Category: CANA News

Prime Minister Phillip J Pierre Sunday night named December 1 as the date for the general election in St. Lucia.

In a nationwide radio and television broadcast, Pierre, who led the ruling St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) to a 13-4 victory in the July 26, 2021 general election, said Nomination Day will be on on November 21, 2015.

Pierre said he has asked the Governor General Errol Charles to dissolve the Parliament on Monday, December 10

The SLP will face a challenge from the main opposition United Workers Party (UWP) led by former prime minister Allen Chastanet, who lost the 2021 election to Pierre, who was leading the SLP into an election for the first time.

In the 2021 polls, two former UWP members, including former prime minister Stevenson King, successfully won seats as independent candidates and later supported the government during the four and half year period. They are both expected to contest the December 1 poll.

Both the SLP and the UWP held political rallies on Sunday, with the ruling party at the traditional site of the market steps in the capital, Castries, while the UWP was in the western town of Anse La Raye.

Scoreboard of the fourth T20I here between New Zealand and West Indies here at Saxton Oval on Sunday.

WEST INDIES

Amir Jangoo not out 12

Alick Athanaze c Mitchell b Neesham 21

*+Shai Hope not out 3

Extras (w2) 2

TOTAL (one wicket; 6.3 overs) 38

Did not bat: Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Ackeem Auguste, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Matthew Forde, Shamar Springer.

Fall of wicket: 1-30.

Bowling: Jamieson 2-0-15-0, Duffy 2-0-10-0, Bracewell 1-0-5-0, Neesham 1-0-5-1, Sodhi 0.3-0-3-0.

NEW ZEALAND: Mitchell Santner (captain), Tim Robinson, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Ish Sodhi, Jimmy Neesham, Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy.

Toss: New Zealand elected to field.

Result: No-result.

Umpires: Kim Cotton, Wayne Knights.

TV Umpire: Shaun Haig.

Reserve Umpire: Chris Brown.

Match Referee: Phil Whitticase.

West Indies will now have to fight to level their T20I series against New Zealand after the fourth match was rained out here on Sunday.

Only 6.3 overs were possible before heavy showers forced the sides off the ground for the second time with the West Indies 38 for one.

It means the Windies can only draw level, with New Zealand now holding an unassailable 2-1 lead with just one more match remaining.

The home side had the better start, as openers Alick Athanaze and Amir Jangoo struggled to get going after they were sent in to bat.

They only managed three runs off the first over bowled by Kyle Jamieson and two runs off the ensuing Jacob Duffy over.

Athanaze finally broke the shackles by hitting Jamieson for a four and six in the third over and he followed that up by pulling Duffy for a six over midwicket.

Rain then forced a brief delay after five overs, with the Windies 30 without loss.

New Zealand struck almost immediately once play resumed, with James Neesham having Athanaze caught at mid-on for 21 after his mistimed drive ballooned into the air.

Only seven more deliveries were sent down, however, before the rain returned and the umpires eventually agreed to abandon the match after close to two hours of persistent showers.

Jangoo was unbeaten on 12 off 18 balls, while Hope was three not out.

The fifth and final T20I will be played on Thursday at Dunedin.

St. Lucians will go to the polls on December 1 to elect a new government 11 months before the general election is constitutionally due in November 2026.

Prime Minister Phillip J Pierre in a radio and television broadcast said that he had already advised the Governor General, Errol Charles to dissolve the Parliament on Monday and that Nomination Day will be November 21.

Pierre said that the last election was on July 26, 2021 and the parliament met in August of that year. He said under the St. Lucia Constitution, the election is constitutionally due ‘for the latest three months after the first sitting of Parliament, which was held on 12th August 2021.

‘Confident that we have delivered what we have promised and the need to carry on the normal business of government, today I advised the Governor General to dissolve the Parliament of St. Lucia, tomorrow, Monday 10th November and to issue writs of elections to pave the qay for the general election,’ Pierre said.

In an immediate response, the leader of the main opposition United Workers Party (UWP), Allen Chastanet wrote on his Facebook page ‘The bell has finally been rung. Freedom Day is December 1st 2025- We are ready’.

One prospective UWP candidate welcomed the announcement telling party supporters ‘this year, I certainly will wish you a Merry Christmas. It will come early from December 1 this year.

‘Time to celebrate our freedom,’ he added.

Supporters of the ruling St. Lucia Labour Party at their traditional market steps rally in Castries on Sunday night

Chastanet, who is leading the United Workers Party (UWP) into another general election will attempt to reverse the 13-4 defeat the party suffered in the July 26, 2021 general election, when two former UWP members, including former prime minister Stevenson King, successfully won seats as independent candidates and later supported the ruling St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) government during the four and half year period. They are both expected to contest the December 1 poll.

In a near 12 minute address, Pierre, who will lead the SLP into a general election for the second consecutive occasion, said he was asking the electorate to ‘judge us on our record.

He said since coming to office in 2021, the island’s economy has improved significantly with the level of debt in 2024 is 73.5 per cent, a reduction of eight per cent in 2021 with outstanding payable due to local suppliers 79 per cent, a reduction of 39 per cent.

‘As of September 2025, outstanding payables is EC$38.9 million (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents), a 700 per cent reduction from 2021, ‘Pierre said, adding that his administration had concluded negotiations with public servants as well as providing a Christmas bonus.

‘Ladies and gentlemen these statistics clearly show the level of debt inherited by the St. Lucia Labour Party government and the progress made so far. Together, we built an economy that was in decline, we have experienced economic growth and primary surpluses,’ Pierre said, adding ‘we are steadfast in making St. Lucia a better place.

‘As a government we have delivered on our promise to put you, the people first,’ he said ‘.

Both the SLP and the UWP held political rallies on Sunday, with the ruling party at the traditional site of the market steps in the capital, Castries, while the UWP was in the western town of Anse La Raye.

Prime Minister Phillip J Pierre Sunday night named December 1 as the date for the general election in St. Lucia.

In a nationwide radio and television broadcast, Pierre, who led the ruling St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) to a 13-4 victory in the July 26, 2021 general election, said Nomination Day will be on on November 21, 2015.

Pierre said he has asked the Governor General Errol Charles to dissolve the Parliament on Monday, December 10

The SLP will face a challenge from the main opposition United Workers Party (UWP) led by former prime minister Allen Chastanet, who lost the 2021 election to Pierre, who was leading the SLP into an election for the first time.

In the 2021 polls, two former UWP members, including former prime minister Stevenson King, successfully won seats as independent candidates and later supported the government during the four and half year period. They are both expected to contest the December 1 poll.

Both the SLP and the UWP held political rallies on Sunday, with the ruling party at the traditional site of the market steps in the capital, Castries, while the UWP was in the western town of Anse La Raye.

Fast bowler Matt Henry has returned to New Zealand’s ODI squad to face the West Indies after recovering from injury, but a groin injury has ruled Kane Williamson out of the three-match series.

Following the completion of their ongoing T20I series, the Black Caps will play the Windies in three ODIs between November 15 and 25.

Matt Henry will feature in the ODI series against West Indies after recovering from a calf injury

Henry will return to action after missing the final two ODIs against England last month due to a calf strain. He has been undergoing a ‘planned conditioning and rehabilitation block’ to prepare for the ODI series, as well as the subsequent three-Test series in December.

Meanwhile, Williamson, who recently announced his retirement from T20Is, was not considered for the ODI series and will focus on preparing for the Test series, which begins December 2.

New Zealand will once again be missing several key players to injuries, including Mohammad Abbas (ribs), Finn Allen (foot), Lockie Ferguson (hamstring), Adam Milne (ankle), Will O’Rourke (back), Glenn Phillips (groin), and Ben Sears (hamstring).

Blair Tickner, who was an injury replacement for Kyle Jamieson for the England series, has also retained his spot despite Jamieson’s return to action, with the other fast bowlers being Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes and Nathan Smith.

Captain Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell, and Rachin Ravindra will handle spin duties.

NEW ZEALAND ODI SQUAD: Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Will Young.

Jamaican international Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw’s second half strike propeled Manchester City to a 2-1 victory over Everton and sent them top of the table in the Women’s Super League (WSL) here on Sunday.

It was their seventh win in a row and carried them to 21 points from their eight games, one more than six-time defending champions Chelsea, who drew with Arsenal on Saturday. Vivianne Miedema gave City the lead at Goodison Park in the 21st minute, but Everton’s Kelly Gago wiped out that advantage when she skillfully flicked Toni Payne’s cross past a dumbfounded Ayaka Yamashita in the 40th minute.

However, Shaw ensured City would grab all three points when she rose above Rion Ishikawa to head home Leila Ouahabi’s delivery in the 55th minute.

It was her fifth goal of the campaign – tied for most in the WSL – and ended a three-game scoring drought.

Everton was unlucky not to have leveled the contest again, but Ornella Vignola’s long-range effort hit the woodwork, while Yamashita made a fine save from Hikaru Kitagawa.

Governor Daniel Pruce has announced plans to appoint former Gibraltar Commissioner of Police Richard Ullger as Interim Acting Commissioner of Police, following his decision to remove Acting Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool and return her to her substantive post as Deputy Commissioner.

Former Gibraltar Commissioner of Police Richard Ullger and Governor Daniel Pruce

In a statement issued last week, the Governor confirmed that Vanterpool would resume her position as Deputy Commissioner on November 18, after serving more than a year in the top role.

He said the decision was made in accordance with the Virgin Islands Constitution and the Police Act, following consultation with the Police Service Commission (PoSC).

‘I wanted to provide an update concerning the leadership of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force. Ms Jacqueline Vanterpool will return to her substantive role as Deputy Commissioner of Police on 18 November, after serving as Acting Commissioner of Police,’ Pruce stated.

He noted that Vanterpool had been appointed Acting Commissioner ‘until further notice’ and had served for over a year. ‘An extended period with an acting leader is challenging for any organisation, not least one such as the RVIPF, which as we know is facing a difficult operating environment,’ he added.

Pruce expressed appreciation for Vanterpool’s leadership, describing her tenure as ‘demanding and often pressurised,’ and commended the senior team and wider police force for their support.

The Governor also announced that he had recommended Richard Ullger for the interim role.

Ullger is a former Commissioner of the Royal Gibraltar Police, a position he held for five years.

He has also served as Acting Commissioner of Police in the Falklands and St Helena and has ‘extensive senior policing experience in the context of the UK’s Overseas Territories,’ the statement said.

Pruce further disclosed that the United Kingdom would cover the cost of the interim appointment, allowing the force to retain three Deputy Commissioners instead of two.

‘That should allow for three DCPs, rather than two, to remain in post simultaneously and provide additional senior resilience in the force,’ he explained.

He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring public safety, stating, ‘As I committed upon being sworn in as Governor in January 2024, I am duty-bound by the Constitution to ensure the safety and security of the Virgin Islands. This is a responsibility I take with utmost seriousness.’

The recruitment process for a permanent Commissioner of Police is ongoing.

Scoreboard of the third T20I between New Zealand and West Indies here on Saturday at Saxton Oval.

NEW ZEALAND

Devon Conway run out 56

Tim Robinson c and b Forde 23

Rachin Ravindra c Forde b Shepherd 26

Daryl Mitchell c Springer b Holder 41

Michael Bracewell run out 11

James Neesham b Forde 2

*Mitchell Santner c Auguste b Springer 4

+Mitchell Hay c Powell b Holder 2

Kyle Jamieson run out 4

Ish Sodhi not out 1

Jacob Duffy not out 2

Extras (lb1, nb1, w3) 5

TOTAL (nine wickets; 20 overs) 177

Fall of wickets: 1-47, 2-97, 3-114, 4-144, 5-150, 6-159, 7-168, 8-169, 9-175.

Bowling: Hosein 4-0-50-0, Forde 4-0-20-2, Shepherd 3-0-23-1, Athanaze 1-0-16-0, Holder 4-0-31-2, Springer 4-0-36-1.

WEST INDIES

Alick Athanaze c +Hay b Sodhi 31

Amir Jangoo b Duffy 5

*+Shai Hope c Robinson b Duffy 1

Ackeem Auguste run out 24

Sherfane Rutherford c Sodhi b Bracewell 2

Rovman Powell b Sodhi 2

Jason Holder c Robinson b Santner 3

Romario Shepherd c Mitchell b Jamieson 49

Matthew Forde lbw b Sodhi 4

Shamar Springer c and b Duffy 39

Akeal Hosein not out 1

Extras (b1, lb1, w5) 7

TOTAL (all out; 19.5 overs) 168

Fall of wickets: 1-13, 2-15, 3-53, 4-60, 5-68, 6-68, 7-83, 8-88, 9-166, 10-168.

Bowling: Jamieson 3.5-0-35-1, Duffy 4-0-36-3, Bracewell 2-0-7-1, Sodhi 4-0-34-3, Santner 4-0-29-1, Neesham 2-0-25-0.

Toss: New Zealand elected to bat.

Player-of-the-Match: Ish Sodhi.

Result: New Zealand won by nine runs to lead the three-match series 2-1.

Umpires: Chris Brown, Shaun Haig.

TV Umpire: Kim Cotton.

Reserve Umpire: Wayne Knights.

Match Referee: Phil Whitticase.

The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) will lead regional representation at the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to be held Belém, Brazil.

The CCCCC will host the CARICOM Pavilion, a dedicated space for Caribbean nations to engage global stakeholders and advocate for climate justice and sustainable development. The Pavilion will also host a variety of side events led by Caribbean governments and partners, providing a platform to learn more about regional climate action and collaborative solutions.

The CCCCC’s participation underscores the Caribbean’s commitment to advancing climate resilience, sustainable development, and regional cooperation in addressing climate change.

In a statement, the CCCCC said the Caribbean is highly vulnerable to climate impacts such as rising sea levels, coastal erosion, stronger hurricanes, increased droughts, and flooding continues to advocate for urgent international support and innovative solutions.

At COP30, the CCCCC aims to Highlight the Caribbean’s progress and challenges in climate adaptation and mitigation; strengthen partnerships with global stakeholders,including UN agencies, financial institutions, and climate research networks; showcase regional initiatives in renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, and blue economy solutions; amplify the voices of Caribbean communities most affected by climate change, ensuring that their perspectives shape global climate policies.

Dr. Mark Bynoe Director Business Strategy and Regional Coordination, shared – ‘The Caribbean is on the frontline of climate change. With extreme weather events growing stronger and more frequent, and global action still falling short, COP30 is more than another conference. It is a critical moment for our region to demand urgent support and highlight the innovative solutions we are already implementing. We are committed to ensuring that the Caribbean’s voice is heard, and that international partners recognize the importance of supporting climate resilience in our communities.’

At the CARICOM Pavilion, visitors can engage with experts, discover key initiatives, and participate in interactive discussions on building climate resilience. The CCCCC is committed to delivering its mandate of serving our CARICOM Member States and their citizens; to build resilience across our region and to secure the future of all our people.