标签: Saint Lucia

圣卢西亚

  • Gill wins a thriller at CRMS

    Gill wins a thriller at CRMS

    In a breathtakingly close finish, Gill House successfully defended its title at the 2026 Carmen Rene Memorial School (CRMS) sports meet, edging out Lewis House by a single point with a final tally of 303 to 302. The electrifying competition, held on Friday, January 30th at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, showcased the emergence of a new generation of athletic talent from the San Souci school. Walcott House secured a strong third-place finish with 296 points, while Rene House trailed with 235 points.

    The meet was characterized by intensely competitive races across all age groups. In the Under-9 boys division, Aiden Berkeley of Walcott claimed victory in the 60m dash with a time of 10.2 seconds. The Under-11 boys witnessed Jmarney George of Rene achieving a double victory in both the 80m (12.1s) and 600m (2:09.7s), while Gill’s Jaylan Howell took gold in the 150m (23.4s).

    A fascinating rivalry unfolded in the Under-13 boys category where Jaden Jacob of Walcott triumphed in the 80m (11.2s) and Gill’s Dante Delice won the 150m (20.9s), with less than two-tenths of a second separating them in their races. Hervany George secured the 300m for Walcott (50.25s), while Gavriel Daniel won the 600m (1:59.44s) for Gill.

    The girls’ competitions proved equally compelling with victories distributed across houses. Anikka Alexander (Rene) and Nellisa Daniel (Lewis) shared honors in Under-9 events. Walcott’s Arielle Charles demonstrated remarkable versatility with wins in the Under-11 150m (24.0s) and 300m (54.7s) after placing third in the 80m.

    Allina William emerged as a standout performer for Gill in the Under-13 girls category, dominating the 80m (11.9s) and 150m (22.6s) while capturing silver in the 300m (55.9s). Her performance was matched by Alexia Lloyd who claimed gold in both the 300m (52.6s) and 600m (2:13.9s) for her house.

    Despite late surges from both Lewis and Walcott, Gill House maintained its composure to secure back-to-back championships, demonstrating exceptional depth across multiple disciplines and age groups.

  • PM: Med students in Cuba to stay as govt weighs health care options

    PM: Med students in Cuba to stay as govt weighs health care options

    Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has moved to calm mounting anxieties among Saint Lucian medical students in Cuba, clarifying that no immediate withdrawal from academic programs is planned. The clarification came during a Cabinet press briefing on Monday following widespread concern triggered by the Prime Minister’s previous remarks about U.S.-Cuba tensions affecting medical training partnerships.

    The situation developed after Pierre addressed the Second World Congress on Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities last week, where he highlighted complications arising from the longstanding American embargo against Cuba. The Prime Minister expressed particular concern about how these geopolitical constraints might impact medical scholarship programs that have historically enabled Caribbean nationals to pursue medical education in Cuba.

    Student reactions reflected deep unease about their academic futures. One fifth-year Saint Lucian medical student described experiencing ‘heightened anxiety, caught between the political currents of the island and my personal academic future.’ Another medical professional, currently self-funding cardiology studies in Cuba after previously benefiting from government scholarships, called for greater transparency from officials regarding contingency plans.

    Pierre emphasized that enrolled students would complete their programs uninterrupted, stating unequivocally: ‘The students, those who are in Cuba, will continue to be in Cuba. There’s no imminent withdrawal of students.’

    The Prime Minister characterized his administration’s approach as proactive preparation given recent developments, including former President Trump’s designation of Cuba as a national security threat. Pierre acknowledged the delicate diplomatic balance required, noting Saint Lucia’s generally positive relations with the United States while simultaneously protecting its healthcare interests.

    Looking ahead, the government is exploring alternative medical training partnerships with nations including Nigeria, Ghana, Mexico, and Brazil to diversify Saint Lucia’s medical education options. ‘We have to prepare for the eventuality,’ Pierre stated, underscoring the need to safeguard both current students and the nation’s future healthcare capacity.

  • St Rose wins SLNYC presidency, pledges to ‘rebuild trust’

    St Rose wins SLNYC presidency, pledges to ‘rebuild trust’

    In a decisive electoral process during the 18th Biennial General Assembly held in Soufrière, Bernell St Rose has been elected President of the Saint Lucia National Youth Council (NYC). This gathering united delegates from registered youth and sports clubs, district councils, and student councils nationwide, aiming to establish a leadership team capable of addressing the mounting social, economic, and developmental issues confronting the island’s youth.

    St Rose will helm the council’s executive body, which includes First Vice President Dequan Charles and Second Vice President Edisa Eugene. The administrative framework was solidified with the election of Alrica Antoine as General Secretary, supported by Marcus Giraudy as Assistant Secretary. Phoebe Smith assumes the role of Public Relations Officer, while Nazan Hutchinson was appointed Treasurer.

    In post-election remarks to St Lucia Times, President St Rose emphasized that her primary objective is to rehabilitate the council’s credibility. “My key mandate is to rebuild and bring back the trust of the NYC as a uniform and credible institution,” she stated, highlighting intentions to reform the council’s structure, including district youth and sports councils, national student councils, and club affiliates. St Rose aims to restore public confidence and pride in the organization.

    The newly inaugurated leadership team now bears the responsibility of enhancing youth representation and engagement across Saint Lucia. This comes amid rising expectations for the council to assume a more dynamic and influential role in the nation’s developmental trajectory, particularly in crafting solutions for youth-specific challenges.

  • Clarke again at SCSS sports

    Clarke again at SCSS sports

    Against the majestic backdrop of the Pitons, Soufrière Comprehensive Secondary School culminated its annual interhouse sports competition with thrilling track finals on Friday, January 30th. The Soufriere Stadium witnessed Clarke House not only successfully defending its championship title but doing so with a dramatically expanded margin of victory.

    Building upon their 400-point advantage from the previous year, the yellow-clad Clarke athletes assembled a commanding total of 4,508 points. This left Rodney House trailing as a distant runner-up with 3,798 points. Toussaint and Ira Houses concluded the competition with 3,273 and 3,202 points, respectively.

    Individual performances shone brightly across various age divisions. In Division 2, Sherquan Joseph secured a sprint double by claiming gold in both the Under-18 boys’ 100m and 200m events, while teammate Rhea Jn Philip mirrored this achievement in the girls’ 100m and 400m races.

    The Under-14 category introduced a new track sensation—Devin Mesmain. In his inaugural year at SCSS, the Choiseul speedster demonstrated exceptional prowess by sweeping all three sprint events: the 80m, 150m, and 300m distances.

    Toussaint House found its spotlight in the Under-14 girls’ division. Aminta Didier repeated her victory in the 600m and added the 300m crown to her accomplishments. She was joined by Tarnisha Henry, a former double bronze medalist at primary level, who captured gold in both the 80m and 150m events.

    Other notable achievements included Clarke’s Akima Mathurin seizing the Under-16 girls’ 100m and 200m titles in the absence of teammate Amaya Emmanuel, who was representing the nation in football. Keanna Butcher successfully defended her titles in the Under-16 400m and 800m events. Meanwhile, Ira’s Chaz Alexander maintained his dominance in the Under-18 boys’ 800m and 1500m, and Ariana Philip secured the girls’ equivalent distances in the same age group.

  • Edward record highlights overseas athletics exploits

    Edward record highlights overseas athletics exploits

    University of Charleston athlete Joy Edward has delivered an extraordinary performance in collegiate track and field, achieving a career-best indoor shot put mark of exactly 15.00 meters at the Youngstown State University Mid-Major Invitational on January 31st. The Babonneau-native athlete secured a decisive victory at Ohio’s Watson and Tressel Training Site (WATTS), demonstrating remarkable consistency with five of her six throws surpassing the 13.35-meter mark achieved by the second-place finisher.

    Edward’s final attempt not only secured her victory but also broke her own school record of 14.69m set just two weeks prior. This performance represents her fourth time exceeding the 15-meter threshold and establishes a new national indoor record, surpassing her previous best of 14.85m from February 2024. The junior transfer now ranks 11th overall in NCAA Division II for the current season.

    Adding to her impressive weekend, Edward also claimed first place in the women’s weight throw with a distance of 17.50 meters, narrowly missing her January personal best of 17.59m. Her performances indicate strong potential for further improvement when the outdoor season commences in mid-to-late April.

    Other notable performances included Wichita State freshman Jasmine Stiede, a former national youth footballer, winning the women’s 800m with a time of 2:17.45 at the Coach Wilson Invitational. Washburn University’s Kereser Augustin achieved an NCAA provisional time in the women’s 400m, placing third with 55.87 seconds.

    Several Caribbean athletes delivered strong performances across various meets: Khailan Vitalis placed fifth in the 60m hurdles with 7.84 seconds at the Bob Pollock Invitational; Cagini Pilgrim finished fourth in the 60m with 7.08 seconds at the Windy City Rumble; and Naya Jules achieved personal bests in both the 60m hurdles (10.45) and high jump (1.43m) at the Charlie Foster Classic.

  • Big wins, rain interruptions, standout performances in Sandals U19 cricket

    Big wins, rain interruptions, standout performances in Sandals U19 cricket

    The second weekend of the Sandals/Saint Lucia National Cricket Association Under-19 tournament concluded on Sunday, delivering compelling cricket action across multiple venues despite weather interruptions. The competition showcased dominant performances, weather-affected matches, and several remarkable individual displays that highlighted the emerging talent in Saint Lucian cricket.

    Gros Islet emerged as the standout team with two convincing victories. Their campaign began with a spectacular 210-run demolition of Babonneau at Mindoo Philip Park on Saturday. After posting an imposing 245-8 in their allotted 38 overs, powered by Kanil Nelson’s magnificent 99-run innings featuring nine boundaries and two sixes, Gros Islet’s bowling attack dismantled Babonneau for a mere 35 runs. Neil Poyotte’s exceptional bowling figures of 5-10 spearheaded the rout, with able support from Kaleb Charles (3-18).

    The following day, Gros Islet secured their second triumph with a 28-run victory over Castries Central in a highly anticipated rematch of last year’s co-champions. Despite early batting struggles, Gros Islet recovered through a crucial 64-run seventh-wicket partnership between Charles and Jean Claude Emmanuel, both finishing on 33 runs. Castries Central’s response, led by captain Theo Edward’s valiant 74 off 79 deliveries, ultimately fell short as they were dismissed for 164.

    Weather conditions forced the abandonment of the Soufriere versus Choiseul encounter at La Fargue Playing Field, resulting in shared points between the teams.

    Other notable results included Babonneau’s continued struggles, suffering an eight-wicket defeat to South Castries after being bowled out for 36 runs. South Castries’ captain Nathaniel Joseph (5-15) and Evan Gilbert (4-19) formed a devastating bowling combination.

    At Philip Marcellin Grounds, Choiseul recorded a comprehensive eight-wicket victory over Mabouya Valley, who collapsed for just 17 runs. Christian Peter (4-4) and Jeanneil Williams (4-1) orchestrated the bowling dominance, with Liam Charlemagne contributing two wickets without conceding runs.

    Mon Repos concluded the weekend with a six-wicket win against Soufriere, propelled by opener Micah Naitram’s unbeaten innings that guided his team to chase down Soufriere’s total of 139 all out, built around Zinakki Louis’ 42-run contribution.

    The tournament continues on February 7th with matches scheduled across various island venues.

  • Jacmel community mourns death of 10-year-old Amelia Isidore

    Jacmel community mourns death of 10-year-old Amelia Isidore

    The tranquil community of Bois d’Inde in Jacmel has been plunged into profound mourning following the tragic death of 10-year-old Amelia Isidore, who succumbed to a medical emergency during a routine Physical Education class at her school earlier this week.

    According to preliminary reports, the young student experienced a sudden health crisis while participating in regular school activities, prompting immediate intervention from school personnel. Despite rapid transportation to a medical facility where emergency teams administered extensive lifesaving measures, Isidore could not be revived.

    The devastating incident has triggered an outpouring of grief throughout the close-knit community and drawn an official response from Saint Lucia’s Minister for Education, Kenson Casimir. In a carefully worded statement shared via social media, Minister Casimir expressed profound sorrow while emphasizing the need for cautious deliberation pending formal investigations.

    “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Amelia Isidore, a young scholar at Roseau Combined School,” Casimir stated. “As the details surrounding this tragedy remain subject to verification, the ministry will await conclusive findings from both medical and legal authorities before making definitive pronouncements.”

    The Education Minister extended spiritual condolences to the bereaved family, classmates, educators, and all affected by the loss, invoking divine comfort during this period of unimaginable grief. Community members have similarly mobilized support networks, with one resident noting the particular poignancy of losing someone so young amidst recent community losses.

    Isidore, remembered by those who knew her as exceptionally kind, joyful, and affectionate, attended Roseau Combined School where she had built meaningful relationships with staff and peers alike. The school administration has reportedly implemented counseling services to help students and faculty process the traumatic event.

  • Jamaican drummer Lowell ‘Sly’ Dunbar dies

    Jamaican drummer Lowell ‘Sly’ Dunbar dies

    The music world is mourning the loss of Lowell “Sly” Dunbar, the revolutionary Jamaican drummer and one-half of the seminal production duo Sly and Robbie, who passed away on the morning of January 29, 2026. His wife, Thelma, confirmed the tragic news, stating she discovered him unresponsive around 7 a.m. following a day spent happily with friends. Although Dunbar had been battling illness for some time, the sudden severity of his condition was reportedly unforeseen.

    Dunbar’s legacy is nothing short of monumental. From humble beginnings drumming with The Yardbrooms at just 15 years old, his fateful meeting with bassist Robbie Shakespeare in 1972 ignited a creative partnership that would become the rhythmic backbone of reggae and dub for over five decades. Together, as both session musicians and visionary producers, they were instrumental in crafting the sound of artists like the militant Peter Tosh and were the masterminds behind an estimated 200,000 recordings, a staggering figure that underscores their immense influence.

    Their pioneering work extended beyond performance. In 1980, they founded Taxi Records, a label that became a crucible for Jamaican talent, launching the careers of and releasing seminal works for acts including Black Uhuru, Beenie Man, and the duo Chaka Demus and Pliers. Dunbar’s passing marks the latest in a series of devastating blows to reggae’s foundational figures, coming just days after the death of Third World’s Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore and following the 2021 loss of his own musical soulmate, Robbie Shakespeare.

    In recognition of his unparalleled contributions to music and Jamaican culture, the government honored Dunbar with the Order of Distinction. His mantle of accolades also includes the prestigious Musgrave Gold Medal (2015) and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the University of Minnesota, bestowed just months before his death in May 2025.

  • Hebridean Sky makes inaugural call to Port Soufrière, new jetty in progress

    Hebridean Sky makes inaugural call to Port Soufrière, new jetty in progress

    The picturesque town of Soufrière has entered a transformative phase in its tourism development with the dual milestone of welcoming the expedition cruise vessel Hebridean Sky and launching construction on a major waterfront infrastructure project. The inaugural port call on January 16th served as both a celebration and strategic planning session, bringing together the Soufrière Regional Development Foundation (SRDF), parliamentary representatives, and port authorities aboard the vessel for high-level discussions.

    According to SRDF Corporate Communications and Marketing Manager Lovely Saint-Aimé Joseph, extensive consultations with Saint Lucia Cruise Port have culminated in tangible progress on the long-anticipated L-shaped jetty project. Marine users have been advised to observe enhanced safety protocols during the construction phase, which commenced shortly after the January 16th meeting.

    Local Member of Parliament Emma Hippolyte characterized these developments as signaling “a new dispensation” for the constituency, confirming construction was scheduled to begin on January 19th. The parliamentary representative emphasized the administration’s commitment to stakeholder engagement and safety throughout the transformation process.

    Saint Lucia Cruise Port officials project substantial benefits from the L-jetty initiative, anticipating both aesthetic enhancements to the waterfront and significant economic advantages for local entrepreneurs. Port representatives specifically highlighted the anticipated positive impact on taxi operators, vendors, and the broader business community, noting that improvements would elevate the experience for both residents and international visitors.

    Tourism officials believe the enhanced infrastructure and expanded cruise capacity will unlock new economic opportunities while allowing more visitors to discover what they describe as “the gem that Soufrière truly is.” The simultaneous occurrence of the inaugural vessel call and construction commencement marks a strategic acceleration of Soufrière’s positioning within the competitive Caribbean cruise tourism market.

  • Nicki Minaj declares Trump support while unveiling gold card visa

    Nicki Minaj declares Trump support while unveiling gold card visa

    In a remarkable political reversal, Trinidad and Tobago-born rap superstar Nicki Minaj proclaimed herself former President Donald Trump’s “number one fan” during Wednesday’s Trump Accounts Summit at the US Treasury Department. The announcement signals a dramatic departure from her previous criticisms of Trump’s immigration policies.

    Appearing alongside Trump, Minaj endorsed his trust fund program for children while proudly displaying her recently acquired “gold card” visa. This premium immigration initiative, launched in December, offers expedited citizenship pathways for affluent immigrants through a substantial financial investment.

    Photographs captured the rapper holding hands with Trump on the podium, where she directly addressed her critics. Minaj, who immigrated to the United States as a child with her parents, asserted that negative reactions only strengthen her support for the former president, emphasizing that public opinion cannot sway her convictions.

    The artist subsequently shared images of her gold card on social media platform X, revealing she received it without charge while completing her citizenship documentation. The controversial program requires a $1 million fee plus $15,000 in processing costs for US residency, drawing significant criticism for its timing during periods of intensified immigration enforcement.