St. Lucia Roundup: Best tourist destination, LPG prices soar, parole initiatives

Saint Lucia as the best tourism destination

Julien Alfred, Saint Lucia's newly appointed tourism ambassador, urges travellers to prioritize the island for an unforgettable experience. Known for its stunning landscapes, including the iconic Pitons, Saint Lucia offers unique hospitality, volcanic beaches, and various activities such as reef diving and exploring rainforest trails. Alfred, who won the first Olympic medal for Saint Lucia in the women’s 100m at the Paris Olympics, highlighted attractions like the detoxifying sofa springs and the island's vibrant cultural celebrations. According to Pulse Sports, she emphasises that visitors will feel at home in the welcoming atmosphere of Saint Lucia.

LPG prices soar

The price of the 100-pound LPG cylinder in Saint Lucia increased from $236.26 to $242.51, effective November 11 to December 1, 2024. The government continues to subsidize the 20-pound and 22-pound LPG cylinders, keeping their prices unchanged at $36.00 and $39.60 respectively. Prices for gasoline, diesel, and kerosene also remain the same. The next fuel price adjustment is scheduled for December 1, 2024, reports Loop.

Police shooting

A police-involved shooting in Laborie, St. Lucia, is under investigation after a young man was injured. Superintendent Albert Charlery confirmed the victim was hospitalized but has since been discharged and is recovering at home. He emphasized the need for an investigation to determine the facts of the incident, stating it's not for the police to judge the actions of officers or the victim prematurely. Charlery noted that any conclusions regarding the victim's mental health would require further evaluation and communication with the family, as reported by St. Lucia Times.

Probation initiatives

The Department of Probation and Parole Services in St. Lucia is launching new initiatives to enhance rehabilitation, improve victim support, and boost public engagement. Director Cuthbert Henry announced a new continuum-of-care model that provides personalized support for individuals in the justice system from their initial engagement to community reintegration. The department has also completed staff training in cognitive behavioural therapy to address complex offending behaviours and aims to implement sexual offender screening and expand victim services. Additionally, the St. Lucia Times reports that the department has focused on community outreach regarding parole processes and encourages public dialogue to address past shortcomings in victim support and offender rehabilitation. Henry emphasized the importance of transparency and collaboration with the community and media for effective communication and lasting change.

Many injured from crash

Four people were injured when a minibus crashed into a pole in Marisule on Tuesday. Emergency responders from Gros Islet and Babonneau fire stations arrived and transported the victims to OKEU Hospital. All individuals were reported to be in stable condition, with injuries not considered life-threatening. The cause of the crash remains unknown, as reported by St. Lucia Times.