The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Castries received an initial report on Wednes-day indicating that three individuals had sustained firearm wounds in Chopin The scene of the incident was promptly visited by officers from the CID who were unresponsive and had sustained firearm wounds Twenty-eight-year-old Jesse Charles and thirty-six-year-old Servelus Bernard a short dis-tance from the surrounding area and were subsequently transported to OKEU Hospital where a medical professional pronounced them dead two individuals were reported to have sustained firearm wounds and had been trans-ported to The Owen King European Union Hospital passed away at the hospital as a result of his injuries One more individual is still in critical condition The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force strongly encourages anyone with information about this inci-dent or any other criminal activity to contact the Criminal Investigations Department at 456-3770 or anonymously through the Crime Hotline at 555 or the Crime Hotline app and website in this browser for the next time I comment Get our headlines emailed to you every day Saint Lucia Fire Service (SLFS) emergency personnel attended to two women and a man after they sustained injuries due to attacks in Castries a twenty-three-year-old male showed up at the SLFS Headquarters in Castries with lacerations to his right hand The man sustained the injuries as a result of a stabbing incident Fire service personnel provided emergency medical care but the patient refused transportation to the OKEU Hospital for further attention fire service personnel learned that a 25-year-old female had sustained stab wounds on Jeremie Street An ambulance crew tended to lacerations to the woman’s right arm before transporting her to the OKEU Hospital SLFS personnel received a report of a physical assault in Castries and found that the woman had sustained head trauma They treated and transported her to the OKEU Hospital for further medical care The latest incidents have occurred amid national alarm over a surge in violence that has taken a toll on the resources and psyche of SLFS emergency responders officials disclosed that Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) along with injuries from accidents and acts of violence had contributed to a bed management crisis at the OKEU Hospital’s Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department the patient care situation had burdened the OKEU Hospital’s resources These bars on Jeremie St is a harsh reminder that St Lucia has alot of inbreeding FireBurnLesbians comment should be deleted Are you celebrating women being stabbed and attacked Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" Lucia Times is a news and lifestyle media house owned by Caribbean Today Media We aim to empower Saint Lucians and other audiences at home and abroad with timely Get important news delivered directly to your inbox and stay connected CASTRIES — The redevelopment of Saint Lucia Cruise Port is underway The recent demolition of the port’s Customs and Excise Department Building marked the official launch of the project “This is the first step in fulfilling our commitment to the people of Saint Lucia to transform and modernize the cruise industry Our goal is to deliver a world-class experience starting with infrastructure that supports our vision of growth and excellence,” said the Saint Lucia Cruise Port’s GM with its state-of-the-art facilities and expanded capabilities will enable the island to accommodate larger vessels diversify its tourism offerings and enhance the passenger experience Exclusive access to Canadian travel industry news Subscribe Now – The Castries Comprehensive Secondary School (CCSS) marked World Home Economics Day 2025 with an engaging and educational event under the theme “Tackling Overconsumption.” Hosted by the school’s Vocational Department the event highlighted the crucial role of food security and responsible consumption in improving public health and fostering national development This year’s observance was particularly noteworthy as the Ministry of Agriculture joined forces with CCSS paving the way for an evolving partnership aimed at incorporating sustainable agrifood systems education into the school’s curriculum Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture underscored the Ministry’s dedication to empowering youth in agriculture He emphasized that addressing overconsumption must go hand in hand with sustainable farming and stronger support for local food production including school gardening programs and the Youth Agri-Entrepreneurship Program as opportunities for students to actively engage in agriculture not only as a viable career but as a fundamental part of building a resilient food system The day’s activities saw students participating in interactive sessions and exhibitions that showcased practical ways to minimize food waste while integrating more locally grown produce into their daily meals The Ministry of Agriculture’s educational booth provided hands-on engagement with technical officers of the Research and Development Department and the benefits of choosing local food sources Priscilla Khodra echoed the importance of equipping students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills that align with national priorities She highlighted that Home Economics extends far beyond the kitchen; it is about understanding food systems and applying practical knowledge that directly impacts wellbeing She expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration with the Agriculture Ministry noting that it will offer students valuable real-world exposure to food sustainability and production The event also aligned with Saint Lucia’s Independence theme “DOUVAN ANSANM; Health and Well-Being for a Prosperous Nation,” reinforcing the message that food security is a critical component of national prosperity Discussions explored school gardening projects and upcoming agricultural training initiatives designed to encourage greater student participation in sustainable farming students expressed excitement about the opportunities presented with many eager to explore agriculture as a meaningful and sustainable path The strengthening partnership between Castries Comprehensive Secondary School and the Ministry of Agriculture represents a significant stride toward building a more food-secure future where young minds play an active role in shaping a © 2022 St Kitts Nevis Observer / Nevis Printing Ltd Newspaper Theme by tagDiv | All rights reserved   Lucia--Parliamentary Representative for Castries Central described the disruption caused by a major port redevelopment project in Castries and Soufriere as “temporary discomfort for long-term development” during his remarks at a sod-turning ceremony marking the official start of the initiative The project has already led to the relocation of vendors and fishermen near the Castries waterfront and Global Ports Holding (GPH) signed a 30-year concession agreement on August 2 and maintain cruise-related infrastructure at the ports of Castries and Soufriere with claims surfacing that the ports were being sold the ports are not sold … it’s a [Public-Private Partnership – Ed.] PPP for 30 years,” Frederick stated Pierre also addressed rumours and speculation surrounding the agreement “They did not walk in and say ‘give them leases for 99 years for a dollar’ ‘we will pay your debt – let us exchange – we will pay your debts that will give you fiscal space to do your work on the ports’,” Pierre explained He emphasised that the savings from debt relief can now be invested in other areas while GPH will focus solely on the cruise business at the ports Lucia is expected to benefit from increased global marketing exposure through GPH along with the development of a modern port complex and facilities The agreement paves the way for significant transformations at both ports According to GPH Regional Director for the Eastern Caribbean and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of St berth one – the dedicated cruise berth at Pointe Seraphine in Castries – will be upgraded “This is about future-proofing our port and meeting the demands of the cruise industry,” he stated To improve the disembarkation process for cruise passengers arriving by tender a new tender jetty will be constructed beside the Vendors’ Arcade a modernised welcome zone will be built where the recently demolished Customs building once stood “The goal is seamless flow for guests and locals alike,” Arnold explained including a reimagined fisherman’s village complete with restaurant spaces “We will work in partnership with the local fishers and other stakeholders to ensure the fisherman village is both sustainable and community-owned,” Arnold said The Vendors’ Arcade is also set to be “fully transformed” light-hearted suggestions were made to Minister of Tourism Ernest Hilaire to consider giving the facility a new it will remain under the management of the Castries City Council “SLCP’s responsibility lies in building and assisting with maintaining the infrastructure,” Arnold continued the redevelopment will include a new amphitheatre and improved berthing facilities along the waterfront According to GPH Chairman and CEO Mehmet Kutman work in Soufriere is set to begin next week with hopes of completion by the end of the year Kutman said his hope is to finish all construction by July 2026 Copyright © 2020 All copyrights on articles and/or content of The Caribbean Herald N.V. dba The Daily Herald are reserved Without permission of The Daily Herald no copyrighted content may be used by anyone resulting in a scenic and  lookout point that stands out in Castries This $1.2 million project has been described as a critical initiative for boosting Community tourism providing important socioeconomic benefits to merchants underlining that it represents a significant shift in Saint Lucia’s tourist policy He emphasized the significance of extending tourism services to encourage greater community involvement “These are not just small steps; they are pivotal moves towards creating a new Saint Lucia,” PM Pierre declared reflecting on the positive outcomes seen during his participation in regional conferences particularly the establishment of the CARICOM Development Fund which has been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition “There must be a philosophical foundation for the tourism industry in Saint Lucia The benefits of tourism must flow directly to the people.” highlight the importance of local engagement for the industry’s survival He put it this way: “If the industry has to survive He went on to say that local income generation is paramount noting measures such as opening the wharf gates at the Castries port which allows cruise ship passengers to directly support local vendors PM Pierre recognised the critical role of stakeholders in the development of the original Morne Fortune lookout “Vendors are the backbone of this organisation; they rely on this income to support their families and improve their lives.” Ernest Hilaire highlighted that this project is part of a larger strategy to restructure and improve tourism in Saint Lucia He stated that the government will disclose plans to build additional lookout points across the island described the undertaking as a demonstration of the government’s dedication to building an inclusive hotel industry She claims that The View’s lookout point provides direct access to Saint Lucia’s spectacular scenery and experiences the facility transcends its physical location serving as a “landmark of possibility” that demonstrates the country’s commitment to tourism and involves the community She reiterated: “Saint Lucia is an undeniably beautiful nation blessed with landscapes that speak for themselves—from the iconic Pitons to panoramic coastlines and hidden treasures like this site Guard stated that “beauty and heritage are insufficient and a shared dedication to ensure that Saint Lucians are active owners Mayor of Castries Geraldine Lendor-Gabriel has reaffirmed her commitment to implementing the long-anticipated parking meter system aimed at reducing congestion and enhancing economic activity in the city Several meters were installed in the capital last year but they are not yet in operation the Mayor indicated that plans for them to be utilised remain in the works she outlined key steps to move the initiative forward emphasising the importance of proper signage and community consultation as vital components of the implementation process the Mayor confirmed that the initiative will be supported by a comprehensive public education campaign including traditional media and social media platforms Acknowledging that change often meets resistance she expressed optimism about the public’s eventual acceptance of the parking meters Change is always something that people respond to differently,” she said Lendor-Gabriel also highlighted the broader issue of traffic congestion noting that even neighbouring areas like Gros Islet are experiencing similar challenges “People initially felt that if the city is congested but now the Gros Islet Highway is also congested The Mayor stressed the need for a shift in transportation habits and improvements in public transport services: “It calls for people leaving their vehicles home when they can And there will be also a need for our public system to also respond as well.” You see is all these things that were supposed to have been done prior to installation..now it’s there rusting away… You should have cleaned up marchand river and fix up side walk in the city . there isn’t any parking you have to build a bus terminal first get all busses off Then you can talk about parking meter those politicians just putting things just to say they did it first SMH if both side was doing a good job why this island is in a mess 🙄 COMMUNICATIONS Director for the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) has every intention of contesting the Castries South East parliamentary seat But is the senator taking a swipe at the parliamentary representative for the area and fellow SLP member Joachim Henry “I have indicated my interest to the Saint Lucia Labour Party and I have been informed of… what the process is,” the Communications Director said this week when she appeared on a local programme she also indicated her desire to take on a ministerial role But the Party decided to “go with somebody who at the time had gone before but was given another opportunity and did what… people didn’t think he could have done And I’m saying if this individual [Guy Joseph from the United Workers Party] was beaten What we are seeing is a call from the people of Castries South East for relatability to be able to continue the work that was started by our comrades,” Jawahir said “What the Labour Party has engaged in now is what we call a de-endorsement process where you invite persons from across Saint Lucia to share their interests… our party focuses deeply on… freedom of expression and freedom of participation.” The senator said the Party is doing extremely well in the community and recently when Henry spoke at a meeting “We are going through a selection process which allows people to put their hat into the ring and say I have done so because people have seen something in me that they want… they’ve been asking me… since before 2019 I did say yes at the time [but] the party went in a certain direction and that call has only grown louder and louder,” she stated “There are people in the party who have their preferences [and] people in the constituency who have their preferences [as well].” Jawahir (who grew up in Forestiere) has extended herself to the community in different ways of the South Castries Youth and Sports Council I founded the Forestiere Youth Ambassadors physical assistance in terms of sporting equipment sponsoring leagues… I do have a track record of community service and supporting young people [and] supporting the elderly,’’ the senator noted “I never knew I would get here… but people always say that whenever I took the mic and I had the opportunity to speak and to touch people So it’s really an opportunity for me to continue to present myself as a supporter of the Labour Party to continue to push the agenda of putting people first and securing the victory and to ensure that Castries South never returns to the hands of the United Workers’ Party,” she added the senator said her mission is “to support the policies of the Philip J Pierre-led administration and to defend and promote the SLP despite the fiery darts of the UWP geared towards my personality I speak of grit because I believe this skill is what sets me apart I knew that although I possessed the communication skills and warm and friendly personality for the task grit was most important and was the true test of my strength and success It was this characteristic that propelled me to be the person I am today THE VOICE made several attempts to get a hold of Henry but unfortunately The streets of Castries came alive on New Year’s Day with the vibrant return of Assou Square the annual event that celebrates Saint Lucian culture This year’s festivities featured an exciting lineup of live performances drawing locals and visitors alike to the heart of the capital Assou Square 2025 featured a variety of competitions including a calypso and country and western showdown and a DJ competition that showcased immense local talent The event drew people from all walks of life to enjoy the festivities and connect with their roots Among the many dignitaries in attendance was the Minister for Youth Development and Sports It’s something that the kids generally come out to enjoy people who I have not seen for a while [are here] and so it’s something that I think everybody is enjoying,” he said Casimir shared his optimism for the year: “I’m certainly looking forward to a very productive 2025… a year of execution in my constituency of Gros Islet The performances at the event were just as lively just the mere fact all sorts of people gather on the square We had a bumper 2024; all eyes were on Saint Lucia that we could bring down the level of crime Assou Square 2025 also featured notable appearances from artists like Dezral Long a celebrated calypsonian and former Calypso Monarch He shared his hopes for growth in the island’s cultural and economic sectors As the festivities carried on into the night keeping the crowd energised and united in celebration What about those people who don’t care for chicken n rum There are many people with a lot more disposable income that have no desire to be in those events Banannes Bay and Port Soufriere have not been sold by the Government of Saint Lucia to Global Ports Holding or Saint Lucia Cruise Port (SLCP) “We do not own these facilities; we are stewards and tenants for the people and government of Saint Lucia,” said Lance Arnold Saint Lucia’s cruise ports are set to undergo a transformative multi-million-dollar redevelopment marking a significant step forward for the sector The Saint Lucia Cruise Port (SLCP) and Global Ports Holding (GPH) have officially broken ground on this ambitious initiative “This ceremony represents a bold declaration of intent signaling progress toward a vision of inclusive growth and comprehensive transformation within our cruise tourism sector.” He reiterated that SLCP’s role is to manage with integrity and support the realization of a more dynamic cruise industry that benefits everyone The developments are specifically designed to benefit Saint Lucians the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) signed a 30-year concession agreement granting GPH responsibility for financing and maintaining cruise infrastructure at Castries and Soufriere This agreement focuses on enhancing the visitor experience and maximizing local economic participation will be upgraded to accommodate Oasis-class vessels—among the largest cruise ships in the world—allowing Saint Lucia to meet the increasing global demand “This project is aimed at future-proofing our port to match the evolving needs of the cruise industry,” he stated a new tender jetty will be constructed near the Vendor’s Arcade to improve safety and efficiency for ships anchoring offshore Enhancements to the boardwalk between Pointe Seraphine and the Arcade will include vital lighting and safety upgrades The now-demolished Customs Building in Castries will clear the way for a new public space that connects La Place Carenage promoting seamless flow between the port and the city while fostering economic activity “The Vendor’s Arcade will undergo a complete transformation not a mere refurbishment,” Arnold asserted emphasizing that it will serve as a cultural gateway This new space will offer visitors an authentic introduction to the essence of Saint Lucia The Castries City Council (CCC) will manage operations here A bold vision also includes redesigning Banannes Bay into a Fishermen’s Village and a slipway—driven by community input from local fishers and stakeholders Arnold stressed that this development is not only for cruise days; it is intended for evenings “This initiative is for a Soufriere that thrives long after the last ship departs,” he stated “Our commitment is to ensure these improvements primarily serve Saint Lucians announced that the development phases will commence in Soufriere and expressed confidence in completing construction by next July He stressed that GPH’s investments aim not just to beautify Castries or Pointe Seraphine to enhance relations with visitors coming to Saint Lucia Pierre acknowledged GPH’s confidence in undertaking this project He asserted that the project’s primary objective is to develop the ports without imposing additional debt on the people of Saint Lucia Prime Minister Pierre stated that the port development project will provide Saint Lucia with increased “global exposure” and will feature “a modern complex and facilities.” described the project as “a testament to a shared vision and a celebration of strategic collaboration renewing our commitment to elevating Saint Lucia’s cruise tourism sector to world-class standards.” “The benefits of this Public-Private Partnership (PPP) extend beyond what is immediately visible creating the fiscal space needed to address national infrastructure needs particularly our upcoming berth rehabilitation project aimed at improving cargo operations.” “We are turning a new page in the evolution of our cruise industry and in the broader narrative of our nation’s growth.” While construction timelines and projected economic impact figures have not yet been released officials assert that community engagement will remain a central aspect throughout the development phase The United Workers Party (UWP) has selected a candidate to contest the Castries North parliamentary seat Chairman of the Castries North Constituency Branch “He will be announced at a later date by the party leader but just to let you know we are on the move and we will be seeking to pull back all the UWP votes,” Ellis said at a meeting in the constituency “As soon as the general election is called and we win we will continue to develop Castries North,” Ellis vowed That seat is currently occupied by Infrastructure Minister Stephenson King a former prime minister who contested the seat as an Independent and won it at the last general election in 2021 “I heard through the grapevine that the United Workers Party has a candidate for Castries South as well; stay tuned,” said Montoute noting “If we do not invest in youth we are building a future on quicksand.” in our schools and on social media platforms and in every single community,” he told the gathering “Where is that recognition of young leadership in Saint Lucia… Where is the economic plan that allows them to dream beyond survival youth unemployment soars and because of this they are resorting to crime,” Harrow said “Do not let anyone tell you your voice does not matter every young adult can look ahead with hope and not despair,” Harrow stated Members of the ‘Sixx’ and ‘Seven’ gangs in Saint Lucia agreed to put an end to the violence on Saturday after feuding with each other for months The groups met with each other in New Village The meeting was organised by a local group called ‘Strive’ “It only took us a week (to) say… we have to stop it.” “I think that peace will hold forever,” he added said he hopes the groups can remain at peace “We had the ones from New Village go to… Wilton’s Yard (to) play football,” he said Some of the gang members were unable to attend school for months “because… their enemies (were) waiting for them … with cutlass and knives,” Phillip said Four of them were able to attend school on Monday “We’re looking to put the rest back in school but… The gangs’ history can be traced back to Trinidad the Daily Express said the ‘Sixx’ and ‘Seven’ had agreed to put an end to the bloody killings “Both leaders we spoke with told us they wanted peace sent messages through their own mediums to give each other the reassurance that they wanted peace on the streets,” an Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) officer told the outlet The IATF officer told the Daily Express “They try to settle disagreements through violence and one act of violence leads to reprisal killings Reprisals account for about 35 per cent of the killings and if police can get to them before that When there is a shooting over the years we realise that quick intervention prevents reprisal killings” a company in Trinidad warned employees to avoid clothing with numbers that might be mistaken for gang allegiance The warning was necessitated by at least one incident where a worker carrying an umbrella with the number ‘six’ was confronted by gangsters “The number six was merely an indication of the postal district,” the website reported the authorities are hoping that the level of violence will decrease I want the men that brought them together to think of any programme… “We want our youth to go forward,” he added [The summarized scores were as follows: Gros Islet: 337 all out – Jard Goodman 114 (138) Simeon Gerson 54 (65); Daniel Jn Baptiste 6/44 (14.4 overs) South Castries: 209 all out – Kensley Paul 45 (118); Isaiah Jones 3/24 (4.2) leading Gros Islet to a commanding victory over South Castries and clinching the Saint Lucia National Cricket Association (SLNCA) Premier League Two-Day Tournament title Goodman’s impressive performance in the  tournament included 114 runs in the final which contributed  to a decisive 128-run first-innings win at the Gros Islet Playing Field this weekend This achievement boosted Goodman’s total to 403 runs in just four matches of the tournament The twenty-five-year-old opening batter stood out with 15 fours and five sixes After a shaky start with the loss of two early wickets Goodman formed a crucial 58-run partnership with West Indies Under-19 standout Tarrique Edward (23) He further accelerated the scoring with Dominic Auguste (37) propelling the team to 186 for 4 by the 45th over Royce Paul and Simeon Gerson kept the momentum going while Gerson remained unbeaten with 54 off 65 helping Gros Islet reach a formidable total of 337 all out in 72.4 overs Daniel Jn Baptiste was the standout bowler for South Castries South Castries collapsed for 209 runs in 45.2 overs as Gros Islet’s formidable bowling attack proved too much to handle struggling at 37 for 3 in just 11.2 overs after Tonius Simon was dismissed by Darvin Forde for 26 forming a 43-run partnership with Kester Charlemagne (24) A double strike from Royce Paul removed both Charlemagne and Jaylan Chandler (0) leaving South Castries in further disarray at 70 for 4 Additional contributions from Collinus Callendar (14) and Joshua Mann (19) fell short Paul formed a brief 54-run partnership with Stewart Caldron (33) and Daniel Jn Baptiste could only manage 12 runs Isaiah Jones was exceptional with the ball claiming 3 wickets for just 24 runs in 4.2 overs while Royce Paul also shone with figures of 3 for 51 over 11 overs Darvin Forde added to the attack with 2 for 24 from six overs and Tarrique Edward and Tyrel Chicot chipped in with a wicket apiece Since the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic the revitalized domestic red-ball competition for the 2024-2025 Premier League launched in September with intense competition Gros Islet emerged as the undefeated champions showcasing their dominance by posting the tournament’s highest total of 600 for 7 declared against Desruisseaux further establishing their batting prowess Wellness and Elderly Affairs convey sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused by the temporary redirection of services from the Castries Wellness Centre and Elderly Affairs has remained steadfast in providing high-quality primary health care through our Community Health Nursing Service the Castries Wellness Centre experienced significant structural and situational deterioration over time leading to hazardous conditions for both clients and staff Recognizing the urgent need to safeguard everyone who relies on our services we made the difficult but necessary decision to redirect services from the Castries Wellness Centre to the La Clery and other nearby Wellness Centres We understand the disruption this may have caused and we thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to improve our facilities for a safer In our commitment to enhancing health services the Ministry has been strengthening Primary Care Services nationwide This strategic focus aims to improve health outcomes and reduce the impact of diseases at both individual and community levels A key component of this vision is the ongoing transformation of Victoria Hospital into a modern Castries Urban Polyclinic this facility will greatly enrich our healthcare system and expand service offerings to meet the evolving needs of our community The Castries Urban Polyclinic will serve as a central interface connecting satellite Wellness Centres with the Millennium Heights Medical Complex the Polyclinic will offer an array of specialized services • Urgent Care (available on weekends and holidays) • Minor surgical procedures within the Urgent Care Unit • Diabetic Retinopathy Screening and Laser Treatment These enhancements reflect our ongoing commitment to ensuring that each resident has access to timely While we acknowledge the challenges posed by this transition we want to reassure you that the health and well-being of the community remain our utmost priority The Ministry remains dedicated to our mandate to provide accessible Thank you once again for your understanding and support as we work towards building a more resilient health system we are making strides toward a healthier future for Saint Lucia appeared at Monday’s pre-Cabinet press conference to dispel rumours that he had suffered a massive heart attack and to urge the public to refrain from spreading misinformation The rumours about his health had circulated on social media over the weekend but Henry firmly denied the claims during the briefing the Castries South East MP stated: “My brief is simply to debunk and to inform the general public unlike what was being circulated on social media on Saturday I’m able to do what I’m doing… and I’m hoping to maintain my health and to do what I’m supposed to do.” Henry also called on the public to stop spreading such falsehoods via social media noting the potential distress caused to others “It could make other persons feel uncomfortable – like my family who were not with me at the time,” he said The minister also addressed another rumour circulating over the weekend—that he would be replaced by Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) PRO Lisa Jawahir as the candidate for the next general elections Henry said: “The party would have invoked the necessary processes and that is happening in all constituencies I’ve indicated my interest to continue to be the candidate… and the process of the party is on in all constituencies… I’ve indicated my interest to continue and I will try again subject to the approval of the process and letting the process go through.” Henry revealed that three individuals had expressed interest in contesting the Castries South East seat on an SLP ticket He won the Castries South East seat in the 2021 general elections defeating the United Workers Party’s Guy Joseph He was later sworn in as Minister for Equity Pierre confirmed that Henry had been hospitalised after suffering a heart attack he returned to his ministerial duties a few months later The journey toward modernising Saint Lucia’s capital took a significant step forward with the grand opening of the Anchorage on the Waterfront a newly redeveloped commercial and tourism hub in Castries Formerly known as the Castries Market Box Park the transformed space is expected to become a vibrant centre for culture Parliamentary Representative for Castries Central “Development in this country has just started He stressed the challenges faced during redevelopment particularly in convincing some businesses to embrace change but stressed that progress sometimes requires disruption “In the name of development of this country We have to be disturbed—not necessarily taking the bread from your mouth but doing it in a manner that is aesthetically appealing and lends accord to the tourism that this country so heavily depends on,” he said “This facility is not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating opportunities We have turned what was once an underutilised space into a vibrant commercial hub that will enhance the tourism experience and provide a better environment for our local entrepreneurs.” particularly those in the coconut business to maintain clean and sanitary surroundings noting that he encountered rodents while preparing the site for the grand opening The Anchorage on the Waterfront is one of the flagship projects under the US$18 million OECS Regional Tourism Competitiveness Project (ORTCP) a World Bank-funded programme aimed at strengthening tourism and economic opportunities in Saint Lucia Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism recalling that discussions about improving the waterfront date back to 2012-2013 when a tourism strategy and action plan first highlighted the need to better utilise the waterfront After multiple attempts to secure funding for various redevelopment ideas the project was restructured in 2021 to focus on product enhancement and community tourism Vittet noted that additional projects are in the pipeline “The projects listed in the final restructuring will [include] the Castries Market Redevelopment Phase Two as well as the Underwater Sculpture Park,” she said She also expressed gratitude to the World Bank and project leaders describing the ORTCP as one of the largest public sector investments in Saint Lucia’s tourism sector The Anchorage on the Waterfront is set to house a diverse range of businesses Entrepreneurs now have a modern space to showcase Saint Lucian products and services while attracting both residents and visitors Export Saint Lucia and the Caribbean Development Bank officially handed over a truck to the Saint Lucia Marketing Board further supporting local agricultural trade “Frederick urged vendors in the area noting that he encountered rodents while preparing the site for the grand opening.” the CCC turned the residential apartment complex to a mini Deglos The Ministry of Youth Development recently hosted the Castries Southeast Club Summit an initiative designed to empower youth organizations by enhancing their operations Spearheaded by Youth Worker Kenier Barthelmy the summit served as a crucial platform for strengthening youth engagement in community development The event featured insightful presentations from esteemed speakers who provided valuable guidance on club registration and networking who delivered an engaging session on leadership Their contributions equipped participants with essential knowledge on structuring and effectively managing youth organizations The summit reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to fostering youth development by providing the necessary resources By investing in the leadership capacity of young people the Ministry continues to build a stronger foundation for youth clubs and organizations to thrive Participants expressed their enthusiasm for the knowledge gained and the networking opportunities presented at the event The Castries Southeast Club Summit marks a significant step in strengthening the role of youth organizations in community engagement and national development For more information on upcoming initiatives by the Ministry of Youth Development individuals are encouraged to stay connected through official communication channels Saint Lucia’s Cruise Tourism Sector remains committed to the health and safety of both citizens and visitors In full compliance with the Ministry of Health we prioritize well-being and adhere to established health protocols Regarding a cruise ship that was scheduled to visit Port Castries on January 29th the vessel previously docked in a destination requiring Yellow Fever vaccination for entry into Saint Lucia in ensuring all necessary precautions are taken informed the vessel in advance that permission would be granted for entry and the disembarkation of passengers bearing proof of Yellow Fever vaccination the vessel cancelled its call to Port Castries The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority and its industry partners remain committed to maintaining the highest health and safety standards while stimulating economic benefits and delivering a seamless experience for visitors and citizens alike Police have identified the victim of Monday’s fatal shooting near Derek Walcott Square in Castries He has been identified as Jahiem Papius of Baboneau pronounced dead at the scene by a medical practitioner Another male was in critical condition after Monday’s brazen daylight shooting Eyewitnesses reported that the shooters fled through the city on a motorcycle leaving bystanders scrambling for cover and the two victims A woman who lost her son to gun violence in Vieux Fort in April last year wept profusely after witnessing the aftermath of Monday’s deadly gun violence I just lost my son and seeing that is too much,” the woman lamented Please,” the tearful woman told reporters The woman noted that the Christmas season is approaching and suggested that the victim of the fatal shooting might have already been preparing to celebrate “Every time some parent losing a child Not to mention if that person had children The children probably waiting on daddy,” she told reporters A male individual recalled hearing rapid automatic gunfire and seeing people running for cover He said he later saw two men on the ground one of whom was apparently dead and the other trying to move around The man said he had never witnessed such a brazen crime “I was within range of the bullets,” he told reporters adding that stray bullets could have hit anyone “And that is frightening,” the man stated A photo on social media showed a vehicle parked near the Derek Walcott Square with what appeared to be a bullet hole “Better it hit a car than an innocent bystander,” someone posted Those criminals have respect at two pm school kids all over the place the elderly at this point I guess any and everyone is fair game what a shame God we need your intervention.all others have failed us The police Mia asusal check by the different bars am sure you’ll find a couple of them Stop hand picking which laws to enforce and not enforce Anonymous@ There is a particular ccc police officer who rides the motorcycle his main patrol areas are the bars under the CDCs Why are we not hearing anything pertaining to those cases Now MS Mary Francis what is your say on this shooting In an effort to address the escalating traffic congestion and operational inefficiencies at Port Castries stakeholders have agreed to a series of measures aimed at improving the situation Key recommendations include the creation of designated queuing zones for truckers improved scheduling systems for container pickups and expedited delivery for eligible truckers the possibility of night-time container collection will be explored to ease daytime congestion These actions were agreed after in-depth discussions facilitated by the St Lucia Chamber of Commerce The meeting brought together the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) and representatives of the trucking sector to discuss solutions to ease the traffic congestion caused by trucks queuing on streets near the Port During the meeting which was chaired by the Chamber’s Executive Director SLASPA’s Director of Seaports Adrian Hilaire identified key operational challenges The RSLPF also highlighted the negative effects of illegal truck parking on city traffic and reiterated their commitment to restoring order truckers voiced concerns about delays due to limited queuing options inefficiencies in the container release system The discussion culminated in a series of actionable recommendations aimed at resolving the challenges SLASPA will work to make the Banan’s Bay Area a queuing zone for truckers Designated queuing zones are also to be established in the north and south; southern-bound containers will be redirected to Vieux Fort Sea Port; scheduling systems for container pickup will be improved to minimise delays and congestion on the streets; and container delivery will be expedited for truckers who meet all requirements stakeholders agreed to “seriously explore implementing night container collection to reduce daytime congestion.” “The Chamber and SLASPA will work together to explore immediate solutions including and most particularly by SLASPA the utilising of Banan’s Bay for temporary queuing and also on convening a high-level meeting with the Customs & Excise Department and other related government agencies to address operational challenges,” the press releases said The Chamber added that it remains committed to fostering collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure practical sustainable solutions that support national development and contribute to a thriving business environment experts make recommendations to government and these are ignored Then shate hits the fan and short term fixes are implemented thus compounding the fundamental issue at hand I remember Cul De Sac was supposed to be the cargo port for Saint Lucia Studies were done to corroborate findings and justification for such a move government aka slaspa is dancing in mud with Chamber of Commerce Inland Revenue not giving people their refunds Is there anything actually working in this country I’m getting sick and tired of this it has been 40 days I cannot get my goods Shame they didn’t say that the custom offers should have shorter lunches and work different shifts so that the port is not closed for long periods of time especially over busy times A young male who sustained a stab wound succumbed after Saint Lucia Fire Service (SLFS) personnel rushed him to the OKEU Hospital on Wednesday Police have identified the deceased as Kyle Sylvester Emergency personnel responded after receiving a call for assistance at Rose Hill at 12:34 pm and found that the eighteen-year-old had sustained a stab wound to the area of his ribs A doctor at the OKEU Hospital later pronounced him dead The death occurred less than 24 hours after that of 37-year-old Desruisseaux resident Irvin Ferdinand According to the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) officers from the Micoud Police Station responded to reports of the shooting in Desruisseaux was wounded in the incident and was pronounced dead at the scene Another youngster gone to violence in the areas they make ghetto I remember when they used to be peaceful and living happily but all they follow is fighting with knives for badness Instead people try and fix the violence for the up coming generation it just gets worse and worse everyday this is a preview of how your life may end up And there is a good chance of that when you follow these ways According to what I’ve heard this is an incident between brothers For St Lucia National Coordinator Leshan Monrose growing up to become an environmental manager was her "default" setting After graduating with a degree in Management Studies she obtained a Master's in Natural Resource and Environmental Management with a specialization in climate changeat the University of the West Indies She says the ACP MEAs 3 project is like a push that can steer farming on this Caribbean island nation onto a more sustainable course LM: For as long as I can remember I loved the environment I always knew I wanted to work with Nature protecting it and helping people at the grassroots level I am St Lucian by birth and I grew up in the country about 20 minutes outside our capital Growing up I spent a lot of time outdoors: I remember walking barefoot down to the river As a child I looked forward to spending the summer at my grandparents' farm and this is where I witnessed agroforestry and agrobiodiversity conservation in action My grandparents were small-scale banana farmers My grandmother sold the fruit as an alternative source of income She also processed coconuts into copra for sale and grew rhizomes such as ginger and turmeric my grandparents grew Blue Mahoe and mahogany trees and sold the wood to local furniture makers This way of mixing crops and trees is agroforestry which in turn helps conserve biodiversity on farms These areas were identified through a highly consultative process - this is what the stakeholders want The interventions are very timely and necessary and because they are so stakeholder-driven they are also nationally appropriate I think the approach taken by the ACP MEAs 3 project will give the people what they need our approach is both top-down and bottom-up We're reviewing the procedures for pesticide imports particularly Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs) sometimes incoming HHPs are not labeled as such They can be difficult to catch at the border control level so we need to look at  risk identification and management protocols we will make recommendations to policymakers and provide training to Customs and Excise officials It will be up to the government to implement those recommendations but we will provide them with all the tools and information they need The bottom up component is training people on the ground through Farmer Field Schools (FFSs) The current FFS manual is from 2006 so it's a bit out of date We're going to review it for climate resilience ecosystem-based practices and gender mainstreaming Then we're going to train extension services and run a series of FFSs so farmers can be made aware of the hazards of pesticides and we are totally dependent on surface water This is why we really need the stakeholders to take ownership of their natural resources one of the ACP MEAs 3 activities is revegetating the riparian zones along three very degraded rivers but we will also do considerable outreach to get local communities to buy into the process we must find a balance between native species and economically viable ones and the farmers ripped them out to plant root crops So we're asking the farmers what types of trees they want and we will work with them to ensure that the revegetation effort is successful One of the suggestions has been citrus trees because they don't take very long to mature and they're a pretty good cash crop We're also looking to get youth involved through site visits for schools so that they can see the impacts of poor practices along the riverside with their own eyes We will help them understand the importance of managing natural resources properly so that they will be able to pass them on to their children Here in St Lucia we come from a history of colonialism and a plantation economy We basically ripped out all our native vegetation to plant bananas and poisoned our soils with hazardous chemicals I don't expect ACP MEAs 3 to solve all of my country's problems but maybe this project can contribute to changing behaviors We're hoping to push the development of the farming sector onto a more sustainable path The Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO) wishes to advise the public that sewerage works are scheduled for Wednesday and are estimated to be completed within 12 hours WASCO will be conducting a sewer line installation at upper Bridge Street that will require the use of heavy machinery Motorists are advised to expect traffic delays and to use alternative routes during this period To enhance security measures in our capital the Government of Saint Lucia has allocated additional crime-fighting resources to the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force to activate a mobile police station Police officers from various policing divisions have been enlisted to support and initiate tactical crime-fighting operations from the mobile police station Activating the mobile police station will reduce response times to emergency calls increase police presence and enhance security measures in the city of Castries and inhabitants is a non-negotiable priority of the Pierre Administration Fish vendors in the City are to be relocated to the fisheries complex at Pointe Seraphine by early next month Richard Frederick this week confirmed the imminent move When he announced the relocation in May last year Frederick said the move was in keeping with efforts to improve the aesthetics of the City a new Halls of Justice and a Box Park for vendors they should be moving probably in the next two weeks,” Frederick told reporters at a pre-Cabinet media briefing I ensured that they were prepared and built another facility to house them… We embarked upon the construction of a facility and they were part of the process….That place is nearing completion.” The fish vendors typically operate on the Castries waterfront and on the sidewalk next to the Castries market The new location is within the fisheries complex at Pointe Seraphine Photo Caption: Work continues on a new vending facility for fish vendors in the City So what will the foot traffic look like will their sales increase or decrease “We embarked upon the construction of a facility and they were part of the process…” How could they have been part of the process when the facility’s construction started without their knowledge 🤔 It was time those fishermen were relocated someone visiting the island terrible statement concerning those fishermen they will soon line up the highway near Serenity Park and Lucelec this man doesn’t consult- just “do as i say” Sadly Castries and its residents/ visitors are suffering because many of those initiatives – they are poorly conceptualized in terms of location The fishermen can be creative by placing signs at the 9ld location with their phone numbers so customers can call to order fish and have it delivered Provide free shuttle for their customers from the market to the new facility Bro literally turned Castries into a rum bucket lol then put the vish vendors in front of tourist smelling fish is very asthetic Fredrick very Saint Lucians are invited to a two-day exhibition at the Castries City Hall auditorium that promises to be a tapestry of cultural talent that’s spanned Saint Lucia and the UK and is rooted in showcasing vintage objects in Century 21 Veronica Leona ‘Vayvay’ Richardson is a London-based abstract and graphic artist who’ll showcase her talents here tomorrow and the day after (Thursday 14 and Friday 15 November) through an art exhibition entitled ‘Vintage Journey – The Paradise’ promises to display items from a wide range of objects along Vayvay’s vintage journey and the artist says it’ll also inform viewers of aspects of local heritage that may not have been realized or overlooked by historians and cultural exhibitors Vayvay has been honing her skills in arts and crafts for decades The exhibition’s curator says it “explores the history of Black people in the UK (including Black people in Tudor England) and other authentic and poignant historical events that shaped global societies for expression through the arts.” described as “An eclectic collection via a solo arts and crafts exhibition: a wealth of vintage and contemporary objects including pieces hand-made from precious metals There will be an array of hand-printed textiles and specialist paper made for a variety of uses Also on display will be a collection of unmounted Saint Lucia stamps from the 1950s through to the 1970s There will also be local products on display such as domestic pressing irons which were used at home The Roman Catholic Church (the majority faith of Saint Lucia) was one of the great patrons of the Renaissance of the 14th – 16th centuries which encompassed the revival of classical styles in art and literature for display A selection of Old Master techniques will be exhibited she describes herself as ‘A child of the 50s’ who “developed the characteristics and fortitude of the times that instilled curiosity Her initial launch into the creative arts happened in 1975 when she was crowned the 1975 National Carnival Queen of the Bands but her “love for her island nation and the opportunities of a newfound life in the United Kingdom fused to form a perfect marriage” that would take her artistic passions to a new level heightened her interests in “vintage and contemporary objects.” A student of City and Guilds of London Art School Veronica captured awards for her work in creative techniques at the institute’s staged exhibition in London in 2017 Parents and students at the Bishop Charles Gachet Combined School had reason to celebrate earlier this week as Prime Minister Philip J the Parliamentary Representative for Castries East introduced a new after-school programme in the community The ceremony took place at the Marchand Parish Center The project was conceptualized by teachers Joan Monrose and Louise Vita We intend to extend the programme to the secondary school level.” MP Pierre expressed his support for the project “I will try to see if I can get the government of Saint Lucia to undertake this programme as part of their social activities.” The programme operates under the slogan “Embrace Empower,” and is estimated to cost at least $6,000 a month to maintain totaling approximately $60,000 per year for full operation The Central Castries senior men’s cricket team will face Babonneau in the Prime Minister’s T20 Cup final at Mindoo Phillip Park this weekend after securing a comfortable eight-wicket victory over Choiseul The semifinal match was played at the Gros Islet Playing Field on Thursday Central Castries restricted Choiseul to 147 runs in their allotted 20 overs despite a threatening 44-run knock from Canis Richardson Several of Richardson’s teammates got off to promising starts with the bat but none were able to build on their innings Their efforts were further hampered by impressive bowling performances from Dillan John (2-24) skipper Stephen Naitrum gave Central Castries a flying start with a blistering 31 off just 16 deliveries the standout performance came from young Theo Edward A commendable unbeaten 48 from Jamaal James ensured Central Castries chased down the target comfortably within 12 overs Central Castries will face a formidable challenge against Babonneau in the final Both teams have displayed remarkable poise and the necessary aggression to reach this stage setting up what promises to be an electrifying contest A shooting incident in busy Castries on Monday afternoon resulted in at least two vehicles being damaged by bullets The incident has triggered yet another plea for an end to the ongoing violence in Saint Lucia the distraught owner of one of the damaged vehicles said the recent crime is “just too much” said she heard the gunfire sometime after noon she was devastated to find that her car had been struck multiple times She counted five bullet holes—two in the front “Coming to that to see my vehicle shattered with bullet holes…I am disappointed people work so hard to earn something and some hooligan can just come and damage it “I could have been in the vehicle and been dead now I did not put myself in that position for my vehicle to be shot up like that They don’t even care who they hurt and what they hurt.” The shop owner pleaded for an end to the violence warning that innocent people could easily be caught in the crossfire They have to be shooting at each other – people passing police cordoned off the area and began their investigations Mr PM its time to get on your knees and start begging for these gangsters to stop the violence otherwise the day is not far when we become like Haiti Lucia Eye Center to get a pair of glasses because you are too blind to see A whole day has passed and no word of a suspect Law enforcement cannot be more worthless than that! Vieux negs in charge of Castries city….prove me wrong! Derek Walcott square daylight shooting and now this one……I wonder if something or someone is preventing police to pursue suspects Just a bunch of thugs who stil live at their mothers home The issue of gun violence is a daily scourge that threatens an individual’s most fundamental rights: the right to life and the right to live in peace which is driven by several factors too numerous to mention– first and foremost – the lack of proper teaching/training in the home Some kids do not attend school and just roam the streets “an idle mind is the devil’s workshop” – take a look around – people are living in fear and that is a crying shame Please understand that anyone can be affected by gun violence but it very often disproportionately impacts men and boys in deprived communities where parents/care givers has literally failed to do their jobs Some partake of ill-gotten gains from their children/grand children when they present them with money and stolen items “Vieux negs in charge of Castries city….prove me wrong!!” No one can prove you wrong on this I ensure I return home while light is still out We have seen the number of vieux negs near our homes increase 5 fold in the last few years I know why they feel so empowered but I fear if I say on this forum the comment will not be posted as I have posted several comments critical of that character that were not posted The new chief of police is on a 6 months contract this should be an easy decision for Pierre not to renew as it is obvious that he has failed in his performance since South Castries took a significant step towards becoming the inaugural champions of the Saint Lucia Semi-Professional Football League Super League following their victory over Anse La Raye in Qualifier One on Saturday This win secured their spot in the final and earned them automatic promotion to the First Division or Premier League for next season adding another highlight to what has been a fairytale season The opening goal came from a set piece—a direct strike from a corner by South Castries Kennedy Wiley’s finish completely outfoxed the Anse La Raye goalkeeper This would be the only goal of the first half South Castries doubled their lead in the 57th minute when Kaylan Henry won a penalty which was confidently converted by Rashaad Eugene and it came in the 70th minute through Christian Cadette having initially been ruled offside by the linesman South Castries striker Claudelle Yarde restored the team’s two-goal cushion with an 80th-minute strike that slipped past the Anse La Raye goalkeeper as Jsaden Ezekiel scored a header for Anse La Raye Anse La Raye had a golden opportunity to equalize with a potential tap-in Tennaly Joseph indicated that this victory was the “biggest ever” in the history of his district league He commended his coaching staff for the game-changing substitutions which saw the team through Following this victory South Castries will play in the October 26 final at the Dennery Playing Field Anse La Raye will need to regroup as they prepare for Vieux Fort South Central Castries have booked their place in this year’s Saint Lucia Semi Professional Football League (SPFL )Tier 1 finals following their victory against fellow title contenders Gros Islet Their assertiveness paid off in the 21st minute when Troy Greenidge gave the Northerners the lead This lead was soon doubled when winger Baggio Edward clinically finished off a through ball The second goal seemed to serve as a wake-up call for the boys from the capital who began to find their way into the game shortly after Central Castries had also been down by two goals against their rivals A 40th-minute goal from Simeon Francis once again signaled the team’s undying spirit and sparked another comeback Central Castries’ resilience was rewarded in the second half when a penalty was calmly slotted home by Francis to level the game at 2-2 A tense battle ensued for the remainder of the 90 minutes resulting in a draw and forcing extra time Gros Islet’s troubles deepened when substitute Tonius Simon was shown a straight red card for what the referee deemed a dangerous tackle in the second half of extra time Central Castries couldn’t capitalise Goalkeeper Joshua George emerged as the hero Central Castries ultimately won 5-4 in the shootout Central Castries assistant head coach Ryan Desir indicated that while the coaching staff was “disappointed” with the way his team started the game he was happy that his team would battle it out for the first ever SPFL title next week Saturday “We’re not sad about where we’re going” Desir said But we’re disappointed that the performance was in the first part in the finals we could put that aside and come guns blazing from the first whistle and dominate the game and win in the 90 minutes.” Central Castries will be well rested as they await the winners of Qualifier 2 to be played on October 23 as they will have a second bite at the cherry following the Eliminator between Dennery and La Clery the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) began investigating a report of a missing person The individual was identified as six-year-old Nehki Poleon He was last seen by one of his parents at school around 8:30 a.m Further investigations revealed that Nehki was last observed near his home at about 4:00 p.m which led to the tragic discovery of Nehki’s lifeless body in a body of water near his residence on Wednesday The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) is thoroughly investigating the circumstances surrounding Nehki Poleon’s death Anyone with information is urged to contact the Criminal Investigations Department at 456-3770 the Crime Hotline (555) and the RSLPF Crime Hotline App are available for anonymous reporting PRESS RELEASE — WASCO wishes to inform consumers that pipeline repairs at Jeremie Street and Coral Street Castries have been postponed to Sunday 25th August the supply of water to the City of Castries and its environs will be interrupted from 6:00 AM Please be advised that the flow of traffic will be temporarily diverted during these emergency repairs Motorists and pedestrians commuting in the vicinity of the work site are advised to adhere to traffic direction from site personnel or to take alternate routes where possible Customers are urged to collect and conserve water ahead of the planned works WASCO apologizes to its valued customers for the inconvenience this interruption will cause as we work to restore the supply as soon as possible We encourage consumers to promptly report any supply interruptions and/or localized faults to our north control room at 457-3958 reports can be made via WhatsApp Messenger by forwarding contact information and location to 482-0052 A Guyanese national has been remanded into custody after being charged with illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition which were among several items found during a police operation in Castries last week the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) stated in a press release issued on Tuesday that the investigation remains active as authorities work to determine any further connections to recent robberies and gun-related crimes in the capital executed a search warrant at a residence in Wilton’s Yard The operation was initiated in response to a rise in criminal activities within Castries officers recovered a Glock 17 pistol with an extended magazine containing 26 rounds of 9mm ammunition they seized several suspected stolen electronic devices and discovered 166 cannabis plants Jones was apprehended and taken into custody and subsequently charged with the offences of possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition He has a prior conviction for firearm possession and was previously fined $20 000 for that offence The RSLPF stated in its press release that it remains steadfast in its efforts to remove illegal firearms from communities and ensure the safety of citizens “We urge anyone with information regarding criminal activities to report it to the nearest police station or call our confidential tip line 555,” it further urged I am trying to understand this – he did not pay the fine – but he was out on bail Lucia — wow– reporting below from article —- “He has a prior conviction for firearm possession and was previously fined $20 000 for that offence he was denied bail on the CURRENT possession charge on the basis that he had failed to pay the fine imposed on him for a PREVIOUS conviction for possession of a firearm @WATCHER – I certainly don’t need you to assist me in understanding and reading – I reposted the article to make a point He should have been KEPT in jail for the PRIOR conviction as well as his inability to pay the fine If he was in jail there would have been no CURRENT conviction – you Lucians always want to correct folk – correct yourself I do hope that he’s deported after his sentence he’s doing no good deeds in Saint Lucia based on your first comment it is pellucidly clear that you did not understand the reference to the bail issue in the article you proceeded to opine erroneously on the issue thereby revealing your limited comprehension skills and common sense I understand your embarrassment however if you choose to comment in a public forum then be prepared to be corrected there was no need for a correction in the first place typical asinine response… ” you think you too bright” besides if you see no need for the correction that means you’re just as misguided and clueless yourself The Opposition United Workers Party (UWP) is protesting again; this time they are calling for the reopening of the Castries Health Center The facility has been closed since December 19 and Elderly Affairs had announced the temporary closure for mold remediation citing the need to ensure a safe environment for staff and patients residents seeking medical care have been redirected to the La Clery Health Center Newly introduced UWP Candidate for Castries East spoke to reporters outside the heath center on Tuesday morning “All we want is the health center to be reopened Where will the elderly and the sick people in Central Castries go?” Chiquot asked expressing the growing frustration with the prolonged closure UWP’s candidate for Castries Central voiced his concern over what he described as government negligence “The people of Castries are frustrated with this government’s lack of concern towards healthcare Clarke criticised the administration’s focus on non-essential issues “What we need is a proper medical facility,” he said the ruling Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) spokesperson defended the government’s commitment to healthcare She says the SLP supports citizens’ right to protest but pointed to the administration’s progress on healthcare projects Jawahir acknowledged the challenges with the Castries Health Center’s aging structure which has been in need of repairs for years “This structure has been in existence for a very long time I used to go to the Castries health center and significant work needs to be done to that building.” She added that the Ministry’s focus remains on public health and safety Jawahir also suggested that the UWP protest was contradictory given the party’s own track record on healthcare facilities like St The SLP spokesperson said she was baffled that the ones who paused work at St The UWP has indicated that it will continue its advocacy until the community regains access to healthcare services in Castries I really miss the Castries health centre ee… convenience speed and list can go on..la clery is so crampt. “The SLP spokesperson said she was baffled that the ones who paused work at St Jude Hospital were engaging in a protest.” This is why we can never go forward as a country Lucian people decided years ago to replace them with SLP Instead of giving a reason as to WHY the Health Centre is still closed TAKE ACCOUNTABILITY FOR WHAT YOU ARE NOT DOING give us answers and a timeline for when the Health Centre will be open again Keep it close but renovate or tear it down THAT PLACE WAS HORRIBLE Why didn’t The United Worthless under their tenure since they give so much of a damn ? Do you think Chastanet or any of offspring would ever be caught near Castries Health Center in its present state or state of the art state oh hell no they would rather the world learn of their demise elsewhere besides “ Castries Health Center” That applies to you too…..bout you miss Castries Health Center get out of here yeah right you miss it just like you miss Kenny Oh Really I have to go home to exercise my civic duty I am leaving you in charge Police have identified the victim of Sunday’s fatal shooting in Castries as 43-year-old Vernon Auguste alias ‘Fat Dog’ of Bois Patat CID officers responded to reports of a shooting at the intersection of Waterworks and Cedars and discovered a male individual lying on the ground with apparent gunshot wounds Residents of the area said they heard rapid gunfire before the discovery of the body Vernon Auguste’s fatal shooting has taken the homicide tally in Saint Lucia so far this year to seventy-three Hmmmm… Wondering if we will surpass last year’s count of 75 seeing that we already at 73 with 22 days to go Seventy volunteers filled over 250 bags with garbage during a cleanup in Castries on Sunday the volunteers worked along the Alan Bousquet and Choc Highways The participants included crew and passengers of the vessel -Freewinds and officers from the Vulnerable Persons Team (VPT) of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) Diane Felicien CEO and Founder of Do Nation Foundation and the Good Deeds Day Leader for the Caribbean Lucia Times that organisers expected more volunteers but realised that the weather impacted participation “The bus stop areas were unbelievable There was one bus stop where we got 15 bags of garbage,” she disclosed Felicien felt the situation underscored the need for continuing education to help people realise indiscriminate garbage disposal’s negative impact on the environment She acknowledged the support of the cleanup activity’s main sponsor and the Saint Lucia Solid Waste Management Authority “Good deeds day is a day that we do good So we continue to encourage people to do good to the environment,” CEO and Founder of Do Nation Foundation and the Good Deeds Day Leader for the Caribbean stated Felicien’s organisation participated in a similar cleanup starting from the Choc Roundabout and ending at Massy Stores Rodney Bay volunteers collected two truckloads of garbage but it is something we would wish to do monthly because there is a need for it but then we do it annually or we do it as we see the need,” Felicien told St The garbage collection needs to be regular There needs to fines for careless dumping and littering Please include their information…numbers email…dates of regiment… I wish to participate…i have access to truck to dispose of waste and will gladly assist in the collection….we have no pride….and the generation behind me are lost Csn we do this more regularly it might catch on if we practice …am willing to join After you have cleaned up you need to ensure there are adequate bins for garbage disposal and frequent pick up(s) – don’t you have a sanitation department????? Once you have put these measures in place – then next steps should be charging individuals for littering Lucians have always had a disgusting habit of littering their own environment which allows for breeding of mosquitoes We need garbage police/policing period and fines imposed on offenders The persistent bad habits of residents do not change even when there are garbage bins available Ask the Castries City Council – they have to deal with this mess daily The CCC cleans up then in just a few hours there’s a stinking mess – again and again This waste from the city makes it back down to the waterways constantly polluting our lovely beaches including the one locals often use at Tapion You should see the rivers of plastic far out at sea after heavy rain Police are investigating a stabbing on Peynier Street Saint Lucia Fire Service (SLFS) emergency personnel responded at 7:30 am after learning about the incident The responders from the SLFS Headquarters in Castries found a conscious male individual lying on his back An assessment revealed that he had a puncture wound to his upper right abdomen The SLFS responders provided emergency medical treatment and transported the patient to a medical facility for advanced care o boy satanic influence on our nation the devil is taking over human minds Boold shed continues as the devil is taking these souls minds Look like most people walking with a gun or knife everywhere Where is the love for one another in this Land, The police needs to stop ppl randomly and check for weapons regardless of its nature or purpose of use Lucia is not a friendly or safe tourist destination anymore why will the tourism minister say + the PM appeared before the First District Court this week to face an indictable charge of handling stolen goods Stanislaus was found in possession of multiple stolen items the prosecution noted that key elements of the case including statements from identification officers they requested that the charge be formally read and the matter advanced to the High Court for further proceedings Stanislaus is represented by defence attorney Stephen Brette The case is scheduled for a sufficiency hearing on May 23 Have they been notified that there items were found Although I suspect they can’t even retrieve it as it will be evidence Two teams booked their place in the final four of the Prime Minister’s T20 Cup on Sunday following the quarterfinal fixtures in Piaye South Castries Lions defeated Soufrière by eight wickets the boys from Sulphur City could only muster 130 runs largely due to the impressive bowling of Kenrick James Six other bowlers also chipped in with a wicket each Lower-order batsman Stanilas Saltibus was the top scorer South Castries made light work of the total Bolton Sayers led the charge with an unbeaten 49 falling just one run short of his half-century Legendary West Indies opening batsman Johnson Charles also contributed a blistering 46 off just 17 balls helping South Castries secure victory within 13 overs They will now face Babonneau in the semifinals on Tuesday the Choiseul Senior Men’s Cricket Team confirmed their place in the semifinals with a 49-run victory over Micoud the men from the West Coast posted a formidable 208 runs This was largely due to a tremendous knock from opener Vince Smith He was well supported by Canice Richardson who contributed 46 as part of a crucial 118-run partnership for the third wicket A quickfire 35 from Sanjay Pamphile further boosted the team’s total Shervon Leo was the pick of the bowlers for Micoud finishing with figures of 2 for 39 from his four overs Despite valiant efforts from Travis Gifford (44 off 41 balls) and Shervon Leo (43 off 23 balls) Their chase was hindered by an impressive bowling performance from Kuston Jules Choiseul will now face Central Castries in the semifinals on Thursday compounded by the looming threat of Hurricane Beryl also known as ‘Bim Bim,’ lost his life in a drive-by shooting in Bagatelle A woman was also shot during the same incident two men were injured by gunfire in Entrepot The severity of their injuries remains unclear but they were swiftly taken to OKEU Hospital for treatment These incidents bring the total confirmed homicides in Saint Lucia to 42 for the year 2024 and civil society are urging the community to unite against such senseless acts of violence The streets in Castries were completely transformed yesterday as the Independence Baton Relay passed there on its final lap as the country prepares to celebrate its 46th Anniversary of Independence on Saturday and onlookers showed up in large numbers for the activity which began last month Participants were dressed in the colours of the flag and were beaming with pride as they went around the constituency “We never envisaged the baton relay to have grown into what it is today It has grown so largely… that I’ve received calls from persons around the world asking me about the various constituencies [and] the days that they will be showcasing their talent,” Castries Central MP Richard Frederick said recently “We have to remain proud as Saint Lucian people because no matter what they say our smallness has created indentations on the global village that cannot be erased,” he added the relay is an integral part of the celebrations of Saint Lucia’s Independence at the Dame Pearlette Louisy Primary School It moved on to Gros Islet and other constituencies on the island before ending  in Castries yesterday Held under the theme ‘Douvan Ansanm: Health and Well-being for a Prosperous Nation’ and citizens in a collective commitment to national development The event aligns with the Ministry of Health’s ongoing efforts to promote active lifestyles and raise awareness of the importance of physical fitness in preventing non-communicable diseases Babonneau and Central Castries secured their spots in the semifinals of the Prime Minister’s T20 Cup following victories on Sunday In the first quarterfinal at Mindoo Phillip Park Mon Repos won the toss and elected to field posting 170 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs thanks to key contributions from captain Shervon Joseph (36) and Larry Edward (37) Mon Repos struggled to build momentum and were bowled out for just 102 runs Despite a valiant effort from Rohan Lesmond no other batsman managed to reach double figures The in-form opener and tournament’s leading scorer Man of the Match Larry Edward was outstanding with the ball taking 3 wickets for just 4 runs in his four-over spell Babonneau will now face South Castries in the semifinals on Tuesday at Gros Islet Central Castries dominated Mabouya Valley with a commanding performance largely due to an exceptional spell from Dornan Edward Central Castries made quick work of the chase securing a comfortable nine-wicket victory Captain Stephen Naitram led from the front with a blistering 56 off just 18 deliveries Central Castries will take on Choiseul in the semifinals on Thursday