. It traces the characters’ journeys across vastly different eras, from the traumatic experience of an enslaved woman to the contemporary life of a young girl, each navigating circumstances that demand quiet courage and resilience.

    “What I was aiming to do is use speculative fiction, the idea of what could be, to remind us that distant historical figures were, above all else, human,” Mathurin explained. “Ultimately, I wanted to show the ways in which the destinies of three seemingly different women can be connected across time.”
    Beyond lineage and resistance, the story also explores the powerful role of language and song in preserving collective memory and cultural identity, serving as a reminder of intergenerational connection. “Another key theme revolves around language and song, the power they hold to preserve memory and identity, reminding us that we are never truly alone,” she added.

    For Mathurin, the longlist spot is not just an external honor, but a reflection of her own growth as a writer and her ongoing commitment to centering Saint Lucian narratives on the global literary landscape. This year marks a historic first for the Commonwealth Foundation, the organizer of the prize, which has chosen to publish the full longlist publicly for the first time, acknowledging that this year’s submissions included an extraordinary volume of standout work that impressed the judging panel.

  • SPL T20 delivers drama despite rain‑hit weekend

    SPL T20 delivers drama despite rain‑hit weekend

    The 2024 Saint Lucia Premier League T20 delivered another weekend of high-stakes, fast-paced cricket, marked by dramatic on-field results and unexpected weather disruptions that have reshaped the tournament’s early standings. Of the four scheduled matches across Saturday and Sunday, only two were able to get underway at the Francis “Baba” Lastic Grounds. A planned double header at Mindoo Philip Park, featuring clashes between Babonneau Leatherbacks and Mon Repos Pioneers, plus City Blasters versus South Castries Lions, was completely canceled after persistent rain left the outfield unplayable.

    The opening fixture of the weekend saw Choiseul Craft Masters claim a convincing 32-run victory over a South Castries Lions side led by star international batter Andre Fletcher. Electing to bat first after winning the toss, Choiseul put together a dominant 20-over total, powered by standout innings across their batting order. Jason Simon got the innings off to a solid start with 30 runs, before a 101-run third-wicket partnership between David Livingstone (who finished unbeaten on 64) and Trevon James (62) sent the score soaring. Skipper Vince Smith added a quickfire 39 runs off late overs, pushing Craft Masters to a final total of 217 for 4 at the end of their allocation.

    Chasing a steep 10.9 runs per over to win, South Castries got a legendary individual performance from Fletcher, who bludgeoned 92 runs off just 44 deliveries to keep his side in the hunt. However, no other batter could produce consistent support: the next highest score for the Lions was just 15 not out from Corlinus Calender, and the side was ultimately bowled out for 185 runs inside the 20 overs. Alvinus Simon led the charge with the ball for Craft Masters, finishing with impressive figures of 4 wickets for 40 runs, while Shawnil Edward chipped in with 3 wickets for 26 runs to seal the result.

    The second fixture of the weekend brought even tighter, more dramatic action, as the undefeated City Blasters extended their winning run with a narrow one-wicket victory over Soufriere Stumpers. Blasters captain Stephen Naitram won the toss and opted to field first, a decision that put his side under pressure early as Soufriere’s top and middle order all made solid contributions. Kevin Sinclair (35), Xystus Emmanuel (38), Kevin Gassie (36), and Bradley Tisson (33) all crossed 30 runs, lifting Soufriere to a competitive total of 207 all out. McKenny Clarke kept the total in check with a disciplined bowling performance, taking 2 wickets for just 28 runs to prevent Soufriere from posting an even larger target.

    The second innings delivered nonstop drama, with momentum swinging repeatedly between the two sides. Overseas opener Ryshon Williams got City Blasters off to a flying start, smashing 44 runs off 21 deliveries to put the chase on track. Naitram and middle-order batter Jaden Elibox then added crucial runs to keep the side on track for victory, before Soufriere’s spin attack turned the tide. Spinner Dwight Thomas picked up two wickets in a single over, and Kevin Sinclair removed Clarke to put Soufriere firmly in the driving seat.

    But a series of costly fielding errors ultimately decided the result. Soufriere’s bowlers put themselves in position to win, but dropped catches let City Blasters’ lower order escape. Late-order batters Murgaran Shoulette (unbeaten on 44) and Kyle Adonis (24 not out) held their nerve to reach the target, handing the Blasters another narrow win and extending their unbeaten streak.

    Following the weekend’s action, City Blasters remain firmly at the top of the tournament table with 10 points from four matches. Babonneau Leatherbacks and South Castries Lions are tied on 7 points for the second and third playoff spots, with the Leatherbacks holding the advantage thanks to a superior net run rate.

  • Public invited to town hall meetings on weather-resilient housing project

    Public invited to town hall meetings on weather-resilient housing project

    Over the next three days, three consecutive public town hall meetings will open a channel for community input on the draft designs of climate-resilient housing units developed under Saint Lucia’s landmark Green Affordable Housing Project (GAH).

    First launched in 2021 by the Government of Saint Lucia, the GAH initiative was created to address a critical gap: making sustainable, climate-adapted housing accessible and affordable for the country’s low- and middle-income households. To advance this goal, the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) has partnered with two leading global climate and development bodies—the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF)—to support the government in mobilizing $7.5 million in funding for a flagship pilot project.

    Under this pilot, 450 fully green-certified, climate-resilient homes will be constructed in the Balata district of Castries, the island nation’s capital. The planned residential units are designed to withstand the extreme weather events that threaten small island developing states like Saint Lucia, with proposed features including integrated rainwater harvesting systems, on-site solar energy generation, energy-efficient LED lighting, and hurricane-resistant building infrastructure. If the pilot is successfully completed, an estimated 1,800 local Saint Lucians stand to gain safe, sustainable affordable housing through the initiative.

    To ensure the project aligns with the needs of the community that will ultimately call these developments home, organizers have scheduled three town hall sessions across different regions of the country, each designed to accommodate local attendees. The first session, set for Monday, April 20, will be a virtual gathering open to stakeholders in the Castries area, running from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The following day, Tuesday, April 21, an in-person meeting will be held at the Human Resource Development Centre in Gros Islet from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The third and final session will take place on Wednesday, April 22 at Babonneau Secondary School, running from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

    During these public sessions, project teams will present the finalized proposed community layouts and housing designs, then open the floor to collect feedback and suggestions from residents, future prospective homeowners, and other local stakeholders. In an official statement, GGGI emphasized that public input is a core part of the project’s development process: the feedback collected will be integrated into final design adjustments to ensure the completed housing solutions directly reflect the needs and priorities of the people who will live in them, while also advancing the country’s broader goals for inclusive, sustainable national development.

  • Coconut Bay strengthens partnership with St Jude Hospital through paediatric ward initiative

    Coconut Bay strengthens partnership with St Jude Hospital through paediatric ward initiative

    A well-known Caribbean hospitality brand is taking its longstanding community commitment to the next level, announcing a major new project to upgrade the pediatric care space at St Jude Hospital. Coconut Bay Beach Resort and Spa, which has partnered with the local medical facility for more than a decade, is set to transform the hospital’s children’s wing into a warm, kid-centered environment that goes beyond standard clinical care.

    On March 27, senior leaders from the resort traveled to the hospital’s Augier campus to kick off the new initiative, marking another milestone in a collaboration that first launched back in 2013. That year, the two organizations signed a formal memorandum of understanding to outline shared community-focused goals, and since that initial agreement, the resort has contributed over EC$70,000 in combined financial aid and critical in-kind donations. These contributions have included life-saving medical equipment ranging from patient monitors and neonatal incubators to specialized cardiac care devices.

    Mia Chin, the resort’s sales and guest relations manager, emphasized that this partnership extends far beyond one-time financial gifts. For the Coconut Bay team, supporting the hospital is an extension of the brand’s core culture of care and hospitality. “The vision for our corporate social responsibility in collaboration with St Jude’s is to bring that same warmth, that same love, that same energy that we do at Coconut Bay — the Coconut Bay way, the Coconut Bay culture — right here to St. Jude, especially the pediatric ward,” Chin explained. She added that the work is rooted in a commitment to lifting up the entire local community, with a particular focus on supporting the island nation’s youngest residents.

    For leaders at St Jude Hospital, the ongoing support comes at a meaningful moment, as the facility continues to recover from a devastating disaster that struck 16 years ago. A large fire destroyed large sections of the original hospital campus, and the institution is now in the process of returning to its original location. Dr. Sybil Naitram James, head of pediatrics at St Jude, shared that she feels both relieved and optimistic about this transition, and expressed deep gratitude for the consistent backing from local private sector partners like Coconut Bay.

    Dr. Naitram James outlined the many ways the resort’s support has improved care for young patients over the years. “We have benefited in terms of receiving donations, in terms of equipment, monetary, finances, and also general supplies that we need for the ward,” she said. Beyond tangible supplies, the resort has long enhanced the daily experience of patients and staff alike: for years, the resort team has organized annual children’s Christmas parties, distributed holiday gifts, and led seasonal ward and tree decorating events that the entire staff looks forward to each year.

    “This is a partnership that we have embraced for quite a number of years, and it is something that we are hoping will continue… as they are going to be part of enhancing and beautifying the pediatric ward to make the area a very peaceful setting for our patients,” Dr. Naitram James added. Along with interior renovations to the existing pediatric wing, the resort used its March visit to unveil plans for a new outdoor play space that will give young patients a safe, welcoming area to play and relax during their treatment.

  • Global streamer IShowSpeed to visit Saint Lucia on Caribbean tour

    Global streamer IShowSpeed to visit Saint Lucia on Caribbean tour

    One of the biggest names in modern digital entertainment, American streaming sensation IShowSpeed, is gearing up to launch a sprawling Caribbean tour kicking off on April 25, with the island nation of Saint Lucia confirmed as one of his scheduled stops across the region.

    Born Darren Jason Watkins Jr., the 21-year-old content creator has carved out an unprecedented space in global online culture over the past several years, rising to fame through his high-energy, unpredictable livestreams that attract millions of dedicated viewers across the globe. Unlike many traditional celebrities who stick to scripted content and controlled public appearances, IShowSpeed built his massive following by leaning into an unfiltered, spontaneous persona that resonates deeply with young audiences worldwide.

    His content portfolio spans far beyond a single format: he first gained traction sharing gaming content on YouTube, before expanding into real-life (IRL) travel streams that follow his adventures across the globe, and even branching out into professional rap music. Today, his YouTube channel alone boasts more than 50 million subscribers, with his collective content racking up billions of views across all streaming platforms. His impact on the streaming industry has been recognized with multiple prestigious Streamer of the Year awards, cementing his status as one of the most influential online creators of his generation.

    This upcoming tour of the Caribbean is only the latest stop in IShowSpeed’s multi-year global expedition. Over the past two years alone, he has taken his livestream operation to every inhabited continent, with past stops including countries across Africa, Europe, Asia, South America, Australia and New Zealand. What sets his IRL travel content apart from other creator vlogs is his commitment to full live transparency: every step of his journey is broadcast to his audience in real time, and he makes a point to interact directly with local fans wherever he goes. This approach consistently produces viral moments, but it also draws massive, spontaneous crowds that at times have been large enough to temporarily shut down public streets in popular destinations.

    In addition to Saint Lucia, IShowSpeed has plans to visit 13 other Caribbean nations and territories during the tour, including Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Sint Maarten, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. As of the latest announcement, exact performance and appearance dates for each individual island have not yet been publicly released. Even without the full detailed itinerary, news of the tour has already sparked widespread excitement across the Caribbean, particularly among young fans who follow IShowSpeed’s daily content closely.

  • ‘Heartbreaking’: Family devastated by Cul de Sac homicide

    ‘Heartbreaking’: Family devastated by Cul de Sac homicide

    A quiet Sunday on the bypass road of Cul de Sac, Castries, was shattered by gun violence that claimed the life of a young St. Lucian man, leaving his family and community grappling with unspeakable grief. The latest homicide to hit the island has robbed a close-knit family of their beloved relative, 22-year-old Tarrick Isidore, a native of Dennery whose warm personality left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him.

    Emergency responders who arrived at the shooting scene quickly confirmed the severity of the attack, noting multiple penetrating gunshot wounds across Isidore’s body. In the devastating aftermath of the killing, a heartbroken anonymous family member opened up about the loss to local outlet St Lucia Times, struggling to put the depth of their pain into words. “It was a devastating moment… it was just a heartbreaking moment,” the relative shared, echoing the shock that has spread across the community since the shooting.

    Remembering Isidore, the family member described him as the irreplaceable “life of the party” — a young man whose vibrant energy could lift the mood of any room, bringing joy and connection to everyone he spent time with. “We miss him here,” the relative added softly, as the family continues to navigate the first days of mourning without their loved one.

    Even in their overwhelming grief, the family has shared a quiet message for the people responsible for Isidore’s death, choosing to leave justice to a higher power: “I leave them for God.”

    As the family grieves, law enforcement authorities have confirmed that active investigations into the fatal shooting are still ongoing. Police have not yet released any information about potential suspects or motives for the attack, leaving community members waiting for answers as they come together to support Isidore’s grieving relatives.

  • Gros Islet triumph in Northern Zone football

    Gros Islet triumph in Northern Zone football

    On Sunday, April 19, at Marchand Grounds, Gros Islet etched its name into local football history by securing the championship title of the Saint Lucia Football Association’s Northern Zone Under-20 Men’s District Tournament, delivering a commanding 2-0 defeat to final opponent La Clery.

    The winning side found its breakthrough early in the first half, when forward Rickelme Lionel slotted home his 11th goal of the entire tournament in the 15th minute, a finish that capped off a tenacious attacking build-up from winger Shevon Byron. The score stayed 1-0 through halftime, and La Clery thought they had pulled level late in the second half, only for the assistant referee to rule the effort out for an offside infringement, robbing them of the equalizer. Gros Islet put the result beyond all doubt in the dying moments of regulation, when Dervaj Edward hammered home a spectacular long-range strike in the 89th minute to seal the clean sheet victory.

    Following the final whistle, Gros Islet’s assistant coach Darren Gaspard praised his squad’s relentless effort and commitment throughout the competition. “I must give kudos to the guys,” he said. “They came in there with the heart and the desire to fight for this victory. They have been putting in the work in training week in week out.”

    Gros Islet’s dominant run to the title was reflected in their overall tournament statistics: the side netted an impressive 31 goals across all matches while conceding only four times total. Their only defeat of the campaign came in the preliminary round, a narrow 2-1 loss to the same La Clery side they beat in the final. For La Clery, the final defeat marked their first loss of this year’s tournament, after winning four consecutive group stage matches and advancing through the semi-finals undefeated.

    Reflecting on the earlier loss to La Clery, Gaspard noted the gap in lineup and preparation between that preliminary match and the final showdown. “The first encounter with La Clery, it was just a lack of concentration, where we conceded two goals within three minutes,” he recalled. “So we knew that coming to the finals would have been a different kettle of fish. We had a few of our key players out with the national team [for the preliminary match]. So we know with all those four players coming in, it will not be easy coming up against us on this ground.”

    Gaspard also highlighted how the match venue at Marchand Grounds played into his side’s strategic strengths. “Also, this ground suits our style of play. It’s a bit wider compared to Grande Riviere… So we know that we had more width, and this suited our playing style. We attack from the wide areas. Our game plan was to dominate the midfield and keep them under constant pressure, a high-intensity game, quick pressing.”

    In the tournament’s third-place playoff, Babonneau pulled off a impressive comeback after a lopsided 10-0 semi-final defeat, edging out host side Marchand in a penalty shootout to claim the third position in the tournament standings.

  • Saint Lucia qualify for Pan Am Table Tennis

    Saint Lucia qualify for Pan Am Table Tennis

    Over the weekend, the Caribbean leg of the ITTF Americas Youth Championships wrapped up its under-19 boys’ team competition in Santo Domingo, with three young table tennis players from Saint Lucia producing a remarkable underdog performance to claim third place overall and punch their ticket to the continental finals slated for Guatemala this August.

    Held at the capital’s Parque del Este Table Tennis Hall, the regional qualifier drew six competing nations, split into two preliminary groups of three. For Saint Lucia’s trio of Manie Eleuthere, Leshon Francis, and Kamari Harris — all top finishers from the country’s national Secondary School Championships, hailing from Castries Comprehensive Secondary School, Ciceron Secondary, and St Mary’s College respectively — a top-two finish in Group 1 was required to advance to the semifinal round and lock in qualification for the August 23-30 continental tournament.

    Saint Lucia’s campaign got off to a tough start, suffering a tight 3-0 opening defeat to higher-ranked Puerto Rico. Both Francis and Eleuthere pushed their Puerto Rican opponents Cuadro and Ayala to the brink in close contests, with Cuadro edging Francis in a decisive fifth set 14-12, while Harris also dropped his match against Ayala, leaving Saint Lucia winless heading into their do-or-die preliminary matchup with Jamaica.

    The young Saint Lucian side rallied spectacularly against Jamaica, pulling off a tense 3-2 victory to secure their knockout stage berth. Francis opened the tie with a dominant 3-0 sweep of Jayden Ebanks, claiming each set by comfortable margins, before Eleuthere defeated the Jamaica-based overseas competitor Joel Lamm in four sets to put Saint Lucia up 2-0. Jamaica fought back: Gmarco Smith downed Harris in four sets, then Lamm blanked Francis 3-0 to level the overall tie at 2-2, setting up a decisive winner-takes-all match between Eleuthere and Ebanks.

    With a vocal pro-Jamaica crowd looking on, Ebanks took the opening set 11-8. Eleuthere, however, stayed calm and reeled off three consecutive set wins to seal the victory, securing second place in Group 1 for Saint Lucia and booking his country’s place at the continental championships later this year.

    In the semifinal round, the unseeded Saint Lucian side fell to host nation the Dominican Republic in a 3-0 defeat, leaving them tied for third place overall with Group 2 runners-up Trinidad & Tobago. Eleuthere dropped his contest against Rafael Cabrera 3-0, while Francis fell 3-1 to Ramon Vila, and Harris suffered a 3-1 loss to Alexander Tejada. Even with the semifinal defeat, the team’s third-place finish marks a successful regional run, and qualifying for the continental finals represents a major milestone for youth table tennis in Saint Lucia.

    This week, the ITTF Americas Caribbean Youth Championships continue in Santo Domingo, with men’s singles and women’s team competition kicking off for young athletes across the region.