标签： Saint Lucia

On Tuesday, November 11, the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) orchestrated a large-scale emergency response drill at the George F. L. Charles Airport. The exercise simulated an aircraft crash to rigorously assess the airport’s emergency preparedness and inter-agency coordination capabilities. This biennial drill, conducted in alignment with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards, involved over 100 participants, including emergency responders, volunteers, and aviation stakeholders. The scenario depicted a mock aircraft accident near the runway’s northern end, with simulated passengers and crew requiring immediate rescue and medical attention. SLASPA officials emphasized that the drill aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the airport’s emergency response plan, particularly in communication, command, and coordination among various agencies. Exercise Director Aubert Regis highlighted the simulation as a crucial test of operational readiness, stating, ‘This exercise allowed us to activate the emergency response plan and assess how efficiently our agencies would perform in a real-life situation. Our goal is not only to test our response capacity but also to enhance collaboration and overall performance.’ Acting Airport Manager Alexandria Alexander underscored the drill’s proactive nature, noting its role in ensuring swift and effective responses during actual emergencies. ‘This exercise provided a valuable opportunity for all response agencies to evaluate their performance, improve coordination, and ensure that in the event of a real aircraft incident, the response will be efficient and effective,’ she said. The simulation also tested the capabilities of the airport’s Emergency Operations Centre, which coordinates recovery and restoration efforts post-incident. Participating agencies included the National Emergency Management Organisation, the Ministry of Health, Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services, the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, Ports Police, Owen King European Union Hospital, the Saint Lucia Red Cross, airline representatives, and airport personnel. Chief Evaluator Andrew George praised the high level of coordination observed during the drill, stating, ‘We assessed everything from scene management to communication and response timelines. The coordination among agencies was very positive and aligned with international emergency standards.’ A formal debriefing session is expected to follow, during which lessons learned and areas for improvement will be reviewed. SLASPA expressed gratitude to all participants and the public for their cooperation during the exercise.

The Derek Walcott Library, housed at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, has achieved a prestigious milestone by being inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Regional Register for Latin America and the Caribbean. This recognition was announced during the program’s annual regional meeting, held from November 10 to 13, 2025, in Lima and Cusco, Peru. Among 71 nominations from 15 countries, 29 were approved, with the Derek Walcott Library standing out as a significant addition. The UNESCO Memory of the World Programme aims to protect documentary heritage at risk of being forgotten, damaged, or lost. The inscription highlights the cultural, historical, and literary significance of Sir Derek Alton Walcott’s personal collection, offering an unparalleled glimpse into the mind and influences of the Nobel Laureate. The library features Walcott’s original bookshelves, works he authored, titles gifted by peers and collaborators, and a diverse array of materials reflecting his engagement with Caribbean literature, art, theatre, history, and global cultures. Donated to the College in 2020 by Sigrid Nama, the collection serves as a preserved record of Walcott’s creative world and the broader literary dialogues that shaped his legacy. Additionally, the Saint Lucia National Commission for UNESCO acknowledged Kathy Birch-McDiarmed, Head Librarian of the Hunter J. Francois Library and Vice President of the Memory of the World Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean, for her ongoing efforts to safeguard and promote documentary heritage across the region. The inscription underscores the importance of preserving the Derek Walcott Library as a vital repository of literary memory for the Caribbean and the world.

In a significant crackdown on suspected criminal activities, two additional employees of the Saint Lucia Air and Seaports Authority (SLASPA) were apprehended on November 19. This arrest was part of a meticulously coordinated multi-agency operation targeting illicit operations at Port Castries. The operation is a critical component of an ongoing investigation into a sophisticated network allegedly involved in the illegal trafficking of narcotics and firearms. The network is believed to exploit loopholes to evade Customs checks and circumvent proper declaration protocols. Investigators have zeroed in on key suspects within both the Customs and Excise Department and SLASPA, leading to the recent arrests. Authorities anticipate formal charges to be levied within the next 72 hours. This latest incident follows a series of arrests over the past month, including three SLASPA employees implicated in a $705,000 drug bust and a Port police officer involved in a $1.3 million seizure. These developments underscore the persistent challenges faced by law enforcement in curbing organized crime within the port’s operations.

The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) has taken a significant step toward modernizing its operations by equipping its Criminal Investigations Department (CID) with 45 state-of-the-art laptops. This initiative, unveiled during a formal handover ceremony, underscores the force’s commitment to enhancing investigative capabilities and operational efficiency in the face of increasingly complex criminal activities. Police Commissioner Verne Garde, who assumed leadership in 2024, emphasized that this move aligns with his broader vision of modernizing the RSLPF. Upon his appointment, Garde presented a comprehensive plan to Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, outlining strategies to bolster the force’s investigative prowess. The newly acquired laptops are designed to empower officers with advanced tools for recording, analyzing, and processing critical information. Garde highlighted that these devices are ‘top-of-the-line’ and will integrate seamlessly with the police’s upgraded management system, enabling real-time data access and improved interdepartmental coordination. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Pierre for supporting the procurement, which is part of a larger effort to enhance public safety through technology-driven policing. Superintendent Dr. Mashama Sealy will oversee the distribution and implementation of the laptops within the CID.

A group of eleven talented Saint Lucians has been granted scholarships to pursue higher education in Morocco, marking a significant milestone in their academic journeys. This year’s cohort, consisting of one male and ten females, will delve into diverse fields such as business management, general medicine, law, agriculture, engineering, biology, chemistry, and geology. The scholarships are part of the Moroccan government’s Academic Cooperation Programme, facilitated by the Moroccan International Cooperation Agency (AMCI), which offers opportunities for students to study at public universities, higher education institutions, and vocational training centers, extending up to doctoral levels. During a meeting with the recipients, Saint Lucia’s Minister for Education, Shawn Edward, extended his congratulations while offering candid advice. He emphasized the challenges they might face, urging them to remain resilient and humble. Edward also expressed profound gratitude to the Moroccan government for their continued support in providing educational opportunities to Saint Lucian youth. The recipients are set to depart for Morocco by the end of November, embarking on a transformative academic journey.

Saint Lucia has taken a significant step toward bolstering the safety and well-being of its youth with the development of the National System for the Comprehensive Protection of Children and Adolescents (NSCPCA). On November 11, key stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, and international partners, convened to shape this groundbreaking initiative. The NSCPCA aims to enhance coordination, accountability, and policy alignment across all sectors involved in child and adolescent welfare. The consultation focused on the system’s governance structures, including the National Child Protection Steering Committee and the Child Rights Advisory and Observatory Mechanism. Once operational, the NSCPCA will serve as a unified platform to promote collaboration among entities dedicated to safeguarding the rights of Saint Lucia’s children and adolescents. The initiative aligns with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and supports progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Dr. Charmaine Hippolyte-Emmanuel, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice & Empowerment, emphasized the importance of the initiative, calling it a critical milestone in creating a coordinated, multisectoral child protection framework. She highlighted the system’s goal of ensuring every child is protected, engaged, and has access to education and healthcare. The official launch of the NSCPCA is scheduled for November 19 and 20, coinciding with World Children’s Day. Pre-launch activities include a children’s march, church service, youth gathering, and cultural showcase. Dr. Lorraine Nicholas, United Nations Country Coordinator for Saint Lucia, praised the initiative as a significant advancement in child rights protection. Dr. Brittney Dalson, a community pediatrician with the Ministry of Health, also commended the collaborative spirit of the consultation, expressing optimism about the system’s potential to improve the lives of Saint Lucia’s youth.