The general election on December 1 marked the conclusion of the 2021–2025 term in Saint Lucia’s sports sector, offering a moment to reflect on the work undertaken by Minister for Youth Development and Sports Kenson Casimir over the past four and a half years.
His stewardship saw both challenges and notable accomplishments as the ministry navigated a rapidly evolving sporting landscape.
Several historic firsts took shape during this period: school athletics transitioned to weekend scheduling and emerged under the new Island Champs brand, while semi‑professional leagues for football and cricket were launched, a structural shift long discussed but finally realised.
At the same time, the global rise of Saint Lucian athletes such as Julien Alfred and Ackeem Auguste helped intensify national interest in sport, drawing attention and investment from both public and private sectors.
Stakeholders across disciplines point to a number of advancements that defined the administration’s approach. The return of international cricket in 2024, with Saint Lucia hosting matches in the T20 World Cup, was a significant moment capped by the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground being ranked number one for best pitch and outfield in the region by the International Cricket Council.
The island also hosted events of international appeal, including the 52nd Central American and Caribbean Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships and the revived Saint Lucia Open Golf. These tournaments strengthened Saint Lucia’s sports product and expanded its profile as a destination for sports tourism.
The 2021–2025 term stands out for its structural reforms, expanded visibility and the continued ascent of Saint Lucian talent.
Boxing Federation praises government support
One man who oversaw many events was Saint Lucia Boxing Federation president, David Shakes Christopher. A long-time sports administrator and promoter of the popular BlackHeart Knockout Football Tournament, Shakes oversaw the hosting of multiple boxing tournaments, including the 2025 Caribbean Championships, with government backing.
“I think the biggest achievement is the support we’ve gotten from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, through the Minister Kenson Casimir and the National Lottery,” he told St. Lucia Times. “I think we got some really good support.
“This year, we hosted three tournaments. We hosted three other tournaments the year before. This should become the boxing paradise for the region. I think the support for sports was really high compared to previous administrations. We would give them a nine out of ten, but it is going to be ten out of ten if we get more gyms.”
Another area of significant support was the support for athlete representation overseas. Under MYDS (and related bodies), the government has funded an Elite and Emerging Athletes Programme, which in 2023 provided roughly EC$481 000 to assist individual athletes with airfare, equipment, nutrition and other competition/training-related needs.
Support for athlete representation overseas
Dora Henry, president of the Saint Lucia Athletics Association, indicated that this additional support has made representation on the global stage much easier.
“From the perspective of the Saint Lucia Athletics Association, one of the most notable achievements of the 2021–2025 administration is the continued support toward national team participation at regional and international competitions, ensuring that our athletes remain visible on major stages, which is essential for their growth and exposure,” she said.
“This is normally done through the National Lotteries Authority and the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports. We acknowledge these efforts while also emphasising that sustained, structured investment, particularly in facilities, replacing equipment, capacity building, and sport science, will be critical to truly unlocking Saint Lucia’s potential in athletics. We would appreciate further openness to consultation, collaboration, and reviewing the broader athletic development framework.”
Semi-pro leagues narrow the gap
The gap between the amateur and professional arenas also narrowed in the last term. This was largely due to the establishment of the two semi-pro leagues. These developments, coupled with the establishment of a High Performance Centre for cricket, have improved the chances of Saint Lucia’s most talented players catching up with international standards.
CEO for the Saint Lucia Semi-Professional Football League, Francis “Parry” Daniel, echoed this sentiment, noting:
“One of the Semi-Pro League’s most impactful reforms has been the creation of a structured, two-tier league system, with a Premier League (Tier 1) and Super League (Tier 2). This system has raised competition standards by ensuring the best district leagues play at the highest level, created meaningful stakes, as district leagues must earn the right to stay in the Premier League or fight their way up from the Super League, incentivised investment in coaching, training and discipline, balanced competitiveness – preventing stagnation and rewarding growth, aligning Saint Lucian football with global professional structures.
“Perhaps the most important transformation is that the Semi-Pro League has re-ignited belief. Players believe they have a future. Communities believe in the sport again. Sponsors believe in the product/brand. Fans believe in the experience. Youth believe they can reach the next level. The league has become a symbol of progress, demonstrating that football can be organised, professional, exciting, and meaningful, right here in Saint Lucia.”
Alternative sports gain ground
During the past four and a half years, the rise of the Alternative Sports Unit in MYDS has placed emphasis on engaging youth through non-traditional sporting opportunities and diversifying the island’s athletic landscape. This unit, spearheaded by Craig Gustave, includes motorsports (such as drag racing), e-sports, chess, draughts and niche combat sports.
Mandalee Mason, public relations officer of the Saint Lucia Mixed Martial Arts Federation, indicated the government has played a significant role in the development of the organisation.
“The biggest accomplishment of this government for us is honestly the Alternative Sports, part of the ministry. They have been on board with us, supporting us, throughout this year. This year was the first year that we really tried to put our mark, to show that we’re here, and they really came out and showed support to us,” Mason said. “They showed support at our summer camp. They showed support for the exhibition that we put on in October, and I know that there is more to come, but they’ve definitely been there supporting us.”
Looking ahead
While there have been great achievements, some gaps need to be filled in order to get Saint Lucian sports up to international standards.
The specific areas ripe for further development will be tackled in Part 2 of this series in next week’s e-paper.
