Is Saint Lucia Really Not Ready… Or Just Not Ready to Decide?

Choiseul on the Move | Analysis & Commentary

A proven agricultural model is already working in the Caribbean — and yet, in Saint Lucia, we are still asking if we are ready.

That alone should raise a serious question.

What Is Working in Saint Vincent?

In Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, businessman Rayneau Gajadhar has launched a model that is quietly transforming agriculture.

• Farmers sell all their produce — no waste, no spoilage.
• They are paid immediately.
• The company handles exports and market access.
• Farmers focus on production — not chasing buyers.

This is not theory. This is not a pilot.

This is a working system.

The Saint Lucia Conversation

The conversation around this model is not new.

Former Agriculture Minister Alfred Prospere had indicated that while the Rayneau initiative showed promise, Saint Lucia might not yet be ready for such an arrangement.

Today, that responsibility now sits with Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Lisa Jawahir — and with it, an opportunity to move this discussion from consideration to action.

The question now is no longer whether the idea has merit — but whether we are finally prepared to act on it.

Are We Truly Not Ready?

We are told Saint Lucia is different.

• We have a Marketing Board.
• Some farmers supply hotels and supermarkets.
• There are existing structures.

All of that is true.

But let us ask the real questions:

• Are all farmers guaranteed a market?
• Are all farmers paid on time?
• Is there zero spoilage?
• Are young people choosing agriculture — or leaving it?

In communities like Choiseul, Saltibus, Piaye, Roblot, Morne Jacques, we know the reality:

• Produce goes unsold.
• Prices drop without warning.
• Farmers absorb the losses.
• Young people migrate — because farming does not feel secure.

So again we ask:

If it is working elsewhere… why not here?

Rayneau Is Ready

Let us be clear about one thing.

Rayneau is not proposing an idea on paper.

Rayneau has already:

• Built and sustained operations across the Caribbean.
• Delivered complex projects in multiple territories.
• Launched and is executing this exact agricultural model successfully in Saint Vincent.

This is not potential. This is performance.

The infrastructure, the experience, and the market connections are already in place.

The partner is ready.

The Real Risk Is Doing Nothing

We often convince ourselves that waiting is safer.

But in reality:

• Farmers continue to lose income.
• Produce continues to go to waste.
• Youth continue to turn away from agriculture.
• Other countries continue to move ahead.

Delay is not neutral.

Delay is a decision.

So… Is Saint Lucia Ready?

Let us answer honestly.

We have:

• Fertile land
• Experienced farmers
• A proven regional model
• A capable private sector partner

What we are missing is not readiness.

What we are missing is action.

The Time Is Not “Soon”… The Time Is Now.

Saint Vincent has already moved.

The model is proven.

The opportunity is real.

The farmers are waiting.

So the question is no longer whether Saint Lucia is ready…

It is whether we are ready to act.

Choiseul on the Move will continue to follow this issue closely — because this is not just policy.

This is about livelihoods. This is about opportunity. This is about the future of rural Saint Lucia.

 

CHOISEUL ON THE MOVE | FROM DEBREUIL ROOTS TO SIX-FIGURE SUCCESS IN BROOKLYN

This one hits close to home.

A young woman with roots in Debreuil, Choiseul is making serious waves in the United States — and her story is one of grit, resilience, and vision.

Samilia Clarke, known professionally as Lily Mulann, daughter of Celina Mason of Debreuil, has built a thriving six-figure hair business in Brooklyn, New York — a journey that started with something as simple as doing a schoolmate’s hair for prom.

Today, at just 27 years old, she is the owner of Lily Mulann Hair Experience, a brand that continues to grow steadily, attracting clients and building a reputation for quality and transformation.

🌱 ROOTED IN HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

Before the bright lights of Brooklyn, there were lessons learned right here in Saint Lucia.

Raised by her grandmother, Samilia grew up watching hard work firsthand — selling handwoven purses every Saturday and learning the value of consistency, discipline, and self-reliance.

Those early experiences didn’t just build character — they built skills. By the age of 8, she was already styling her own hair, unknowingly laying the foundation for a future business.

✈️ TAKING THE LEAP

After moving to New York at age 11, the journey wasn’t easy. Like many Caribbean youth abroad, she had to adjust to a new culture, new environment, and new expectations.

But by her teenage years, her talent was already speaking loudly. What started as $50 prom sew-ins grew into a premium service now commanding over $300.

She secured her first salon job at just 17 and later earned her cosmetology license in 2018 — fully stepping into her calling.

⚡ OVERCOMING SETBACKS

The road to success was not smooth.

At one point, business slowed, and she faced depression and uncertainty. To survive, she worked overnight warehouse shifts while still maintaining her daytime clients.

Instead of giving up, she invested in herself — learning marketing, refining her craft, and even launching her own line of wig installation products.

That is the Choiseul spirit — we don’t fold, we adapt and push forward.

💡 BUILDING MORE THAN A BUSINESS

Today, Lily Mulann is not just styling hair — she is building confidence, empowering women, and creating opportunities.

Her long-term vision? To own her own building and mentor young stylists, especially those trying to find their path without guidance.

“I’m breaking generational curses,” she says — a statement that resonates deeply with many of our own young people here at home.

🇱🇨 A MESSAGE TO CHOISEUL & SAINT LUCIA

This is more than a success story — it is a reminder.

• Talent exists right here in our communities.
• Humble beginnings do not limit your future.
• With discipline, vision, and persistence, global success is possible.

From Debreuil to Brooklyn, this is proof that Choiseul continues to produce individuals who are making their mark on the world stage.

We salute you, Samilia.

Choiseul on the Move — watching, highlighting, and celebrating our own.

SpiritRise Drops Powerful Gospel Reggae Anthem – “Contend O Lord”

 📰 CHOISEUL ON THE MOVE

SpiritRise Drops Powerful Gospel Reggae Anthem – “Contend O Lord”

Choiseul talent continues to rise—and this time, it’s carrying a message of faith, strength, and spiritual resilience.

                                                               A short clip from the track

A new gospel reggae single titled “Contend O Lord” by SpiritRise has officially been submitted to major streaming platforms and is already building momentum ahead of its release.

This is not just another song.

This is a prayer in music form—a cry for divine intervention in times of struggle, a reminder that even when life gets heavy, there is a higher power fighting on our behalf.

With lyrics rooted in scripture and delivered over a rich Caribbean roots reggae sound, Contend O Lord speaks directly to the soul:

“Contend, O Lord… fight for me.
Take up your shield and stand for me…”

In a time when many are facing personal battles, economic pressure, and uncertainty, this track arrives as both encouragement and declaration—victory is still possible.

What makes this release even more significant is that it comes from right here, connected to the Choiseul community, proving once again that our people are not just consumers of culture—but creators of powerful, global content.

Listeners can now support the movement by pre-saving the track ahead of its official release.

👉 Pre-save here:
https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/spiritrise/contend-o-lord

Choiseul on the Move will be watching this one closely.

Because when music carries meaning…
it doesn’t just play—it ministers.

✍🏽 Choiseul on the Move

Independent. Fearless. Community First.

SPIRITRISE RELEASES NEW ALBUM

 SpiritRise is here. The album CONTEND is now live.

Two days ago, I released a project that speaks to real life — faith in the middle of struggle, strength in the face of opposition, and confidence in God’s covering.

CONTEND is a Caribbean Gospel Reggae album inspired by scripture, filled with messages of protection, hope, and victory. Every track carries a purpose — to uplift, to encourage, and to remind you that you are never alone.

From "My Help Comes From the Lord" to "Under Your Wings"… from powerful Kweyol expressions to deep spiritual reflections — this is more than music.

👉 It’s a message.

👉 It’s a declaration.

👉 It’s SpiritRise.

🎧 Listen now:

https://youtu.be/evJaO-siyco?feature=shared⁠�

If this blesses you, share it with someone who needs encouragement today.

 

🏏🔥 FINAL SHOWDOWN: CAN BABONNEAU STOP A RAMPAGING CHOISEUL?

The stage is set.
The crowd is ready.
And Choiseul… well… Choiseul is coming into this final like a team on a mission.

After dismantling both Mon Repos and Soufriere, one thing is clear:

👉 This is not the same Choiseul team from earlier in the tournament.
👉 This is a team peaking at the perfect moment.

💥 THE JERMAIN FACTOR – 114 THAT SHOOK THE TOURNAMENT

Let’s not sugarcoat it…

Jermain Thomas’ 114 against Mon Repos was not just a century —
it was a statement innings.

• Clean hitting
• Controlled aggression
• Total dominance

That knock sent a message across the tournament:

👉 “If you don’t get me early… you’re in trouble.”

Heading into the final, Babonneau now faces a serious question:

How do you stop a man already in that kind of form?

 CHOISEUL: A COMPLETE UNIT

What makes Choiseul dangerous is not just one player — it’s the balance.

🔵 Batting Firepower

• Jermain Thomas – explosive and in red-hot form
• N. Joseph – calm, reliable anchor
• V. Smith – dangerous finisher

🔵 All-Round Strength

• K. Jules – game changer with bat AND ball 🔥

🔵 Bowling Attack

• Disciplined
• Wicket-taking
• Proven under pressure

Soufriere learned that the hard way.

 BABONNEAU: DANGEROUS… BUT HISTORY LOOMS

Let’s be fair — Babonneau is no pushover.

• Big hitters
• Ability to post strong totals
• Experience in tight games

But…

👉 There is a psychological layer that cannot be ignored.

Last year, Choiseul defeated Babonneau outright in a 2-day match.
And while a few players may have changed on both sides…

👉 The memory of that defeat does not disappear.

In cricket, history has a way of creeping into the present — especially in high-pressure finals.

This means:

• Choiseul enters with confidence
• Babonneau may carry just a hint of doubt

And in a final… even a small mental edge can decide the outcome.

 WHERE THE FINAL WILL BE WON

📌 If Choiseul bats first:

Expect 160–190+
If Jermain fires → it could go even higher.

📌 If Choiseul chases:

They’ve already shown composure and depth under pressure.

👉 Either way… Choiseul holds the edge.

🔥 MOMENTUM DOES NOT LIE

• Mon Repos — handled
• Soufriere — dominated
• Babonneau — already beaten

👉 Choiseul is not just winning… they are building authority.

 FINAL PREDICTION – NO FLUFF

With Jermain in form, Jules delivering, and the team clicking…

👉 CHOISEUL TO WIN THE FINAL

Prediction:
Choiseul by 25–45 runs
OR
Choiseul by 5–6 wickets (if chasing)

MY TAKE

Babonneau will need something special…

👉 Because right now… Choiseul looks like a team that cannot be stopped.

And if Jermain Thomas gets going again?

👉 It might be over before Babonneau even settles.

Choiseul on the Move… watching every ball 👀🏏

CHOISEUL / SALTIBUS – THIS IS YOUR MOMENT!

Opportunities don’t always knock twice… and right now, one is knocking loud enough for all of us to hear.

The Rayneau Group of Companies is expanding across the Eastern Caribbean, and they are actively seeking skilled and motivated workers across multiple fields — from road works to construction, mechanics, and office positions.

But here’s the real question…

👉🏾 Will Choiseul/Saltibus answer the call?

WHY THIS MATTERS FOR OUR PEOPLE

For years, we’ve spoken about:

• Lack of opportunities for young people
• Migration due to unemployment
• Skills going unused right here in our communities

Now, a major regional company is offering: ✔ Real jobs
✔ Regional exposure
✔ Career growth
✔ A chance to be part of building the Caribbean

This is not just “a job”…
This is a pathway.

TO THE YOUTH OF ROBLOT, PIAYE, SALTIBUS, LA FARGUE & BEYOND

If you have skills in:

• Construction
• Driving heavy equipment
• Welding, electrical, mechanics
• Office/admin work

Or even if you’re just willing to learn and ready to work…

👉🏾 This is your chance to step forward.

Don’t sit on the block talking about “nothing not out there” —
Something is out there… and it’s right in front of you.

REAL TALK

We can’t keep saying:

“The system not doing nothing for us”

…and then ignore opportunities when they come.

Yes, times hard.
Yes, things slow.
But when doors open, we must walk through them.

HOW TO APPLY

📧 Email: hr@rayneau.org
📞 Call/WhatsApp: +1 (758) 712-4600

📌 Important: Include the position you’re applying for in the subject line.

FINAL WORD – FROM CHOISEUL ON THE MOVE

Choiseul/Saltibus has talent.
Choiseul/Saltibus has strength.
Choiseul/Saltibus has people who can build, lead, and grow.

Now is the time to prove it.

👉🏾 Don’t just watch development happen… be part of it.

Choiseul on the Move – Always Watching. Always Speaking. Always Pushing Forward.

 

CHOISEUL ON THE MOVE 🔴🟡

Budget 2026–2027: Promise, Projects… But Is Choiseul Truly Positioned to Win?

When Keithson “Kiffo” Charles rose in Parliament to deliver his contribution to the 2026–2027 Estimates, he did not just speak numbers… he told a story.

A story of recovery, resilience, and a government claiming to move from “survival to structural empowerment.”

But here on the ground in Choiseul/Saltibus, one question matters more than all the speeches combined:

👉 What does this budget REALLY mean for the people?

💰 THE BIG PICTURE: A GOVERNMENT FLEXING GROWTH

The headline numbers are strong:

• 📈 Revenue projected at $1.75 billion
• 📊 Increase of over $125 million in one year
• 💵 Primary surplus of $90.1 million
• 💼 Current surplus of $243.6 million

Kiffo’s message was clear: this is not luck… this is management. 

Digitization, tax efficiency, and tighter fiscal discipline are being positioned as the engine behind this growth.

But here’s the real test: growth on paper must translate to real change in people’s lives.

🏗️ INFRASTRUCTURE & UTILITIES: THE HEART OF THE SPEECH

As Minister for Physical Development and Public Utilities, Kiffo controls one of the most powerful portfolios in government.

His allocation? A solid $53.38 million. :

And here’s what stood out:

• 🚰 Major investments in water systems (WASCO upgrades)
• 🌱 Push for water harvesting (less dependence, more resilience)
• ⚡ $7.85M for renewable energy (including geothermal in Saltibus)
• 🧾 Digitization of land registry (long overdue)
• 🗺️ New national land use planning system

This is serious groundwork. Not flashy—but foundational.

And if executed properly, it could reshape how St. Lucia functions at its core.

📍 CHOISEUL/SALTIBUS: WHERE THE RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD

This is where the speech hits home.

Kiffo made it clear: Choiseul is in focus.

🔧 What’s coming:

• 🐟 Repairs to Choiseul Fisheries Complex
• 🌊 River clearing in Choiseul & Piaye (flood prevention)
• 🌍 $1.5M Blue & Green Economy programme
• ⚡ Geothermal exploration in Saltibus
• 🏠 Housing assistance & development support

On paper? Solid.

But on the ground? The people will judge by execution.

🚧 REAL TALK: THE WORK ALREADY STARTED

Kiffo did something many politicians avoid—he pointed to visible work already happening:

• 🛣️ Roads: Mongouge → La Fargue → Piaye → Tete Morne 
• 💡 Street lighting in previously dark communities
• 🚿 Drainage upgrades in flood-prone areas
• ⚠️ Safety improvements for pedestrians & drivers

And perhaps most powerful…

Stories of real people:

• A young woman no longer walking in darkness
• Residents no longer carrying groceries through mud
• Communities finally feeling seen

This is where the speech connected.

🌱 ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY: A MISSED CHANCE OR A SLEEPING GIANT?

Kiffo went further—he started thinking beyond roads and drains:

• 🌰 Cashew + peanut intercropping
• 🍈 Passion fruit expansion
• 🏭 Agro-processing link with Soufriere
• 💼 MSME grants for young entrepreneurs

This is the part of the speech that could define his legacy.

Because infrastructure alone does not build wealth… production does.

⚖️ THE CRITICAL QUESTIONS (NO FLUFF)

Choiseul on the Move is not here to clap—we are here to analyze.So let’s ask the hard questions:

• ❓ Will these allocations actually reach the people—or get stuck in bureaucracy?
• ❓ Will geothermal in Saltibus become reality—or just another study?
• ❓ Will agriculture finally be scaled—or remain small talk?
• ❓ Can momentum be sustained beyond the first 3 months?

Because we’ve seen budgets before…

The difference this time must be delivery.

🎯 FINAL VERDICT: STRONG START… BUT THE CLOCK IS TICKING

This was a confident, well-structured, and ambitious presentation.

Kiffo positioned himself as:

• ✔ A builder
• ✔ A planner
• ✔ A constituency-focused representative

And for the first time in a long time, many in Choiseul are beginning to feel something unfamiliar:

👉 Momentum.

But momentum is fragile.

The next 6–12 months will determine everything.

Because at the end of the day, Choiseul does not live in speeches…

Choiseul lives in RESULTS.

  FULL SPEECH DOWNLOAD

For those who want to go deeper and read the full parliamentary contribution:

📥 Download Full Budget Speech (PDF)

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Choiseul on the Move – Independent. Fearless. Watching Every Dollar.