标签： Saint Lucia

In a significant development in the long-standing investigation into the death of 22-year-old Chacadan Daniel, Police Commissioner Verne Garde announced on Thursday that crucial evidence once believed to be missing has been recovered. The discovery was made following a renewed search of the exhibit room at the Micoud Police Station, where the case originated. Garde revealed that the investigation had been reassigned to a more senior officer after the primary investigator went on vacation, leading to the recovery of the evidence. The issue of the missing evidence dates back to 2018 and 2019, with a formal investigation launched in May 2023. Garde emphasized the importance of accountability, stating that non-intimate DNA samples from officers who worked at the station during the relevant period would be cross-referenced with the recovered evidence to ensure transparency. The case, which dates back to 2013, has been a source of immense pain for Daniel’s family, who have criticized the lack of due process and transparency in the investigation. They have called for sweeping reforms, including stricter evidence handling procedures and the establishment of an independent body to address complaints against police officers. The family expressed gratitude for Garde’s disclosure but stressed that Daniel’s death is a national issue highlighting systemic failures in accountability and human rights.

Stanbrook Prudhoe, a Caribbean-based law firm specializing in complex cross-border disputes, has unveiled a new bursary program in collaboration with international legal charity Amicus. The Stanbrook Prudhoe Bursary aims to provide young legal professionals from the Caribbean with invaluable hands-on experience in the United States justice system, particularly in death penalty cases. The selected candidate will spend three months on an Amicus US General Volunteer Placement, working through one of Amicus’ 20 affiliate offices across the US.

The initiative is designed to expose Caribbean lawyers to the complexities of capital defense while equipping them with skills and knowledge they can apply in their home region. Tim Prudhoe, co-founder of Stanbrook Prudhoe, emphasized the significance of the partnership, noting Amicus’ three-decade-long commitment to advocating for individuals facing the death penalty in the US. Prudhoe, who interned with Amicus in 1998 in Houston, Texas, expressed hope that the bursary would alleviate financial barriers and prepare Caribbean lawyers for careers in capital defense.

In addition to covering associated fees, the bursary recipient will have the opportunity to attend the second weekend of Amicus’ Autumn Death Penalty Training in London. Applications are open until December 19, 2025, to holders of law degrees or equivalent professional qualifications from eligible jurisdictions, including Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago, among others. Interested candidates can find further details on the Amicus website.

Nursing students at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) are experiencing a significant boost in morale and motivation thanks to a newly implemented government subsidy that alleviates the financial strain of their education. This phased financial aid, introduced at the start of the current academic year, has been hailed as a ‘lifesaver’ by many in the nursing program. The subsidy provides EC$2,500 in the first and second years, EC$5,000 in the third year, and a full EC$10,000 in the final year, effectively covering the entire tuition cost at that stage. For students balancing full-time jobs and rigorous academic schedules, the financial relief is transformative. ‘It was very challenging… you have to give your work your full time. You have to give your school your full-time. So getting to study and give school the attention it deserves was nearly impossible,’ shared a third-year student. With tuition costs peaking in the final year, many students have previously relied on loans to stay enrolled. The timing of this assistance is particularly fortuitous. ‘It came at a great time, especially the last year, which is the most expensive; two semesters and $10,000,’ one student noted. ‘That’s a lot of money. It’s really helpful. I don’t have to face my credit union anymore to get that disbursement. That’s less interest on my loan.’ Beyond the financial benefits, the initiative symbolizes a broader investment in the students’ futures. ‘It shows that our leaders believe in our potential and are investing in our future. We’re very happy about that,’ one student remarked. Another added, ‘It relieved my mind…So I was very elated. Finally, some financial support where I can now devote all my time to nursing school.’

From October 17 to 20, Saint Lucia will host the third edition of the Island Challenge, a unique endurance event that blends athletic determination with charitable efforts to raise funds for neonatal healthcare. Organized by the Sandals Foundation, Unique Vacations UK Ltd, Island Routes, Sandals Resorts Saint Lucia, and the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, the initiative aims to secure £100,000 (EC$362,000) for the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at the Millennium Heights Medical Complex. The SCBU, which annually supports approximately 180 high-risk newborns, will use the funds to enhance its life-saving services. Participants, including travel industry professionals and Sandals team members, will tackle a rigorous four-day course featuring long-distance running, sea kayaking, rainforest hiking, a half-marathon, and an ascent of the iconic Gros Piton. Dr. Damian Greaves, CEO of the Millennium Heights Medical Complex, emphasized the event’s broader significance, stating, ‘The Island Challenge represents hope. By merging tourism, philanthropy, and healthcare, we’re making a tangible difference for our most vulnerable citizens.’ Since its launch, the initiative has raised £200,000 for healthcare projects in Antigua & Barbuda and St. Vincent & the Grenadines. Heidi Clarke, executive director of the Sandals Foundation, highlighted its community-driven impact, noting, ‘Improving healthcare access, especially for newborns, transforms entire families’ futures.’ Karl Thompson, managing director of Unique Vacations UK Ltd, described the event as a catalyst for change, expressing optimism for its continued growth and impact. Locally, the initiative is celebrated as a blueprint for socially responsible tourism, demonstrating how the industry can uplift critical sectors like healthcare.

The Saint Lucia Electricity Services Limited (LUCELEC) has announced the commencement of the third and final phase of its Meter Replacement Programme, set to begin on September 17. This phase, which will run until September 27, 2025, underscores LUCELEC’s dedication to providing a safe, reliable, and efficient electricity service to its customers. The initiative aims to upgrade the metering infrastructure, ensuring compliance with the highest industry standards for quality and safety. Specific areas in Castries, including Peynier Street, Brazil Street, Jeremie Street, Cadet Street, Bridge Street, West Hall Street, Bourbon Street, Micoud Street, Chaussee Road, Marchand Road, George Charles Boulevard, Pavee, Maynard Hill, Trou Rouge, Rock Hall, Black Mallet Gap, and Ravine Toutrelle, will be prioritized. The new meters will enhance the accuracy of electricity usage readings and improve the overall customer service experience. Importantly, the installation will be free of charge for customers. Residents will receive a 48-hour notice prior to their scheduled replacement, with the process typically taking less than 30 minutes to complete.