The Saint Lucia Aquatics Federation has proudly announced that 18-year-old Tristan Dorville, a standout swimmer and student-athlete at Virginia Tech, has been selected as a recipient of the prestigious Olympic Solidarity Scholarship. This recognition underscores Dorville’s exceptional talent, relentless dedication, and remarkable achievements in the sport of swimming. The scholarship, facilitated by the Saint Lucia Olympic Committee, aims to support promising athletes as they prepare for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Dorville’s selection is a significant milestone for Saint Lucia, as he represents the nation’s hope for natural qualification in Olympic swimming—a feat achieved only once before by Danielle Beaubrun in 2012. Dorville’s impressive track record includes multiple medals at the CARIFTA Aquatics Championships, where he has consistently demonstrated his prowess in freestyle and butterfly events. Notably, his national record time of 23.48 seconds in the 50m freestyle stands as the best ever recorded by a male swimmer from the Eastern Caribbean. Beyond regional competitions, Dorville has competed on the global stage, participating in events such as the World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships, the Commonwealth Games, and the World Aquatics Championships. The local swimming community is optimistic that Dorville, alongside former teammate Antoine Destang, will make history as the first male swimmers from Saint Lucia to achieve natural Olympic qualification. His journey is a testament to his hard work, discipline, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
标签： Saint Lucia
圣卢西亚
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TTDF on highest alert: All personnel recalled to base amid Venezuela war fears
The Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) has escalated its operational readiness to the highest level, known as State One Alert, following an abrupt directive for all military personnel to report to their respective bases by the evening of October 31. This unprecedented recall was prompted by escalating regional instability, particularly international media reports suggesting an imminent U.S. military strike against targets in neighboring Venezuela. Senior intelligence and military sources confirmed that an urgent circular was issued mid-morning on October 31, mandating all active soldiers, sailors, and air guard officers to report for duty. An internal message emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, ‘This is not a drill. All are strongly advised to make all necessary arrangements with your families and prepare for confinement.’ Personnel on leave, including those on pre-retirement or sick leave, were instructed to remain on immediate standby. Soldiers were directed to report to the four main military bases across the country: Cumuto, La Romaine, Chaguaramas, and Long Circular. The State One Alert signifies the military’s maximum readiness posture, prepared for immediate deployment to secure national assets and borders. High-level officials described the move as a precautionary measure to address potential regional or national disturbances arising from the escalating crisis. The immediate trigger for the alert is the mounting tension between the United States and Venezuela, with international news agencies reporting that the U.S. administration is considering military action against the Maduro government. Despite the TTDF’s mobilization, the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs issued a statement urging calm, denying any changes to national security arrangements and attributing public anxiety to ‘false news reports.’ Defence Minister Wayne Sturge declined to confirm the orders in Parliament, stating that doing so would be ‘contrary to the public interest.’ However, these assurances have failed to alleviate widespread anxiety, with schools and businesses closing early across parts of Trinidad. The TTDF remains on State One Alert, with troops confined to their installations awaiting further instructions.
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TTDF on highest alert: All personnel recalled to base amid Venezuela war fears
The Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) has escalated its operational readiness to the highest level, known as State One Alert, following an abrupt directive for all military personnel to report to their respective bases by early evening on October 31. This unprecedented move was prompted by heightened regional instability, particularly reports of a potential US military strike against targets in neighboring Venezuela. Senior intelligence and military sources confirmed that an urgent circular was issued mid-morning, mandating all active soldiers, sailors, and air guard officers to return to duty. An internal message emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, ‘This is not a drill,’ and advising personnel to prepare for confinement. Even those on leave were instructed to remain on standby. Troops were directed to report to four main bases: Cumuto, La Romaine, Chaguaramas, and Long Circular. State One Alert signifies the military’s maximum readiness, poised for immediate deployment to safeguard national assets and borders. High-level officials described the measure as precautionary, aimed at addressing potential regional or national disturbances stemming from the escalating US-Venezuela crisis. International media reports suggest the US is intensifying its campaign against the Maduro government, including possible military action. Despite the mobilization, the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs urged calm, denying any changes to national security arrangements and attributing public anxiety to ‘false news reports.’ Defence Minister Wayne Sturge refrained from confirming the orders in Parliament, citing public interest concerns. However, these assurances have failed to alleviate widespread unease, with schools and businesses closing early across parts of Trinidad. The TTDF remains on State One Alert, with troops confined to installations awaiting further instructions.
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CCSS crash schools’ basketball final four
The semifinals of the Under-19 Boys’ Schools Basketball Tournament, held at the Beausejour Gymnasium on October 30, feature a mix of familiar faces and new contenders. Organized by the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, with support from the Ministry of Education and the Saint Lucia Basketball Federation, the tournament has reached its critical stage. Defending champions Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) advanced by default after Micoud Secondary School failed to appear. Joining them are three-time losing finalists Soufrière Comprehensive Secondary School (SCSS) and last year’s fourth-placed team, St Mary’s College (SMC).
Castries Comprehensive Secondary School (CCSS) emerged as a new force, replacing 2024 bronze medallists Patricia D James Secondary School. CCSS secured their semifinal spot by winning three of their five preliminary games and defeating Vieux Fort Comprehensive Secondary School (VFCSS) 64-38 in the quarterfinals. Meshach Du Boulay was instrumental in CCSS’s victory, scoring 24 points, including three three-pointers, and adding 10 rebounds, seven steals, and seven assists. David Chandler contributed 19 points and nine rebounds.
For VFCSS, Josan Henry led with 11 points, 10 rebounds, and six steals, while Chris Cyrilon added 10 points and 14 rebounds. CCSS’s physical education teacher, Brandon Clauzel, highlighted the team’s strategy, emphasizing the addition of Meshach Du Boulay and the coaching assistance of Simeon Hippolyte.
In the semifinals, CCSS will face SCSS on November 4. SCSS advanced by defeating Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School 48-38, with Curden Jones leading the charge with 26 points, 15 rebounds, four steals, and three blocks. Meanwhile, SMC secured their semifinal spot by overcoming Corinth Secondary Schools 46-37, with Neezan Lewis delivering a double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds. The semifinals will take place at the Beausejour Gymnasium, promising thrilling matchups as teams vie for a place in the finals.
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Saint Lucia, SVG tie tapeball series
The highly anticipated final of the Bilateral Tapeball series between St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) and Saint Lucia concluded in a dramatic fashion on October 29 at the South Rivers playing field. Persistent rain forced the match to be abandoned, leaving the series honors evenly shared. Earlier in the competition, Saint Lucia claimed victory in the opening match on October 24, while SVG responded with a commanding win on October 25. In the finale, Saint Lucia won the toss and opted to field. Merville Samuel made an immediate impact, dismissing Romano Pierre with the first ball, marking his fifth wicket of the series. SVG struggled at 95-6 in 11.2 overs before rain intervened. The series showcased standout performances, with Murgaran Shoulette named the Most Valuable Player. Garette Alphonse led all batsmen with 235 runs, including three half-centuries, while Samuel and Kesron Daniel each claimed five wickets. Jamian Thomas was recognized as the Most Outstanding Wicketkeeper. Earlier matches saw Saint Lucia triumph by six wickets, chasing down SVG’s 251-5, thanks to contributions from Alphonse, Shoulette, and Jason Simon. SVG retaliated with a 74-run victory on October 25, posting 288-6 and restricting Saint Lucia to 214-9. The tour also featured an Adventist Premier League (APL) component, with SVG and Saint Lucia APL teams trading victories before the hosts clinched the decider in a nail-biting finish.
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Saint Lucia’s Ackeem Auguste shines with maiden T20I 50 as WI sweep Bangladesh
The West Indies men’s cricket team concluded their Dutch Bangla T20 International series with a resounding victory, defeating Bangladesh by five wickets on October 31. This win marked a clean sweep for the West Indies, showcasing their dominance throughout the series. The match featured several strategic changes to the team lineup, including the debut of Ackeem Auguste, a promising Saint Lucian batsman known for his top-order prowess.
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West Indies cricket giants land in SVG for Masters Clash
St Vincent and the Grenadines is buzzing with cricket enthusiasm as three iconic West Indies cricket legends—Courtney Walsh, Sir Curtly Ambrose, and Ridley Jacobs—arrived at Argyle International Airport on October 30. Their visit marks the lead-up to the much-anticipated West Indian Masters XI vs Rest of the World Masters XI T20 match, set to take place on November 1, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Arnos Vale Cricket Stadium. This historic event is a centerpiece of the nation’s Independence celebrations and underscores the country’s growing prominence in sports tourism.
On October 31, the cricket icons will attend a special Under-19 exhibition match at the Cumberland Playing Field at 1:00 p.m. This initiative aims to inspire young cricketers from schools across North Leeward by providing them with a rare opportunity to meet and interact with their heroes. The event highlights the importance of youth empowerment through sports and aims to motivate the next generation of Vincentian cricketers.
Hon. Carlos James, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development, and Culture, expressed his excitement about the visit, stating, ‘We are honoured to welcome these iconic ambassadors of Caribbean cricket to St Vincent and the Grenadines. Their presence marks an exciting moment for cricket enthusiasts and a significant milestone for our sports tourism agenda. Events like these bring immense pride, economic benefits, and inspiration to our youth as we continue to elevate our nation on the global stage.’
Annette Mark, CEO of the SVG Tourism Authority, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the lasting impact of the legends’ visit. ‘Hosting such esteemed figures reinforces our commitment to establishing St Vincent and the Grenadines as a premier destination for sports and events tourism. Their interactions with our youth and communities will leave a legacy of inspiration and national pride. We encourage everyone to come out, show their support, and be part of this historic sporting moment.’
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Venezuela ships 46 tonnes of aid supplies to Jamaica, Cuba
In a significant display of regional solidarity, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has dispatched 46 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Cuba and Jamaica, both nations grappling with the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. The operation, orchestrated by Venezuela’s Minister of People’s Power for Foreign Affairs, Yván Gil, underscores the country’s commitment to supporting its Caribbean neighbors during times of crisis. The aid packages, airlifted to the affected regions, include critical supplies such as food, medicines, medical equipment, and mattresses, aimed at addressing the most pressing needs of the impacted communities. Cuba received 26 tonnes of aid, while Jamaica was allocated 20 tonnes, with the shipments supervised by Minister Gil and Vice Minister Raúl Li Causi, respectively. Minister Gil emphasized the cooperative spirit of Venezuela’s efforts, contrasting it with the actions of other regional actors. “While some nations resort to threats and destabilization, Venezuela and the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA) stand united in promoting peace, solidarity, and cooperation,” he stated. This initiative holds symbolic significance, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the Bolívar–Martí Comprehensive Cooperation Agreement, a historic pact signed in 2000 by Commanders Hugo Chávez and Fidel Castro, which embodies the enduring bond between Venezuela and Cuba. Cuban Ambassador to Venezuela, Jorge Luis Mayo Fernández, lauded the gesture, noting, “Venezuela’s solidarity is unwavering. While others threaten, Venezuela sends planes filled not with weapons, but with love, food, and medicines.” Venezuelan authorities also announced plans for a subsequent maritime shipment, which will deliver over 3,000 tonnes of additional aid to Cuba in the coming days. Through these efforts, Venezuela reaffirms its Bolivarian Diplomacy of Peace, rooted in integration, cooperation, and solidarity, as Caribbean nations confront the escalating challenges of climate change.
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SLHTA preparing private sector relief strategy for hurricane-hit islands
The private hotel and tourism sector in Saint Lucia is spearheading a coordinated relief initiative to support Caribbean nations devastated by Hurricane Melissa. Noorani Azeez, Chief Executive Officer of the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA), announced on October 29 that the organization has received directives from its parent body, the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), to activate its disaster relief fund. Azeez revealed that the SLHTA has already briefed its board of directors and is formulating a strategy to engage its members and the broader Saint Lucian community in contributing to the recovery efforts. The SLHTA, representing over 200 members, plans to align its relief operations with assessments conducted by Jamaican authorities and international partners, ensuring a targeted approach to address critical needs. Azeez emphasized that collaborating with the CHTA offers a more structured and effective framework for mobilizing private sector aid, even though some SLHTA members operate hotel brands in affected areas like Jamaica. Hurricane Melissa, a record-breaking Category 5 storm with winds reaching 185mph, caused significant devastation across Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and The Bahamas, resulting in at least 34 fatalities and widespread structural damage. As regional tourism stakeholders gear up for recovery efforts, Azeez affirmed that Saint Lucia and the SLHTA are well-prepared to contribute, drawing on their past experience in providing relief to Dominica, Grenada, and St Vincent.
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Saint Lucia announces 2025 National Culinary Team for TASTE Caribbean
Saint Lucia’s culinary prowess is set to take center stage at the 2025 TASTE (Taste of the Caribbean) competition, scheduled for November 16–18 in Barbados. Organized by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), this prestigious event serves as a regional culinary showdown, cultural exhibition, and educational platform. Following their impressive second-place finish as Caribbean Culinary Team of the Year in 2024, Saint Lucia’s 2025 National Culinary Team is poised to elevate their performance. The team features Neville Joseph (Anse Chastanet) in the Senior Chef category, Damisa William (Royalton Saint Lucia Resort & Spa) as Junior Chef, Khapel Gee Alcee (Ladera Resort) as Pastry Chef, and Ninus Charlouis (Ladera Resort) as Bartender. Supporting them are Davidson Henry (The BodyHoliday), Shermal Victorin (Jade Mountain), and Elissa Alcee (StolenTime) in backup roles. The selection process involved rigorous interviews, teamwork exercises, and a culinary committee evaluation of signature dishes. Chef Fabian Vigee, the team manager, expressed determination to surpass last year’s achievements, urging Saint Lucians to rally behind the team. Despite funding challenges, the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association (SLHTA) remains grateful to sponsors like the Tourism Enhancement Fund, Invest Saint Lucia, and the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority. The team is further bolstered by mentor Chef Emmany Hippolyte, the 2024 Caribbean Pastry Chef of the Year, and a robust management team including Consultant Chef Eike Lauff and Bar Team Manager Alva Preville. With twelve regional teams competing, the event will culminate in the coveted Caribbean Culinary Team of the Year award.