Carib Scope

标签： Saint Lucia

圣卢西亚

  • Alphonse excels ahead of international duty

    Alphonse excels ahead of international duty

    Saint Lucian cyclist Denver Alphonse Jr. is poised for international competition following an impressive performance at the Grand Prix UCS in Martinique, which served as his final preparatory event. The 18-year-old athlete secured second place in his division and 13th overall in a competitive field of 59 riders, finishing approximately seven minutes behind repeat champion Kyllian Boscher of VC Diamantinois in the 93.9-kilometre race around Saint-Esprit.

    This performance marks Alphonse’s strongest finish this year and demonstrates significant progress in his cycling career. As the Under-23 silver medalist representing ASC Karaïbes Culture Sports, Alphonse views this result as validation of his growing capabilities against Martinique’s cycling standards.

    In an interview with St. Lucia Times, Alphonse expressed his motivation: “Last weekend’s race meant a lot to me because it’s showing that I am improving and meeting the standards of cycling in Martinique. I will continue working hard for more improvement.”

    The young athlete now turns his attention to the Road Continental Pan American Championships in Córdoba, Colombia, scheduled for March 17-22. Alphonse will compete in the Under-23 category, beginning with the 36-kilometer time trial on March 18th, followed by the demanding 160.8-kilometer road race on March 21st.

    Regarding his championship goals, Alphonse maintains a focused perspective: “With regard to Pan American Championships, my goal is to do my best, compete hard, and cross that finishing line, because I will be going up against top continental riders.” The championships will feature competition across multiple categories including Under-19, Under-23, and Elite divisions for both male and female athletes.

  • Cenac, Maximin headline Island Champs winners

    Cenac, Maximin headline Island Champs winners

    The third day of the Saint Lucia Island Championships witnessed exceptional performances from young track and field talents, with Destinee Cenac and Barbara-Marie Maximin emerging as standout athletes. The event, held simultaneously at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground and the Saint Lucia Sports Academy on March 11th, saw the first field event champions crowned amidst fierce competition.

    Destinee Cenac, a reigning CARIFTA Games bronze medalist in high jump, continued her impressive season by clearing 1.71 meters for the second time this year. The St. Joseph’s Convent student, who previously earned bronze at the regional championship, comfortably secured the Under-18 gold medal with a 1.45m clearance, demonstrating her consistent dominance in the event.

    Barbara-Marie Maximin, previously noted for her sprinting prowess during Monday’s preliminary rounds, achieved a career-defining moment in the long jump pit. The Beanefield Comprehensive student soared to a remarkable 5.61 meters, significantly improving upon her previous CARIFTA qualifying standard of 5.36m set at the Independence Games. This personal best positions her as a strong medal contender for the upcoming regional championship. Cenac finished second in this event with a 5.00m jump.

    The championships also featured impressive performances across various divisions. Angelle Joseph of Clendon Mason Memorial secured victory in the Under-18 girls javelin with a 27.73m throw, while Clowie William claimed the Under-20 javelin title with a 35.37m effort for Saint Lucia Sports Academy. Syesha Rogers of Sir Arthur Lewis Community College triumphed in the long jump with a 5.29m leap.

    In men’s field events, Sherwin Carter (Micoud Secondary) cleared 1.75m for the Under-18 high jump title, while Anwar Gill (SALCC) captured the Under-20 crown with a 1.80m clearance. Javelin competitions saw Josan Henry (Vieux Fort Comprehensive) win the Under-18 division with 47.24m, and national footballer Jequan Joseph dominate the Under-20 category with a massive 52.53m throw for SLSA.

    The championships also recognized winners in younger divisions including Phoebe Jolie (U14 girls long jump, 4.45m), Kezie Edward (U14 girls ball throw, 45.07m), Lorvelle Sonson (U16 girls long jump, 4.90m), and Rayanna Joseph (U16 girls javelin, 27.58m). Javi Preville (CMMSS) threw 64.93m in U14 boys ball throw, while Renard Bernard (VFCSS) achieved 44.10m in U16 boys javelin.

  • Government clarifies Castries Port berth loan vs GPH cruise deal

    Government clarifies Castries Port berth loan vs GPH cruise deal

    The Parliament of Saint Lucia has authorized a government guarantee for a substantial EC$121.5 million loan designated for the reconstruction of Berth No. 4 at Port Castries. This aging cargo facility, operational for approximately half a century, is entirely distinct from the separate cruise port redevelopment project being undertaken by Global Ports Holding (GPH).

    Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, who also serves as the Minister for Finance, explicitly clarified this distinction to legislators. He emphasized that the cargo berth rehabilitation is a sovereign infrastructure responsibility and is wholly unrelated to the GPH cruise port agreement, a point aimed at addressing public commentary and confusion.

    The Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) will be the borrowing entity for the project, with the full financial backing of the government. The loan terms stipulate a 15-year repayment schedule with a two-year grace period on principal repayments and an annual interest rate of 3.75%. The structured payments will amount to either EC$2,962,884.32 quarterly or EC$985,246.50 monthly over a total of 156 months.

    Beyond the principal and interest, the loan agreement entails several additional costs: a lead arranger fee of EC$243,000, an annual agent fee of EC$24,300 payable to the Bank of Saint Lucia, and a sizable commitment fee of EC$607,500 due upon signing. The terms also include an amendment fee for material changes and a prepayment penalty of 2% if more than 10% of the loan is repaid within the initial three years.

    The berth in question is a 150-meter-long, 15-meter-wide reinforced concrete wall structure constructed in the 1970s, which is now nearing the end of its intended design lifespan. It is a critical asset for the nation’s logistics, handling containerized cargo, break-bulk goods, and new and used vehicles. It also serves as the base for the mobile harbor crane essential for unloading container vessels.

    This necessary upgrade underscores the government’s ongoing duty to maintain cargo operations, which remain outside the purview of the private GPH cruise terminal lease. The project is deemed essential for safeguarding Saint Lucia’s primary cargo gateway, ensuring the continued safety, efficiency, and reliability of the supply chains that fuel the nation’s economy.

  • Autism Awareness Month to feature community outreach, carnival band

    Autism Awareness Month to feature community outreach, carnival band

    As Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month approaches this April, Dr. Delia Samuel, President of the Helen Association for Persons with Autism (HAPA), is calling upon Saint Lucian society to foster greater understanding, acceptance, and inclusion of autistic individuals. During a Wednesday news conference, Dr. Samuel connected the nation’s upcoming awareness activities to her profound personal experience as both an autism advocate and an autistic mother raising two autistic sons.

    “I address you today as an autistic mother of two remarkable autistic young men. I share this identity not with sorrow, but with immense pride, joy, and boundless love,” Samuel declared, reframing the conventional narrative surrounding neurodiversity.

    Samuel described her unexpected journey into autism advocacy as simultaneously challenging and transformative. “This path was never one I anticipated walking. While it represents one of life’s most difficult challenges, it has also proven to be profoundly meaningful and rewarding,” she reflected.

    Like countless parents, Samuel initially struggled with her children’s diagnosis. “When my sons received their autism diagnoses, I felt my dreams for them had been shattered,” she confessed, acknowledging periods of doubt, shame, and guilt before ultimately recognizing the strengths and unique qualities of the autistic experience.

    Her emotional progression moved through stages of grief, confusion, denial, fear, and significant anger. “I repeatedly questioned why I had been placed in this situation,” Samuel recalled. However, her perspective underwent a radical transformation over time: “I evolved from believing ‘I cannot do this’ to realizing ‘this is possible.’ I shifted from asking ‘why me?’ to embracing ‘why not me?’”

    This personal evolution culminated in advocacy work. In 2014, Samuel documented her experiences in a book designed to encourage parents and caregivers, conveying the message that “even when odds appear overwhelming, triumph remains possible.” This foundational work inspired Saint Lucia’s first Autism Awareness Conference in October 2015, which attracted over 300 participants and marked the beginning of a larger movement.

    From these efforts emerged the Helen Association for Persons with Autism (HAPA), officially registered as a non-profit in 2023. The organization’s mission focuses on advocacy, providing support and education for autistic children and families, training educators and community members, and transforming societal understanding of autism.

    The association’s logo—a hibiscus flower displayed in colors inspired by Saint Lucian flag and culture—symbolizes the uniqueness of each autistic individual. This philosophy is encapsulated in HAPA’s slogan: “Embracing Uniqueness, Unlocking Potential.”

    Samuel characterized autism as a complex neurodevelopmental condition affecting communication, behavior, and sensory processing, often described as an “invisible disability” because many autistic individuals appear physically typical while experiencing the world differently. She emphasized that autism exists on a spectrum with varying support needs, noting that many autistic Saint Lucians still face bullying, ridicule, and misunderstanding.

    Families frequently struggle with isolation, limited support, and exhaustion while navigating a world not designed for their children. These challenges are exacerbated by stretched educational resources, scarce therapeutic services, and the invisibility of adults on the spectrum.

    HAPA has implemented several initiatives over the past two years, including the Sponsor Parents Programme launched in January 2025, which connects sponsors with parents of autistic individuals to alleviate financial burdens. Five families have already benefited from this program. The organization has also conducted workshops for parents and educators covering speech and language support and caregiver self-care strategies, delivered school presentations, and produced awareness videos in both English and Kwéyòl.

    April’s awareness activities, under the theme “Light it up blue for persons with autism,” include:
    – April 2: World Autism Awareness Day with blue-wearing solidarity campaign
    – April 18: Sensory-Friendly Health Fair offering free preventive screenings
    – April 23: Educators’ Panel Discussion on inclusive classrooms
    – April 25: Sports Day providing safe physical activity space
    – April 30: Public Transport Panel with drivers to promote understanding

    A groundbreaking cultural initiative will feature the first autistic Kiddies Carnival band with sensory-friendly accommodations, enabling autistic children to participate in one of Saint Lucia’s most celebrated cultural events.

    Samuel fundamentally rejects the notion that autism requires curing: “Autism is not a disease. It is not something that needs to be cured.” Instead, she urges society to eliminate barriers preventing autistic individuals from thriving: “Autistic people do not need fixing. There’s nothing wrong with us.” She calls for addressing systemic obstacles that limit opportunities and standing with parents who advocate daily for their children.

    During the news conference at Mount of Prayer in Coubaril, Sol Cares demonstrated support for HAPA’s mission with a $5,000 donation to enhance inclusion efforts for autistic children in Saint Lucia.

  • Govt willing to lose fuel revenue to guard against surging oil prices

    Govt willing to lose fuel revenue to guard against surging oil prices

    The Caribbean nation of Saint Lucia has initiated urgent economic contingency planning in response to soaring global oil prices triggered by military conflict in Iran. Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre confirmed his administration has elevated the situation to top-priority status, acknowledging the crisis has become personally preoccupying as officials evaluate potential impacts on the island’s economy.

    Global energy markets witnessed crude oil prices surge to approximately $120 per barrel on Monday, marking the highest valuation since the initial phase of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This price escalation stems from mounting concerns that Middle Eastern energy supplies could face significant disruption due to ongoing hostilities.

    The situation intensified with warnings from Amin Nasser, CEO of Saudi Arabia’s Aramco—the world’s largest oil exporter—who cautioned about ‘catastrophic consequences’ should the Strait of Hormuz remain obstructed. This critical maritime passage typically facilitates approximately one-fifth of global oil shipments but has experienced dramatically reduced traffic since conflict erupted over a week ago.

    Prime Minister Pierre revealed his government has proactively engaged the Ministry of Finance to develop strategies mitigating the anticipated inflationary effects of rising fuel costs. ‘We’re examining mechanisms to cushion the price increase that will inevitably create imported inflation for Saint Lucians,’ Pierre stated during a Monday address.

    Among the considered measures is the government potentially forgoing revenue from fuel sales to absorb portions of the expected price increases. ‘The Ministry is modeling scenarios where we generate zero dollars from petrol sales—you can imagine the implications,’ Pierre added.

    Concurrently, international efforts to stabilize energy markets gained momentum with the International Energy Agency’s announcement of a coordinated release of 400 million barrels from member nations’ emergency reserves. This unprecedented action—the largest strategic petroleum release in IEA history—represents only the sixth such intervention in the organization’s existence and aims to counter supply disruptions originating from the Iranian conflict.

  • Island Champs rivalries heat up after Day Two

    Island Champs rivalries heat up after Day Two

    The second day of Island Champs at Daren Sammy Cricket Ground witnessed fierce competition as secondary school athletes battled for finals placement across multiple track events on Tuesday, March 10. Defending champions St Joseph’s Convent (girls) and St Mary’s College (boys) demonstrated their continued dominance while several challengers emerged to threaten their titles.

    Preliminary rounds featured intense races in the 150m, 200m, 600m, 800m, 1000m, 1200m, 1500m, and 4x100m relays, with athletes pushing for qualification to the March 22 finals. Vieux Fort Comprehensive, Soufriere Comprehensive, and Saint Lucia Sports Academy remained strong contenders, while Leon Hess Comprehensive, Beanefield Comprehensive, Micoud Secondary, Choiseul Secondary, and the TVET Institute – School of Innovation & Technology (Anse Ger) maintained competitive presence.

    Notable performances included Skai Sammy’s 20.3-second run in the 150m for SJC. In Under-14 girls competition, Brianne Jason of SLSA posted a remarkable 1:51.3 in the 600m, while Neah Mortley of LHCSS dominated the 1000m with a 2:45.0 finish, outpacing national swimmer Sapphire Parks of SJC by over a minute.

    Among boys, Christiano Nestor of Choiseul impressed with an 18.6-second 150m, though he faces stiff competition from Nasri Edwin (VFCSS) and Devin Mesmain (SCSS). Aiden Biscette of SLSA led both the 600m (1:45.1) and 1500m (4:07.9), with Railey Thomas of Corinth consistently challenging.

    In intermediate divisions, Shaimaelle Durand of VFCSS shone with a 27.0-second 200m, while Aria Andrew of SLSA won her 800m heat in 2:39.6. Renard Bernard of VFCSS demonstrated Under-16 prowess with a 23.4-second 200m, and Jake Roberts of SLSA clocked 2:17.0 in the 800m.

    The senior division featured standout performances from double CARIFTA champion Jady Emmanuel of Choiseul, who dominated the 200m with a 26.9-second run ahead of CARIFTA teammates Barbara-Marie Maximin (Beanefield) and Isabella Emilienne (SLSA). Curtis Auguste of Anse Ger led the Under-18 boys 200m with 22.9 seconds, the only athlete to beat his teammate Rell Leonce.

    The competition continues with Day 3 featuring ball throw and javelin throw finals, followed by field event finals and track semifinals next week, culminating in the highly anticipated track finals on March 22.

  • Barbados positioned as hub as interCaribbean expands regional network

    Barbados positioned as hub as interCaribbean expands regional network

    InterCaribbean Airways has strategically positioned Barbados as a central hub in its network expansion with the weekend launch of new direct flight routes to three Caribbean destinations. The airline inaugurated scheduled services from Grantley Adams International Airport to Sint Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport (twice weekly), Tortola’s Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (three times weekly), and Trinidad and Tobago’s Piarco International Airport (four times weekly), effective March 8.

    The inaugural flights were met with ceremonial welcomes across all destinations, with government officials and tourism leaders emphasizing the transformative potential of enhanced regional connectivity. Graham Clarke, Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.’s Director for the Caribbean, highlighted how direct flights significantly improve visitor experiences by eliminating lengthy layovers that previously diminished travel quality.

    Sint Maarten’s Director of Tourism May Ling Chun underscored the importance of intra-Caribbean exploration, particularly amid global geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties. “This moment reminds us of something very important: the Caribbean must continue to strengthen itself from within,” Chun stated during celebration events.

    The expansion brings substantial economic implications beyond tourism. British Virgin Islands Premier Natalio Wheatley noted that over 70% of their workforce originates from the southern Caribbean, while also highlighting frequent visa-related travel to Barbados. The territory recorded its highest arrivals at 1.2 million visitors last year, with interCaribbean ranking among the top carriers alongside American Airlines.

    InterCaribbean founder Lyndon Gardiner emphasized the trade opportunities arising from regular scheduled flights to Trinidad and Tobago, identifying the nation as one of the Caribbean’s most significant trading partners for manufactured goods, food, and beverages. Emmanuel Baah, Deputy General Manager at Trinidad and Tobago’s Airports Authority, reinforced that enhanced connectivity creates pathways for increased investment and trade exploration across the region.

    With over 30 years of regional operation, interCaribbean now serves 24 destinations across 18 Caribbean countries, employing more than 600 people as one of the Caribbean’s largest indigenous carriers.

  • Saint Lucian swimmers star in CARIFTA warmup

    Saint Lucian swimmers star in CARIFTA warmup

    Saint Lucian athletes delivered an impressive performance at the Crédit Mutuel Swimming Meet in Martinique, treating the competition as a strategic warm-up for the upcoming CARIFTA Games. Held at the Pierre Samot Aquatics Centre in Le Lamentin, the event saw remarkable achievements from swimmers representing three major clubs: Sharks, Sea Jays, and Lightning Aquatics.

    Henri-Christian Theobalds emerged as a standout performer, defying expectations with a spectacular showing in the 50m breaststroke. Despite most competitors entering the meet without tapering—a deliberate strategy to prioritize acclimatization over peak performance—Theobalds achieved a qualifying time of 34.09 seconds in the final, a significant improvement from his 34.99-second preliminary swim. This accomplishment secured his position in the boys 13-14 category for the CARIFTA Games, scheduled to take place at the same venue during Easter weekend.

    Theobalds is anticipated to be among three Sharks swimmers selected for the official CARIFTA team, with the Saint Lucia Aquatics Federation set to announce final roster decisions later this week. His teammate Caden Calderon also demonstrated strong form, finishing ahead of Theobalds in the 50m breaststroke, placing third in the 100m breaststroke, and securing second in the 200m medley. Zaina Brathwaite further contributed to Sharks’ success by advancing to the women’s 50m breaststroke finals.

    Sea Jays club members showcased considerable depth across multiple age groups. Maya Andrew dominated the 12-13 division with gold medals in both the 50m and 100m breaststroke, complemented by silver in the 50m freestyle and bronze in the 50m butterfly. Jayden Xu claimed victory in both the 50m and 100m backstroke events, while Tyler Dantes secured wins in the 12-13 boys’ 50m and 100m backstroke alongside additional podium finishes. Dylan Corcoran and Noah Dorville also delivered notable performances with multiple final appearances.

    Lightning Aquatics athletes made their mark with Jayce Daniel capturing gold in the 12-13 boys’ 100m freestyle while qualifying for two additional finals. Teammates Aaron Charles, Liam Felicien, Aniya George, and Tre Theresine each advanced to at least one final, demonstrating the collective strength of Saint Lucian swimming.

    According to Sea Jays public relations officer Denise Parks, the competition served primarily as an acclimatization opportunity rather than a peak performance event. ‘The swimmers went in untampered, most of them looking to more or less acclimatise themselves,’ Parks explained. ‘Some who already had CARIFTA times were going in to get a feel for the water, to visualise their swims, and to feel what it is to swim at that venue on a bigger stage.’

    Even defending high point winner Sapphire Parks, who did not advance to finals in her events, utilized the meet to familiarize herself with the competition environment, highlighting the strategic approach adopted by the Saint Lucian delegation throughout the event.

  • Consumer Affairs puts safety first at Derek Walcott Square forum

    Consumer Affairs puts safety first at Derek Walcott Square forum

    The Saint Lucian Consumer Affairs Department is poised to host a major public symposium this Friday, March 13th, at Derek Walcott Square. The event, organized in commemoration of World Consumer Rights Day, adopts the global theme ‘Safe Products, Confident Consumers’ to place product safety and consumer protection at the forefront of public discourse.

    This annual observance serves to reinforce the fundamental rights of consumers and advocate for their unwavering respect and protection. The 2024 campaign zeroes in on the critical issue of product safety, with a dedicated focus on guaranteeing that all goods sold within Saint Lucia comply with rigorous safety standards. This initiative is deemed essential for fostering consumer confidence and underpinning the nation’s broader economic stability.

    The department extends an open invitation to all citizens for a day characterized by education, active engagement, and community interaction. The event will feature a comprehensive business exposition and sales segment, where a variety of local enterprises will display their products and services while offering exclusive promotions.

    A key highlight will be live safety demonstrations conducted by technical specialists from the Saint Lucia Bureau of Standards. These sessions are designed to equip attendees with practical knowledge on discerning authentic products, interpreting safety labeling, and identifying potentially dangerous goods. The educational experience will be augmented with interactive quizzes, offering participants the chance to win prizes.

    Furthermore, the symposium will provide a unique platform for consumers to voice their concerns and seek advice directly from officers of the Consumer Affairs Department, gaining clarity on the legal protections afforded to them.

    Wendy Frederick, Director of the Consumer Affairs Department, emphasized the non-negotiable nature of product safety. ‘Safe products are not just a luxury, they are a fundamental right,’ she stated. ‘By hosting this symposium in the heart of the city, we aim to bridge the gap between businesses and consumers.’ She reiterated the department’s steadfast commitment to cultivating a fair and secure marketplace and encouraged everyone to attend the free event to become empowered consumers within a festive community atmosphere.

  • Jets, Blazers win KFC basketball openers

    Jets, Blazers win KFC basketball openers

    The Saint Lucia KFC National Basketball League launched its new season on Saturday, March 7th, delivering an electrifying opening night at the Beausejour Gymnasium marked by dominant performances and a stunning upset.

    The evening’s doubleheader commenced with the Courts Jets executing a commanding 77-56 victory over the Morne Gladiators. Jets’ standout player, Ryan Philogene, immediately reasserted his dominance, spearheading the win with an impressive double-double of 28 points and 11 rebounds. He was strongly supported by newcomer Ajani Ferdinand, who contributed 12 points, and Pakel Gumbs, who nearly secured a double-double with 9 points and 12 rebounds. The Jets established control early, leading 21-12 after the first quarter and maintaining a solid 35-24 advantage by halftime. For the Morne Gladiators, the offensive effort was led by Junior Dupre with 16 points, while Joel Desrivieres, Cletuson Leon, and Jazaniah Blanchard each added 10 points.

    The night’s main event featured a finals rematch that culminated in a dramatic reversal of fortune. The Bonne Terre Blazers, under the guidance of debut head coach Nye Guard, orchestrated a spectacular fourth-quarter comeback to dethrone the defending champions, Soufriere Kings, with a final score of 70-63. The Kings, despite being shorthanded without key players Sidney Didier and Kimani Charles, initially built a significant lead, closing the first half ahead 38-24. The momentum shifted decisively in the final period, where the Blazers’ defense held the Kings to a mere five points. KFC Player of the Game, Andre Louison, was instrumental in the victory, finishing with a game-high 26 points and 7 assists. Critical support came from Elwin, who nailed a crucial three-pointer in the fourth, and Troy Louison and Orin Thomas, who provided significant all-around contributions. Jayzee Saltibus delivered a Herculean effort in defeat for Soufriere, recording 16 points and a massive 19 rebounds.

    The league action continues on Wednesday, March 11th, featuring a matchup between newcomers Fired Up Fitness and East Coast Academy.