Carib Scope

标签： Saint Lucia

圣卢西亚

  • LUCELEC unable to shield consumers from full impact of oil price surge

    LUCELEC unable to shield consumers from full impact of oil price surge

    Escalating geopolitical instability across global markets has sent international oil prices soaring, and that upward pressure is now rippling through to household electricity bills in the Caribbean island nation of Saint Lucia. State-owned electricity provider LUCELEC has publicly warned that its capacity to absorb the shock of rising fuel costs for consumers is constrained, despite existing risk-mitigation measures in place.

    In a recent video address to the public, LUCELEC Managing Director Gilroy Pultie broke down how the global oil spike is hitting the utility’s operations. The company has long relied on a fuel hedging program designed to smooth out volatile cost swings, a common risk management tool that allows energy providers to lock in advance pricing for a portion of their fuel inventory. This strategy works well to protect consumers from sudden, sharp price jumps in international oil markets — but it only covers a share of the company’s total fuel needs, Pultie explained. The remaining volume of fuel must be purchased at current, inflated international market rates, leaving customers on the hook for any unexpected price increases.

    “When global oil prices rise sharply, as we are now seeing, it affects the fuel surcharge and what customers pay on a month-to-month basis,” Pultie said, identifying ongoing conflicts, most notably in the Middle East, as the primary catalyst for the current market volatility driving up costs. The impact of these increases is already tangible for Saint Lucian households: this month, the fuel surcharge added to every unit of electricity has jumped to EC$0.255, a dramatic surge from just EC$0.007 per unit recorded back in March.

    Pultie noted that market conditions before the latest round of geopolitical escalation did not align with LUCELEC’s internal criteria for expanding hedging coverage, leaving the utility unable to lock in lower prices for a larger share of its fuel stock ahead of the current surge. This missed opportunity has directly limited the company’s ability to offset the skyrocketing oil prices hitting the open market today.

    Recognizing electricity as a foundational essential service for all residents, Pultie acknowledged that the sudden spike in monthly bills places significant financial strain on households, particularly those already operating on tight budgets. While he emphasized that global oil market dynamics are completely outside of LUCELEC’s control, he confirmed that the utility is prioritizing operational efficiency to keep unnecessary costs down, while maintaining transparent, ongoing communication with consumers about price changes.

    “We understand the pressure that higher prices can place on customers,” Pultie said, reiterating the company’s commitment to transparency throughout this period of market volatility. Looking forward, LUCELEC is already conducting a full review of its current hedging strategy, with the explicit goal of increasing the share of fuel purchased at locked-in, stable prices to better shield consumers from future market shocks, even amid the ongoing challenges posed by today’s tense geopolitical and economic landscape.

  • Centuries, last-over finishes headline SPL T20 midweek action

    Centuries, last-over finishes headline SPL T20 midweek action

    The Saint Lucia Premier League (SPL) T20 delivered a packed schedule of high-stakes, edge-of-your-seat cricket this midweek, with four franchises—Babonneau Leatherbacks, Dr Freezers South Castries Lions, Ackelles City Blasters, and Micoud Eagles—walking away with crucial wins across two days of competition held on Tuesday and Wednesday.

    The first day of action kicked off at Gros Islet’s Francis “Baba” Lastic Grounds, where the Babonneau Leatherbacks locked horns with the Titans in a contest that came down to the final deliveries. The Titans won the toss and elected to bat first, putting up a formidable total of 193 runs for the loss of five wickets by the end of their 20 overs. Opening batsman Djourn Charles anchored the innings with a blistering knock of 79 runs off just 49 balls, while middle-order batter Dalius Monroe provided valuable support with a quick-fire 35 runs from 26 deliveries to push the Titans to their competitive total.

    Chasing 194 for victory, the Leatherbacks endured a tense back-and-forth battle to reach the target, crossing the finish line with just two balls remaining in their allocation. Standout performances from Khan Elcock, who notched 49 runs off 28 balls, and Qwaine Henry, who remained unbeaten on 36 runs from 23 deliveries, guided Babonneau to a four-wicket win. The result propelled the Leatherbacks to the top spot in the SPL T20 overall standings after the day’s play.

    Across the island at Mindoo Philip Park, Dr Freezers South Castries Lions claimed a solid 23-run victory over the Knights, powered by a record-breaking knock from Grenadian star wicketkeeper-batsman Andre “Spiceman” Fletcher. Batting first, Fletcher smashed the second century of the 2026 SPL T20 tournament, racking up 114 runs off only 54 balls to set the tone for the Lions’ innings. Bolton Sayers chipped in with a rapid 29 runs from 17 deliveries, helping the side post a total of 193 runs. For the Knights, bowlers Lee John and Tyrel Chicot turned in the most impressive performances, claiming three wickets for 23 runs and one wicket for 14 runs respectively.

    When the Knights took to the crease to chase the 194-run target, they were bowled out for 169 all out. Top contributions from Simeon Gerson (40 runs) and Lee John (35 runs off 21 balls) were not enough to overcome a dominant bowling display from the Lions. Xavier Gabriel was unplayable for the Lions, finishing with figures of three wickets for just nine runs in two overs, while Daniel Jn Baptiste backed him up with three wickets for 39 runs in four overs to seal the win.

    Action resumed on Wednesday at Mindoo Philip Park, where the league-leading Babonneau Leatherbacks aimed to extend their winning streak to three consecutive matches, but fell just short in a tight contest against the Micoud Eagles. Micoud won the toss and batted first, posting a match-winning total of 188 runs for seven wickets after their full 20 overs. Keygan Arnold anchored the Eagles’ innings with a steady 62 runs off 40 deliveries, while Dominic Auguste injected late momentum with a brisk 27 runs from only 13 balls. For the Leatherbacks, Yunieski Gustave and Tyler Sookwa turned in the best bowling performances, claiming three wickets for 29 runs and two wickets for 29 runs respectively, both from their four-over allocations.

    In response, the Leatherbacks mounted a strong chase that came down to the final overs, powered by a powerful knock from opening batter Dane Edward, who scored 72 runs off 49 deliveries. However, Edward received little consistent support from the rest of the batting line-up beyond Caleb Thomas, who contributed 24 runs. Babonneau was restricted to 183 runs for seven wickets at the end of their 20 overs, falling five runs short of the target and handing the Eagles a hard-fought win.

    At the same time at Francis “Baba” Lastic Grounds, Ackelles City Blasters claimed a three-wicket victory over Choiseul Craft Masters in the highest-scoring match of the midweek round. Choiseul won the toss and elected to bat first, posting an imposing total of 224 runs for six wickets from their 20 overs. The innings was led by a century from Junior Henry, who hit 101 runs off 50 balls, while Trevon James added a quick 33 runs from 19 deliveries. With most bowlers struggling to contain Choiseul’s batters, McKenny Clarke’s figures of two wickets for 27 runs from four overs stood out as the best bowling performance for the Blasters.

    Chasing the 225-run target, the City Blasters reached the mark in just 18.3 overs, led by Kensley Paul’s knock of 91 runs off 51 balls—just nine runs short of a well-deserved century. Jaden Elibox’s explosive 37 runs from 16 deliveries proved equally crucial to the chase, providing the late acceleration needed to cross the winning line. Despite a solid bowling performance from Josan James, who claimed three wickets for 22 runs, the Choiseul Craft Masters could not stop the Blasters from claiming the win, leaving the capital-based franchise with four points from two matches.

  • SVG Sailing Week declared a resounding success

    SVG Sailing Week declared a resounding success

    St Vincent and the Grenadines has cemented its reputation as a world-class sailing and adventure tourism hub following the wrap-up of the hugely successful SVG Sailing Week 2026, an event organizers and participants alike are calling one of the most energetic and widely attended editions in decades.

    This year’s regatta delivered impressive growth across every competitive class, drawing hundreds of regional and international sailors and sailing enthusiasts to the Caribbean nation, while injecting new energy into local communities and small businesses along the competition route. The 9-day event spanned multiple venues, starting with youth-focused junior championship races off the main island of St Vincent before culminating in a dramatic final regatta off the coast of Bequia, blending tight on-water competition, genuine camaraderie between sailors, and joyful celebrations of local Vincentian culture.

    Participation numbers more than doubled compared to 2025, with 24 yachts officially registered for this year’s event, up from just 11 in the previous edition. Prime Minister Dr Godwin Friday even joined sailors for the event’s official prize-giving ceremony, highlighting the national government’s strong support for the growing regatta.

    The Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines, via the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, and Sustainable Development, has celebrated the 2026 event as a resounding success and clear proof of the rapid expansion of the country’s fast-growing sports tourism sector.

    “SVG Sailing Week 2026 is a shining example of what can be achieved through vision, collaboration, and hard work,” said Dr Kishore Shallow, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, and Sustainable Development, in remarks following the event. “In addition to showcasing our country’s stunning natural beauty and rich maritime heritage, this event delivered tangible economic benefits for our people across local communities. As a government, we remain fully committed to investing in initiatives like these that create opportunities, drive tourism, and position St Vincent and the Grenadines as a leading destination on the global stage.”

    The ministry extended formal gratitude to every stakeholder that contributed to the event’s smooth execution, including the SVG Sailing Association, corporate partners, volunteer crews, local host communities, and regional collaborators. Special recognition was reserved for the event’s organizing committee and technical teams, whose relentless dedication ensured seamless operations across all race venues and social events.

    Shallow added, “The outstanding success of SVG Sailing Week this year would not have been possible without the tremendous support of our many stakeholders. I also commend the management and staff, alongside the steering committee, for delivering a first-rate event within a remarkably short planning window. This achievement is highly encouraging as we look ahead to even greater editions in the future.”

    More broadly, the 2026 SVG Sailing Week reflects the current government’s renewed strategic focus on revitalizing flagship national events and unlocking new pathways for inclusive economic growth across the country. Officials have reaffirmed their commitment to building on this year’s momentum, strengthening cross-sector partnerships, and expanding the scale and reach of future editions to draw even more visitors and competitors to the region.

    For sailing fans planning ahead, next year’s event is already locked in: SVG Sailing Week 2027 is scheduled to run from March 21 to 29, marking another chapter in the Caribbean nation’s emergence as a top global sailing destination.

  • Calls for growth, inclusion take centre stage at Junior Jazz opening

    Calls for growth, inclusion take centre stage at Junior Jazz opening

    The 2026 edition of Junior Jazz, Saint Lucia’s flagship youth creative event, officially launched Wednesday at the scenic Sandals Halcyon Beach Resort, where organizers and local leaders centered two key themes: the untapped potential of the island’s creative economy and the urgent need for long-term, systemic support for young emerging artists, alongside the event’s proven power to foster inclusion for neurodiverse young people.

    As founder of Dove Productions, the organization behind the initiative, Colin Weekes opened his remarks by celebrating Junior Jazz’s proven track record as a transformative launchpad for young creative talent across Saint Lucia. Calling the annual gathering a “brilliant event” that opens doors for youth who dream of creative careers, Weekes used his address to push stakeholders across government, private industry and the non-profit sector to look beyond the immediate success of the annual gathering and plan for long-term sustainable growth.

    Drawing from his own decades-long journey in the creative sector, Weekes shared a personal anecdote to illustrate the persistent structural gaps that still hold young Saint Lucian creatives back. From the time he was a primary school student, he said, his only ambition was to work behind the camera, but when he graduated from St Mary’s College, there was no clear pathway or professional infrastructure to help him turn that passion into a viable livelihood. Today, he argued, that gap has not been fully closed.

    Weekes questioned whether local and national stakeholders have built the robust, year-round support systems needed to help young creatives build lasting careers. Annual events like Junior Jazz are a critical starting point, he emphasized, but they are not enough to sustain a growing creative industry. “The creative industry cannot be left on its own,” he stated, pushing for more consistent programming, training opportunities, and professional development opportunities spread throughout the year instead of isolated, once-a-year events. “We need more than a gig. We need avenue, we need platform,” he said.

    Beyond access to programming, Weekes called for broader efforts to legitimize creative careers as viable, full-time professions. A key part of this work, he noted, is building financial infrastructure that allows creatives to access loans and other financial support using their skills as collateral. “We need to be able to go to the bank and say, I am a creative and I want to use my skill to have a livelihood,” he explained, framing financial access as a critical step toward building a sustainable, independent creative sector in Saint Lucia.

    Following Weekes’ remarks, Castries Mayor Geraldine Lendor-Gabriel offered a deeply personal perspective on the event’s impact, tying Junior Jazz’s mission to autism awareness and social inclusion for neurodiverse young people. As a parent of a child on the autism spectrum, Lendor-Gabriel shared how the Junior Jazz platform and access to formal music training transformed her son’s developmental journey.

    When her son first started exploring music, he began learning the keyboard, but through the opportunities provided by Junior Jazz, he has since mastered multiple instruments, including bass and tenor pan. “This event and music made that difference in my son’s life,” she said, crediting both the program’s supportive community and her son’s innate passion for his rapid growth.

    The mayor emphasized that her son’s success is not an isolated case, noting that countless other neurodiverse children on the spectrum hold untapped creative talent that is often overlooked in traditional academic and social settings. For young people who struggle to thrive in conventional education environments, initiatives like Junior Jazz provide a critical, welcoming space to build skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging. “There are a number of other children who are also on the spectrum who also have that gift,” she said, positioning Junior Jazz as a vital model for inclusive youth development across the island.

  • Will it be Ciceron or Gros Islet? Carnival Queen Pageant rivalry heats up

    Will it be Ciceron or Gros Islet? Carnival Queen Pageant rivalry heats up

    The National Carnival Queen Pageant, one of Saint Lucia’s most anticipated annual cultural events, is gearing up for its 2024 installment, bringing with it all the beloved fanfare that has made it a staple of the island’s summer calendar. From fiery social media debates between supporter groups to tense sponsorship competition and the time-honored inter-regional rivalries that draw audiences year after year, this year’s iteration is on track to deliver all the excitement pageant fans have come to expect.

    Following a series of regional auditions, organizers have narrowed the field to nine finalists representing constituencies across the island: Ciceron (Castries South), Desruisseaux (Micoud South), Gros Islet, Mabouya Valley (Dennery North), Dennery South, and La Clery (Castries North). Castries South in fact boasts two finalists this year, Faith Edward and Sydney James, both hailing from the Ciceron community. Gros Islet is sending three delegates to the competition: Adel Montoute, Derrelle DuBois from Grande Riviere, and Simone Sonson from Reduit. The 2023 crown was claimed by Ermele Tisson, a contestant from Choiseul, who will pass on her title at the July 4 event.

    The pageant has already garnered playful public attention from two sitting members of parliament, who have opened up about their regional loyalties in lighthearted interviews ahead of the main event. While many local politicians typically avoid picking favorites to keep an air of neutrality, both MPs have been open about where their loyalties lie, much to the amusement of pageant followers.

    Dr Ernest Hilaire, Saint Lucia’s Minister for Tourism and Culture and the sitting MP for Castries South, spoke at the official sashing ceremony for contestants, noting that this year’s pageant has him more excited than he has been in any previous year. Joking with the audience, he quipped that his heightened anticipation had nothing to do with Castries South fielding two contestants from the Ciceron community, barely hiding his amusement as he made the tongue-in-cheek comment. Hilaire confirmed he will be in attendance at the July 4 finals to cheer for Edward and James, alongside all other competing delegates who he said he expects to deliver strong performances.

    Kenson Casimir, Minister for Education, Youth Development and Sports and MP for Gros Islet, which is sending three contestants to the competition, has a long history of providing financial support to local delegates, and confirmed he will extend that support equally to all three Gros Islet contestants this year, with no preferential treatment for any candidate.

    What makes Casimir’s support particularly notable is that one of his constituency’s delegates, Adel Montoute, is the daughter of Spider Montoute, Casimir’s former political opponent. When asked if he would favor Montoute less because of the family’s political history, Casimir was refreshingly honest. He told reporters he is openly rooting for a Gros Islet candidate to take the crown, and specifically said he would be overjoyed to see Montoute win.

    Casimir explained his personal connection to Montoute: the candidate hails from Marie Therese Street in Gros Islet, the same neighborhood where Casimir was born and raised. Drawing on longstanding local tradition of inter-neighborhood rivalry within Gros Islet, he noted that he would be proud to see a candidate from his home street take the title, while also adding that DuBois and Sonson both have strong shots at victory as well. Speaking ahead of the pageant, Casimir shared that he is already counting down the days to the July 4 event, confident that his constituency’s delegates will put on a show to remember.

  • Jules takes first place in US collegiate pole vault event

    Jules takes first place in US collegiate pole vault event

    A group of talented Saint Lucian collegiate track and field athletes turned in a series of impressive results at weekend competitions across the United States, led by 19-year-old Naya Jules of Garden City Community College, who claimed a historic victory at the Tabor Invite held in McPherson, Kansas.

    Jules, who hails from Babonneau, not only took home the gold medal in the women’s pole vault but also broke her institution’s school record in the event with a clearance of 3.08 meters, the second-highest mark of her young career. Beyond her pole vault win, the young talent put in strong work across two additional disciplines: she secured third place in the javelin throw with a 40.16-meter effort, marking the third time this season she has topped the 40-meter threshold, and notched a fourth-place finish in the 100-meter sprint hurdles. Aided by a 5.4 meter-per-second tailwind, Jules clocked a new personal best of 16.87 seconds in the hurdles race, capping off a breakout weekend for the Broncbusters standout.

    Jules’ performance headlined a broader week of strong results for Saint Lucian athletes competing at the NCAA and collegiate levels, with other competitors earning podium positions and personal bests at meets spanning from Illinois to Texas.

    At the Chicagoland Championships in Elmhurst, Illinois, Cagini Pilgrim, a sophomore from Castries competing for Lewis University, earned a silver medal in the men’s 200-meter dash, crossing the line in 21.58 seconds. Pilgrim also competed at the Bison Outdoor Classic, where he placed 17th in the same event with a time of 21.85 seconds.

    Down in College Station, Texas, Lauralyn Clifford, a senior transfer at the University of Texas at San Antonio, extended her consistent form in the women’s hammer throw at the 44 Farms Team Invitational hosted at E.B. Cushing Stadium. Clifford notched her fourth consecutive throw over 58 meters, recording a mark of 58.24 meters to claim fourth place overall.

    At the Bucknell Outdoor Classic, Malaika George, a freshman at St Bonaventure University and an alumna of St Joseph’s Convent, ran a new personal best of 1:00.65 in the women’s 400-meter dash. The result moved George up to third on the program’s all-time performance list, and she also competed in the same event at the Bison Outdoor Classic, placing 50th overall with the same personal best time.

    Several other Saint Lucian athletes also recorded notable results across the week’s slate of competitions. Miguel Charlery took first place in the men’s 100-meter dash at the Delaware Invite with a time of 11.10 seconds. At the Duke Invitational, Asa Francis clocked 1:51.87 to place 21st in the men’s 800-meter, while Rayshawn Harris finished 10th in the men’s 800-meter at the Bison Invite with a time of 2:01.78. Jasmine Stiede placed fifth in the women’s 800-meter at the Arkansas Spring Invite, running 2:14.65.

    Aasia Laurencin turned in a pair of strong sprints at the Seminole Invite, placing seventh in the women’s 100-meter in 11.76 seconds and taking third in the women’s 200-meter with a time of 23.73 seconds. At the Jo Meaker Classic, Kereser Augustin placed 34th in the women’s 200-meter (24.94 seconds) and fifth in the women’s 400-meter (54.75 seconds). Raelyn Cyril placed fourth in the women’s 400-meter at the UIL 6A District 23 Meet (57.36 seconds), while Maiya Landers placed ninth in the same event with a time of 1:00.97. Carleen Lionel recorded a 12.52-second 100-meter (20th) and 25.39-second 200-meter (10th) at the Rutgers Relays. Narlia Albert placed 16th in the women’s 100-meter (13.87 seconds) and 24th in the women’s 200-meter (28.80 seconds) at the Delaware Invite. Rounding out the results, Natalie Albert threw 53.35 meters to claim fifth place in the women’s hammer throw at the Crimson Tide Invite.

  • JCI West Indies VP visit boosts Saint Lucia’s push to host regional convention

    JCI West Indies VP visit boosts Saint Lucia’s push to host regional convention

    As countdown preparations for Junior Chamber International (JCI) West Indies’ 66th National Convention ramp up, regional executive Laurel Jonas has wrapped up a four-day working visit to host nation Saint Lucia, wrapping up on April 12.

    The landmark annual gathering of the regional JCI chapter is scheduled to run from October 7 to 11 across Saint Lucia, drawing young professional delegates from every corner of the Caribbean bloc. Beyond simple networking, the convention is designed to deliver targeted skill-building: attendees will take part in interactive training modules focused on honing leadership capabilities and strengthening capacity for impactful community development projects, while also deepening existing professional bonds and expanding their cross-regional professional networks.

    Jonas, who serves dual roles as National Executive Vice President of JCI West Indies and the chapter’s supervising officer, centered her visit on coordination with the local JCI St. Lucia executive body and general membership. Over the four days, her agenda included a full review of the local chapter’s overall operational performance, collaborative mapping of growth opportunities to expand community impact, and hands-on progress checks for convention readiness.

    Jade Ella Albert, public relations officer for JCI St. Lucia, shared details of Jonas’ visit, noting that the regional executive led specialized training workshops focused on workplace professionalism and executive leadership. These sessions were tailored to upskill the local organizing team, laying a strong foundation for the convention’s successful execution.

    Albert emphasized that Jonas’ in-person visit highlights JCI West Indies’ unwavering commitment to equipping the Saint Lucia team to deliver a dynamic, world-class gathering that will leave a lasting impression on all delegates. Beyond training and performance reviews, Jonas also contributed to high-level strategic talks and partnership negotiations with potential sponsors and supporting entities, strengthening the collaborative framework required to deliver the convention at the highest international standard.

    Right now, the local JCI St. Lucia team is deep in active planning to welcome hundreds of regional delegates this October. As the organizing drive continues, the chapter is issuing a call for collaboration: the group is inviting aligned individuals, local businesses, and mission-driven organizations with a commitment to corporate social responsibility to explore partnership opportunities to support the convention and JCI St. Lucia’s ongoing community initiatives.

    Albert noted that these partnerships offer mutual value: beyond contributing to tangible, meaningful community development across Saint Lucia and the wider region, partners will gain targeted visibility and direct engagement within JCI’s growing network of young, forward-thinking leaders.

    As part of the global JCI movement, both JCI St. Lucia and JCI West Indies are core components of a voluntary international network that brings together young professionals and entrepreneurs between the ages of 20 and 40. The global organization’s core mission centers on creating accessible development opportunities that empower young people to drive positive, lasting change across their communities.

  • Saint Lucia stay top in Windwards U19 cricket

    Saint Lucia stay top in Windwards U19 cricket

    In a dominant display of fast bowling at Dominica’s Geneva Playing Field on Wednesday, Nathaniel Joseph’s sensational match-defining hat-trick handed Saint Lucia a 79-run victory over St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), consolidating their position at the summit of the Winlott Inc Windward Islands Under-19 Men’s Super50 Championship points table.

    Sent in to bat first after winning the toss, Saint Lucia was bowled out inside 37 overs for a total of 179. The innings got off to a promising start, with opening pair Jermian Thomas and Roystan Fannis stitching together a 50-run stand. Thomas, who struck two fours and two sixes, fell for a quick-fire 29 off 19 deliveries, with Fannis following shortly after for 21.

    Saint Lucia captain Theo Edward delivered a standout batting performance, scoring 43 runs from 52 balls including one four and three sixes, nearly doubling his total run tally across the tournament so far. Edward shared a crucial 41-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Tyler Venner, lifting the score from 104/4 to 145/5 before Edward was dismissed in the 27th over. SVG’s Kevin Joseph turned in an excellent bowling spell to drag his side back into contention, claiming four top-order wickets as the final five Saint Lucia wickets added only 34 runs to the total.

    SVG’s chase got off to a disastrous start that they never recovered from. Venner removed opener Alston Bobb in the very first over, setting the stage for Joseph’s magical second over. The pacey right-armer from South Castries picked up wickets of Ozaid Edwards, Kevin Joseph and Jorden Charles off three consecutive deliveries, leaving SVG reeling early on.

    Venner compounded SVG’s misery in the fifth over, claiming two more wickets to his name: Jawayne Adams for three runs and Kazado Henry for a duck. With the score crumbling to 12/6 after just five overs, SVG’s celebrations from their first tournament victory the previous day quickly faded.

    Opening batsman Zach Thomas and all-rounder Lebron Douglas managed to steady the innings somewhat, putting together a patient 40-run partnership that spanned almost 60 deliveries. Neil Poyotte broke the stand by removing Douglas for seven, and Olani Slack followed shortly after for another duck, falling to Liam Wilson. Thomas was eventually dismissed by Poyotte for a defiant 54, before Joseph wrapped up the victory by taking the final wicket of Elran Glasgow for 16.

    The final bowling figures told the story of Saint Lucia’s dominance: Joseph finished with 4 wickets for just 10 runs off 5.2 overs, while Venner claimed 3 wickets for 10 runs off five overs. Poyotte chipped in with 2 wickets for 16 runs off four overs. The result sees Joseph move level at the top of the tournament’s wicket-taking charts with 11 wickets, boasting an impressive economy rate of 2.84 and an average of 4.73. Venner’s seven wickets puts him fourth on the leaderboard after four rounds of competition.

    In the other match played on Wednesday, Dominica secured a win over Grenada to keep level on points with Saint Lucia, though Dominica trails the league leaders on net run rate. Following a scheduled rest day on Thursday, Saint Lucia will face two tough consecutive matches: a rematch against Grenada, who defeated them last Sunday, and a clash against defending champions Dominica, who Saint Lucia beat on Tuesday.

  • Governor General travels to Martinique for medical care

    Governor General travels to Martinique for medical care

    In an official statement released Wednesday, the Office of the Governor General of Saint Lucia has confirmed that the nation’s current Governor General, Sir Cyril E. M. Charles, has traveled to the Caribbean island of Martinique to seek specialized medical treatment.

    In line with the constitutional provisions laid out in Section 22(1)(c) of Saint Lucia’s founding Constitution, Felix Finisterre has been formally appointed to serve as acting deputy during Sir Cyril’s medical leave. Throughout the Governor General’s absence, Finisterre will assume all required responsibilities and carry out the core duties of the Office of the Governor General to uphold the normal operations of the institution.

    Senior government officials have emphasized that all necessary administrative and procedural arrangements have already been finalized to guarantee full continuity of the Governor General’s statutory and ceremonial duties. These pre-planned steps are designed to ensure all official government business proceeds without disruption or delay across all areas of the office’s mandate.

    Sir Cyril is accompanied on his trip by his spouse, Lady Anicia Charles. On behalf of the entire Charles family, a public request has been made for the prayers and supportive well-wishes of Saint Lucian citizens across the country as Sir Cyril undergoes his medical care.

  • Miss Saint Lucia crowned Caribbean Carnival Queen 2026

    Miss Saint Lucia crowned Caribbean Carnival Queen 2026

    The 55th anniversary edition of St. Maarten Carnival wrapped up one of its most anticipated showcases Wednesday evening, with a new queen crowned for the 2026 Caribbean Carnival Queen pageant. The prestigious regional competition unfolded at the iconic Jocelyn Arndell Festival Village on the island of Sint Maarten, drawing top pageant contestants from across the Caribbean to compete for the coveted title.

    By the end of the judging process, Miss Saint Lucia Emerle Tisson claimed the crown, stepping into the regional spotlight as the 2026 titleholder. Tisson’s performance edged out fellow competitors from eight other Caribbean nations and territories to secure the top honor.

    First runner-up honors went to Miss St. Eustatius Kentonea Fortin, who delivered a standout performance that impressed judges and audiences alike. On home turf, Miss St. Maarten Keisy Quant earned a warm reception from the local crowd as she claimed the second runner-up position.

    Additional competitors vying for the title represented Anguilla, Barbados, Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, highlighting the pageant’s status as a unifying cultural event across the Caribbean region. The 2026 Caribbean Carnival Queen pageant was organized and hosted by the St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation, the governing body behind the island’s annual anniversary carnival celebrations.