Podcast appearances and mentions of Saint Lucia

Residents and students learn from others about original motivation, long-haul stamina, pearls and pitfalls of living in community, debt, vision for one’s next step to the nations, and helping the needy now tensioned with investing in education to help others later.

In the headlines: Prime Minister, Hon. Philip J. Pierre meets with CARICOM Heads of Government and; celebratory activities over the weekend bring the curtains down for Saint Lucia's 47th Independence Anniversary. For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) recently held a three-day seminar on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Prevention and Control at the Harbor Club Hotel in Rodney Bay where health practitioners from Saint Lucia participated. The seminar was open to ex-participants from the Caribbean region who participated in the JICA Knowledge Co-Creation Training which took place in Japan last year. The seminar provided participants with an opportunity to share and discuss their successes and challenges in advancing the action plan for the prevention and management of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in their country. The Seminar on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Prevention and Control received support and participation from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO).

In the headlines: Government of Saint Lucia opens the Gros Islet Police Divisional Headquarters and, a new emergency department at the Dr. Winston Parris Medical Complex forecasted for completion in 2026. For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

Have you longed to integrate your Christian faith into your patient care—on the mission field abroad, in your work in the US, and during your training? Are you not sure how to do this in a caring, ethical, sensitive, and relevant manner? This “working” session will explore the ethical basis for spiritual care and provide you with professional, timely, and proven practical methods to care for the whole person in the clinical setting. https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/qpah9kh1lttg6cm1jjop9/Bob-Mason-Ethics-of-Spiritual-Care-revised.pptx?rlkey=0emve2ja8282nv8xc4uinq1hg&st=9033htwx&dl=0

The Ministry of Equity, Labour, Gender, Elderly Affairs, Social Justice and Consumer Welfare has underscored the significance of the recent strategic meeting between Minister Hon. Emma Hippolyte and members of the Labour Tribunal, describing the engagement as a pivotal step towards strengthening labour justice and improving service delivery to workers and employers across Saint Lucia. The high-level meeting, held on February 12, 2026 and attended by Labour Tribunal Chairperson Mrs. Petra Jeffery-Nelson, Tribunal members, and Permanent Secretary in the Department of Labour Mrs. Sheila Imbert, was deliberately structured as a working session focused on understanding operational challenges, case management constraints, and areas requiring institutional support.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition is closely monitoring the situation of the Nipah virus currently in India. As of January 13, 2026, two (2) cases of Nipah virus (NiV) have been confirmed in Kolkata, West Bengal State India. The risk of the Nipah virus to the Caribbean region is designated at low at this time. Saint Lucia is ensuring the level of preparedness to manage possible importation and outbreaks in country which includes the following: surveillance at the ports and health institutions; collaboration and consultation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Veterinary Department & communication and health education sessions with healthcare workers, tourism sector, education sector and the general public. The Ministry of Health is also focused on ensuring prevention and risk reduction by ensuring the enhancement of infection control measures at health institutions, early identification through testing capacity and isolation measures when necessary.

In the headlines: Brandy and Monica to headline the 2026 Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival's Ultimate Celebration and. Saint Lucia's Witness Protection Program to be strengthened in the next budget cycle. For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

The Taiwanese Embassy has announced that Saint Lucia might receive as many as forty scholarships for academic study in Taiwan in the upcoming academic year. They have also promised to increase the number of subject areas offered to Saint Lucian students.

In the headlines: Parliament approves yet another tax amnesty and; Saint Lucia's creatives are honored at a recent prize-giving ceremony. For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

Those who hope to honor God and advance Jesus' Kingdom face powerful opposition from spiritual, physical, and psychological enemies. Successful launching and long term fruitfulness depends on recognizing and, in dependence on the Holy Spirit, waging war against those enemies.

The successful conclusion of the BE-CLME+ Micronesia Challenge Twinning Initiative reinforces Saint Lucia's commitment to a people-centred Blue Economy by strengthening regional cooperation, shared learning, and practical solutions for fisheries management, food security, and climate resilience. The initiative brought together regional and international partners to exchange best practices in ocean governance, community-based fisheries management, and climate adaptation areas critical to Small Island Developing States facing escalating climate risks. Throughout the week-long engagement, participants experienced first-hand how Saint Lucia's Blue Economy agenda is directly linked to livelihoods, affordable protein, and national development, while also drawing lessons from Micronesia's customary tenure systems and long-standing community stewardship of marine resources. The twinning initiative aligns with Saint Lucia's national Blue Economy priorities by strengthening institutional capacity, promoting ecosystem-based management, and fostering transboundary cooperation. 

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition in collaboration with Hand Help Inc. will be hosting the second Hand Surgery Mission in Saint Lucia from March 29th -April 2nd, 2026. The Mission will be held at the Millennium Heights Medical Complex and the St. Jude Hospital. Hand Help Inc. is a charitable organization that provides hand surgery care to children and adults around the globe for the last 25 years. The services that will be provided free of charge to the public, includes the management of the entire spectrum of hand and upper extremity pathologies in children and adults including soft tissue and bone injuries, congenital anomalies, nerve palsies, burns, elective surgeries for hand conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger fingers and carpometacarpal arthritis. Persons who would like to be seen, reviewed and treated by the Hand Help medical/surgical team should go to their nearest public health facility (Wellness Centre/ Polyclinic/ Community Hospital) during scheduled medical clinics for an initial assessment and registration from Monday February 9, 2026 to Friday March 6, 2026.

In the headlines: Saint Lucia calls for stronger regional collaboration and the 2026-2027 budget to make allocations for St.Jude's Hospital commissioning. For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

In the headlines: The Chief Medical Officer makes a statement following the passing of a 10-year-old at the Jacmel Wellness Center, and the Government of Saint Lucia seeks to reduce road traffic deaths following a spike in vehicular accidents. For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

Medical missionaries often feel powerful emotional burden from moral injury, and it is a leading cause of departure from the mission field. But we have learned proven methods of preventing and dealing with moral injury. Use God’s powerful methods to protect yourself and your team, and to grow in wisdom and spirit!

Saint Lucia joins the world in observing Children's Mental Health Week from February 9th to 13th and takes this opportunity to strengthen national conversations on children's mental health. Children's Mental Health Week aims to raise awareness about the mental health challenges faced by children and adolescents, while promoting strategies to minimize and prevent these challenges. The theme for Children's Mental Health Week is “This Is My Place,” which focuses on nurturing a sense of belonging and emotional safety for children within their everyday environments, be it at home, school, or in the wider community.   The Ministry of Health is committed to identifying ways to improve the mental well-being among children and also to understand a deeper understanding of children's health. During the observance of Children's Mental Health Week, the ministry will conduct educational sessions at schools, dissemination of information to the public through the use of public service announcements, social media cards and brochures, to name a few.

Saint Lucia is strengthening its ability to plan for climate change through a new initiative that supports real-time data, citizen science, and education for smarter, more resilient decision-making.

For forty-five years, UNESCO's work in Saint Lucia has helped shape classrooms, protect culture, support science, and strengthen the way we communicate as a nation. Today, that legacy came into sharp focus; not as a celebration of the past, but as a conversation about the future. Under the theme “Pursuing Pathways for Partnership and Progress,” UNESCO convened a national stakeholder consultation aimed at redefining priorities and strengthening collaboration for the years ahead.

From a landmark Grammys moment and U.S.–Cuba tensions to Saint Lucia's medical training pivot, Grenada's hospital financing, and big moves in tourism and agriculture, here are headlines on today's Pulse of the Caribbean Podcast Episode #1 for the Week of February 2, 2026.Bad Bunny's at Grammy AwardsU.S. tariff pressure on Cuba's oil supplySaint Lucia halts Cuban medical placementsGrenada's Project Polaris receives OPEC financingDominican Republic and Dominica at the World Government SummitSt Kitts and Nevis implement biometric standards for CBI ProgramGuyana funds for coconut expansion Nassau Cruise Port sets traffic records and adds amenitiesListen and subscribe to the Pulse of the Caribbean News Round Up for news you need to know.Send news releases to news@pulseofthecaribbean.com. For the Pulse of the Caribbean advertising and marketplace feature opportunities, email biz@pulseofthecaribbean.com. Like and follow us on Facebook.

Saint Lucia joins the world in observing World Cancer Day on February 4th every year. This observance is an opportunity for us to continue to raise awareness, improve education and drive much needed action to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. The theme for this year's World Cancer Day is “United by Unique,” which places focus on recognizing every individual as a unique person with a unique experience with cancer and highlights the need for a holistic and people - centred approach towards cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment. Information at the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition indicates in 2023, 248 lives were lost to cancer. During 2024, there were 388 new cases of cancer diagnosed. The top three cancers diagnosed during this period were Prostate, Breast and Cervical cancer respectively. Of the 388 new cases of cancer diagnosed in 2024, 102 deaths have occurred. In an effort to fight against cancer, the Ministry of Health has undertaken a number of initiatives, continues to strengthen access to quality health care within the various wellness centres and health institutions on the island, engaged the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and overseas hospitals to ensure affordable and consistent cancer diagnosis and treatment for cancer and ensure education and community engagement. 

Saint Lucia joins the world in observing World Cancer Day on February 4th every year. This observance is an opportunity for us to continue to raise awareness, improve education and drive much needed action to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. The theme for this year's World Cancer Day is “United by Unique,” which places focus on recognizing every individual as a unique person with a unique experience with cancer and highlights the need for a holistic and people - centred approach towards cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment. Information at the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition indicates in 2023, 248 lives were lost to cancer. During 2024, there were 388 new cases of cancer diagnosed. The top three cancers diagnosed during this period were Prostate, Breast and Cervical cancer respectively. Of the 388 new cases of cancer diagnosed in 2024, 102 deaths have occurred. In an effort to fight against cancer, the Ministry of Health has undertaken a number of initiatives, continues to strengthen access to quality health care within the various wellness centres and health institutions on the island, engaged the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and overseas hospitals to ensure affordable and consistent cancer diagnosis and treatment for cancer and ensure education and community engagement. 

In the headlines: The Environmental Health Division hosts a cleanup campaign aimed at eliminating vector breeding sites and; Saint Lucia's Independence Calendar of Activities has been launched. For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

In the headlines: Saint Lucia launches its 47th anniversary of independence, and renowned economist Sir Tim Besley explores how to make economic policies work. For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

At a time when education systems across the region are being called to adapt, innovate, and respond to rapidly changing global realities, Saint Lucia's education leadership is taking a proactive step forward. Today, the Minister for Education, Youth Development, Sports and Digital Transformation met with school principals from across the island, underscoring a renewed commitment to collaboration, accountability, and student-centred transformation.

Newly appointed Minister for Equity, Labour, Gender, Elderly Affairs, Social Justice and Consumer Welfare, Hon. Emma Hippolyte, today undertook official visits to Cornerstone Humanitarian Society and the Saint Lucia Crisis Centre, as part of a broader familiarization and sensitization exercise across her expanded ministerial portfolio. The visits form part of the Minister's ongoing effort to gain a comprehensive, ground-level understanding of the institutions, programmes, and services that now fall under the remit of the Ministry of Equity, with a view to strengthening coordination, improving service delivery, and fostering seamless synergies across the social protection sector.

In the headlines: A Saudi delegation applauds the completion of the St.Jude Hospital and Saint Lucia observes World Leprosy Day. For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

In 2025, the health system expanded Universal Health Coverage, improved health facilities, managed many health programs, health conditions ranging from infectious diseases, chronic non-communicable diseases and international, regional and local collaborations and Medical Missions. From the summary of the health status of the country, some of the health data analyzed are below: The Total Fertility rate (TFR) per woman of child bearing age is 1.06 compared to 1.54 in 2016.The Ministry of Health noted a continued reduction in COVID-19 cases from 3.4 per 10, 000 in 2024 to 2.0 per 10, 000 in 2025. A total of 276 cases of gastroenteritis were registered by the sentinel surveillance system. This represents an 85% decrease in cases from the previous year (2024). In 2025, 26 new cases of HIV were diagnosed. However, it represents a 2.6% decrease from 2024. The Ministry of Health noted a significant 91% decrease in Dengue Fever in 2025 as compared to 2024, where 432 cases were recorded.  Saint Lucia recorded 16 new cases of Leprosy which was eight times as many cases seen in the previous year 2024. The observed increase in cases was as a result of targeted active case finding, carried out during a skin camp aimed at detecting previously unidentified leprosy cases.  Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases continue to be a significant source of mortality in Saint Lucia accounting for over 80% of all deaths, with cancers, cerebrovascular disease/stroke, heart disease and Diabetes Mellitus dominating as the top 4 causes of death respectively for the last 10 years.  

Senior leadership within the Ministry of Education, Youth Development, Sports and Digital Transformation has begun a critical two-day strategic exercise aimed at sharpening direction, strengthening coordination, and repositioning education in Saint Lucia for the demands of a rapidly changing world. The Heads of Department Strategic Planning Meetings, which opened this morning, brings together technical leaders across the Ministry to align priorities and set the tone for the year ahead.

World Leprosy Day is observed annually on the last Sunday of January and will be marked this year on January 25, as Saint Lucia joins the global community in raising awareness about leprosy. The observance provides an opportunity to reflect on the significant progress made in combating the disease while acknowledging the challenges that remain. Under the theme “Leprosy is Curable; the Real Challenge is Stigma,” World Leprosy Day 2026 aims to highlight the importance of early diagnosis and treatment, address discrimination faced by those affected, and encourage collective action toward the elimination of leprosy.  

In the headlines: The last of Saint Lucia's Second World War veterans has passed, and; the agriculture organizations highlight the importance of small-scale farming in addressing food security. For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

Whether you’re a seasoned team member or preparing for your first trip, short-term mission trips have the potential to make a meaningful global impact. In this conversation, we’ll highlight five key principles that help ensure our efforts contribute to lasting, sustainable change in the communities we serve.

Among the at-risk species on this year's list is the Saint Lucia fer de lance, a venomous viper with an image problem. While it's not aggressive, it's highly feared, so is often killed on sight. Conservationists are working to improve perceptions of the creature. Then there's the blackchin guitarfish, which appears to be half ray, half shark.在今年这份名单上的濒危物种包括圣卢西亚矛头蝮，这是一种有形象问题的剧毒蛇类。虽然它攻击性并不强，但人们非常害怕这种蛇，通常一见到就会立即杀死它。自然保护人员正在努力改善人们对这种生物的看法。名单上还包括黑颏犁头鳐，一种看起来一半像鳐鱼、一半像鲨鱼的鱼类。It's not just animals. Wild tulips make the list threatened with extinction in Central Asia due to overgrazing and trampling by livestock.这份名单上并不只有动物。野生郁金香也在这份名单上，这些郁金香在中亚地区因过度放牧和家畜的踩踏已经濒临灭绝。The charity hopes the list will also draw attention to the people working to protect the wildlife, providing a beacon of hope against a bleak outlook.这家慈善机构希望这份名单能吸引人们关注那些致力于保护野生动植物的工作人员，他们为动植物保护当前黯淡的前景点亮了一盏希望之灯。

Education officials took to the streets to launch a harmonised curriculum that will impact primary education in schools in Saint Lucia and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

The future direction of Saint Lucia's education system took centre stage this morning as the Ministers of Education and senior technical leaders convened for a high-level orientation with the Schools' Supervision Team. The session focused on strengthening oversight, student support, and institutional coordination, critical pillars in ensuring that education delivery across the island remains responsive, inclusive, and future-ready.

January is observed as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and therefore the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition has renewed its commitment to ending cervical cancer as a public health problem—an achievable goal when we vaccinate, screen, and treat in a timely and equitable way. Saint Lucia has already made meaningful strides towards elimination targets and has seen increased HPV coverage in girls and boys aged 11-12 years. The Ministry of Health has also improved its access to screening, care and follow-up for cervical cancer. There has been increased screening of women at the primary healthcare level – an engagement that we will continue to strengthen. Cervical cancer screening is now offered under Universal Health Coverage (UHC) with Human Papillomavirus (HPV) testing and liquid-based cytology (LBC) being made available island wide. Services are available, with a strong focus at the primary care level. Cervical cancer prevention and early detection services are offered throughout the health system, with Primary Care and Community Wellness Centres playing a central role. This month, the Ministry of Health will continue focused action to expand coverage, improve screening quality and follow-up, and ensure that every woman can access prevention, early detection, and care.

In the headlines: The government of Saint Lucia advances reforms to support business development and; farmers are being asked to prepare for a severe dry season. For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

The Caribbean sits at a crossroads where global policy, regional security, and tourism collide, and this week's headlines reveal how quickly the map can shift. Here's a look at the headlines.• U.S. travel warnings for Venezuela and consular service gaps• Cuba's fuel squeeze under US sanctions • U.S. withdrawal from climate bodies• Guyana drug seizures and intelligence-led operations• Antigua and Barbuda's response to new U.S. visa bond requirements • Saint Lucia's non-binding MOU on deportations• Dominican Republic's record tourism arrivals Listen and subscribe to the Pulse of the Caribbean News Round Up for news you need to know.Send news releases to news@pulseofthecaribbean.com. For the Pulse of the Caribbean advertising and marketplace feature opportunities, email biz@pulseofthecaribbean.com. Like and follow us on Facebook.

What is a call? How does a person know if God is calling them to mission service? Join in a discussion as these and other questions are addressed.

In this special on-location episode of the Know Zone Podcast, the Classic Vacations® Sales team invites listeners inside their team meeting at Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences in Saint Lucia. From behind-the-scenes insight into the Windjammer Landing resort experience to a closer look at what makes Saint Lucia such a compelling destination, the conversation explores the island's appeal, the value of strong hotel partnerships, and how Classic supports travel advisors through expertise and strategic collaboration.Hear firsthand from: • Arlien Dyer, Director of Sales and Marketing, Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences • Jess Pavloff, Strategic Account Manager, Classic Vacations • Julia Jakkaraju, Director of National Accounts, Classic Vacations• Francisco Rello, Strategic Account Manager, Groups, Classic Vacations • Marie Smith, Strategic Account Manager of Key Accounts, Classic Vacations• Christian Licea, Business Development Manager, Classic Vacations Tune in for an on-the-ground perspective from the Sales team, along with valuable destination and resort insights that bring the island to life.

Step into the magic of midwinter with this rich, sensory, feminine storytelling episode. If you're craving grounding, comfort, spiritual depth, and a deeper connection to the season, this episode will feel like a warm light in the dark.Ep 21 S3 Midwinter Magic weaves together four atmospheric winter tales inspired by Celtic mythology, Czech traditions, Devon folklore, and the quiet intuition of modern women. Inside this episode, you'll experience:• A young winter witch in the Scottish Highlands, snowed in on her journey to a solstice initiation, meeting the presence of the winter goddess Cailleach in a moment that becomes her true rite of passage.• A Bohemian mountain cottage in the 19th century, where three generations of women prepare for Christmas Eve with old Czech rituals like apple cutting, St Barbara's branches, walnut boats, juniper smoke and lead-pouring prophecies.• A Devon village holding ancient winter traditions, from the burning of the Yule Log to the joyful Wassail procession blessing the orchards for abundance and protection.• A modern woman guided by a recurring lantern dream, leading her to uncover the legend of Saint Lucia and reconnect with her intuition during the coldest, quietest nights of the year.This is the perfect winter companion for cosy evenings, winter walks, gift-wrapping, or moments when you want to feel held, nourished and connected to something deeper.Claim Your Free Hypnosis Recording: "Crowned in Confidence"

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened marginal down this morning from yesterday's close, at 28,385 on turnover of 4.1-billion N-T. The market gained ground on Wednesday, as investors were optimistic that the U-S Federal Reserve would cut its key interest rates for a third time this year following its policy making meeting. While reports that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing will produce Nvidia's high-performance H-200 A-I chips and they will be made here in Taiwan also drove investor confidence higher. MOFA thanks allies for their support at annual Interpol meeting The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it has thanked eight formal diplomatic allies for supporting Taiwan's bid to participate in Interpol during the agency's annual General Assembly in Morocco late last month. According to the ministry, senior officials from the Marshall Islands, Belize, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Guatemala, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Paraguay, and Eswatini all spoke up on Taiwan's behalf. The foreign ministry says it delayed publicly thanking the allies until now because the assembly was held in a closed-door format (模式，格式), and it needed time to collect information on their respective addresses. Former digital minister warns TSMC faces rising cybersecurity risks Former Digital Affairs Minister Huang Yen-nan is warning that cyberattacks could be the most effective way for hostile actors to damage Taiwan's semiconductor advantage. According to Huang, companies such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing need to strengthen precautions. The former digital minister now heads (領導) Academia Sinica's Taiwan Information Security Center. Speaking at a conference on geopolitics and chip strategy, Huang said T-S-M-C's global influence has grown with A-I, making it "too big to fail," as any disruption to its production a national security concern. Venezuela Opposition Leader Appears in Public Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has appeared in public for the first time in 11 months. She appeared on a hotel balcony in Norway's capital early this morning and waved to supporters. Her daughter accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on her behalf (代表她) a day earlier. Machado had been in hiding since Jan. 9 after being briefly detained during a protest in Caracas. She was expected to attend the award ceremony Wednesday in Oslo but couldn't make it in time. EU leaders reject Trump "weak" comment European leaders have rejected claims (聲稱) from U.S. President Donald Trump that the continent is run by weak people. William Denselow reports from Brussels. Study: HumanClimateChange Caused Deadly Rainfall in Asia New analysis suggests that ocean temperatures warmed by human-caused climate change fed the intense rainfall that triggered deadly floods and landslides across Asia in recent weeks. The rapid study by World Weather Attribution focused on heavy rainfall from cyclones Senyar and Ditwah in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Sri Lanka starting late last month. The analysis found that warmer sea surface temperatures over the North Indian Ocean added energy to the cyclones. Floods and landslides triggered by (觸發於) the storms have killed more than 1,600 people, with hundreds more still missing. The cyclones are the latest in a series of deadly weather disasters affecting Southeast Asia this year, resulting in loss of life and property damage. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 新感覺夾心土司 多種口味隨心挑選 讓你隨時隨地都有好心情 甜蜜口感草莓夾心、顆粒層次花生夾心、濃郁滑順可可夾心 主廚監製鮪魚沙拉、精選原料金黃蛋沙拉 輕巧美味帶著走，迎接多變的每一天 7-Eleven多種口味販售中 https://sofm.pse.is/8g33rz -- 全台南最多分店、最齊全物件，在地團隊懂台南，也懂你的需求。 不管是買屋、賣屋，還是從築夢到圓夢， 房子的大小事，交給台南住商，讓你更安心。 了解更多：https://sofm.pse.is/8fzk6l -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

This session will examine key considerations for leaders, senders, and international travelers/workers in the areas of duty of care, risk assessment, contingency planning, security, and common pitfalls ("lessons learned") in international mission work.

Although we are at the end of the 2025 North Atlantic Hurricane Season, we are only six months away from the start of the 2026 hurricane season. Moreover, other hazards or disasters, such as fire, earthquake, or even a utility failure due to a cyberattack, can occur at any time. Fabian Lewis, a telecommunications, emergency medicine and disaster management specialist from Saint Lucia, joins us to discuss how we as individuals, organisations and countries can improve our telecoms resilience and increase the chances that we will be able to remain connected when we need it most. Among other things, we discuss:    *  what makes the Caribbean particularly vulnerable when it comes to telecoms and ICT disruptions during disasters;   *  whether amateur radio is still important in a country's disaster/emergency communication management effort; and   *  common mistakes organisations make when preparing (or failing to prepare) their telecoms and ICT systems for disasters.   The episode, show notes and links to some of the things mentioned during the episode can be found on the ICT Pulse Podcast Page (www.ict-pulse.com/category/podcast/)       Enjoyed the episode?  Do rate the show and leave us a review!       Also, connect with us on: Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ICTPulse/   Instagram –  https://www.instagram.com/ictpulse/   Twitter –  https://twitter.com/ICTPulse   LinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/company/3745954/admin/   Join our mailing list: http://eepurl.com/qnUtj    Music credit: The Last Word (Oui Ma Chérie), by Andy Narrell   ---------------

A first cruise is a crash course in what you value when you travel. From a lively launch in San Juan to five Caribbean ports in seven days, we share the joy of bioluminescent kayaking, the calm of a French-side beach on Saint Martin, and the green, mountainous bliss of Grenada and Dominica. We also get candid about a tougher moment in Saint Lucia, where constant vendor pressure cut a solo city walk short—and how a simple plan with a vetted driver could have changed the day.We dig into the money side most people underestimate. Solo supplements can double a fare, but there are smart workarounds: Virgin Voyages frequently offers better pricing and social programming for singles; Norwegian and select Royal Caribbean ships have limited studio cabins; Silversea reduces single supplements on some sailings. Beyond the sticker price, budget for gratuities, specialty dining, fitness classes, laundry, Wi‑Fi, and excursions—or pick a more inclusive line to avoid the nickel-and-dime feeling. If you're wondering whether to book excursions at every stop, learn from our missteps: sometimes one well-chosen experience or a simple plan with a trusted local driver beats a packed bus and crowded viewpoints.The real key is matching the cruise to who you are. If big crowds drain you, consider smaller ships or river cruises like AmaWaterways. If sand isn't your happy place, look to Alaska or Scandinavia for fjords, hikes, and cooler air. Traveling with a friend? Set expectations upfront—sleep rhythms, alone time, and activity choices—so the cabin is shared but the day can be flexible. We close by looking ahead to Scandinavia as a better fit for our hiking-first style and invite you to think about your own 2026 plans.If this helped you plan smarter, follow the show, share it with a friend who's cruise-curious, and leave a quick review to tell us where you want to sail next.Support the showhttps://www.cherylbeckesch.com hello@cherylbeckesch.com Instagram @solotraveladventures50

Dexter Percil is the Director of Global Marketing at the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA). With roughly two decades of experience in sales and marketing across the Caribbean, he has driven successful growth and brand strategy for leading companies including beverage brands and regional distributors before moving into tourism marketing. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Ottawa (Canada) and a Diploma in Business Management from the University of the West Indies (UWI). In 2025, Percil was honored by the Atlanta City Council for his “outstanding professional achievements, impactful leadership, and unwavering commitment to advancing the Caribbean community” — recognition that underscores both his marketing accomplishments and his influence beyond the Caribbean region.

In our November 2025 Community Chat, and with members of the Caribbean tech community, ICT Consultant Natalie Maharaj of Trinidad and Tobago, and Dr Lyndell St. Ville of Saint Lucia and the tech firm Datashore, the panel discusses:   *  the imperative of implementing digital ID systems in the Caribbean region;   *  the current state of AI governance; and   *  cloud versus local or on-premises facilities and services in the Caribbean.   The episode, show notes and links to some of the things mentioned during the episode can be found on the ICT Pulse Podcast Page (www.ict-pulse.com/category/podcast/)       Enjoyed the episode?  Do rate the show and leave us a review!       Also, connect with us on: Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ICTPulse/   Instagram –  https://www.instagram.com/ictpulse/   Twitter –  https://twitter.com/ICTPulse   LinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/company/3745954/admin/   Join our mailing list: http://eepurl.com/qnUtj    Music credit: The Last Word (Oui Ma Chérie), by Andy Narrell Podcast editing support:  Mayra Bonilla Lopez   ---------------

On this week's Stumped with Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta, we hear more about how India's captain Harmanpreet Kaur began her cricketing journey. Kaur was born in Moga, in the north of India and was coached by Kamaldeesh Singh Sodhi. His son Yadwinder, who also coached her, explains how his father first spotted her talent, and how she's grown into a player to step up for her team, most notably after scoring 171 against Australia in the 2017 World Cup.The women's world cup is really heating up with matches going down to the wire and the pressure becoming more intense. Hosts India have gone from the highs of beating Sri Lanka and Pakistan to losing against South Africa and tournament favourites Australia. The team discuss the state of play as the group stage draws ever closer to the end.Plus, we hear from 2017 India World Cup finalist Punam Raut, who told us that despite losing the 2017 final in England, the team were greeted like winners upon their return to India.Photo: Indian cricketers Harmanpreet Kaur (R) and Poonam Raul take a run during the ICC Women's World Cup Twenty20 semi final match between Australia and India at the Beausjour Cricket Ground in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia on May 13, 2010. (Credit: AFP via Getty Images)