FREE GLASSES, FOREIGN HELP, AND THE QUESTION OF LOCAL BUSINESS

The Government of Saint Lucia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with RestoringVision, a United States-based non-profit organisation, to provide vision screening and distribute up to 50,000 donated reading glasses through the public health system.

On the surface, this sounds like a caring initiative. Many Saint Lucians, especially older citizens, struggle with near vision and cannot always afford proper glasses. Better vision can improve reading, work, independence, and quality of life.

But Choiseul on the Move must ask the hard question:

In helping citizens, are we also hurting local optical businesses?

The Pros

• Thousands of Saint Lucians could receive help they may not be able to afford.
• Older persons with age-related near-vision problems may benefit quickly.
• The programme includes training and technical assistance.
• Vision care could reach more communities through health centres and community workers.

The Cons

• Local optical stores may lose customers who would normally buy glasses locally.
• Reduced business can mean reduced income and possible job losses.
• Free reading glasses are not a replacement for full professional eye examinations.
• Local optometrists and optical businesses may be pushed aside instead of being included.

No Fluff. No Bluff.

This is not about being against poor people receiving help. Far from it. Any programme that helps Saint Lucians see better deserves serious consideration.

But leadership must never treat local businesses as an afterthought. If the Government can partner with a foreign organisation, then surely it can also build a structure that includes Saint Lucian optometrists, optical stores, technicians, and small businesses.

We cannot preach “putting Lucians first” while creating programmes that may place local businesses last. Charity must not become a quiet replacement for local enterprise.

The Better Way Forward

Let the free glasses programme happen, but let it happen with local participation. Government should:

• Partner with local optical businesses.
• Use local professionals for screening, fitting, repairs, and follow-up.
• Ensure patients with serious eye conditions are referred properly.
• Create opportunities for Saint Lucian businesses instead of bypassing them.

Our Position

Help the people, yes. But protect local businesses too.

A strong Saint Lucia cannot be built by importing every solution from outside. A strong Saint Lucia must be built by strengthening its own people, its own workers, its own professionals, and its own small businesses.

Is this putting Lucians first — or putting them last?

This is Our Choiseul. Let’s talk. Let’s be heard.

 

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.