Two months after their triumphant return from CARIFESTA in Barbados, Saint Lucian designers and entrepreneurs remain filled with pride and gratitude. The event, a celebration of Caribbean culture and creativity, provided a platform for these artisans to showcase their talents and represent their nation on a regional stage. Their success was made possible through significant support from the Ministry of Culture and the Cultural Development Foundation (CDF), which provided stipends, travel assistance, and other resources to ensure their participation. This backing not only enabled their attendance but also helped them stand out among their peers, sharing Saint Lucia’s unique spirit with the Caribbean community. Veteran designer Queen Esther of Kuumba Designs expressed her appreciation for the support, noting that the festival was a place to connect with fellow artists and present her timeless creations. Similarly, Christine Samuel of Christy Creations and Lisa Barton-Volney of De Kloze Line highlighted the festival’s role in fostering collaboration and expanding their professional networks. The event also benefited from broader funding initiatives, including the Mobility Assistance Grant (MAG) and contributions from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF). These efforts underscore the importance of cultural tourism and the creative economy in the region, providing invaluable exposure for Caribbean creatives and helping them reach new markets.
标签： Saint Lucia
圣卢西亚
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Election day announced as December 1, 2025
In a significant national announcement on November 9, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre revealed that the next general election in Saint Lucia will be held on Monday, December 1, 2025. The Prime Minister also designated Monday, November 21, 2025, as Nomination Day, marking the official start of the electoral process. Furthermore, Pierre disclosed that he has advised the Governor General to dissolve Parliament on Monday, November 10, 2025, paving the way for the upcoming elections. The announcement was made during a comprehensive radio and television address to the nation. Prime Minister Pierre, who led the Saint Lucia Labour Party to a decisive 13-4 victory in the July 2021 general election, emphasized the importance of a smooth and transparent electoral process. This announcement sets the stage for a pivotal moment in Saint Lucia’s political landscape, as the nation prepares to choose its next government.
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NYC-based road runner Fevrier aims to make history for Saint Lucia
The New York City Marathon, one of the world’s premier running events, continues to draw athletes from across the globe, including a growing contingent from Saint Lucia. Among them is Ava Fevrier, a 41-year-old social work supervisor and mother, who has emerged as a trailblazer for her nation. Fevrier, who set a Saint Lucian national record earlier this year, is now on the verge of earning the prestigious Six Star Medal, awarded to runners who complete all six World Marathon Majors. Alongside her compatriot Che Odlum-de Vivenot, Fevrier is inspiring a new generation of Saint Lucian athletes.
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International coaches back Ackeem Auguste for big things
At just 22 years old, Ackeem Auguste, a promising left-handed batsman from Saint Lucia, is making waves in international cricket. Despite having only a few senior international matches under his belt, Auguste has already showcased his potential with an impressive T20 International average of 41. He made his T20I debut in September against Nepal, a series the West Indies unfortunately lost. However, he quickly bounced back, scoring his first fifty in One Day Internationals against Bangladesh. Although the West Indies lost the ODI series, they dominated the T20I contests, sweeping all three matches. Auguste, an alumnus of St. Mary’s College, is the fourth West Indies men’s player from Saint Lucia and the 104th to represent the team in T20s. Reflecting on his journey, Auguste expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to transition from Under-19 to senior cricket, calling it an honor to represent the West Indies. His childhood dream of playing for the West Indies has now become a reality, and he is determined to make a lasting impact. Auguste’s rise has not gone unnoticed. Former West Indies Under-19 captain and current West Indies Academy coach Ramesh Subasinghe praised his relentless work ethic and mindset, predicting a bright future for the young cricketer. Similarly, Toby Radford, former director of the West Indies High Performance Centre, commended Auguste’s coachability and technical improvements, attributing his success to a combination of talent and hard work. Auguste’s recent confirmation to join the MI Emirates for the 2025 DP World ILT20 further underscores his growing reputation in the cricketing world. As he prepares to take on new challenges, Auguste remains focused on honing his skills and achieving greatness on the international stage.
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Advocacy group targets workplaces amid diabetes surge
Saint Lucia is grappling with a growing diabetes epidemic, with health officials sounding the alarm on the urgent need for national awareness and preventive measures. Dr. Kedhma Dorh, President of the Saint Lucia Diabetes and Hypertension Association (SLDHA), highlighted the severity of the issue, citing data from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) that reveals 11.4% of Saint Lucian adults now live with diabetes—a significant increase from 8.4% in 2011. Dr. Dorh emphasized the rising prevalence of risk factors, particularly childhood obesity, as a major contributor to the surge in cases. The 2020 national STEPS survey further underscored the crisis, showing that 15-16% of adults have elevated blood sugar levels, indicating pre-diabetes or undiagnosed diabetes. As World Diabetes Day 2025 approaches, the SLDHA is intensifying its efforts under the global theme ‘Diabetes and Well-Being,’ with a local focus on ‘Diabetes and the Workplace.’ The association is urging employers and employees to prioritize health and wellness, recognizing the critical role workplace habits play in prevention and management. Type 2 diabetes, driven by poor diet, physical inactivity, and obesity, remains the most common form. Dr. Dorh stressed the importance of early detection and regular screening, noting that many cases go undiagnosed until complications arise. To address access gaps in rural areas, the SLDHA has launched mobile and workplace screening initiatives. The association is also advocating for stronger nutrition policies, including front-of-package warning labels on processed foods. Key preventive measures include maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, and adopting balanced diets. The SLDHA is organizing the Diabetes Awareness 5K Walk-Run on November 16, encouraging corporate participation to promote workplace wellness. Dr. Dorh reiterated that a healthy workforce is essential for national productivity, urging Saint Lucians to take proactive steps toward better health.
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Letter to the Editor: A challenge to the Caribbean Zone of Peace
The deployment of a formidable US naval fleet off the coast of Venezuela has sparked a heated debate among CARICOM leaders, exposing deep divisions within the regional bloc. While some view the presence as a necessary deterrent against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s alleged destabilizing activities, others, led by Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, have condemned it as a threat to the Caribbean’s long-standing commitment to peace and sovereignty. This tension underscores the fragility of regional unity in the face of external pressures and internal disagreements.
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Call for stronger coaching, more participation in school sports
The first term of school sports in St. Lucia is nearing its conclusion, with competitions wrapping up in team sports by the second week of November, well ahead of end-of-term exams. However, the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports (MYDS) is grappling with challenges in raising participation levels, coaching consistency, and overall standards. Despite these hurdles, school sports coordinator Isabel Alexander-Marquis expressed satisfaction with the term’s activities, particularly highlighting the smooth scheduling of basketball and netball tournaments at the Beausejour Indoor Facility, which remained unaffected by adverse weather conditions. Nevertheless, participation rates have been a persistent issue, with only about half of the island’s 24 secondary schools involved in netball and basketball. Football, on the other hand, has seen stronger engagement, with 19 teams in the Under-16 boys’ competition and 21 in the Under-19 boys’ tournament. Alexander-Marquis attributed the low participation to staffing gaps, including a lack of dedicated coaches and limited teacher availability. She also noted that some educators may lack confidence in coaching sports, while physical education teachers often juggle multiple responsibilities. Netball coordinator Shem Maxwell echoed these concerns, emphasizing the need for more schools to participate and for additional coaching support. Financial constraints and waning volunteerism have further exacerbated the staffing shortage, particularly with rising temperatures discouraging outdoor activities. Despite these challenges, both Maxwell and Alexander-Marquis observed improvements in the quality of play this year, with more competitive games and consistent progression from younger age groups to varsity levels. Alexander-Marquis urged schools to establish alumni organizations and seek support from graduates to enhance coaching, transportation, and nutrition, which could significantly boost the success of school-level and national sports programmes.
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Government shutdown becomes longest in US history
The United States government shutdown has now extended into its 36th day, marking the longest such closure in the nation’s history. Initiated on October 1 due to Congress’s failure to agree on a new funding deal, the shutdown has left hundreds of thousands of federal employees without pay and millions of Americans without access to critical services. The impasse between Democrats and Republicans has persisted for weeks, with no immediate resolution in sight, though some lawmakers have expressed cautious optimism about a potential breakthrough. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican, hinted at a possible resolution, stating, ‘I think we’re getting close to an off-ramp here.’ The previous record for a government shutdown was set during President Donald Trump’s first term, lasting 35 days in 2019. The current shutdown has had severe consequences, including delayed paychecks for federal workers and growing concerns about disruptions to air travel. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that certain parts of U.S. airspace might need to be closed if the shutdown continues, as 13,000 air traffic controllers are working without pay. Low-income Americans relying on government assistance programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), have also been affected. While a court ruling mandated the release of contingency funds for SNAP benefits, Trump has suggested that full benefits will only be restored when Democrats agree to reopen the government. The Republican-controlled Senate has repeatedly attempted to pass a short-term funding bill, but Democrats have refused to support it unless Republicans agree to extend healthcare subsidies for low-income Americans. As the November 21 funding deadline approaches, lawmakers face increasing pressure to reach a compromise. Some moderate Democrats and Republicans have shown willingness to negotiate ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, offering a glimmer of hope for an end to the prolonged shutdown.
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What the Hilaire-Chastanet Ruling on the CIP Really Means
The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court recently dismissed an injunction sought by Allen Chastanet against Dr. Ernest Hilaire, the Minister overseeing Saint Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP). This decision has sparked contrasting reactions from supporters of the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) and the United Workers Party (UWP). The SLP views the ruling as a validation of the programme’s legality, while the UWP emphasizes that the case’s substantive issues remain unresolved. The court’s decision highlights the complexities of interim injunctions, particularly in public law, and underscores the importance of evidence in judicial proceedings. Chastanet’s claims, which included allegations of unlawful practices and irregularities in the CIP, were deemed insufficient to meet the evidentiary threshold required for an injunction. The court also considered the potential economic impact of halting the programme, noting that existing statutory safeguards could mitigate any alleged harms. The case underscores the broader challenges of balancing legal scrutiny with economic interests in governance.
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EDITORIAL: At the crossroads of the youth voice and their vote
The significance of youth participation in democratic processes has been a recurring theme in countless discussions and writings. While the importance of including all societal sectors in politics is widely acknowledged, the focus here is on the urgent need for meaningful youth engagement in Saint Lucia. Young people constitute a substantial portion of the population, making their involvement not just desirable but essential for the nation’s progress. Merely telling them that their voices and votes matter is insufficient; actions must align with words to foster hope and trust. The United Nations defines youth as individuals aged 15 to 24, and in Saint Lucia, this group, along with those up to 39 years old, represents nearly 40% of the population. This demographic holds immense potential to influence the country’s political, economic, and social trajectory. However, too often, youth are included in political processes superficially, either for symbolic gestures or token representation. This must change. Young people must recognize their collective power, equip themselves with knowledge, and actively advocate for policies that impact their lives. Historical attempts to establish a National Youth Policy in Saint Lucia have been marred by delays and insufficient political backing. It is time to move beyond rhetoric and implement concrete measures that ensure youth voices are not only heard but also acted upon. The youth are not just the future; they are the present, and their engagement is critical for the nation’s prosperity.