🌊 CHOISEUL MYSTERIES EXPLAINED #5

💙 Why Does the Sea Change Colour?

A Sunday Feature from Choiseul on the Move

Stand on the coastline of Choiseul on a bright sunny day and take a good look at the Caribbean Sea.

Near the shore, the water may sparkle in brilliant shades of turquoise.

A little farther out, it becomes emerald green.

Beyond that, it turns a rich, deep blue that stretches to the horizon.

Come back after a heavy shower, and parts of the sea may even appear brown or grey.

Have you ever wondered why?

Does the sea actually change colour?

Or is there something else happening?

☀️ It All Begins With Sunlight

Believe it or not, the sea itself has very little colour.

What we see depends largely on sunlight.

When sunlight reaches the ocean, different colours of light penetrate the water in different ways.

Blue light travels deeper than other colours, which is why the open ocean often appears deep blue to our eyes.

🌊 Why Is Shallow Water So Turquoise?

The beautiful turquoise waters that surround parts of Saint Lucia are created by a combination of factors.

In shallow water, sunlight reflects off the white sand beneath the surface.

The reflected light mixes with the naturally scattered blue light, creating those breathtaking shades of turquoise and aqua that make our Caribbean coastline famous around the world.

That's why beaches with white sand often have the brightest blue waters.

🌿 Nature Paints the Sea

The sea's colour is also influenced by what lies beneath the surface.

Areas with healthy seagrass may appear green.

Coral reefs can give the water different shades of blue and green.

Rocky seabeds create darker colours.

Even tiny microscopic plants called phytoplankton can give the sea a greener appearance when they are abundant.

Nature is constantly painting the ocean with its own palette.

🌧️ Why Does the Sea Turn Brown After Heavy Rain?

After a period of heavy rainfall, rivers and streams carry soil, leaves, and tiny particles into the sea.

This muddy freshwater mixes with the saltwater near the coast, making the sea appear brown or cloudy for a short time.

As the sediment settles and the water clears, the familiar blues and greens return.

🌬️ Calm Seas and Rough Seas

Have you ever noticed that the sea looks different on windy days?

When the water is calm, it acts almost like a mirror, reflecting the sky above.

When waves become rough, sunlight is scattered in many directions, changing the way the sea appears.

Clouds can also affect the colours we see by reducing the amount of sunlight reaching the water.

🏡 The Choiseul Connection

The changing colours of the sea are part of what makes Choiseul so beautiful.

Whether you're looking toward the coastline from the hills, enjoying the view from the beach, or watching fishermen head out at sunrise, the sea is never exactly the same from one day to the next.

Its changing colours tell a story about the weather, the sunlight, the depth of the water, and the living world beneath the surface.

🌎 A Reminder to Protect Our Coastline

The beauty of our sea depends on healthy reefs, clean rivers, and unpolluted beaches.

Every piece of litter kept out of our drains, every tree preserved along our rivers, and every effort to protect our coastline helps keep our waters healthy and beautiful for future generations.

The sea is one of Choiseul's greatest treasures.

It deserves our care.

💡 What the Sea Teaches Us

The sea changes colour many times, but it never stops being the sea.

People are much the same.

Life brings different seasons—times of joy, sadness, success, and challenge.

We may look different from one season to another, but our true character lies beneath the surface.

🌊 The Next Time You Look at the Sea...

Pause for a moment.

Notice its colours.

Watch how they change with the light, the weather, and the waves.

What you're seeing isn't just beauty.

You're witnessing science, nature, and one of God's most magnificent creations working together.

And now you know why the sea changes colour.

🔍 Coming Next Sunday...

🌙 Why Does the Moon Look Bigger Near the Horizon?

💬 Got a Choiseul mystery you'd like us to explore? Leave it in the comments—it might become a future edition of Choiseul Mysteries Explained!

Choiseul on the Move

Our People. Our Culture. Our Future. 

WHEN SAYING NOTHING SAYS TOO MUCH

The Government of Saint Lucia has issued an official statement following confirmation that Housing Minister Richard Frederick was detained by the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force for questioning and subsequently released. (https://www.facebook.com/share/p/178WCAhshg/)

No charges have been announced, and the Government has emphasized that the matter remains an active process. As citizens who believe in the rule of law, we must respect due process and the fundamental principle that every individual is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

However, respecting due process does not mean suspending critical thought.

The Government's statement, while legally cautious, raises an important question:

Did it really tell the public anything?

The release simply confirms that the Minister was detained, released, and that the Government will not comment further because the matter is under investigation. It then reiterates its respect for the independence of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force and its commitment to transparency.

Those are admirable principles.

But in a democracy, communication during moments of public concern requires more than repeating principles. It requires leadership.

The Elephant in the Room

When a sitting Cabinet Minister is detained by police, it is not an ordinary event. It naturally generates concern among citizens.

People are not necessarily asking for evidence or confidential investigative details.

They are asking questions such as:

Does the Government still have confidence in the Minister?

Will he continue to carry out his ministerial duties while the investigation proceeds?

Has the Prime Minister discussed the matter with him?

What assurances can the public receive that government business will continue without interruption?

What steps are being taken to preserve public confidence in the administration?

None of these questions requires revealing confidential police information.

Transparency Is More Than A Promise

The Government says it remains committed to transparency and accountability.

Transparency, however, is demonstrated not simply by stating it exists but by communicating openly within the limits permitted by law.

A statement that merely repeats that there is an investigation and that no further comment will be made leaves the public almost exactly where they were before reading it.

In many respects, it is a statement that says very little.

Respecting Both Due Process And Public Confidence

There is an important balance to be maintained.

On one side is the integrity of the police investigation.

On the other is the public's confidence in the institutions of government.

Protecting one should not unnecessarily weaken the other.

The Government could have reinforced several important principles without compromising the investigation:

That no one is above the law.

That every citizen, including ministers, enjoys the presumption of innocence.

That the Government expects the investigation to proceed independently and without political interference.

That it will continue to update the public whenever legally appropriate.

Such assurances would have demonstrated leadership while respecting the judicial process.

Democracy Depends On Trust

Public trust is built not only by the actions governments take but also by how they communicate during difficult moments.

Citizens understand that investigations cannot be discussed in detail.

What they expect is reassurance that their institutions are functioning fairly, independently, and transparently.

This situation is not ultimately about one individual.

It is about how governments respond when public confidence is tested.

As Saint Lucia watches developments unfold, one principle should remain clear:

Justice must be allowed to take its course. But transparency should never become a casualty of silence.

Choiseul on the Move will continue to follow this matter responsibly, respecting due process while encouraging openness, accountability, and good governance in the public interest.

 

NO CHILD SHOULD BE LEFT BEHIND:                  FAIR  TRANSPORTATION FOR               CHOISEUL/SALTIBUS STUDENTS

Choiseul on the Move believes that education must not only be spoken about as a right — it must be supported in practical ways that make that right real for every child.

Across Choiseul and Saltibus, many parents rise each morning with one main concern: making sure their children get to school safely and on time. But for some families, the greatest burden is not uniforms, books, or lunch money. It is the daily cost of transportation.

Key Issue: Some students benefit from government-supported transportation, while others attending different schools are left without similar support.

Consider the situation of a family with three children. One child attends Vieux Fort Secondary School and is able to access transportation through the Nysbert Skeete school bus service. However, two other children in the same household attend Beanefield Secondary School, where no similar transportation arrangement is available.

One of those children is already attending Beanefield Secondary, while the other will begin in September. Over the past school year, the cost of transportation has already placed a heavy burden on the family. With another child now joining the same school, that burden will become even greater.

Where Is the Equality?

This raises a serious question that must be addressed:

Should a child’s access to affordable school transportation depend on which secondary school he or she attends?

If one student from Choiseul can benefit from government-funded or government-supported transportation, then students from the same constituency attending another secondary school should not be forgotten. Equality must not be selective. Fairness must not stop at one school gate.

For many parents, transportation costs add up quickly. What may appear to be a small daily fare can become a major monthly expense when multiplied by two or three children. At a time when families are already dealing with the rising cost of living, this is a burden that can affect school attendance, learning, and the peace of mind of parents.

Education Access Means Transportation Access

We often say that education is the key to a better future. But that future becomes harder to reach when a child cannot get to school without placing a financial strain on the home.

Government support for education should not end at the classroom door. It must also consider the journey children must make every morning and every afternoon.

Transportation is not a luxury. For many rural students, it is the bridge between home and opportunity.

Students from Choiseul who are assigned to schools outside the district should not be disadvantaged simply because no bus route exists for them. The issue is not whether every student attends the same school. The issue is whether every student is given a fair chance to attend school consistently.

A Practical Call for Action

Choiseul on the Move is calling on the Ministry of Education and the relevant authorities to examine the gaps in school transportation support for students from Choiseul and Saltibus.

There are practical ways this matter can be addressed:

• Expand existing school bus routes where possible.
• Provide transportation bursaries for students who do not have access to a school bus.
• Partner with licensed transport providers to subsidize fares.
• Conduct a proper needs assessment to identify families under real financial pressure.

The principle is simple: all students, all schools, equal access, equal opportunity.

This Is Not Politics — This Is Fairness

This issue should not be treated as a political matter. It is a family matter. It is an education matter. It is a fairness matter.

Parents in Choiseul and Saltibus are doing their best. Many are stretching limited resources just to keep their children moving forward. When government support exists for some students, the system must also be willing to look at those who are falling through the cracks.

No child should be placed at a disadvantage because of the school they attend. No parent should have to wonder whether transportation costs will prevent their child from reaching the classroom.

Equal Opportunity Begins With Equal Access

As a new school year approaches, this is the right time for the authorities to act. The situation of students attending Beanefield Secondary School from Choiseul is only one example of a wider concern that may be affecting many families across the constituency.

If we are serious about education, then we must be serious about transportation. If we are serious about equality, then we must ensure that no student is left out simply because their route is not covered.

Choiseul on the Move says clearly:
Every child deserves a fair chance. Every child deserves access. Every child deserves a ride to education.

Equality is not a privilege. It is a right.

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DISTRICT 7 SHINES IN CPEA 2026: CHOISEUL/SALTIBUS CELEBRATES NATIONAL EXCELLENCE

The 2026 Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment has brought encouraging news for Saint Lucia, and especially for District 7, the education district which includes our Choiseul/Saltibus schools.

According to the official results, Saint Lucia recorded a national mean composite score of 79.22%, an improvement from 77.24% in 2025. Even more importantly, all 1,890 students who sat the examination have been placed in a secondary school.

But for Choiseul/Saltibus, one figure stands tall:

District 7 placed second nationally with 81.18%.

This is a proud moment for the principals, teachers, students, parents, guardians and school communities across District 7. It is a reminder that when schools, homes and communities work together, our children can compete with the very best in Saint Lucia.

Rivere Doree Anglican Combined Makes National Top 16

A special highlight for our district was the outstanding performance of Kamiah Faith Donaie of River Doree Anglican Combined School, who finished in the national top rankings with an impressive score of 97.8%.

Kamiah was among eight students tied in ninth place nationally and has been assigned to St. Joseph’s Convent.

This is no small achievement. To finish among the top performers in the country is a powerful statement of discipline, ability, teaching support and family encouragement. River Doree Anglican Combined deserves loud applause for producing one of Saint Lucia’s brightest CPEA stars this year.

School size does not have to determine success. What matters is leadership, teaching quality, parental support and a school community that believes in its children.

District 7 Among the Best in Saint Lucia

The top three districts in this year’s CPEA results were:

• District 1: 84.66%
• District 7: 81.18%
• District 2: 80.73%

For District 7 to finish ahead of most districts in the country is a major accomplishment. It shows that our schools are not standing still. It shows progress, commitment and serious work happening quietly in classrooms across our communities.

For Choiseul/Saltibus, this result should not be treated as just another statistic. It should become a motivation to push even harder.

National Progress, But Work Still Ahead

The national results showed improvement in key areas. Language Arts moved from 79.95% in 2025 to 81.63% in 2026. Mathematics also improved from 72.45% to 74.69%.

However, Mathematics remains the lowest-performing subject nationally. That should concern every district, including District 7. If we want our children to be ready for secondary school, technical education, business, technology and the modern workplace, Mathematics must remain a priority.

The gender gap is also worth noting. Girls again outperformed boys, with girls averaging 80.47% compared to boys at 77.93%. This does not mean our boys cannot perform. It means stronger early intervention, reading support, mentorship and encouragement must begin early.

A Message to Parents

As students prepare to enter secondary school, parents must remember that a CPEA score is not the full measure of a child. It is one step in a long journey.

Celebrate the child first. Attend orientation. Speak with teachers. Help your child adjust to the new uniform, new school rules, new friends and new expectations. The transition from primary to secondary school can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming.

Whether your child topped the class or simply gave their best, they deserve encouragement.

Choiseul/Saltibus Must Build on This Moment

District 7 has given us something to celebrate. River Doree Anglican Combined has placed one of its students among the national top performers. Our district has ranked second in Saint Lucia.

Now the question is: how do we build on this?

We need continued support for teachers. We need stronger parent-school partnerships. We need more focus on boys’ literacy. We need serious attention to Mathematics. We need to identify what our best-performing schools are doing right and share those lessons across the district.

This is not the time for complacency. This is the time to celebrate, study, improve and move forward.

Congratulations District 7. Congratulations River Doree Anglican Combined. Congratulations to every child who sat CPEA 2026.

Choiseul/Saltibus has reason to be proud.

 

🎙️ KOOL VYBZ RADIO INTRODUCES ITS NEW ON-DEMAND COUNTRY MUSIC LIBRARY!

If you're a fan of country music, there's exciting news from KOOL VYBZ RADIO.

We are proud to introduce the KOOL VYBZ RADIO On-Demand Country Music Library—a new feature that allows you to enjoy your favourite country music programmes whenever it suits you.

No longer do you have to wait for a scheduled broadcast. If you missed an episode of Monday Nite Country or simply want to hear it again, it's now only a click away.

What is On-Demand?

On-Demand is like having your own personal country music station.

Instead of tuning in at a specific time, you simply visit our On-Demand page, select the programme you want, press Play, and enjoy.

Whether you're relaxing at home, driving, working, or travelling, your favourite country music is always available.

Currently Featuring Country Music

At this stage, our On-Demand Library is dedicated exclusively to Country Music.

You'll find:

• 🤠 Monday Nite Country programmes

• 🎵 Classic Country favourites

• 🌟 Country music specials

• 🎤 Featured country artists

• ❤️ Timeless country hits from yesterday and today

As KOOL VYBZ RADIO continues to grow, we plan to expand the library to include other music genres and special programmes based on listener interest and demand.

Listen Anywhere

The On-Demand service works on virtually any internet-connected device:

• Desktop and laptop computers

• Android phones

• iPhones and iPads

• Tablets

Simply open the page, choose a programme, and start listening.

Download Your Favourite Programmes

Many programmes also include a Download option.

This allows you to:

• Save programmes to your device.

• Listen later, even when you're away from a reliable internet connection.

• Replay your favourite episodes whenever you like.

• Build your own personal collection of country music programmes.

This Is Just the Beginning

The launch of our Country Music On-Demand Library is only the first step.

As more listeners use the service and request additional content, we look forward to expanding into other genres including Gospel, Caribbean music, special interviews, community programmes, and much more.

Your feedback will help shape the future of KOOL VYBZ RADIO.

Save This Link Today

We encourage all readers of Choiseul on the Move and lovers of country music to save this link in your browser or on your phone's home screen:

KOOL VYBZ RADIO On-Demand   🎧 KOOL VYBZ RADIO On-Demand

https://a6.asurahosting.com/public/dedan_kool_vybz/ondemand

The next time you're in the mood for great country music, you'll know exactly where to find it.

Thank you for supporting KOOL VYBZ RADIO as we continue to grow and provide quality entertainment for Saint Lucia and listeners around the world.

KOOL VYBZ RADIO

Country Music... Anytime. Anywhere.

🦀 CHOISEUL MYSTERIES EXPLAINED #4

🌧️ The Great Crab March: Why Do Land Crabs Suddenly Appear Everywhere?

A Sunday Feature from Choiseul on the Move

If you've ever driven through Choiseul after a spell of heavy rain, you've probably experienced it.

One day, the roads are clear.

The next day...

🦀 Crabs are everywhere!

They cross roads, climb embankments, wander through gardens, and seem to appear from nowhere.

From Saltibus to Piaye, from Roblot to La Fargue, it almost feels like the land has suddenly come alive.

But where do they come from?

And why do they all seem to appear at the same time?

🌧️ Rain Is Nature's Starting Signal

Land crabs spend much of the dry season hidden underground.

They dig deep burrows where the soil remains cool and moist, protecting themselves from the hot Caribbean sun.

When the rainy season begins, everything changes.

The cooler temperatures and moist ground allow them to leave their burrows safely without drying out.

For land crabs, heavy rain is nature's signal that it's time to move.

🦀 The Journey Begins

Many of the crabs we see are not simply wandering.

They're travelling.

Adult female land crabs must eventually make an incredible journey toward the sea to release their eggs.

After the eggs hatch in the ocean, the tiny larvae spend several weeks developing in seawater before returning to land as young crabs.

This remarkable cycle has repeated itself for thousands of years.

Every rainy season, another generation begins its journey.

🚗 Why Do So Many Cross The Roads?

The roads weren't built for crabs.

They were built across the natural routes that crabs have followed for centuries.

When it's time to migrate, they continue using those ancient pathways—even if a road now lies in the middle.

Sadly, many are crushed by passing vehicles.

If you notice large numbers of crabs crossing after rain, slowing down can make a real difference.

🌿 Nature's Cleanup Crew

Land crabs are more important than many people realize.

They feed on fallen leaves, fruits, seeds, and decaying plant material.

By doing this, they help recycle nutrients back into the soil, keeping forests and coastal ecosystems healthy.

In many ways, they are nature's gardeners.

🏡 The Choiseul Connection

For generations, the arrival of land crabs has been one of the unmistakable signs that the rainy season has truly arrived.

Many families have stories of collecting crabs, watching them cross village roads, or carefully helping them across to safety.

They're woven into the memories of growing up in Choiseul.

For some, they are also part of our culinary traditions, prepared in ways that have been handed down through generations.

Whether you admire them in nature or appreciate them on the dinner table, land crabs remain an important part of our local heritage.

🌎 A Reminder To Protect Nature

As roads expand and natural habitats shrink, these remarkable migrations become more dangerous.

Protecting forests, rivers, wetlands, and coastal areas helps ensure that future generations can continue witnessing one of nature's most fascinating events.

💡 What The Land Crab Teaches Us

The land crab reminds us that every creature has a purpose.

Its journey is guided by instinct, patience, and perfect timing.

It doesn't question the path.

It simply follows the rhythm that nature has written into its life.

Perhaps there's a lesson there for us too.

Sometimes progress begins with taking the next step, even when the journey looks difficult.🦀 The Next Time You See Them...

The next time you spot dozens of land crabs crossing a Choiseul road after heavy rain, don't think they've suddenly appeared from nowhere.

You're witnessing one of the Caribbean's oldest and most remarkable natural migrations—a journey that has been taking place long before the first villages, roads, or motor vehicles arrived.

And now you know why land crabs suddenly appear everywhere.🔍 Coming Next Sunday...

🌊 Why Does the Sea Change Colour?💬 Got a Choiseul mystery you'd like us to explore? Leave it in the comments and it might become a future edition of Choiseul Mysteries Explained!

Choiseul on the Move

Our People. Our Culture. Our Future. 

 

CHOISEUL ON THE MOVE

It’s Time for a Choiseul/Saltibus Development Foundation

A non-political vision for community growth, opportunity and pride.

For decades, the people of Choiseul and Saltibus have depended almost entirely on central government to drive development within our constituency. Every election cycle, promises are made. Roads are promised. Community projects are announced. Sporting facilities are discussed. Tourism is mentioned. Youth employment becomes a campaign slogan.

The Big Question

Should the future of Choiseul/Saltibus depend solely on politics?

The answer may well be no. Across Saint Lucia, the Soufriere model has shown that community assets can be managed in a way that supports tourism, youth, culture, sports, small business and local development.

Our Constituency Has the Resources

Choiseul/Saltibus is blessed with assets many communities would envy:

• The Choiseul Arts and Crafts Centre
• The Saltibus Waterfall
• Beautiful coastlines and fishing communities
• Fertile agricultural lands
• Rich cultural traditions
• Talented artisans
• Outstanding sportsmen and women
• Scenic villages perfect for eco-tourism
• Historic sites waiting to be developed

These assets should not remain scattered and underused. They should be organized under one serious development vision.

What Would the Foundation Do?

A Choiseul/Saltibus Development Foundation would exist for one purpose:

To improve the economic, social and cultural development of the constituency, regardless of which political party forms the Government.

Such a Foundation could:

✅ Develop tourism attractions

✅ Secure international grants

✅ Partner with the private sector

✅ Support small businesses

✅ Promote local agriculture

✅ Market Choiseul-made products

✅ Provide scholarships

✅ Assist sports and youth clubs

Tourism That Benefits Everyone

Every year, visitors travel through southern Saint Lucia. Too many simply pass through Choiseul without stopping. A Development Foundation could help package experiences that encourage visitors to spend time and money in our communities.

Possible community tourism experiences:

• Heritage village tours
• Pottery and craft demonstrations
• River and waterfall adventures
• Farm-to-table experiences
• Fishing excursions
• Local food festivals
• Cultural performances
• Community markets

Every visitor who spends money in Choiseul creates income for families, taxi operators, farmers, vendors, artisans and small businesses.

Investing in Our Young People

One of the Foundation’s greatest responsibilities should be investing in the next generation through scholarships, skills training, business support, sports development, music, culture and leadership programmes.

Imagine our young people seeing opportunity right here at home instead of feeling they must leave the constituency to succeed.

Supporting Our Artisans

Choiseul has long been known as Saint Lucia’s home of traditional arts and crafts. Yet many artisans still struggle to market their products beyond the occasional visitor.

A Foundation could assist with:

• Online marketing
• Export opportunities
• Product branding
• Business training
• Tourism partnerships
• International exhibitions

Independent. Transparent. Accountable.

The most important feature of such a Foundation would be its independence. It must not belong to any political party.

Its Board should include representatives from:

• Business
• Tourism
• Agriculture
• Fisheries
• Youth
• Churches
• Sports
• Community organizations
• Cultural groups
• The wider Choiseul and Saltibus communities

Its finances should be audited annually. Its reports should be public. Its meetings should be transparent. Development should belong to everyone.

A Legacy Worth Building

Governments will change. Parliamentary Representatives will come and go. But a properly established Choiseul/Saltibus Development Foundation could serve our people for generations.

This is not a political proposal.

It is a community proposal.

Perhaps the time has come for churches, youth groups, business owners, farmers, fishermen, artisans, sports organizations, community leaders and ordinary citizens to begin discussing whether Choiseul/Saltibus deserves its own Development Foundation.

Communities that organize themselves are better positioned to shape their own destiny.

Maybe the next great chapter in the story of Choiseul and Saltibus will begin not with another promise, but with a vision owned by the people themselves.

What are your thoughts?

Should Choiseul/Saltibus establish its own independent Development Foundation? Join the conversation below.

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World Cup Group Stage: Final Round Drama Begins

Choiseul on the Move Sports Desk

The World Cup group stage is now entering its most dangerous and exciting point. Some teams are already standing tall, some are hanging by a thread, and others must now play as if their tournament life depends on it — because it does.

Looking at the standings, one thing is clear: the final round of fixtures will not be friendly. It will be pressure, nerves, goal difference, and heartbreak.

Teams Looking Strong

Mexico, United States, Germany, France, Argentina, and Colombia are all sitting on 6 points. These teams have done the hard work early and now look well placed to move into the knockout stage.

France and Argentina especially look dangerous. Both have maximum points and appear to be building momentum at the right time. Germany also looks organized, while the United States has made a strong statement in Group D.

Groups Still Wide Open

Several groups are still too close to call.

Group B has Canada and Switzerland tied on 4 points, while Bosnia and Qatar still have a mathematical chance. One slip could change everything.

Group C is also tense. Brazil and Morocco lead with 4 points, but Scotland is right behind on 3. Haiti, sadly, has not found its footing and will need a miracle.

Group G may be one of the most interesting. Egypt leads with 4, but Iran and Belgium are both on 2, and New Zealand has 1. Nobody is safe there.

Big Names Under Pressure

Brazil, Spain, England, Portugal, Netherlands, and Belgium are not out of danger. They are in good positions, but not yet fully comfortable.

Brazil and Morocco both need to finish strong. Spain must be careful with Uruguay and Cape Verde still alive. England and Ghana are tied on 4 points, with Croatia waiting close behind on 3.

Portugal has 4 points, but Colombia has already taken control of Group K. Portugal must avoid a poor final game, or they could find themselves sweating.

My Predictions

Here is how I see the groups finishing:

• Group A: Mexico and South Korea to qualify.
• Group B: Canada and Switzerland to go through.
• Group C: Brazil and Morocco, but Scotland will push hard.
• Group D: United States and Australia, with Paraguay fighting to the end.
• Group E: Germany and Ivory Coast.
• Group F: Netherlands and Japan.
• Group G: Egypt and Belgium, but this group could shock everybody.
• Group H: Spain and Uruguay.
• Group I: France and Norway.
• Group J: Argentina and Austria, with Algeria still dangerous.
• Group K: Colombia and Portugal.
• Group L: England and Ghana, with Croatia still a serious threat.

Final Word

The final round of group matches is where World Cups become unforgettable. Some teams will rise. Some will freeze. Some will discover that one missed chance, one defensive mistake, or one late goal can send a nation home.

For fans in Choiseul, Saint Lucia, and across the Caribbean, this is the time to watch closely. The tournament is heating up, and the road to the knockout stage is about to separate the hopefuls from the serious contenders.

Choiseul on the Move will be watching.

 

Choiseul/Saltibus in Parliament: Energy, Digital Transformation and the Question of Real Benefits

Choiseul on the Move reviewed the contribution made by the Parliamentary Representative for Choiseul/Saltibus during the debate on the financial resolutions before the House.

The speech was serious, technical in parts, and strongly supportive of the government’s borrowing programme. The main argument was clear: there is a difference between borrowing to survive and borrowing to invest.

Main point: These resolutions are being presented as long-term investments in energy, public buildings, and digital transformation.

Renewable Energy: The Strongest Part of the Speech

The representative made the case that Saint Lucia remains too dependent on imported fossil fuels. This leaves electricity prices exposed to global oil markets, international conflicts, and outside shocks.

He explained that solar and wind energy cannot simply be added to the national grid without serious supporting infrastructure. Solar energy changes quickly when clouds pass. That means the country needs stronger transmission lines, upgraded substations, battery storage, and smart grid systems.

No fluff, no bluff: Renewable energy is not just about putting solar panels on roofs. It requires a smarter and stronger electricity grid.

He also pointed to projected benefits, including nearly 60 megawatts of renewable energy capacity and more than 100,000 metric tonnes of carbon emissions avoided annually.

Government Must Lead by Example

The speech also addressed the poor energy performance of many public buildings. The representative spoke about old wiring, outdated lighting, inefficient air-conditioning systems, and buildings that waste electricity.

The proposed solution is to retrofit public buildings, install modern energy-efficient systems, and place solar photovoltaic panels on government rooftops.

This is a reasonable argument. Government cannot ask citizens and businesses to save energy while public buildings continue wasting it.

Women in STEM

The representative also highlighted scholarships and apprenticeships for women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

That is positive, but the real test will be whether young women from communities like Choiseul/Saltibus can actually access these opportunities.

The Financing Terms

The representative praised the financing terms, including a 10-year grace period, 40 years to repay, and a 0.75% service charge.

If correctly stated, these are favourable terms. However, the public still deserves clear information on the full cost, repayment obligations, implementation schedule, and how success will be measured.

Good financing is important — but good execution is even more important.

Digital Transformation

The final section of the speech focused on the Caribbean Digital Transformation Project.

The representative said this project would modernize telecommunications regulation, improve government online services, strengthen cybersecurity, and equip young people with digital skills.

For rural communities, this matters. If properly implemented, citizens could access services, file documents, apply for permits, and complete transactions without always travelling into town.

But digital transformation must not leave behind the elderly, the disabled, those without reliable internet, and those who are not comfortable using online systems.

What Was Missing?

While the speech was strong on national energy and digital policy, Choiseul on the Move must ask a fair question: where was the direct connection to Choiseul/Saltibus?

The representative opened with greetings to fathers, students, fishermen, and grieving families. That was appropriate. But when the major policy discussion began, the speech became mostly national and regional.

Choiseul/Saltibus needs to know:

• Will any public buildings in Choiseul/Saltibus be retrofitted?
• Will schools, health centres, community centres, or government offices in the constituency benefit?
• Will young people from Choiseul/Saltibus access the STEM scholarships and apprenticeships?
• Will digital services reduce the burden on rural residents?
• Will fishermen, farmers, small businesses, and elderly citizens see practical benefits?

National transformation must not remain in Castries. It must reach the communities.

Final Assessment

The speech made a serious case for investing in renewable energy, energy-efficient public buildings, and digital transformation. The representative showed understanding of the need for battery storage, smart grids, and upgraded infrastructure.

However, the people of Choiseul/Saltibus should not only be asked to applaud national projects. They should be told clearly how these projects will affect their daily lives.

For Choiseul on the Move, the issue is simple: if these resolutions are truly transformational, then transformation must be seen in our villages, schools, public buildings, internet access, young people, and local economy.

No community must be left watching progress from the outside.

 

CPEA Results: Transparency Matters

The recent release of CPEA results in St. Vincent and the Grenadines offered an excellent example of how information can be shared openly and efficiently with the public. Parents, students, teachers, and communities were able to access results and updates with a level of clarity that reflected a commitment to transparency and public accountability.

For those of us who closely follow educational developments across the region, the contrast was difficult to ignore. Over the years, Choiseul on the Move has often found it challenging to obtain timely and comprehensive information regarding educational results and related announcements. This is particularly important because these results represent more than just numbers—they reflect the hard work, sacrifices, and dreams of students, parents, and teachers.

When CPEA results are released, communities want to celebrate their high achievers, acknowledge the efforts of educators, and encourage those students who may not have achieved the outcomes they hoped for. Timely access to information allows communities to do just that.

Education remains one of the most important pillars of national development. As such, information surrounding student achievement should be treated with the importance it deserves. The more open and accessible the process, the easier it becomes for communities, schools, and media platforms to highlight success stories and inspire the next generation.

As Saint Lucia prepares for this year's CPEA announcements, many parents and students will be hoping for a smooth, transparent, and timely release of information. Clear communication benefits everyone involved and helps create a positive atmosphere around an event that means so much to so many families.

At the end of the day, every student deserves recognition for their effort, every parent deserves timely information, and every community deserves the opportunity to celebrate its young achievers. Transparency is not simply about releasing results—it is about strengthening public confidence in the educational system and ensuring that success can be shared by all.

 

💧 WATER RATES GOING UP… But What About the Water?

A Choiseul on the Move Commentary

The National Utilities Regulatory Commission has approved new water and sewerage rates for WASCO customers, with the increases taking effect in two stages: June 2026 and January 2027.

But Choiseul on the Move asks one burning question:
How can people be asked to pay more for water when some communities are still not receiving a reliable supply?

WASCO and the regulators speak about better infrastructure, reduced water losses, faster response to complaints, and more reliable water supply. Those promises sound good on paper.

But in communities like Lamaze, Roblot and Debreuil, many residents continue to face an unacceptable reality.

🚰 The Reality in Some Choiseul Communities

Water is often available only on Wednesdays and Sundays, and sometimes for as little as two hours.

Families must fill buckets, drums and tanks, hoping the supply lasts until the next scheduled day.

Higher Rates in a Time of Higher Pressure

This increase comes at a time when ordinary families are already struggling with rising food prices, electricity bills, transportation costs and the general burden of inflation.

Another increase is the last thing struggling households need.

While the basic domestic water charge may remain unchanged for households using up to 2,000 gallons per month, the charges above that level are increasing sharply. Sewerage charges are also going up.

So Who Is Speaking for Choiseul/Saltibus?

This is where the silence becomes troubling.

Has our District Representative made a strong case for the people of Lamaze, Roblot, Debreuil and other affected communities?

Was the reality of poor and inconsistent water supply properly presented to the NURC?

Was Choiseul/Saltibus truly heard before this decision was approved?

The Principle Should Be Simple

Improve the service first. Then ask people to pay more.

No one is saying that WASCO does not need money to improve the system. Infrastructure costs money. Repairs cost money. Reliable water supply requires serious investment.

But fairness demands that people should not be punished with higher rates while still living with poor service.

Water Is Not a Luxury

Water is not a privilege. Water is not a favour. Water is a basic necessity.

For too long, forgotten communities have been forced to adjust their lives around unreliable supply. That should not be normal in 2026.

Choiseul on the Move Says:

Do not make people pay more for a service they are still begging to receive.

The people of Choiseul/Saltibus deserve answers. They deserve representation. Most importantly, they deserve reliable water before higher bills.

💧 Would you support higher water rates if your community only received water twice per week?

 

FROM CRITICISM TO  COMMENDATION: A Welcome Change in How Opportunities Are Reaching Choiseul

For years, one of the recurring concerns raised by residents across Choiseul–Saltibus has been the gap between government opportunities and the people they were intended to help.

Programs existed.

Funding existed.

Training opportunities existed.

Yet too often, the average resident only learned about them through word of mouth, social media rumors, or after application deadlines had already passed.

In October 2025, Choiseul on the Move drafted a strongly worded opinion piece expressing concern over what was then viewed as a lack of structured outreach regarding government initiatives aimed at youth, entrepreneurs, and community development.

The article was never published.

At the time, the blog made a conscious decision to withhold it during an election period, believing that publishing such criticism could be interpreted as giving one political side an unfair advantage over another.

However, the concerns raised in that unpublished article were genuine.

The central argument was simple:

Government programs can only transform lives when people know they exist.

Today, several months later, it is encouraging to witness what appears to be a different approach.

The recent announcement by the Office of the Parliamentary Representative for Choiseul/Saltibus regarding the SBDC MSME Small Grant Facility demonstrates exactly the kind of constituency-level engagement that many residents have been calling for.

Rather than merely sharing information online and hoping people find it, the Constituency Office has gone a step further by inviting residents to schedule appointments and receive direct guidance from Constituency Attaché Mr. Blaize.

That matters.

Many aspiring entrepreneurs have excellent ideas but struggle with application forms, business plans, budgeting, and supporting documentation. Sometimes the difference between receiving a grant and missing out altogether is simply having someone available to provide guidance and encouragement.

This is what effective constituency representation should look like.

Not merely announcing opportunities.

Not merely posting flyers.

But actively helping residents navigate the process.

Choiseul has never lacked talent.

From farmers and agro-processors to artisans, tourism operators, tradesmen, creatives, and young innovators, our community has always possessed the human potential needed to thrive.

What has often been missing is the bridge connecting that potential to opportunity.

The SBDC Small Grant Facility presents an opportunity not only for individual applicants but also for the Constituency Office itself.

If sustained, this level of engagement could become the foundation for a more proactive development model—one where information sessions, business clinics, mentorship opportunities, and regular outreach become the norm rather than the exception.

Credit must be given where credit is due.

The recent initiative by the Constituency Office deserves commendation because it reflects a recognition that development is not simply about creating programs in Castries; it is about ensuring those programs reach ordinary people in communities like Choiseul, Saltibus, Delcer, Piaye, Roblot, Reunion, Industry, Mongouge, Victoria, and La Fargue.

The true measure of success, however, will not be the number of posts published on social media.

It will be the number of businesses launched.

The number of jobs created.

The number of young people empowered.

The number of dreams transformed into reality.

If this new approach continues, then perhaps what was once a source of criticism can become a model of progress.

And that is something every resident of Choiseul–Saltibus should welcome.

Choiseul on the Move 

"When opportunity knocks, communities prosper only when someone opens the door."

FROM HUSTLE TO HOPE: Small Grants Can Build Big Dreams in Choiseul

 Your idea does not have to stay in your head — this could be the chance to turn it into income.

Across Choiseul, there are young people, single mothers, farmers, small shop owners, food vendors, hairdressers, pig farmers, bakers, and creative minds with one thing in common: they have the talent, but not always the money to take the next step.

Now, the Government’s small business grant programme offers a real opportunity for persons who want to start or expand a small business. With funding support of up to EC$15,000 for existing businesses, and support also available for new ventures, this is not just another announcement — it is a possible turning point.

Choiseul, This Is a Wake-Up Call

Too many good ideas die quietly because people say, “I don’t have the money.” But when opportunity knocks, we must be ready to answer. This grant programme is a chance for residents to stop waiting, start planning, and move from survival mode to business mode.

What Kind of Businesses Can Benefit?

The programme places emphasis on areas such as agri-business, agro-processing, food and beverage, community retail, services, tourism-related enterprises, ICT, and climate-resilient businesses.

That means many practical businesses in Choiseul could possibly fit, including:

• Pepper sauce production
• Seasoning blends
• Jams and jellies
• Poultry farming
• Pig rearing and pen upgrades
• Home-based catering and baking
• Hair braiding and beauty services
• Small community shops
• Cleaning and property maintenance services
• Digital services such as graphics, marketing, and content creation

A Special Word to the Youth

Young people of Choiseul, this is not the time to sit back and say there is nothing happening. If you can bake, farm, design, braid hair, repair phones, create content, raise animals, process local produce, or run a small online service, then you already have the seed of a business.

The grant will not do the work for you, but it can help you buy the tools, equipment, stock, materials, and supplies needed to begin properly.

Single Mothers Must Not Be Left Behind

Many single mothers in Choiseul already operate like business managers every day. They budget, stretch resources, feed children, organize school needs, manage homes, and still find ways to earn. With proper support, many can turn their skills into steady income.

A mother who already sells food can upgrade her equipment. A woman with a pig farm can improve her pens. Someone making pepper sauce can invest in bottles, labels, blenders, and proper food-safe preparation areas. A young woman doing hair from home can create a small professional salon space.

This Is How Dreams Grow

A grant may not make anyone rich overnight. But it can buy a freezer. It can build a pen. It can purchase a sewing machine. It can stock a small shop. It can create packaging. It can help someone move from informal hustling to a registered, organized, income-generating business.

Pig Farmers and Livestock Owners Can Think Bigger

For someone who already has a pig farm, this programme could be useful for expansion and modernization. Instead of simply saying “I rear pigs,” the business idea can be presented as an existing swine production enterprise that needs upgrading.

Improvements could include better roofing, concrete flooring, drainage, water systems, feed storage, fencing, breeding pens, and cleaner, safer spaces for piglets. These upgrades can improve animal health, increase production, and create a more profitable business.

Agro-Processing: Turning Local Produce into Local Wealth

Choiseul has land, farmers, fruits, vegetables, herbs, peppers, coconuts, and creativity. Agro-processing gives us the chance to turn these raw products into branded items that can be sold in shops, supermarkets, hotels, farmers markets, and online.

Pepper sauces, green seasoning, dry seasoning blends, jams, jellies, coconut products, cassava products, and local drinks are not just “small things.” With good packaging and consistent quality, they can become serious income earners.

Before You Apply, Get Ready

Applicants should not wait until the last minute. Start gathering the important documents and information now.

• A clear business idea
• A simple business plan
• Quotations for equipment or materials
• Photos of the existing business, where possible
• Proof of address and identification
• Basic financial information
• A clear explanation of how the grant will improve the business

The Grant Is Not Free Money — It Is Seed Money

This is important. A grant should not be seen as money to “spend out.” It is seed money. Seed money must be planted wisely. If used properly, it can grow into income, employment, independence, and community development.

The strongest applications will likely be those that show a serious business idea, a clear budget, a real market, and the ability to continue after the grant money is spent.

Choiseul, Let Us Move From Ideas to Action

This programme is an opportunity. But opportunity only helps those who prepare.

If you have a skill, sharpen it. If you have a small business, organize it. If you have an idea, write it down. If you need equipment, get quotations. If you need help with a business plan, ask for guidance.

Your future may be waiting inside the application form.

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✨ CHOISEUL MYSTERIES EXPLAINED #3

🌙 Nature's Living Stars: Why Do Fireflies Glow At Night?

A Sunday Feature from Choiseul on the Move

Have you ever walked along a quiet road in Choiseul on a warm evening and noticed tiny lights flickering among the bushes?

Perhaps you've seen them near a riverbank, in a garden, or dancing above a grassy field after sunset.

For a moment, it almost feels as though the stars have left the sky and settled among the trees.

These tiny glowing insects are called fireflies, and for generations they have fascinated children and adults alike.

But why do they glow?

Are they carrying miniature lanterns?

Are they lighting their way through the darkness?

Or is there a hidden purpose behind those magical flashes?

✨ Nature's Own Light Show

The glow of a firefly is one of the most remarkable wonders in nature.

Unlike a light bulb, which produces both light and heat, a firefly creates light through a special chemical reaction inside its body.

Scientists call this process bioluminescence.

Inside the firefly's abdomen, special chemicals react with oxygen to produce light.

The amazing thing is that almost none of the energy is wasted as heat.

This makes the firefly one of the most efficient light producers on Earth.

In fact, scientists have long studied fireflies in hopes of learning how to create more efficient lighting technologies.

💚 A Secret Language of Light

The flashing isn't random.

Fireflies are actually communicating.

Most flashes are used to attract mates.

Male fireflies fly through the night flashing specific patterns of light.

Female fireflies watch from nearby vegetation and respond with flashes of their own.

Each species has its own unique flashing pattern.

It's almost like having a secret language that only other fireflies can understand.

What may look like a beautiful light show to us is actually thousands of tiny conversations taking place in the darkness.

🌿 Why We See Them More In Certain Places

Fireflies thrive in areas with:

✅ Moist environments
✅ Tall grass and vegetation
✅ Nearby streams and ponds
✅ Limited artificial lighting

That's why they are often found in rural communities rather than heavily developed areas.

They prefer places where nature remains largely undisturbed.

🏡 The Choiseul Connection

Many older residents of Choiseul remember a time when fireflies seemed to be everywhere.

Children would chase them through the yard.

Some would even catch them gently and watch their tiny lights blink inside a jar before releasing them again.

They were part of the magic of growing up in the countryside.

Today, however, fireflies are becoming less common in many parts of the world.

Artificial lighting, habitat loss, and the increased use of pesticides have reduced their numbers in some areas.

Their presence reminds us of the importance of protecting the natural spaces that make communities like Choiseul so special.

🌎 Tiny Guardians Of A Healthy Environment

Fireflies are more than just beautiful insects.

Their presence is often a sign of a healthy ecosystem.

Where fireflies thrive, nature is usually thriving too.

When their numbers begin to decline, it can be an early warning that something in the environment is changing.

In a way, these tiny glowing insects help tell us how healthy our surroundings really are.

💡 What Fireflies Teach Us

The firefly may be small, but it carries a powerful lesson.

It doesn't shine as brightly as the sun.

It doesn't light up an entire village.

Yet its tiny light can still capture our attention and brighten the darkness.

Sometimes we spend our lives comparing ourselves to others who seem bigger, stronger, or more successful.

The firefly reminds us that even the smallest light can make a difference.

You don't have to shine the brightest.

You simply have to shine.

🌙 The Next Time You See One...

The next time you spot a firefly blinking among the trees on a warm Choiseul evening, pause for a moment.

Look closely.

You're witnessing one of nature's most extraordinary inventions—a living lantern carrying a message through the darkness.

And now you know why fireflies glow at night.

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🔍 Coming Next Sunday...

🦀 Why Do Land Crabs Suddenly Appear Everywhere?

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💬 Got a Choiseul mystery you'd like us to explore? Leave it in the comments and it might become a future edition of Choiseul Mysteries Explained!

Choiseul on the Move Our People. Our Culture. Our Future.

 

Why Do Politicians Seem to Gain Weight After Winning Elections?

Have you ever noticed it? During campaign season, politicians are everywhere — walking through communities, climbing hills, shaking hands, attending meetings, and moving from house to house.

Then, a few months after taking office, people begin to whisper:
“Boy, look how he put on weight!”
“She wasn’t so big before the election!”

It is a conversation heard not only in Saint Lucia, but across the Caribbean and even around the world. But is it really a sign of “living good” in office, or is there more to the story?

The Campaign Lifestyle

During an election campaign, politicians are constantly on the move. They walk communities, attend back-to-back meetings, visit homes, speak at public events, and often operate on very little sleep.

In many ways, campaigning can be more physically demanding than some full-time jobs.

The Office Effect

Once elected, the lifestyle changes. Instead of walking village roads daily, many politicians now spend long hours sitting in meetings, reviewing documents, attending briefings, and travelling by vehicle.

In simple terms, they often move from being highly active campaigners to highly seated office holders.

The Stress Nobody Sees

Many people assume that winning an election means the pressure is over. But in reality, the pressure may just be beginning.

Constituents want results. Ministries demand attention. The media is watching. Party supporters are expecting rewards. Critics are waiting for mistakes.

Stress can lead to poor eating habits, late meals, emotional eating, lack of exercise, and poor sleep — all of which can contribute to weight gain.

The Endless Meetings

A politician’s day can involve cabinet meetings, constituency visits, official ceremonies, regional conferences, public consultations, and evening functions.

And what usually comes with these events?

• Breakfast meetings
• Working lunches
• Conference buffets
• Reception dinners
• Snacks between events

So while the opportunities to eat increase, the time for walking, exercising, or resting often decreases.

The Caribbean Reality

In the Caribbean, a fuller appearance has sometimes been associated with success, comfort, and “good living.” So when people see a politician gaining weight, some quickly conclude that office life must be treating them well.

But the truth may be more complicated. Weight gain can also be linked to stress, reduced physical activity, irregular meals, and lack of proper rest.

Not Every Politician

Of course, this does not apply to everyone. Some politicians make fitness a priority. Some walk daily, exercise regularly, and watch what they eat despite their heavy schedule.

A Thought for Saint Lucia

As Saint Lucians, maybe we should be careful about judging public officials purely by appearance.

A politician gaining weight may not always mean they are enjoying comfort and luxury. It may also be a sign of a demanding, stressful, and unhealthy work pattern.

At the same time, it is a reminder that health matters for everyone — including those elected to lead our communities and our country.

Your Turn

Have you noticed this trend among politicians in Saint Lucia?
Is it stress, less exercise, office life, or simply better eating?
Share your thoughts in the comments.

Choiseul on the Move – Observing Life, One Conversation at a Time.