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Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre has reaffirmed the important role of the Saint Lucia Social Development Fund (SSDF) in supporting vulnerable communities across Saint Lucia. He highlighted programmes targeting poverty reduction, youth development, first-time offenders and young people in conflict with the law, while defending the organisation's contribution to social development.
Saint Lucian sprinter Jady Emmanuel has set a new national women's 100-metre record of 11.28 seconds and made history by becoming the first Saint Lucian female athlete to reach a final at a global under-20 championship. Her performance has been hailed as another sign of the growing potential of Saint Lucia's young athletes.
In the headlines: Plea Bargaining Bill to strengthen Saint Lucia's criminal justice system and solar energy gets tax relief For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc
The Government of Saint Lucia is advancing legislation to introduce a structured framework for plea bargaining, aimed at improving the efficiency of the criminal justice system. The initiative comes alongside progress in reducing the court backlog, with at least 48 indictable matters disposed of through the backlog court, including cases that had remained unresolved for decades.
Government parliamentarians have unanimously approved the removal of VAT on photovoltaic systems. The measure is intended to reduce electricity costs for households and businesses, particularly micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, while encouraging renewable energy investment, creating opportunities in the sector and strengthening Saint Lucia's tourism competitiveness.
The Chief Medical Officer has outlined ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition to strengthen Saint Lucia's public healthcare system. Over the past several months, the Ministry has been reviewing healthcare services and facilities, updating clinical protocols and standard operating procedures, increasing staffing, expanding clinics and services, and listening to the experiences and concerns of patients and healthcare workers. Efforts are also underway to strengthen urgent and emergency care, improve pre-hospital and port health services, establish National Blood Bank services, support the commissioning of services at the new St. Jude Hospital site, and advance plans for the Gros Islet Polyclinic to operate on a 24 hour basis. The Chief Medical Officer emphasized that regular visits and reviews of health facilities will continue to ensure that patients receive consistent, high quality care throughout the country.
Saint Lucia joined countries around the world in celebrating World Steel Pan Day on August 11, recognizing the instrument's cultural, historical and social significance. The Cultural Development Foundation highlighted steel pan's origins in Trinidad and Tobago and its role as a symbol of resilience, creativity and cultural expression. The public, particularly young people, is encouraged to support and participate in steel pan to ensure the tradition continues.
The Government of Saint Lucia has proposed a five-year VAT zero-rating on a wide range of solar energy equipment, including solar panels, mounts, inverters, deep-cycle batteries, cables and control devices. The measure, effective from August 2, 2026 to August 1, 2031, is intended to make renewable energy more affordable, reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, and lower the cost of living and doing business.
Proposed amendments to the Banking Act across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union will provide a legal framework for the Office for Financial Conduct, which will serve as a consumer regulator for banking services. The office will handle complaints, enforce codes of conduct and help customers seek resolution and redress, with its services available free of charge. Saint Lucia is expected to update its legislation in 2026, while the Office for Financial Conduct is scheduled to launch in September.
The Taiwan Technical Mission in Saint Lucia is encouraging consumers to incorporate white eggplant into their diets as part of efforts to diversify local food options and strengthen food security. An initiative at Massy Stores Sunnyacres introduced three varieties of white eggplant through food tastings and recipe demonstrations. The varieties offer benefits such as higher yields, resilience in dry conditions and a milder taste, while the initiative seeks to increase demand for locally produced foods.
In the headlines: Prime Minister Hon Philip J Pierre makes a statement on SSDF Audits and Saint Lucia and the US finalize third country transfer procedures For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc
Saint Lucia and the United States have agreed on procedures governing the transfer of third-country nationals to Saint Lucia, with no more than 10 individuals expected per quarter. The agreement excludes unaccompanied minors, Saint Lucian nationals, and individuals with known criminal records, except for U.S. immigration violations. The government is also seeking financial support from the United States to implement the arrangement.
The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) is strengthening Saint Lucia's disaster preparedness by reinforcing its network of liaison officers. More than 35 representatives from public and private sector organizations participated in a tabletop exercise aimed at testing emergency operations plans, improving coordination, and strengthening business continuity. Officials emphasized the importance of regularly testing and practicing emergency plans to ensure organizations are better prepared to respond to disasters.
Saint Lucia has welcomed a high-level delegation from the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) as the Government seeks to expand partnerships aimed at transforming the agricultural sector. Discussions include scholarship opportunities and the development of cocoa, specialty coffee and other value-added industries. The partnership is expected to create new opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs while strengthening Saint Lucia's agricultural products, including honey, sea moss and chocolate.
The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition, in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), has completed a four-day training session focused on advancing Saint Lucia's integrated online surveillance guidelines. The digital platform supports disease tracking, data analysis, early detection and coordinated responses to public health threats. The initiative takes a One Health approach and provides guidance, responsibilities and standard operating procedures for various sectors involved in health surveillance.
The Department of Sustainable Development is working with civil society organizations to support the implementation of Saint Lucia's Nationally Determined Contributions, particularly NDC 3.0. The initiative aims to strengthen the capacity of local organizations to develop community-based climate projects, improve access to climate financing, and build partnerships that advance emissions reduction and climate resilience.
The Ministry of Education has commenced distribution of Education Access Fund checks to parents and guardians of students entering Form 1 at designated schools across Saint Lucia. Collections are being held according to district schedules from August 10–14, with recipients required to present valid photo identification and complete the necessary signature forms.
In the headlines: Arsenal legend Bacary Sagna inspires Saint Lucia's football future and Government opens upgraded Reduit vending booths For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc
Arsenal legend Bacary Sagna has concluded a successful visit to Saint Lucia through the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority's partnership with Arsenal Football Club. Tourism Minister Hon. Dr. Ernest Hilaire highlighted the partnership's potential to help develop Saint Lucia's top football talent and prepare the country for major competitions such as the World Cup and Olympics. Sagna also praised the discipline and commitment of Saint Lucia's young footballers and encouraged them to continue working toward their goals.
The Government of Saint Lucia has officially opened the upgraded Reduit Vending Booths and Comfort Lounge following improvements to the Mount Pimard Beach Park. The new facility provides vendors with a more organized and professional environment while improving the experience for residents and visitors. Officials say the project forms part of the Government's broader destination-management efforts and investment in public infrastructure.
The Government is expanding its efforts to improve beaches, lookouts and other recreational areas across Saint Lucia. Tourism Minister Hon. Dr. Ernest Hilaire said similar facilities will be developed around the island to ensure residents and visitors have access to better amenities. The initiative also aims to create more attractive public spaces while supporting local vendors and encouraging greater community participation in tourism.
The Consulate General of Saint Lucia in New York will host its annual Saint Lucia Day celebration on Saturday, August 8. The event will bring together Saint Lucians and descendants across the New York Tri-State area to celebrate the island's culture and heritage. Activities will include performances by Saint Lucian artists, a food marketplace featuring national dishes, and opportunities for Saint Lucian businesses and artisans to showcase their products.
His Excellency Felix Finisterre has been appointed Acting Governor General of Saint Lucia following the departure of Sir Cyril Errol Charles. Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre expressed gratitude to Sir Errol for his service and congratulated Mr. Finisterre, wishing him success in carrying out the responsibilities of the office.
The 2026 Emancipation Day lecture highlighted the importance of learning from history to shape Saint Lucia's future. Historian Professor Louise Mathurin-Serieux encouraged Saint Lucians to challenge the status quo, embrace innovation and strengthen cooperation, pointing to traditional practices such as koudmen, susu and friendly societies as examples of collective economic empowerment.
The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition has officially launched the nation's very first National Cancer Registry, a landmark initiative set to strengthen how we track, prevent, and respond to the disease. Held under the theme 'Data for Action: Building a Stronger Response to Cancer,' the launch brought together senior health officials, clinicians, and regional partners, all united behind one goal: turning reliable data into better care and better outcomes for Saint Lucians. Officials are calling it more than a new system, they're calling it a promise that every diagnosis will count, and every case will bring the country one step closer to saving lives.
Community stakeholders in Babonneau, Monchy and Mabouya Valley are participating in the Man and the Biosphere initiative, which explores the possibility of establishing a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Saint Lucia. The programme promotes sustainable environmental practices while supporting livelihoods, climate resilience, water management and community development.
Saint Lucia's Newborn Grants Programme officially took effect on August 1, 2026. Eligible mothers will receive a one-time EC$1,000 grant for newborns born on or after August 1, provided the child's birth is registered within six months. The programme aims to help families with immediate newborn expenses while encouraging timely birth registration.
The Government of Saint Lucia has maintained the retail prices of fuel and liquid petroleum gas from August 1 to August 23, 2026, under the modified fuel pass-through mechanism. Gasoline and diesel remain at EC$16.75 per imperial gallon, while kerosene remains at EC$10.41. Cooking gas prices have also been maintained, with government subsidies continuing to cushion households and businesses from international energy price fluctuations.
The Department of Sustainable Development has completed a three-day technical workshop aimed at improving Saint Lucia's climate reporting and meeting its international obligations under the Paris Agreement. The programme examined greenhouse gas emissions, climate policies and progress towards the country's Nationally Determined Contributions. Participants also focused on data collection, emissions reporting and performance monitoring. Feedback from the workshops will contribute to Saint Lucia's reporting to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and strengthen the country's enhanced transparency framework.
In the headlines: Government increases healthcare investment and researcher challenges Colonial Narratives on Saint Lucia's economic history For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc
The Government of Saint Lucia is increasing financial support for the Millennium Heights Medical Complex as it works to improve patient care and ease pressure on the Owen King EU Hospital. Health Minister Hon. Moses Jean-Baptiste says the annual government subvention has risen from approximately $31.8 million in 2020/2021 to about $77 million in the latest budget. Government has also taken steps to address outstanding debt, improve pharmaceutical procurement and recruit additional health-care professionals. Strengthening primary and community health services, including the reconstruction of urgent care facilities at the Betty Wells Urban Polyclinic, is also expected to help reduce congestion at the hospital.
Saint Lucian researcher Louise Mathurin-Serieux is calling for a reassessment of the country's economic history, arguing that colonial narratives have often placed responsibility for agricultural setbacks on local farmers. Speaking at the annual Emancipation Day lecture, she cited the decline of the banana industry as an example, saying archival evidence points to decisions by colonial governments and foreign companies as major factors. She also highlighted how external market decisions affected Saint Lucia's export industries and influenced economic and land policies over the years.
Morocco's Ambassador to Saint Lucia highlighted the growing cooperation between the two countries during celebrations marking the accession of King Mohammed VI to the Moroccan throne. More than 130 Saint Lucian students have benefited from AMCI scholarships to study at Moroccan universities, including 34 currently or previously enrolled in medicine. Foreign Affairs Minister Hon. Alva Baptiste reaffirmed Saint Lucia's commitment to expanding cooperation with Morocco in areas including sustainable development, agriculture, education and cultural exchange. The two countries are also pursuing opportunities for increased trade and investment.
The Ministry of Health is assuring the public that anti-venom remains available for emergency treatment following venomous snake bites. Supplies are maintained at Owen King EU Hospital and St. Jude Hospital, with the Government stating that patients can also receive further medical treatment through the universal health coverage programme when required.
Aspiring entrepreneurs and culinary enthusiasts are now better positioned to pursue opportunities in Saint Lucia's hospitality and food-services sectors, following a specialized sushi-making training programme organized by the Department of Equity, Social Justice, Gender, and Older Persons, via its Community Services Unit.
Saint Lucia has moved closer to establishing its first National Occupational Safety and Health Policy, as representatives from government, employers, workers and other key sectors convened to review and validate the proposed framework for safer and healthier workplaces. Led by the Department of Labour, the National Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Policy Validation Workshop brought stakeholders together on July 30, 2026, to review the draft policy, identify areas for further consideration and recommend measures reflecting the realities of Saint Lucia's working environment.
WASCO continues to manage reduced water production caused by prolonged dry conditions through scheduled distribution, water trucking and supply management measures. At the same time, major infrastructure projects, including the Theobalds Water Supply Rehabilitation Project and pipeline upgrades, are advancing to improve the reliability and resilience of Saint Lucia's water supply.
The Ministry of External Affairs has reaffirmed its commitment to developing a competitive, export-oriented services economy. Following a technical workshop with trade policy officials and sector stakeholders, the Ministry pledged to strengthen collaboration, advance policy and regulatory reforms, and build Saint Lucia's capacity to benefit from opportunities in international services trade.
"None!" That was Kwency Griffith's answer when I asked what opportunity he saw in the market before he emptied his savings and founded Vybe Radio. No gap. No safety net. Just the belief that if no space existed, he would create one. A decade later, Vybe Radio broadcasts island-wide across Saint Lucia, reaches over 160,000 followers across platforms, and is streamed world-wide. But this episode isn't about radio. It's about what Kwency built quietly, on the side a property portfolio that started with land that sat untouched for 15 years and ended with Petit Paradis Villas: 3 x one-bedroom units, 1 x two-bedroom unit, and a pool in Corinth. Growing up and he decided what he DID NOT want to be. From radio sales to on-air talent; how he got his first break at The Wave. The harsh criticism that almost broke him and why he later thanked the person who gave it. How Vybe Radio positioned itself around youth, technology, and edutainment, before anyone else in St. Lucia was doing it. Then the property lightbulb: why he decided real estate was the only path to retiring on his own terms. Find out when he confirmed that property was the one business that will keep paying, even after the bank that told him preferential rates only went to certain people in society. Navigating DCA approvals, parking requirements, and the approval process in St. Lucia. Choosing a contractor, what he looked for and why. The decision to bite the bullet and do all 4 units at once instead of building in phases. His rental strategy. And finally...what financial freedom means to him and the advice he would give to his 30-year-old self.#BankofSaintLucia#NagicoInsurances#CaribbeanMetals#MandC
The Daily Quiz - Geography Today's Questions: Question 1: What is the world's largest sea? Question 2: What is the capital city of Saint Lucia? Question 3: What is the capital city of Tajikistan? Question 4: What is the capital city of Hungary? Question 5: Which of these cities is in Italy? Question 6: In which country would you find Tikal National Park? Question 7: What is the name of the street that runs from the White House to the Capitol and is used for ceremonial parades? Question 8: What is the capital city of Malaysia? This podcast is produced by Klassic Studios Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on Hurdle, Emily sits down with Olympic and Indoor World Champion Julien Alfred. The track and field star opens up about navigating the mental ups and downs of elite competition, moving away from home at age 14 to pursue her dreams, and learning how to protect her inner peace amid massive international success and public attention. Julien shares how she overcomes self-doubt, handles the pressure of representing Saint Lucia on the global stage, and why giving herself grace has been key to her growth both on and off the track. IN THIS EPISODE Navigating Mental Rough Patches: Julien reflects on starting the season in a difficult mental space, questioning her abilities, and how stepping back helped her reset and realign. Overcoming Loss & Finding Drive: How losing her father at a young age shaped her resilience and continues to inspire her athletic journey today. Handling High Pressure: What it’s like to carry the expectations of an entire country while learning to focus on her own personal growth and goals first. Protecting Inner Peace: Why Julien steps away from social media and media noise to surround herself with a strong support system that values her for who she is, not just what she accomplishes on the track. The Move at Age 14: The immense sacrifice of leaving Saint Lucia as a teenager for Jamaica to train, and how that leap of faith prepared her for college and professional success. Game Face vs. Real Life: The contrast between Julien’s calm, peaceful personality off the track and her focused, "all business" alter ego on race day. QUOTABLE MOMENTS "I am just such a resilient person, a strong person, that if I'm down for a short time, I know I'm going to find my way to get back to the top." "It's okay to give yourself grace. It's okay to mess up sometimes. That's part of being human." "Small island, big things—you can just do whatever you put your mind to, no matter where you're from." "On the track, I'm a different person. It's all business... There's nothing to smile about until I cross that line first." SOCIAL@julien.alfred@emilyabbate@iheartwomenssports JOIN: The Daily Hurdle IG Channel SIGN UP: Weekly Hurdle Newsletter ASK ME A QUESTION: Email hello@hurdle.us to with your questions! Emily answers them every Friday on the show. Listen to Hurdle with Emily Abbate on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
✈️ FLIGHT ZONE - JULY 2026
After almost a decade of traveling together, Chris and Kat share their favorite places for food, wildlife, best overall destination, and so much more! Relevant Links (may contain affiliate links, meaning if you make a purchase through these links, we earn a small commission-at no additional cost to you!): 10-Day Southwest France Trip: https://francevoyager.com/10-day-southwest-france-itinerary/ 2-Week South Africa Itinerary: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com/perfect-two-week-south-african-honeymoon-itinerary/ 7-Day Italy itinerary: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com/7-days-in-italy-off-the-beaten-path-itinerary/ 10 Days in Peru: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com/perfect-10-day-peru-itinerary/ 5 Days in Koh Lipe, Thailand: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com/koh-lipe-thailand-itinerary/ Saint Lucia itinerary: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com/st-lucia-itinerary-in-5-7-days/ Costa Rica in 10 Days: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com/costa-rica-itinerary-in-10-days/ Tanzania Safar Podcast Episode by Amateur Traveler: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/travel-to-tanzania-on-safari/id79424011?i=1000588617557 Want to support our work? You can buy us a coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/worldwidehoneymoon Need help planning your trip to France? Check out my trip consulting page: https://francevoyager.com/france-travel-consulting-custom-itineraries/ Traveling to France? Check out our Facebook Group called France Travel Tips to ask/answer questions and learn more! https://www.facebook.com/groups/francevoyager/ Don't forget to follow along! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worldwidehoneymoon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/worldwidehoneymoon TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@worldwidehoneymoon World Wide Honeymoon Blog: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com France Voyager Blog: https://francevoyager.com Subscribe to the World Wide Honeymoon blog here for monthly updates and tips + get our FREE trip planning guide: https://www.subscribepage.com/o4e5c2
Medical missionaries are often called upon to provide care that is beyond the scope of their training and previous experience. This interactive case presentation looks at the realities of clinical decision-making in a critically ill snakebitten patient, and offers suggestions on how to navigate similar challenging situations.
At the 2026 Monaco Diamond League, Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia a 200m PB of 21.51 which made her the 3rd fastest athlete in history. But just a few years ago, she hated running the event and was on the verge of completely giving it up.-------------------------------------------
Understanding how values and communication styles differ across cultures is key to succeeding internationally. That’s why training in cross-cultural communication has become commonplace in the international business world. In this session, we’ll look at 6 dimensions of cross-cultural communication and their application to medical scenarios.
With nearly 1.3 billion disabled people in the world, we assume that the medical community focuses on physical health. But who is helping people with the emotional and spiritual impact of disability? In this session, we will explore the emotional and spiritual impact of disability and how the church and global workers can effectively support the disabled community with this critical need.
Lance Growth is the CEO of Growth 1031, a company specializing in 1031 exchange services for real estate investors nationwide. Originally from Saint Lucia, Lance earned his Juris Doctor degree from Thomas Jefferson School of Law and built his career helping investors navigate complex tax-deferral strategies. Through Growth 1031, he assists clients with exchange planning, compliance, and investment structuring while educating investors on how to preserve and grow wealth through real estate. Here's some of the topics we covered: From Boxer to 1031 Exchange CEO The Tax Loophole Every Investor Should Know How to Legally Avoid Capital Gains Taxes 1031 vs. Cost Seg: Which Wins? Why Airbnb Investors Are Getting Crushed The Massive Investor Migration to Florida & Texas The Advanced 1031 Strategy Wealthy Investors Use To find out more about partnering or investing in a multifamily deal: Text Partner to 72345 or email Partner@RodKhleif.com For more about Rod and his real estate investing journey go to www.rodkhleif.com Please Review and Subscribe
The Dad Edge Podcast (formerly The Good Dad Project Podcast)
Justin Goodbread is a serial entrepreneur, business coach, and host of the DecaMillionaire Decoded podcast who has built and sold multiple companies while raising three kids alongside his wife Emily in Tennessee. His father Alan, a Georgia Port Authority worker who homeschooled three children with Juilliard graduates and university professors on a lower-middle-class income, laid the foundation for everything Justin has become as a man, a husband, and a dad. This episode is a raw, honest look at how faith, family, and legacy intersect when life gets hard. Justin shares the stories behind losing his father suddenly at 61, nearly losing Emily during an 8-hour surgery with a 12% survival rate, and how both moments stripped away his obsession with building empires and replaced it with something that actually matters. If you're a dad who wants to leave your kids with more than money, this conversation will stay with you. Timeline Summary [1:02] Host opens with a special June Alliance offer including a signed book, two courses, and 50 intimate conversation starters for couples [2:38] Guest Justin Goodbread is introduced and the two celebrate a recent episode swap on Justin's podcast [3:46] Justin describes his father Alan and the radical decision his parents made to break a cycle of dysfunction by raising their kids in faith and homeschooling them decades before it was common [7:39] Dad gives 15-year-old Justin an ultimatum: have a job by Friday or don't come home, with three strict rules that made it nearly impossible in their small Georgia town [9:53] Justin finds a stranger's overgrown yard, earns $40, and comes home to a father who reveals the lesson he'd orchestrated all along: at 15, you just outearned me [11:37] Two years after starting "Lawn Care by the Boys," Justin and his brother were earning more individually than their parents combined [12:33] After a final day hunting and a Taco Bell conversation about responsibility and legacy, Justin returns home to a call that his father had a massive heart attack that night [13:22] Justin describes a five-year crisis of faith following his father's sudden death at 61, and how grief forced him to rebuild everything from the ground up [24:01] Justin shares the family motto "No one outworks a Goodbread" and how his dad led with short, hard-to-forget phrases that became the family's operating system [29:18] Seven years of tribulation including multiple deaths, suicides among friends, and the stripping away of money and relationships down to just Justin, Emily, and a handful of close friends [31:39] Emily's surgery runs more than 8 hours when doctors said anything past 6 would mean trouble, and Justin sits alone in the hospital waiting room [33:06] Emily's first words coming out of anesthesia: "Justin, what's another million dollars going to do for us?" and how that question changed the direction of his entire life [39:44] The post-surgery shift: intentionality replaces ambition, marriage gets prioritized above all, and Justin and Emily travel to Costa Rica and Saint Lucia to invest in their relationship like never before [43:51] Justin uses the story of Jochebed and Moses to explain his parenting philosophy: mothers nurture in the early years, then fathers step in to disciple their kids into warriors [46:14] His 21-year-old daughter calls, ready to quit a hard nursing class. Justin says nothing. She already knows exactly what he'll say because she's been discipled. [53:43] Justin closes with Ephesians 6:13: "having done all, stand" — do your dead-level best, trust grace for the rest, and enter heaven exhausted Five Key Takeaways Your kids are watching you model your marriage more than they are watching you parent them. Justin and Emily made it a point to date each other first, keep their marriage above everything else, and trust that their kids would follow what they saw. When Emily nearly died, their daughter was already grounded enough to say "don't worry, dad, we got this." A crisis of faith is not the end of faith. After his father died, Justin spent five years questioning everything he had been raised to believe. What came out on the other side was not a shallower faith but a more surrendered one — a willingness to stop fighting the path and trust the process even when it costs him. The goal is to enter heaven exhausted, not retired. Justin draws a direct line from his father's work ethic to his own rejection of the Western retirement model. Life built around impact, not income, is the shift that Emily's surgery forced him to make, and it became the most clarifying decision of his adult life. Discipleship is about covering your kids in dust. Justin references the Hebrew tradition of students being covered in the dust of their teacher as they walked behind them. The goal is not just to tell your kids what to believe but to walk faithfully enough in front of them that when it counts, they already know what to do. God gets no glory in quitting. Justin's father said it when the family was tempted to pull the kids from homeschooling. Justin's daughter said it back to him at 21, unprompted, when she was ready to drop a nursing class. The phrase became a family doctrine because it was lived out, not just spoken. Links & Resources DecaMillionaire Decoded Podcast — http://justingoodbread.com/podcast Connect with Justin on Instagram — http://instagram.com/justingoodbread Join the Dad Edge Alliance — http://thedadedge.com/join 50 Intimate Kid Conversation Starters — http://thedadedge.com/kidquestions Show notes and full resources — http://thedadedge.com/1487 Closing Justin's story is not a highlight reel. It is a funeral, an 8-hour surgery, a crisis of faith, and a daughter who already knew what her dad was going to say before he said a word. If something in this episode hit you, send it to a man in your life who needs it. Rate and review the show so more dads can find it, and go out and live legendary.
The morning of Thursday, November 20, 1969 started with a bang for the islanders on the Windward coast of Saint Vincent Island. For some, it was like the gods had finally gotten around to answering their prayers. A huge party broke out on the beach shortly after sunrise.And within hours, it spread to dozens of nearby villages. But as the weekend progressed, the locals realized that something was horribly wrong, and that the once-in-a-lifetime windfall was actually a curse in disguise. Cultural BackgroundSt. Vincent and the Grenadines, or SVG, is located in the southwestern Caribbean between Saint Lucia to the north and Barbados and Grenada to the south. The country is made up of 32 islands and cays and only has about 150 square miles (390 square km) of territory – most of which is on the northernmost island of Saint Vincent. Saint Vincent is also home to the capital of Kingstown – not to be confused with Kingston, Jamaica, which is nearly 1,100 miles (1,770 km) to the northwest. In the late 1960s, SVG had a population of about 95,000 residents – about two-thirds of whom were natives of African descent. By some estimates, nearly three-quarters of the population worked in banana production which accounted for the lion's share of the country's economy. The locals worked hard on their small family plots and eked out comfortable if modest livings. And when it was time for recreation, they usually engaged in the island's most quintessential pastime – liming. In layman's terms, liming is slang for relaxing, gossipping, and enjoying the pleasant weather and beautiful scenery with friends and family. And sometimes, they threw in another element – uber-strong island “overproof” rum called Jack Iron. And by strong, we're talking about 150 to 180-proof. To put that into perspective, most spirits like Scotch, vodka and American bourbon are 80-proof, or 40% alcohol by volume. By comparison, 180-proof Jack Iron is more than twice as strong – or about 90% alcohol by volume. And unlike Scotch and Bourbon, it's clear because the locals drink it immediately after distillation instead of aging it in oak barrels. Most Jack Iron is produced in small home stills where quality control is minimal. And due to its potency, it smells more like an industrial solvent than an intoxicating beverage fit for human consumption. As for how it got its name, one common explanation is that consuming it makes drinkers feel like they've been whalloped in the head with an iron car jack. Then again, the “iron” may be a reference to masculine constitution. As in, you pretty much have to be made of iron to drink it because it packs such a punch. From the immediate numbing of the lips and mouth, to the face-twisting throat burn to the final kick in the abdomen when the liquid finally enters the stomach, the experience is nothing short of unforgettable. In fact, Jack Iron is so entrenched in the local culture that islanders usually pour a small portion of every new bottle onto the ground so deceased ancestors can enjoy it too. And fishermen, laborers and banana farms often take a few nips before starting their day as a way of fortifying themselves against the strenuous work ahead. But as ubiquitous as Jack Iron is, the islanders generally disapprove of public drunkenness. Actually, they revere drinkers who can hold their liquor. The goal is to consume just enough to get a jolt before work or to take the edge off while liming away a lazy afternoon. But when the conditions are just right – like they were in the fall of 1969 – the islanders aren't afraid to let loose and throw caution to the wind.Shipwreck On the night of Wednesday, November 19, the 90-ton schooner, Ruth 114, was traveling from Trinidad to Martinique carrying a dozen casks of Jack Iron, 100 drums of methanol – or wood alcohol – and 150 drums of aviation fuel called avgas. Before continuing on, it's worth pointing out that the drums of fuel and methanol were marked with big, red “DANGER” warnings. Anyway..the storm got so bad by 3:00 the following morning that the schooner sustained serious sail and rudder damage, sprung a leak, and began filling up with seawater. The eight-man crew tried in vain to save the vessel and its valuable cargo. But before long, Captain Kenneth Richardson saw the writing on the wall and ordered everyone to abandon ship. At the time, they were within sight of the beach at Colonarie on Saint Vincent's Windward coast.The crew launched a lifeboat, rowed to shore safely and watched the listing schooner disappear into the darkness. After that, it drifted in the heavy seas before turning landward and running aground at Big Level Beach near the village of Sandy Bay.And when the sun came up, curious villagers waded out into the surf, climbed aboard, inspected the damaged vessel and quickly began relieving it of its precious cargo. By then, Captain Richardson had alerted the police and told them where he thought the schooner would be. Two vessels from Kingstown were dispatched to locate the Ruth 114 shortly thereafter, but they never found it. PartyLuckily, the hardest part of the salvage operation was getting the drums and casks over the gunwale and into the surf.And since the drums floated, it was just a matter of pushing them toward land and rolling them onto the beach. In less than an hour, dozens of drums and casks were lined up just waiting to be tapped. And before long, word spread to nearby villages like Owia, Sandy Bay, Rose Bank and Orange Hill that there was enough Iron Jack rum to keep everybody buzzed for weeks on end. Within the hour, the beach was crowded with hundreds of locals intent on getting their fair share. For many, it felt like a once-in-a-lifetime “Manna from Heaven” moment. Or in local terms, a gift from the sea. There was also a sense of urgency, because everyone knew it was only a matter of time before the police showed up, confiscated the cargo and brought the impromptu party to a grinding halt. As such, the wood casks containing the Jack Iron rum were immediately tapped. It's unclear if it turned into a free-for-all or if the locals who made the discovery managed to maintain some semblance or order. Whatever the case, the villagers began filling up everything from coffee cups and teapots to glass jars and empty soda bottles. And in the chaos, they also opened the metal drums and began consuming the avgas and methanol– even though they were clearly marked with big warning signs and ominous red Xs. Like Jack Iron, avgas and methanol are usually relatively clear. So in the heat of the moment, it's not that surprising that they didn't notice they weren't drinking the real thing. Of course, the question was, couldn't they taste and smell the difference? After all, avgas is a lot like gasoline. And methanol has even more of a kick than Jack Iron. Nonetheless, they apparently weren't aware that they were consuming potentially deadly substances. And by then, some of them had already consumed real Jack Iron which lowered their inhibitions, numbed their taste beds, and made their noses far less sensitive than they would have otherwise been. As for the methanol and avgas, some of the partiers turned it into punch by adding sugar, water and lime juice which masked the taste and smell even more. In the early going, the grateful revelers felt like they always did after drinking intoxicating spirits..warm, tipsy, and downright jovial.With so many drums, the party continued throughout the day, into the night and well into the weekend. That said, the furor eventually died down as the crowd dispersed. And at that moment, the islanders who found the schooner decided that they had a rare opportunity to make some serious money. And with that, they began selling what was left.After that, the buyers took what they thought was bona fide Jack Iron rum back to their homes and businesses where they consumed it, sold it, and gave it to close friends and family members in their own villages and other villages up and down the coast. Aftermath/Medical ResponseThe fun and festive atmosphere took an alarming and unexpected turn about a day later. By then, many of the formerly happy villagers were experiencing serious symptoms including dizziness, loss of motor skills, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting, as well as blurry vision like they were viewing their surroundings through a blinding snowstorm. Interestingly, not everyone who came down with these symptoms drank that much. At that point, they had no idea what was happening. But below the surface, their bodies were busy metabolizing the methanol and avgas into toxic formaldehyde and formic acid. Patients began showing up at local clinics en masse on November 22 and 23. And by the following day, ambulances from all over the island began arriving at Kingstown General Hospital. In a matter of hours, the facility and its woefully unprepared staff were dealing with hundreds of sick patients, many of who were teetering on the edge of death. Writhing, moaning, vomiting, and in some cases comatose islanders were crammed into every nook and cranny. Many were relegated to straw mats on both sides of the already-cramped corridors because the rooms were totally full. By then, the hospital staff knew about the shipwreck and the liquid from the metal drums that the sick patients consumed. The problem was, they had no way of knowing if they drank straight methanol or avgas which was actually a mixture of fuel, methanol and other toxic hydrocarbons.And to make matters worse, they couldn't pump the pati