Castries, March 2025. Saint Lucia has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring human rights for all.

This was the collective assertion, as over 20 national stakeholders participated in a two-day national Human Rights workshop. This initiative was hosted by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ (OHCHR) Regional Caribbean office, in collaboration with the UN Resident Coordinator’s satellite office in Saint Lucia, and the Ministry of External Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation, and Diaspora Affairs.

The workshop, was designed to enhance awareness of the International Human Rights System, including treaty bodies and human rights mechanisms; build capacity of government officials and civil society members in data gathering and human rights reporting; and to highlight the role that respective agencies and their constituents play within this system. The Ministry of External Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation and Diaspora Affairs is the focal agency for Human Rights in Saint Lucia.

In welcoming participants, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs Ms. Janelle Modeste-Stephen, noted that advancing human rights was a shared responsibility. “Government must enact policies and safeguard rights. Civil society must continue to advocate and mobilize. The private sector must embrace inclusive practices. Communities must challenge discrimination and uphold the dignity of every individual,” She urged stakeholders to use the workshop as an opportunity to learn, collaborate and commit to concrete action that will make human rights a lived reality for all in Saint Lucia. “Together, we can build a society, where justice, equality and inclusion are not just aspirations but everyday realities”, she stated.

A key objective of the workshop was to reactivate and strengthen the capacity of Saint Lucia’s National Coordinating Committee for Human Rights, which was established by the Cabinet of Ministers in 2019. The Ministry of External Affairs serves as the Chair and Secretariat of the Committee, which comprises representatives from various government ministries. The committee is responsible for analyzing the human rights situation at the national level and collaborates to report on recommendations aligned with Saint Lucai’s national priorities. The active functioning of the National Coordinating Committee for Human Rights is crucial for promoting and protecting human rights.

Reflecting on the utility of the workshop, Ms. Bynta Ernest, the representative from the Department of Gender Affairs on the National Human Rights Committee noted that the session was essential to the Committee’s revitalization and to demonstrating its importance in advancing human rights in Saint Lucia. “The practical sessions towards reporting on the recommendations from the last Universal periodic Review (UPR) were also very useful to kick-start the process towards meeting our October 2025 UPR reporting deadline,” she added.

In fulfillment of Saint Lucia’s human rights related reporting obligations and deadlines, workshop participants prepared a draft plan of action to devise next steps to advance Saint Lucia’s human rights agenda.

The workshop was held at the Harbor Club Hotel, from March 5-6, 2025. Participants included representatives from departments of External Affairs, Health, Education, Labor, Justice, Human Services, Gender Affairs, Immigration, Equity, Economic Development, the National Statistical Office, the Parliamentary Commissioner’s Office, the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, the Attorney General’s Office, and the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities.

Photo Captions:

1st insert: Janelle Modeste-Stephen, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs

2nd insert: Bynta Ernest, Gender Affairs

CTO, Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper, and Four Ministers of Tourism among award recipients

BERLIN, Germany (March 9, 2025) – Caribbean tourism leadership was showered with high praise at the 25th edition of the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) World Tourism & Aviation Leaders’ Summit and the PATWA International Travel Awards, held during ITB Berlin last week. The region’s exceptional contributions to global tourism were recognized across multiple categories, with the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) and its Secretary-General, Dona Regis-Prosper, receiving top honors.

The CTO was named Best Organization – Regional Tourism, a testament to its unwavering commitment to strengthening the Caribbean’s tourism sector through innovation, collaboration and sustainability. Additionally, Regis-Prosper was awarded for Individual Excellence (Tourism Development), recognizing her leadership and stewardship over a revitalized organization in less than two years.

“This honor is a reflection of the dedication and resilience of the entire Caribbean tourism industry, including our very capable leaders,” said Regis-Prosper. “The CTO will continue to champion initiatives that enhance our destinations, foster partnerships, and ensure the region remains a world-class tourism powerhouse,” she added, thanking the Cayman Islands and Barbados for their chairmanship of the organization during her tenure.

Caribbean Leaders and Destinations Take Center Stage

Several Caribbean ministers and destinations also received prestigious awards for their outstanding contributions to tourism:

Exemplary Tourism Leadership

• Edmund Bartlett (Jamaica) – Tourism Minister of the Year – Innovation
• Marsha Henderson (St. Kitts & Nevis) – Woman Tourism Minister of the Year – Caribbean
• Oneidge Walrond (Guyana) – Tourism Minister of the Year – Ecological Tourism
• Carlos James (St. Vincent and the Grenadines) – Tourism Minister of the Year – Sustainable Tourism

Award-Winning Caribbean Destinations

• Jamaica – Destination of the Year for Romance
• Guyana – Destination of the Year for Natural Attractions
• Nassau & Paradise Island – Destination of the Year for Marine Tourism
• St. Vincent & the Grenadines – Destination of the Year for Eco-Adventures
• St. Kitts & Nevis – Destination of the Year for Hidden Treasures

The Montego Bay Convention Centre (MBCC) in Jamaica received the Best Venue for Meetings & Conferences award, while Mureen James, Executive Director of MBCC, was honored with a Gold Award for Hospitality Operations. Additionally, Joy Jibrilu, CEO of the Nassau & Paradise Island Promotion Board (NPIPB), was recognized with the Caribbean Destination Management Award.

The awards were presented by PATWA Secretary-General Yatan Ahluwalia and Dr. Alain St. Ange, former Minister of Tourism of Seychelles, and highlighted the Caribbean’s continued influence in shaping the global tourism landscape.

PRESS RELEASE

THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, YOUTH AND SPORTS

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands: As we wrap up the vibrant celebrations of Education Week 2025, we invite you to join us on an inspiring journey! Get ready to explore the groundbreaking S.P.I.R.E. (Specialised Programme Individualising Reading Excellence) Reading Intervention Programme, an innovative initiative that has already made a significant impact in seven public schools since its rollout in August 2023 and 2024. Now in its fourth edition, (EPS Learning Publishing) the programme introduces Sounds Sensible, a powerful foundational component designed to enhance literacy through research-backed strategies. Partner with us as we unlock the door to literacy together and create new opportunities for our students and teachers!

S.P.I.R.E. is an evidence-based reading intervention program rooted in the Science of Reading and Orton-Gillingham practices. It offers a 10-step, 45-minute teacher-led lesson structure that systematically covers phonemic awareness, phonics, spelling, oral and listening skills, decoding, vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency, reinforcing all stages of reading development.                                                                                                                                    The programme offers thorough assessments for concept mastery. Students are individually assessed using the S.P.I.R.E. Placement Assessment to determine their appropriate instructional level, along with Pre- and Post-Level Tests to measure mastery of all level concepts. Additional assessments include Mid-Level Tests, Concept Assessments, and Concept Mastery Fluency evaluations.

In June and August 2023, Grades 1 to 3 teachers participated in virtual and in-person training on S.P.I.R.E., facilitated by EPS Learning trainers and led by Dr. Keran Williams, whose expertise is invaluable as we work together to support our students’ reading development. This collaborative training effort aims to ensure that our teachers are fully prepared to deliver the program with confidence and effectiveness.

Teachers addressed parental concerns by highlighting the difference between simply calling words and truly comprehending texts. They explained that SPIRE not only boosts basic reading skills but also enhances critical thinking.

A key strategy involved implementing a structured scheduling system that grouped students by reading levels. Each morning, students spent at least an hour with a trained SPIRE teacher. Comprehensive assessments at the beginning of the year and periodically thereafter helped identify reading levels. Using SPIRE resources, teachers provided differentiated instruction based on students’ strengths and weaknesses. This approach improved reading outcomes and fostered a strong sense of community within the schools.

We are thrilled to highlight the dedication of our teachers who embraced the recent programme aimed at building a collaborative network. They took the initiative to connect with one another, enhancing support for their students, parents, and fellow colleagues. Together, we are strengthening our educational community and paving the way for greater student success. Thank you for your hard work, and special thanks to our principals, vice principals, and parents for your unwavering commitment!

We would like to highlight the outstanding performance of Daniela Carroll from Ianthe Pratt Primary School. Under the guidance of Education Officers – Dr. Keran Williams, Sarah Kennedy and Heidy Williams – Daniela took on the challenge of leading this initiative with enthusiasm. Her passion for education and determination to make a difference were crucial as she facilitated three invaluable refresher workshops across Providenciales, Grand Turk, and North Caicos.

In conclusion, SPIRE’s transformative journey has been remarkable. Through strategic scheduling and targeted instruction, we’ve improved literacy education and fostered an inclusive environment for all students. Our timely support has led to significant gains in reading skills, boosting confidence and enthusiasm. Together, we’re building a brighter future for every child to reach their potential and embrace literacy. Let’s keep the momentum, celebrate our successes, and continue fostering a love for reading in every student!