SAINT LUCIA CORRUPTION PERCEPTION INDEX (CPI) TRENDS (2012 - 2024): A DECLINING SCORE AND RECENT RECOVERY

Understanding the CPI Rankings

Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) ranks countries based on perceived levels of public sector corruption. A higher ranking (closer to 100) indicates better governance and lower corruption, while a lower ranking suggests higher corruption levels and governance concerns.

Key Observations from 2012-2024

2012 - 2015: Strong Anti-Corruption Standing

From 2012 to 2015, the country maintained a strong position, ranking above 70. This suggests a period of relatively low corruption, strong governance, and effective anti-corruption policies.

2016: Sharp Drop in Ranking

In 2016, the country experienced a dramatic fall in its CPI ranking, moving from above 70 down to around 55. This suggests a major increase in perceived corruption. Possible reasons could include:

Political scandals or revelations of corruption in government institutions.

Weakening of anti-corruption agencies or legal oversight.

Policy shifts that allowed more corruption-friendly practices.

2017 - 2022: Period of Stagnation at a Lower Rank

After the drop, the ranking remains in the mid-50s for several years, indicating that corruption perceptions did not improve significantly. This could mean:

Ongoing governance issues and a lack of accountability.

Failure to implement effective anti-corruption measures.

Public distrust in institutions remaining high.

2023 - 2024: Signs of Improvement

The ranking improves slightly in 2023 and 2024, suggesting that governance reforms or anti-corruption efforts are starting to show results. This could be due to:

Stronger anti-corruption policies being enforced.

Changes in government leadership with a renewed focus on transparency.

Increased public pressure leading to reforms.

What This Means

The early years (2012-2015) showed strong anti-corruption efforts.

The sharp decline in 2016 suggests a turning point where corruption became a bigger issue.

The stagnation period (2017-2022) indicates a struggle to recover from corruption challenges.

The recent improvements (2023-2024) offer hope for better governance.

Conclusion: A Call for Continued Anti-Corruption Efforts

While the recent uptick is promising, the country is still far from its earlier high rankings. To sustain improvements, authorities must:

Strengthen anti-corruption institutions.

Increase transparency and accountability in government spending.

Encourage public participation and whistleblower protections.

The future of corruption perception in this country will depend on how well these efforts are maintained.

Author's Note - Source: https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/saint-lucia

Meshach: A Son of Choiseul, A Voice for the People

Meshach Nestor’s name is once again making waves in the Caribbean and among the diaspora. With three newly released singles, - Baby I Love You, Night Life, and Work it Out, his signature reggae sound—rich in soul, depth, and positive vibrations—is capturing hearts far and wide. But as his music reaches new heights, it is important to remind the public of where it all began.

Choiseul Roots: The Making of a Musician

Born in La Fargue, Choiseul, Meshach’s journey into music was as organic as the lush hills of his hometown. He grew up in a household where music was more than just entertainment—it was a way of life. His father, Francis, aka Chappy, was a master guitarist who could compose songs on the spot, and his mother, Raymonise, played the chakchak and sang in a band. It was no surprise that Meshach and his two brothers, Niger and Ronald, would follow suit.

From childhood, Meshach was already composing his own melodies—whether singing on errands or experimenting with makeshift instruments made from milk can lids and fishing lines. Choiseul’s vibrant cultural scene further fueled his passion, with community events and “blockos” providing a steady rhythm to his early years.

A Dream Delayed, A Calling Realized

Despite his musical passion, Meshach’s life took unexpected turns. After his brother Ronald’s untimely passing, the family—and the music—suffered a deep loss. Niger moved to Castries to join LapoKabwit, while Meshach remained in Choiseul, later teaming up with his friend Sabby to form the band San Nou.

At 19, Meshach attempted to join the police force but didn’t make the cut. Instead, he found himself working in the hospitality industry, first at Couples Hotel and later at Le Sport, where he developed his social skills and confidence. Despite excelling in this field, the call of music never faded. When the Gulf War of 1991 impacted St. Lucia’s tourism industry and cost him his job, he returned to Choiseul and took up farming—using the time to reconnect with his first love: music.

Wevolusion: The Rise of a Musical Force

It was during this reflective period that Meshach wrote his first song, Gather Children, followed by Hail. In 1999, he recorded them with producer Adam Gilmore, and together with Niger, they formed the band Wevolusion in tribute to their late brother Ronald’s dream of a musical revolution. Their music resonated deeply, leading to performances across Martinique, Barbados, and Dominica.

In 2002, Meshach released his debut album, Awake, featuring conscious hits like Everlivin’, New Dreams, and Burnin’. The album solidified his reputation as a messenger of truth and positivity, pushing back against the tide of negative influences in the music industry.

A Legacy of Powerful Music

Since his debut, Meshach has released a number of singles that continue to make an impact. Songs such as World Peace, Stay Out of Trouble, Free up Your Body and Save Your Soul, Police Officer, Babylon Burning, Do Good, and No Retreat No Surrender all showcase his commitment to social consciousness, unity, and positive change. His work has earned him a feature on the compilation CD Blessed, produced by CRS Music in Barbados.

In 2016, Meshach released his second album, No Retreat, which featured some of his most powerful tracks, including Stay Out of Trouble and World Peace. The music videos for these songs can be viewed on YouTube. Continuing to evolve as an artist, Meshach released a remix of World Peace in 2022, available in both audio and video formats. Another standout hit, Mr. Greedy Joe, from his Awake album, became a #1 hit and is also available for viewing on YouTube.

A Voice for Unity and Peace

Beyond the stage, Meshach has dedicated himself to using his music as a force for social change. His song Stay Out of Trouble speaks directly to the youth, urging them to embrace peace and reject violence. His influence extends to schools, where he shares messages of love, unity, and self-respect.

Despite the ups and downs of the music industry, Meshach has never lost sight of his mission. His performance at the 2015 Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival, alongside Beres Hammond and Krosfyah, was a career highlight. However, the struggle for resources and exposure remains a challenge. Yet, through it all, he remains unwavering in his commitment to music, culture, and community.

The Journey Continues…

With his latest singles making an impact, Meshach is proving that his music still carries the fire of revolution. But even as his voice reaches new audiences, he remains rooted in Choiseul—the place that shaped him, inspired him, and continues to fuel his artistic journey.

Meshach Nestor is more than a musician; he is a cultural ambassador, a voice for the people, and a proud son of the soil. His story reminds us that no matter how far we go, we must never forget where we come from.

Celebrating Dugard Combined School on World Education Day

Education is the cornerstone of progress, and on this World Education Day, we proudly shine a spotlight on the exceptional achievements of the Dugard Combined School. The dedication of the principal, teachers, and staff to shaping well-rounded, high-achieving students is a testament to their passion for education and community development.

This year, the school has seen incredible successes that reflect its commitment to academic excellence and holistic growth. Among these achievements are:

• Top Performance in the District Science Competition: Dugard Combined School secured 1st place, a remarkable feat showcasing the hard work, curiosity, and innovation of its students, guided by their devoted educators.
• CPEA Examination Success: The school’s strong performance in the Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA) highlights its dedication to academic rigor and preparation for the future.
• National Reading Champion: Dugard Combined School proudly celebrated a 1st-place finish at the Courts National Reading Competition, affirming its focus on literacy and the power of storytelling.
• Excellence in Sports: A commendable 3rd-place finish in the road relay underscored the school's commitment to teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness.

These milestones are not just accomplishments but a reflection of the collective effort of the principal, staff, and wider school community. Dugard Combined School continues to foster an environment that promotes academic growth, critical thinking, creativity, and physical development, ensuring its students are equipped to thrive in a dynamic world.

As we celebrate education today, let us salute Dugard Combined School for its inspiring dedication to nurturing the leaders, innovators, and change-makers of tomorrow. Your hard work continues to shape bright futures and enrich our community.

Here’s to many more successes in the years to come!
#WorldEducationDay #ExcellenceInEducation #DugardCombinedSchool #InspiringFutures

THE CONCEPT OF TWO-TIER TEST CRICKET EXPLAINED

 Two-tier cricket is a proposed system for organizing international cricket, particularly Test cricket, into two distinct divisions or tiers. The aim of this system is to address disparities in team performance and improve competitiveness, audience engagement, and financial viability for the sport.

Structure of Two-Tier Cricket:

1. Tier 1 (Top Division):

Comprises the higher-ranked teams, typically the top 6 or 8 Test-playing nations.

These teams play more competitive and financially lucrative series against one another.

Focus is on maintaining a high standard of cricket to sustain interest and attract revenue.

2. Tier 2 (Lower Division):

Consists of lower-ranked Test teams and potentially top Associate nations (e.g., Ireland, Afghanistan, Scotland).

Offers these teams the chance to improve by playing competitive cricket among themselves.

Teams in this tier can aspire for promotion to Tier 1.

Key Features:

Promotion and Relegation:

The two tiers are linked through a promotion-and-relegation system. The bottom team(s) in Tier 1 may be relegated to Tier 2, while the top team(s) in Tier 2 are promoted to Tier 1.

This ensures meritocracy and gives lower-ranked teams an incentive to improve.

Test Championship Structure:

The two-tier format could align with an official Test Championship, providing a clear pathway for teams to compete for the title.

Advantages:

Increased Competitiveness: Matches in both tiers are expected to be more evenly contested, leading to greater excitement for fans.

Development Opportunities: Lower-ranked teams get the chance to play more matches against teams of similar ability, fostering their development.

Revenue and Interest: The top-tier matches between elite teams could generate more revenue and fan engagement.

Challenges:

Exclusion Concerns:

Lower-ranked Test teams may face reduced opportunities to play against top-tier teams, potentially widening the gap in quality and revenue.

Financial Sustainability: Tier 2 teams might struggle to generate the same level of income, impacting their cricketing infrastructure.

Resistance from Stakeholders: Cricket boards and fans of lower-ranked nations may oppose the system, fearing a loss of prestige and opportunities.

While the concept of two-tier cricket has been debated for years, it has yet to be implemented due to the complexities and resistance from stakeholders within the cricketing world

Fix the Roads: Debreuil Deserves Better This Christmas

The residents of Debreuil, Roblot and La Maze - The Forgotten Communities, have long suffered in silence. Their cries for better road conditions echo like a broken record, ignored by the very people elected and paid to serve them. The nightmare of commuting on these treacherous roads is a daily reminder of the utter disregard for basic infrastructure in our community. Enough is enough.

This time, the incompetence has reached new heights. A recently built box drain—a clear job-for-the-boys project—has turned into a cruel joke. Instead of addressing the runoff problem, it has created an even more dangerous situation. Water, refusing to flow into the misplaced drain, has carved its own path along the roadside, leaving a deep gorge that poses serious risks to drivers and pedestrians alike. This so-called "solution" is not just useless; it is an insult to the people of Debreuil  Roblot and La Maze.

Where is the accountability? How can a government, a ministry, or a parliamentary representative look at these conditions and feel no urgency to act? Are we to believe that these communities are forgotten simply because of their political affiliations? Such negligence transcends party lines—it is a blatant failure of leadership and a violation of the trust placed in public office.

The holiday season is upon us, a time when relatives and friends return to visit, hoping to enjoy the warmth of home and community. Instead, they are met with deplorable road conditions that scream of abandonment. Are these the first impressions we want for our community? Is this the Christmas gift we deserve?

To the powers that be, this is a direct call to action: step up to the plate and fix the roads. Your inaction is a stain on your record, and the people of Debreuil, Roblot and La Maze deserve better. We are not asking for gold-paved highways; we are demanding the basic decency of safe and functional roads.

Enough lip service. Enough empty promises. The people of this constituency are tired of being an afterthought. It is time to deliver a Christmas package that truly counts—a long-overdue commitment to repair and maintain the roads that are the lifeblood of this community. Anything less is unacceptable.

Debreuil, Roblot and La Maze will not be silenced, and we will not stand for this gross negligence any longer. Fix the roads now. The clock is ticking, and the patience of your constituents is wearing thin.

The Forgotten Road: A Call to Action for the Ministry of Infrastructure and Choiseul/Saltibus Representative

The stretch of road from Debreuil to La Maze stands as a glaring example of neglect—a damning indictment of the Ministry of Infrastructure and, by extension, the parliamentary representative for Choiseul/Saltibus. What was once a promising development in 2016, after works were carried out by Rayneau's Construction and Industrial Equipment (CIE) Ltd, has since deteriorated into an unforgivable state of disrepair.

Today, sections of this road are so riddled with deep potholes that motorists are forced to drive along the shoulder or even on pedestrian walkways to avoid damage to their vehicles. This dangerous practice not only endangers lives but also underscores a level of negligence that is entirely unacceptable.

As an old Saint Lucian saying goes, “Tou par este, tou par la, getaway sar, jup en tou a!” This perfectly encapsulates the frustration and desperation of the people who rely on this road daily. Debreuil, Roblot and La Maze have become synonymous with abandonment, leading many to question why these areas have been labeled "The Forgotten Communities."

Where Is the Accountability?

It is incomprehensible that nearly a decade has passed with no significant action to address this crisis. The Ministry of Infrastructure owes the people a clear explanation:

Why has this stretch of road been ignored for so long?

Where is the budget allocation for road maintenance and improvement in these communities?

What measures are being taken to ensure the safety of commuters and pedestrians?

Equally, the parliamentary representative for Choiseul/Saltibus must answer a critical question: What are you doing to address this situation? Leadership is about advocacy and action, yet the silence from the district representative has been deafening.

The Cost of Neglect

Neglected roads have far-reaching consequences beyond inconvenience:

1. Safety Risks: The risk of accidents increases as drivers swerve to avoid potholes or drive on unsafe shoulders.

2. Economic Impact: Vehicle repairs, longer travel times, and the deterrence of potential investors further cripple an already struggling community.

3. Public Discontent: Ignoring basic infrastructure needs breeds mistrust and disillusionment among residents.

The People Deserve Better

The residents of Debreuil, Roblot and La Maze have had enough. Their tax dollars contribute to national development, yet their needs remain unmet. The authorities cannot continue to turn a blind eye to their plight.

We call on the Ministry of Infrastructure and the parliamentary representative to:

1. Conduct Immediate Repairs: The road must be restored to a safe and usable state without delay.

2. Implement Long-term Solutions: A sustainable road maintenance plan is critical to prevent this situation from recurring.

3. Engage with the Community: Open dialogue with residents to understand their concerns and prioritize their needs.

Let This Be a Turning Point

The neglect of the Debreuil to La Maze road is a stark reminder of the disparity in resource allocation across Saint Lucia. But it is also a rallying cry for accountability and justice. These communities are not "forgotten"—they are neglected, and it is time for that to change.

The people of Debreuil, Roblot and La Maze deserve better, and they will no longer accept empty promises. Let this blog serve as a wake-up call to the powers that be: The time for action is now.

Roblot Shines Again: Congratulations to Shaquille William on His Scholarship of Excellence

The small yet vibrant community of Roblot, Choiseul, has yet another shining star to celebrate. Shaquille William, son of Clement and Shana William, has achieved a major milestone by earning a Scholarship of Excellence from Al Akhawayn University of Ifrane (AUI) in Morocco. This comes on the heels of Shaquille completing his Associate Degree in Computer Systems and Engineering at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College—a testament to his determination and commitment to excellence.

Shaquille's success continues a proud family tradition of academic achievement, as he follows in the footsteps of his sister, Shania William. Shania, a standout student of the Choiseul Secondary School, went on to pursue an online course with the University of the West Indies (UWI) and earned a Bachelor of Science in Management Studies in 2023.

At the heart of these accomplishments is their mother, Shana William, whose relentless efforts and dedication played a pivotal role in her children’s success. Shana’s commitment to their education, from assisting with schoolwork to fostering a supportive learning environment, is a true inspiration. Reflecting on her journey, Shana shares these powerful words of encouragement to parents:

"Stay connected, always encourage, motivate, and work with your children with passion. Let them know you are invested in their education and shaping their future alongside them. For younger ones, visit their schools regularly to maintain strong teacher-parent relationships. Above all, enjoy the process and experience of parenting."

As a community, Roblot and its surrounding areas celebrate Shaquille’s incredible achievement and wish him all the best in this exciting new chapter in Morocco. Your journey inspires others to aim high, work hard, and embrace the transformative power of education.

#ScholarshipRecipient #AUIMorocco #RoblotPride #PursuitOfExcellence