AGP Executive Report

Youth Arts: Dove Productions celebrated young talent at an awards ceremony in Rodney Heights, recognising participants in the Caribbean Youth Film Festival, Saint Lucia Junior Jazz and the Independence Culinary Gold Cuisine Challenge. Six culinary contestants created dishes featuring breadfruit and smoked herring. Poetry & Heritage: A review praises Blood, Tears and Politics: Poetry of Roots and Resistance, a collection by Soufriere Action Theater members exploring identity, injustice, memory and local history. The Saint Lucia National Trust also brought attention to the 1796 Brigand Wars, sharing new research on more than 2,000 prisoners deported to Britain and holding a workshop for educators. Music & Festivals: A guide to the 2026 World Creole Music Festival highlights dates, lineup, tickets and travel planning. Saint Lucian reggae artist Jah Destiny is also drawing attention for music rooted in conscious themes.

Literary Voices: Earl Bousquet’s latest College memories revisit his years at St. Mary’s College amid Saint Lucia’s social and political change. Poetry: A new review praises Blood, Tears and Politics: Poetry of Roots and Resistance, a collection by Soufriere Action Theater members exploring identity, injustice, memory and survival. Kwéyòl Culture: Heritage Month celebrations are urging Saint Lucians to embrace the language as part of their shared identity. Music: Saint Lucian reggae artist Jah Destiny is bringing conscious music to a wider audience. Caribbean Cinema: The film DANM led the way at the 2026 Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival, where Caribbean cinema scored a notable double win.

Saint Lucia’s Creative Side: A new travel feature spotlights the island’s Creole culture, artisan markets and heritage tours alongside its rainforest and resorts. Regional Music: Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival runs October 23–25 in Roseau, with Ne-Yo, Machel Montano and Caribbean acts on the bill. Caribbean Cinema: “DANM” took top honors at the 20th Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival, marking a double win for Caribbean cinema. Reggae: Saint Lucian artist Jah Destiny is featured for bringing conscious reggae to audiences around the world.

Island Culture: Saint Lucia’s varied appeal goes beyond its beaches, with heritage sites, artisan markets and Creole culture among the experiences highlighted for visitors. Kwéyòl Heritage: The Folk Research Centre has launched Heritage Month under the theme “Kwéyòl Belongs to All of Us,” with celebrations set to spotlight local music, dance and oral history. Music: Reggae artist Jah Destiny continues to share his blend of reggae, rock and soul with audiences, drawing on a catalogue of more than 100 original songs. Football: The Piton Boyz have won three straight CONCACAF Nations League matches and moved to the top of Group B.

Judicial Spotlight: The Caribbean Court of Justice will hold its first-ever itinerant sittings in Saint Lucia on Oct. 7–8, with a full seven-member bench hearing matters from St. Lucia, Guyana and Belize, and livestream access via the CCJ website. Arts & Culture: Kwéyòl Heritage Month kicked off at Laborie Market with performances and the announcement of host communities for Jounen Kwéyòl Day, under the theme “Kwéyòl-la Sé Sa Nou Tout.” Tourism & Lifestyle: Bay Gardens Resorts unveiled Sapphire Sands Villas, a new five-star, nine-villa retreat on Reduit Beach with butler service, a waterfront spa and a Korean-Caribbean restaurant. Sports: West Indies opened their India T20I series with a tough loss; Kamil Pooran’s debut drew attention, and he also clarified he’s not related to Nicholas Pooran. Community & Health: World No Alcohol Day was marked under “Alcohol and Me,” urging reflection and safer choices. Youth & Policy: Minister Kenson Casimir pushed for faster rollout of Saint Lucia’s National Youth Policy and Action Plan 2025–2030.

Youth Spotlight: Braham Area High School student Avery Johnson shares her busy mix of cross country, basketball, softball, and stage performances—plus her role as St. Lucia 2026 for the Dala Heritage Society. Tourism & Media: The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism is named lead sponsor for the 2026 Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) Leadership Awards, with the event set for Dec. 6 in Miami. Creole Culture: Saint Lucia kicked off Kwéyòl Heritage Month at Laborie Market, highlighting host communities for Jounen Kwéyòl Day and the theme “Kwéyòl-la Sé Sa Nou Tout.” Courts & Civic Life: The Caribbean Court of Justice will hold historic itinerant sittings in Saint Lucia on Oct. 7–8, with a full seven-member bench hearing matters from St. Lucia, Guyana, and Belize. Health & Community: World No Alcohol Day was marked under “Alcohol and Me,” urging reflection and moderation without shame. Sports: Local cricket mourns the sudden death of Choiseul off-spinner Alvinaus “Mushy” Simon, while football fans get junior league semi-final fixtures at the Technical Centre in Dennery. Disaster Preparedness: Choiseul becomes “Tsunami Ready,” with evacuation routes, warning signs, education, and drills in place.

Festival Guide: World Creole Music Festival 2026 is officially set for Oct 23–25 at Windsor Park Sports Stadium in Roseau, Dominica, with gates opening nightly and a verified lineup headlined by Ne-Yo and Machel Montano. Regional Justice: The Caribbean Court of Justice will hold its first-ever itinerant sittings in Saint Lucia on Oct 7–8, with a full seven-member bench hearing matters from St Lucia, Guyana and Belize, and livestream access. Arts & Culture: Kwéyòl Heritage Month kicked off at Laborie Market with performances and host-community announcements for Jounen Kwéyòl Day, under the theme “Kwéyòl-la Sé Sa Nou Tout.” Health & Community: A Cas En Bas student injured in a Sept 18 collision is still awaiting surgery, with her family calling for support as the procedure remains pending. Sports Spotlight: Dwayne Bravo pulled off a standout one-handed catch in the World Championship of Legends 2026. Youth & Policy: Minister Kenson Casimir pushed for faster implementation of Saint Lucia’s National Youth Policy and Action Plan 2025–2030. Public Safety: GK Insurance is urging motorists to drive carefully this Thanksgiving weekend as road fatalities and serious crashes remain a concern.

Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ): Saint Lucia will host the CCJ’s first-ever travelling sittings, with the full seven-member bench hearing cases from Oct 7–8 as the 2026/2027 judicial year opens, and the public able to livestream proceedings. Tourism & Hospitality: Bay Gardens Resorts is spotlighting its new five-star, nine-villa Sapphire Sands Villas on Reduit Beach, complete with butler service and a new Korean-Caribbean dining concept. Culture & Language: Kwéyòl Heritage Month kicked off at Laborie Market under the theme “Kwéyòl-la Sé Sa Nou Tout,” with host communities named for Jounen Kwéyòl Day on Oct 25. Public Health & Community: Saint Lucia marked World No Alcohol Day with a “Alcohol and Me” message urging reflection and safer choices. Youth & Sports: Youth policy implementation is being pushed forward, while football fans get more action with Under-12 semi-finals at the Technical Centre in Grande Rivière, Dennery. Arts & Media: Trinidad+Tobago Film Festival’s 20th anniversary saw St. Lucia’s Kyvon Edwin win Best Fiction Short for “The Things We Carry.”

New Luxury Stay: Bay Gardens Resorts is debuting Sapphire Sands Villas on Reduit Beach, a five-star, locally owned retreat with just nine beachfront villas, butler service, a waterfront spa and a new Korean-Caribbean restaurant. Sports Spotlight: Dwayne Bravo pulled off a one-handed stunner in the World Championship of Legends 2026 match between West Indies Champions and South Africa Champions. Regional Leadership & Tributes: CARICOM Chairman PM Philip J. Pierre paid tribute to late French Guiana President Gabriel Serville, highlighting his role in French Guiana’s CARICOM associate membership. Culture & Language: Kwéyòl Heritage Month launched at Laborie Market with the theme “Kwéyòl-la Sé Sa Nou Tout,” naming host communities for Jounen Kwéyòl Day. Health & Community: Saint Lucia marked World No Alcohol Day under “Alcohol and Me,” urging reflection and safer choices. Justice Watch: The CCJ will hold historic itinerant sittings in St Lucia from Oct 7–8, hearing cases from St Lucia, Guyana and Belize. Road Safety: GK Insurance EC urges motorists to drive carefully this Thanksgiving weekend. Youth & Protection: A new media push for the Independent Child Protection Advisor programme aims to support children affected by abuse.

World Championship of Legends: Dwayne Bravo pulled off a jaw-dropping one-handed catch for West Indies Champions against South Africa Champions at Sharjah on Oct. 4. Regional Governance & Justice: The Caribbean Court of Justice will hold historic itinerant sittings in St. Lucia from Oct. 7–8, hearing cases from St. Lucia, Guyana and Belize. Culture & Language: Kwéyòl Heritage Month officially kicked off at Laborie Market with the theme “Kwéyòl-la Sé Sa Nou Tout,” naming host communities including La Caye (Dennery), Vieux Fort South and La Clery (Castries North). Public Health & Community Safety: St. Lucia marked World No Alcohol Day under “Alcohol and Me,” while GK Insurance EC urged safer driving this Thanksgiving weekend. Youth & Protection: UNFPA is pushing local media to better cover gender-based violence, child marriage and adolescent pregnancy; Girls of a Feather launched “Connect to Protect” to support children affected by abuse. Sports (Local): SLFA junior Under-12 semi-finals are set for Dennery, and SPFL action continues in Soufrière.

Regional Tribute: CARICOM Chairman Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre mourned the late French Guiana President Gabriel Serville, praising his role in French Guiana’s CARICOM Associate Member accession. Honours & Community: Retired British Army warrant officer Lester Francois, a Saint Lucian from Choiseul, won Veteran of the Year at the Leavers to Leaders awards in England. Justice Watch: The Caribbean Court of Justice will hold historic itinerant sittings in St Lucia from Oct 7–8, with a seven-member bench hearing cases and delivering judgments. Legal & Safety Updates: CCJ sittings come as water truckers must now get licences from NURC, and motorists are urged to drive carefully this Thanksgiving weekend. Culture Spotlight: Kwéyòl Heritage Month launched at Laborie Market under “Kwéyòl-la Sé Sa Nou Tout,” with host communities named for Jounen Kwéyòl Day. Public Health & Youth: World No Alcohol Day marked Oct 2 with “Alcohol and Me,” while the youth ministry pushed for faster rollout of the National Youth Policy and Action Plan. Sports & Entertainment: SLFA junior Under-12 semi-finals headline today’s football, and St Lucia’s Kyvon Edwin won Best Fiction Short at the Trinidad+Tobago Film Festival.

CCJ on the Move: The Caribbean Court of Justice will hold its first-ever itinerant sittings in St. Lucia, running Tuesday Oct 7 to Wednesday Oct 8, with a full seven-member bench hearing cases from St. Lucia, Guyana and Belize. Kwéyòl Heritage Month: The Folk Research Centre launched Kwéyòl Heritage Month at Laborie Market under the theme “Kwéyòl-la Sé Sa Nou Tout,” naming host communities La Caye (Dennery), Vieux Fort South and La Clery (Castries North) for Jounen Kwéyòl Day. Health & Prevention: St. Lucia marked World No Alcohol Day (Oct 2) with “Alcohol and Me,” urging reflection on drinking habits and warning signs. Youth Policy Push: Minister Kenson Casimir called for accelerated, results-focused implementation of the National Youth Policy and Action Plan 2025–2030. Housing Drive: PM Philip J. Pierre says home ownership is a priority, pointing to EC$54 million in housing investment via the Saint Lucia Development Bank. Road Safety: GK Insurance EC urged safer driving this Thanksgiving weekend as travel ramps up. Sports for the Young: SLFA’s Under-12 district semi-finals take place today at the Technical Centre in Grande Rivière, Dennery.

Caribbean Court of Justice: The CCJ will hold historic itinerant court sittings in Saint Lucia from Tuesday 7 to Wednesday 8 October, marking the first time in its 21-year history that the island hosts the travelling sessions; the full seven-member bench will hear three matters originating from Saint Lucia, Guyana and Belize. Kwéyòl Heritage Month: The Folk Research Centre officially launched Kwéyòl Heritage Month 2026 at the Laborie Market, kicking off a month of language, culture and community events under the theme “Kwéyòl-la Sé Sa Nou Tout.” Child protection support: A new media campaign, “Connect to Protect,” is expanding the Independent Child Protection Advisor programme, offering free, confidential advocacy and accompaniment for children affected by physical or sexual abuse. Women’s football momentum: The SLFA is pushing girls’ football forward with festivals, capacity-building sessions, and a national consultation on a Women’s Football Strategic Plan with FIFA. Arts & film spotlight: St. Lucian filmmaker Kyvon Edwin won Best Fiction Short at the Trinidad+Tobago Film Festival for “The Things We Carry,” as the festival’s Caribbean-wide winners were announced. Community safety: Choiseul has been recognised as “Tsunami Ready” after putting warning, evacuation and education measures in place.

Wellness & Luxury Hospitality: Kerzner International promoted Robert Jeffers to global director of wellness and longevity, tasked with rolling wellness, recovery and longevity across One&Only, Atlantis, Siro and Rare Finds. Streaming Picks: A new TV-and-movies guide highlights 61 fresh additions for tonight across Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu and more. Kwéyòl Culture Spotlight: Kwéyòl Heritage Month 2026 was launched at the Laborie Market under the theme “Kwéyòl-la Sé Sa Nou Tout,” with communities named as official hosts for the month’s events. Women’s Football Momentum: The SLFA backed a girls’ football festival with international players and schools, plus a national consultation on a Women’s Football Strategic Plan with FIFA. Sports—Piton Boyz Roar: Saint Lucia’s senior men thrashed Bermuda 5-2 in the CONCACAF Nations League, with Keegan Caull bagging a hat-trick. Tourism & Travel: Ladera Resort retained a MICHELIN Key for 2026, while St. Lucia’s winter season is projected to grow with more airlift seats. Arts & Music Legacy: The Calypso Review Committee held a Grand Kaiso Exhibition honoring Jeff Elva (“The Mighty Pelay”) on the 15th anniversary of his passing.

Kwéyòl Heritage Month: The Folk Research Centre officially launched Kwéyòl Heritage Month 2026 at the Laborie Market, calling on Saint Lucians to embrace the language as part of their identity, with host communities including La Caye (Dennery), Vieux Fort South, and La Clery (Castries North). Correctional Service Welfare: A new Executive Committee was elected for the Correctional Service Welfare Association, led by President Gavin Toussaint and Vice President Nelcia Gaston, with a focus on better member communication and welfare priorities. Sports for girls: The SLFA is boosting women’s football through a girls’ festival with international players, league capacity-building, and a national consultation on a Women’s Football Strategic Plan with FIFA support. Tourism & travel: St. Lucia’s winter season is expected to bring more seats and airlift growth, while Ladera Resort retains a MICHELIN Key for 2026. Culture & music: The Calypso Review Committee marked the 15th anniversary of Jeff Elva (“The Mighty Pelay”) with a Grand Kaiso Exhibition, celebrating his legacy and pushing forward Kaiso and Soca promotion. Football: The Piton Boyz bounced back with a 5-2 win over Bermuda in the CONCACAF Nations League, with Keegan Caull scoring a hat-trick. Regional arts & climate writing: Dominica’s Sherdina Antoine won the CARICOM climate youth short story contest, with Trinidad and Tobago’s Priya Ramdeo placing second.

MICHELIN Spotlight: Ladera Resort in Soufrière retained its One MICHELIN Key for 2026, with inspectors citing architecture, service, value and community impact—joining Jade Mountain and Sugar Beach in the island’s Key selection. Creole Culture on Stage: The Folk Research Centre will officially launch Kwéyòl Heritage Month 2026 at Laborie Market (Sept 30), kicking off a month of Kwéyòl language, dance, folk music and cultural showcases. Calypso Legacy: The new Calypso Review Committee honoured Jeff Elva “The Mighty Pelay” with a Grand Kaiso Exhibition at Constitution Park, marking 15 years since his passing and spotlighting the future of Kaiso and Soca. Diaspora Food Fest: Brooklyn Bridge Park hosts the 8th Annual Creole Food Festival on Oct 3 (3–8pm), with unlimited tastings, live cooking demos, cocktails and music featuring chefs from across the Creole world including St. Lucia. Regional Arts & Travel Tech: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway into the development phase, targeting service by end-2029 and linking territories across the eastern and western Caribbean.