The Police Marine Unit (PMU) of Saint Lucia has made significant progress in combating maritime theft, recovering multiple stolen vessel components and investigating a series of maritime incidents across the island. These developments were outlined in a press release issued by the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) on October 20, 2025. Collaborating closely with the Marine Investigation and Intelligence Unit (MIIU), the PMU successfully retrieved parts belonging to a French-owned pirogue that had been reported stolen in Martinique. The operation was initiated after French authorities alerted local police on October 8, leading to a two-day search in Monkey Town, Ciceron. During the operation, officers executed several search warrants and discovered the stolen components in an abandoned house. Among the recovered items were two grey fenders, an orange bailer, a black boathook, two boat masts (one black and one grey), and a Yamaha throttle controller. Additionally, a black Mercury outboard engine was seized. In a subsequent incident on October 17, PMU officers responded to reports of a potentially stolen French vessel at Marigot Bay. They located a fiberglass pirogue lacking visible registration details, which was subsequently towed to the PMU base for further investigation. On October 19, another joint operation with the MIIU led to the interception of a vessel suspected of carrying illegal goods at the Castries Fisheries Complex. One individual was detained for questioning, and the case was referred to the Customs Department. The PMU has emphasized its commitment to enhancing maritime security through intensified patrols and has urged mariners to adhere to safety, security, and registration regulations. The public is encouraged to report suspicious maritime activities by contacting the PMU at 456-3870.
标签： Saint Lucia
圣卢西亚
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Hilaire responds to assault charge with journalist Eldrise Charles
Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire has publicly addressed the assault charges filed against him, labeling the case as a politically driven maneuver. The charges stem from an alleged altercation with journalist Eldrise Charles inside the Parliament building in August. During a press conference on October 22, Hilaire accused certain factions within the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) and the Opposition United Workers Party (UWP) of orchestrating what he termed a “baseless and politically motivated” accusation.
The incident reportedly occurred on August 19, during a UWP-led protest outside Parliament, where Charles, wearing a protest-themed t-shirt, attempted to interview government ministers. A video later surfaced showing Hilaire allegedly interacting with Charles, who claimed he “placed his hand on her back and pushed her out of Parliament.” Hilaire vehemently denied the allegations, stating that video evidence disproves the claims.
Hilaire criticized Inspector George Clarke, who led the investigation, accusing him of political bias and alleging that Clarke is a known UWP operative. He questioned the expedited handling of the case, noting that it was completed in less than two months, a timeline he deemed suspicious. Hilaire expressed disappointment that the police were focusing on what he called a frivolous case instead of addressing serious issues affecting Saint Lucians.
The Deputy Prime Minister revealed that he had previously enjoyed a cordial relationship with Charles and was surprised by her complaint. He stated that he would have apologized if she had expressed any offense. Hilaire also questioned Charles’ motives, pointing to her public commentary on the case before it reached court.
Despite the controversy, Hilaire reaffirmed his commitment to his duties as a government minister and vowed to fight the charges with all legal resources available. He emphasized that the government remains focused on serving the people and will not be distracted by what he described as political theatrics. Hilaire is scheduled to appear in court on December 4, 2025, for case management.
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Reds Perreira calls for early preparation ahead of West Indies tour to New Zealand
The West Indies men’s cricket team is gearing up for a challenging Test series against New Zealand next month, following a disappointing sweep by India in the subcontinent. With little time to regroup, the Men in Maroon must quickly address their preparation and strategy to avoid another setback. Legendary West Indian cricket commentator Dr. Joseph Reds Perreira has emphasized the critical need for thorough preparation ahead of the series, particularly given New Zealand’s formidable position as fifth in the World Test Championship standings. Perreira stressed the importance of acclimatizing to New Zealand’s unique playing conditions, including green pitches and seaming balls, and suggested sending Test players ahead for at least a week of practice at a local academy. He also highlighted the urgency of immediate planning to avoid the short preparation time that plagued the team during the India series. Regarding the squad composition, Perreira advocated for the inclusion of Jason Holder and Jommel Warrican, despite the latter’s limited success as a spinner in New Zealand. Additionally, concerns were raised about the fitness and availability of key fast bowlers Shamar Joseph and Alzzari Joseph, whose participation could significantly impact the team’s performance. As the series approaches, the West Indies’ ability to manage injuries, plan effectively, and arrive well-prepared will be pivotal in determining whether they can deliver a competitive showing or face another disappointment. For a team striving to rebuild its reputation in Test cricket, meticulous preparation may be the cornerstone of progress.
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Electric cars roll into Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia has taken a significant step toward a greener future with the official launch of EV Lucian, the nation’s premier Electric Vehicle Trade Expo and Car Show. Held on October 16, this initiative aims to catalyze a nationwide transition to sustainable transportation by bringing together public and private sectors to showcase innovative green technologies. The event is scheduled for November 15, 2025, at the Caribbean Cinemas Car Park, promising a vibrant display of electric and hybrid vehicles, alongside interactive exhibits on charging infrastructure, green energy solutions, and accessible financing options. Kurt Inglis, Chief Energy and Public Utilities Officer, highlighted the event’s critical role in reducing fossil fuel dependency, cutting emissions, and advancing climate goals. Attendees can enjoy test drives, workshops, family-friendly activities, and local cuisine, making it a comprehensive experience for all. Key sponsors, including the Government of Saint Lucia, Accela Marketing, Republic Bank, and Beacon Insurance, have rallied behind this transformative project, emphasizing their commitment to environmental sustainability and community development.
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PM Pierre sidesteps Felix’s ‘betrayal’ remarks
Prime Minister Philip J Pierre of Saint Lucia has opted to remain detached from recent accusations leveled by his former Saint Lucia Labour Party colleague, Stanley Felix, who claimed the nation’s leader had betrayed him. Speaking at a pre-Cabinet press briefing on October 20, Pierre emphasized his commitment to his duties as Prime Minister, refusing to engage in what he termed as “roro” or political squabbles. Felix, who announced his independent candidacy for the Castries Central seat on October 13, had earlier expressed feelings of betrayal, stating, “People I trusted hurt me. Doors that should have opened were slammed shut in my face.” The rift between the two politicians traces back to 2022, when Felix was removed as President of the Senate following charges of perverting the course of justice, which were later dismissed in March 2024. During an appearance on Newsmaker Live on October 15, Felix lamented the lack of communication surrounding his removal, describing the professional and personal repercussions as “significant.” While Pierre acknowledged he had not fully reviewed Felix’s remarks, he stated he would not contest them, affirming, “I will never dispute anything Mr Felix says — never.” The Prime Minister reiterated his long-standing acquaintance with Felix and his refusal to engage in political conflicts, emphasizing the importance of democratic participation. Pierre concluded by stating his focus remains on national progress rather than personal or political disputes, declaring, “This election for me will never be an election of conflict. That election for me is an election of my achievements.”
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Four SLASPA employees arrested following drug bust at Castries Port
In a significant crackdown on illegal drug activities, four employees of the Saint Lucia Air and Seaports Authority (SLASPA) have been apprehended following a drug bust at the Castries Port. The arrests were made as part of an intelligence-driven operation executed by the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) on October 18. During the operation, law enforcement officers intercepted a vehicle operated by a SLASPA employee. Upon inspection, they discovered a barrel that had not yet been processed for Customs examination. A thorough search of the container revealed substantial quantities of controlled substances, including cannabis and MDMA, also known as ecstasy. The driver of the vehicle was immediately taken into custody. Subsequently, three more individuals, believed to be involved in the incident, were arrested. The RSLPF has confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, and formal charges are anticipated to be filed later this week.
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Hope guides Windies to nail biting Super Over victory
In a heart-stopping encounter at the Sher-E-Bangla National Stadium on October 21, the West Indies clinched a dramatic victory over Bangladesh in a Super Over, leveling the three-match One Day International (ODI) series. After a crushing defeat in the first match, the Men in Maroon staged a remarkable comeback, showcasing resilience and tactical ingenuity. The match marked the ODI debut of Saint Lucian left-handed batsman Ackeem Auguste, while the West Indies made history by bowling an unprecedented 50 overs of spin in an ODI. Bangladesh, after winning the toss and opting to bat, struggled against the relentless spin attack, managing a modest total of 213-7. Rishad Hossain’s explosive 39 off 14 balls provided a late surge, but Gudakesh Motie’s 3-65 and Alick Athanaze’s 2-14 kept the hosts in check. In response, the West Indies faced early setbacks but were steadied by captain Shai Hope’s unbeaten 53. The match culminated in a tense final over, where a dropped catch by Bangladesh’s wicketkeeper Nurul Hasan allowed the Windies to force a Super Over. In the decider, Akeal Hosein’s composed bowling restricted Bangladesh, securing a narrow victory for the West Indies. The series decider is set for October 30, with both teams vying for supremacy.
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Baba, Stern & Friends give back to Gros Islet
The second annual Baba, Stern & Friends Charity football match, held on October 18, brought together a star-studded lineup of Saint Lucian and Caribbean football legends. The event, hosted at the Gros Islet venue named after Francis Baba Lastic, culminated in a narrow victory decided by a penalty from Venus Cherry. However, the true triumph of the day was the $6,000 donation made to three local children’s organizations. The funds were distributed equally to the Holy Family Children’s Home, Gros Islet Early Childhood Development Centre, and Bridgette’s Preschool, all based in Lastic’s hometown of Gros Islet. The match featured a mix of seasoned players, including Saint Lucia’s Titus Elva, Earl Jean, and Alvin Xavier, who was named the game’s Most Valuable Player. Stern John, Concacaf’s all-time leading scorer and current Saint Lucia men’s national team head coach, led a squad comprising former Trinidad and Tobago teammate Brent Sancho, Barbados goalkeeper Omari Eastmond, and Saint Lucia’s national captain Zaine Pierre. The game, played in three 30-minute periods, saw Cherry’s penalty as the sole goal. The event also included an Under-13 match between Monchy United FC and Valley Soccer Academy, with Monchy United securing a 3-2 win. Sponsors like KFC contributed gift bags to the young players, adding to the day’s festivities.
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‘CCRAF on the Road’ brings regional agriculture movement to Saint Lucia
The Caribbean Climate Resilience and Agriculture Forum (CCRAF) has launched its first on-the-ground initiative, ‘CCRAF on the Road,’ in Saint Lucia, marking a significant shift from virtual engagements to direct community interactions. The week-long event, which began on October 20, is part of CCRAF’s 10th anniversary celebrations and is organized by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA). The initiative aims to promote climate-smart farming and community resilience through a series of activities, including school visits, technical exchanges, policy dialogues, and youth engagement. Gregg Rawlins, IICA’s representative to the OECS and Eastern Caribbean States, emphasized the importance of this hands-on approach, stating, ‘We’re not just sharing knowledge — we’re taking the process to the ground, to people on the ground.’ The program also focuses on building regional networks and showcasing local innovations that advance Saint Lucia’s resilience goals. Dr. Chaney St Martin, CCRAF coordinator, highlighted the initiative’s community-driven approach, noting the need for more action and less talk. The Saint Lucia leg of the tour is supported by various sponsors and partners, including the World University Service of Canada and the Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions. Bradley St Ange, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, underscored the importance of engaging youth in agriculture, given the aging farmer population. Following Saint Lucia, the CCRAF on the Road tour will continue to St Vincent and the Grenadines and Dominica, expanding its outreach across the Eastern Caribbean.
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SLUNCF and Republic Bank celebrate World Food Day with climate-smart agriculture showcase
On October 16, 2025, the Saint Lucia National Conservation Fund (SLUNCF) and Republic Bank (EC) Ltd. joined forces to commemorate World Food Day with an impactful Grantee Exchange event at Amb’s Harvest in La Croix Maingot. The gathering united students from Babonneau Secondary School with representatives from both organizations to delve into the role of climate-smart agriculture in bolstering food security and resilience in Saint Lucia. This event underscored the ongoing collaboration between Republic Bank and SLUNCF, which supports community-based organizations (CBOs) dedicated to sustainable agriculture, improved livelihoods, and climate resilience. A standout feature of the day was Amb’s Harvest’s Hydroponic Grow Bag System, an innovative approach that enhances year-round vegetable production while minimizing pesticide use. This system not only serves as an educational tool for students but also as a scalable model for small-scale farmers eager to adopt sustainable, technology-driven practices. Students engaged in hands-on demonstrations, gaining insights into how hydroponics can integrate into modern farming and support local food systems, including school feeding programs. The event also emphasized the importance of partnerships among the private sector, civil society, and educational institutions. Diana Joseph, SLUNCF’s program officer, highlighted the event’s role in fostering knowledge sharing, collaboration, and inspiration, while SLUNCF CEO Craig Henry praised Republic Bank’s leadership in supporting community-driven environmental solutions. The partnership, initiated in 2024, established the Republic Bank Sustainability Fund—Saint Lucia under the Bank’s Power to Make A Difference (PMAD) program. With a five-year commitment of $750,000, the fund supports projects aimed at enhancing food security, protecting biodiversity, and promoting nature-based solutions across the island.