Family in Deportation Proceedings? Plus, Trump Administration Checks Your Social Media
Do you have a loved one in the United States currently facing deportation proceedings? You are not alone. Every year, thousands of families—including from the Caribbean are impacted by the complex and often overwhelming U.S. immigration system. Whether the issue involves an expired visa, a criminal charge, or a denied asylum claim, the stakes are high, and the consequences can be life-altering. Understanding the legal process, your rights, and the options available can make all the difference in keeping your family together and protecting your loved one’s future. Plus, the Trump Administration Prepares to Vet Foreign Students’ Social Media Before Granting Visas. Listen to Ask the Lawyer now!
For more information, please visit www.askthelawyer.us
Following the successful launch of Lucian Junior Carnival on Thursday, May 15, 2025, the Carnival Planning and Management Committee (CPMC) has announced key updates to the Junior Carnival Calendar to better accommodate this year’s expanded participation and new events.
As the Junior festival continues to grow, this year’s festival saw a record number of schools, registering for the National Schools Calypso Competition and the newly introduced National Schools Soca Competition all designed to give youth more platforms to express their talents and embrace their cultural heritage.
In consultation with various stakeholders, the CPMC has restructured the Junior Carnival calendar to ensure that all events are well-paced, and conclude at appropriate times, allowing participants and their families to enjoy the festivities fully while returning home in good time.
One of the most significant changes is the separation of music competitions by school level, with primary and secondary school students now performing on different days. This adjustment will provide each group the opportunity to perform in a space tailored to their developmental stage and creative expression.
Revised Schedule Highlights:
The Lucian Junior Carnival events listed above will now take place at the Mindoo Phillip Park.
These updates reflect the ongoing commitment of the CPMC and its stakeholders to youth development, cultural preservation, and the responsible staging of events that serve both the creative and practical needs of our youth.
To view the full list of participants and to stay informed on updates on Lucian Junior Carnival such as venue and ticket information, visit www.carnivalsaintlucia.com or follow @JRCarnivalSaintLucia on Facebook, and Instagram.
Join REV-UP SLU virtually this Friday, May 16, on REV UP SLU (97.1 FM) for “Meet the Minister” with host Terry Fernelon.
The Prime Minister will discuss the successes of his administration over the past four (4) years, highlighting the achievements made in youth employment, economic development, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other key sectors.
He will also share insights into the government’s vision for continued progress, as outlined in his 2025/26 Budget Address, reaffirming the government’s commitment to putting the people of Saint Lucia first.
Sixteen (16) Schools across Saint Lucia have qualified for the inaugural National Schools Soca Competition on Friday, June 6, 2025, as part of events under the Lucian Junior Carnival Calendar.
To secure a place in this year’s competition, interested schools participated in a closed audition on Wednesday, May 7, where students performed in front of a panel of experienced judges. Judges assessed lyrical content, stage presence, vocal delivery, and overall artistic impact, to determine the young artists who would advance to the final stage of competition. The National Schools Soca Competition is divided into Infant/Primary and Secondary school segments. The schools emerging successful are as follows.
Infant/Primary School Category
Infant/Primary School | Calypsonian | Song Title | |
1 | Anse La Raye Primary | Syo | JuJu Fever |
2 | Ave Maria Primary | Double Trouble | Look Trouble |
3 | Canon Laurie Anglican Primary | Ti Jean | Happy Place |
4 | Ciceron Combined School | Prince | Best days |
5 | Les Etangs Combined | Royalty | I Deserve It All |
6 | R.C. Boys Primary | Gold Dust | We Sick, We Malad |
7 | R.C. Boys Infant | Mighty Z | I Want An “A” |
8 | Vide Bouteille Primary | Baby K | School’s Out |
Secondary School Category
Secondary School | Calypsonian | Song Title | |
1 | Bocage Secondary | Mama G | For De Carnival |
2 | Castries Comprehensive Secondary | Kyleigh | It’s Carnival |
3 | Ciceron Secondary | JJ and Kennai | Ciceron The Best |
4 | Corinth Secondary | Kaley | Soca Earthquake |
5 | International School | Anneliese | Let The Children |
6 | Patricia D. James Secondary | Chloe | I can Make It |
7 | Sir Ira Simmons Secondary | Lil Richie | No Rampage |
8 | St. Joseph’s Convent | Lady J | Dream Big |
The National Schools Junior Calypso and Soca Competitions form part of the broader Junior Carnival Season, a key component of the national Lucian Carnival calendar. These initiatives aim to nurture young artists and ensure the sustainability of the vibrant musical heritage of Saint Lucia.
To stay informed on updates on the National Schools Calypso Competition such as venue and ticket information, and information on other national carnival events, go to www.carnivalsaintlucia.com or follow @JRCarnivalSaintLucia on Facebook, and Instagram.
Sponsor: Heineken St Lucia Limtied Agents for Climax.
10. Emergency – Young Lyrics X Imrand Nerdy
09. The Car – Dezral X Jardel
08. D.J. – Teddyson John
07. Bad Company – Sedale X Superman HD
06. Dance With Me – Ezra
05. In De Middle – DYP
04. Praises – Arthur Alain X Ricky T
03. Flights No Feelings – Arthur X Imran Nerdy
02. Frass – Sly
01. Stop Crying – Ricky T
Twenty (20) schools across Saint Lucia have been selected for the highly anticipated National Schools Calypso Competition scheduled for Friday, June 6, 2024, at the SAB, Vigie, Castries.
In a closed auditioned held on Friday, May 2, forty-one (41) schools across Saint Lucia auditioned to be a part of this year’s competition, proudly showcasing their contribution to preserving and promoting Calypso culture. The National Schools Calypso Competition will be divided into two segments: Infant/Primary schools and Secondary schools. The schools emerging successful are as follows.
Infant/Primary School | Calypsonian | Song Title | |
1 | Ave Maria Girls Infant School | Zizi | Stories to tell |
2 | Babonneau Primary School | Ti Ti Girl | I will be Queen |
3 | Camille Henry Memorial School | Monty | Graduates of the Streets |
4 | Canon Laurie Anglican Primary School | Ternila | Identity Crisis |
5 | Carmen Rene Memorial School | Little T | Bring the Corporal |
6 | Delcer Combined School | Lilly | Dey Stick |
7 | International School Saint Lucia | Annie | Give us a Chance |
8 | Micoud Primary School | Amani | Life is like a Camera |
9 | Morne Du Don Primary School | Treasure Jean | Private School is School |
10 | Saltibus Combined School | Ti Moto | Mr. CPEA |
Secondary School | Calypsonian | Song Title | |
1 | Babonneau Secondary School | Monee | Combating Climate Change |
2 | Castries Comprehensive Secondary School | Alex Pinel | School Girl |
3 | Ciceron Secondary School | TJ | I love de math |
4 | Corinth Secondary School | Queen M-Sul | This Generation |
5 | Entrepot Secondary School | Mama D | Cyber world reality |
6 | Micoud Secondary School | Nyus | National Word |
7 | Patricia D. James Secondary School | Baby T | Bring Back |
8 | Stanley Jon Odlum School of Arts, Media and Design | Najma | Stronger Together |
9 | St. Lucia Sports Academy | Mighty Swiff | Loyalty |
10 | Vieux Fort Comprehensive Secondary School | Ti Kenno | Stand for Something |
In addition to the National Schools Calypso Competition, auditions for the 2025 National Schools Soca Competition are scheduled for Friday, May 7, 2024, with results to be announced soon after. An impressive 30 schools have applied to participate in the Soca Competition, reflecting the growing enthusiasm among youth for local music and cultural expression.
The National Schools Junior Calypso and Soca Competitions form part of the broader Junior Carnival Season, a key component of the national Lucian Carnival calendar. These initiatives aim to nurture young artists and ensure the sustainability of the vibrant musical heritage of Saint Lucia.
To stay informed on updates on the National Schools Calypso Competition such as venue and ticket information, and information on other national carnival events, go to www.carnivalsaintlucia.com or follow @JRCarnivalSaintLucia on Facebook, and Instagram.
The long-running legal talk show Ask the Lawyer: You’ve Got Questions, We’ve Got the Answers! proudly announces its newest broadcasting partnership with Rev Up Saint Lucia Radio, expanding its legal empowerment mission to more Caribbean listeners. Beginning Saturday, May 10, 2025, the program will air every Saturday from 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM, bringing trusted legal advice to the people of Saint Lucia.
Ask the Lawyer, hosted by Brian Figeroux, Esq. of the Brooklyn-based law firm Figeroux & Associates, is a dynamic and accessible radio show that tackles pressing legal issues ranging from immigration, business expansion and civil rights to real estate and family law. Co-host Pearl Phillip, Managing Director of IQ Inc., brings a community-centered lens to the program, ensuring that complex legal matters are discussed in a way that resonates with everyday concerns.
Already a staple on WPAT 930 AM in New York City, and reaching audiences in Jamaica, Grenada, Trinidad & Tobago, and beyond through YouTube and InceptionFM, this expansion onto Rev Up Saint Lucia further solidifies Ask the Lawyer‘s role as a legal lifeline for Caribbean and immigrant communities around the world.
“We are thrilled to join the Rev Up Saint Lucia family,” said Brian Figeroux, Esq. “Legal knowledge is power. Our mission is to provide that power to communities who need it most — whether they’re dealing with immigration status, spousal petitions, visa applications, or navigating the complexities of expanding their business, or estate planning. No question is too small, and no case is too complicated to be discussed.”
A Community-Driven Initiative
More than just a legal Q&A, Ask the Lawyer is part of a broader initiative by Figeroux & Associates, in collaboration with The Immigrant’s Journal, Caribbean American Weekly, and other advocacy platforms. The show’s companion website, www.askthelawyer.us, offers in-depth articles, legal consultations, and downloadable resources for individuals and families seeking help beyond the airwaves.
Why It Matters
In an era where legal systems often appear impenetrable, Ask the Lawyer breaks down the barriers. For Saint Lucia and the wider diaspora, this is not just a radio show — it’s a voice for justice, a tool for advocacy, and a platform for empowerment.Tune In!
Listeners in Saint Lucia can now catch Ask the Lawyer every Saturday at 9:00 AM on Rev Up Saint Lucia Radio.
Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre attended the Caribbean Investment Summit 2025 (CIS2025) held in Antigua and Barbuda. The CIS is a premier annual forum that brings together country leaders, financial experts, developers, and key stakeholders to drive forward the region’s investment climate.
This year’s summit, hosted by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda in collaboration with its Citizenship by Investment Unit, opened with a high-level panel discussion featuring the leaders of the five Caribbean countries that operate Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programmes.
Discussions centred around the theme, “Integrity & Stability in Shaping Regional Investment Migration.” The heads of government spoke candidly about the value of the Citizenship by Investment Programme in the development of their respective economies. During Prime Minister Pierre’s contribution, he referenced the establishment of Saint Lucia’s Sovereign Wealth Fund in 2024, describing it as a national savings mechanism designed to help mitigate the financial impact of climate-related events. The Prime Minister emphasised that some of the proceeds from the Citizenship by Investment Programme will be channelled into the Fund to support climate resilienceand adaptation efforts, ensuring Saint Lucia can better withstand and recover from future environmental and economic shocks.
The Heads of Government collectively emphasised that strong due diligence, transparency, and harmonised regional standards are essential to safeguarding the credibility and resilience of the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programmes.
The seven exceptional delegates vying for the 2025 National Carnival Queen title were officially presented to their corporate sponsors during a Sashing Ceremony, hosted on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at the Sandals Grande Resort.
The annual event, streamed live to the public, marked a key milestone on the journey to the highly anticipated Pageant. Each delegate was ceremoniously sashed by her sponsor, symbolizing the start of an ambassadorship that blends corporate support with cultural development.
The 2025 delegates and their respective sponsors are as follows:
In her welcome address, Chairperson of the Carnival Planning & Management Committee, Ms. Tamara Gibson, commended sponsors on their contributions to the development of the pageant and its delegates. She also noted additions to this year’s journey “We’re focusing on sustainability and working with other partners and sponsors to ensure that our 7 delegates can leave a lasting impact throughout this season through environmentally friendly exercises like tree-planting and visiting schools during reading month and the schools tour. This pageant is more than beauty. It’s about touching lives and literally making the world a greener, better place.”
Following the sashing, the delegates will now become ambassadors for their brands. Sponsors arrange various sessions to give delegates an insight into their business, including tours of their facilities.
The sashing ceremony is available for viewing on the YouTube page of Carnival Saint Lucia. Follow @saintluciacarnivalqueenpageant on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more updates on the pageant and @carnivalsaintlucia for all things Carnival. The National Carnival Queen Pageant is set to take place on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at the Pavilion on Rodney Bay.