List of Short Articles

  1. Author Talks: Dr. Tanya Destang-Beaubrun

    author talks: dr. tanya destang-beaubrun

    The Hunter J. François Library (HJFL) at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) continues to safeguard and promote Saint Lucia’s rich literary and scholarly heritage through its growing Saint Lucia Collection, a special collection dedicated to preserving the works of Saint Lucian authors and publications about Saint Lucia.

    With more than 500 books to date, the collection serves as an important repository of the island’s intellectual, cultural and literary heritage. It brings together the writings, research and creative contributions of Saint Lucians, alongside works documenting the island’s history, people and experiences. Among its treasured holdings is a three-volume collection of papers by Sir Arthur Lewis, the College’s namesake and Nobel Laureate in Economics, whose scholarship continues to hold significance for Saint Lucia and the wider world.

    The importance of the Saint Lucia Collection extends beyond the provision of reading and research materials. It represents a commitment to preserving the country’s documentary and intellectual heritage, ensuring that the works of Saint Lucian writers, researchers and scholars remain accessible to present and future generations. As books become out of print and increasingly difficult to obtain, the Library’s role in collecting, preserving and providing access to these publications becomes even more important.

    The Hunter J. François Library takes pride in providing access to this rich and growing collection, supporting students, faculty, researchers and members of the public in discovering and engaging with Saint Lucia’s literary and scholarly contributions. The collection is accessible through the Library’s online public access catalogue, enabling users to search its holdings and identify resources for reading, teaching and research.

    This commitment to preserving and celebrating Saint Lucian literature was reflected in the Library’s Author Talks series on October 21, 2026, when it welcomed Dr. Tanya Destang-Beaubrun, author of the Amazon bestselling book Held and Healed: A Physician’s Guide to Healing the Body, Calming the Mind, and Living in Joy. The event formed part of the Library’s Author Talks programme for the 2026–2027 academic year.

    The occasion held particular significance as the College celebrates its 40th anniversary under the theme “40 Years of Excellence: Shaping Futures, Honouring Legacy.” Dr. Beaubrun is a proud alumna of the former St. Lucia A-Level College, having attended from 1984 to 1986, four decades ago. Her return to the institution was a fitting tribute to the College’s legacy and an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of one of its former students.

    Her participation brought the anniversary theme to life, connecting the College’s educational history with the achievements of its alumni and the contributions they continue to make to Saint Lucia and beyond. Through the Author Talks series, the Library provides a platform for local authors to share their work, experiences and ideas with the College community, encouraging dialogue, inspiration and an appreciation for the island’s literary voices.

    Dr. Beaubrun is a graduate of the University of the West Indies and a Family Physician specialising in Functional and Integrative Medicine. With more than three decades of medical experience, she is the founder of the Rodney Bay Medical and Diagnostic Centre and the Satya Centre for Functional and Integrative Medicine. She is also an international speaker, entrepreneur and bestselling author. Through her latest book, she shares perspectives on health, healing, personal well-being and the relationship between the body and mind.

    In a meaningful contribution to the Library’s collection, Dr. Beaubrun donated three autographed copies of Held and Healed. The donation ensures that her work will become part of the Library’s growing record of contemporary Saint Lucian authors and their contributions to the literary landscape.

    The addition of Held and Healed illustrates the continuing relevance of the Saint Lucia Collection. While preserving the works of earlier generations, the Library actively welcomes contemporary publications, building a collection that reflects the evolving voices, experiences, scholarship and creativity of Saint Lucians. Each addition strengthens the collection’s value as a resource for learning, research and cultural continuity.

    Since the introduction of the Author Talks initiative in 2023, the Hunter J. François Library has featured more than 20 Saint Lucian authors. The series reflects the Library’s vision of creating a space where literature, ideas, experiences and conversations can come together, extending learning beyond the classroom and strengthening connections between authors, students, faculty and the wider community.

    Through its Saint Lucia Collection and Author Talks series, the Hunter J. François Library reaffirms its commitment to preserving the island’s literary and scholarly heritage while ensuring that contemporary voices are documented and made accessible to future generations. The Library encourages students, faculty, researchers, authors and members of the public to explore the collection and discover the wealth of knowledge and creativity that Saint Lucia continues to produce.

    As the College celebrates four decades of educational excellence, the Library’s work serves as a reminder that honouring the past and shaping the future go hand in hand. Preserving the works of Saint Lucians ensures that their stories, ideas and contributions remain available to inspire generations to come.

    The Hunter J. François Library is the principal academic library of the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Saint Lucia. Through its collections, information services and outreach activities, the Library supports teaching, learning and research while contributing to the preservation and promotion of Saint Lucia’s documentary, literary and cultural heritage.

  2. SALCC Successfully Hosts Inaugural Think First Trivia Game Show

    salcc successfully hosts inaugural think first trivia game show

    Wednesday, April 22 marked the highly anticipated debut of SALCC’s “Think First Trivia Game Show,” held as part of the College's 40th Anniversary calendar of celebrations. The event delivered an experience that fully justified the excitement surrounding it.

    Representing the four houses — François, Lewis, Thomas, and Walcott — contestants arrived well-prepared, demonstrating both intellectual sharpness and competitive spirit. Each team, composed of one staff member and one student, created a dynamic blend of experience and fresh perspective, resulting in a fiercely contested competition from beginning to end.

    Following an electrifying series of rounds, only one team could emerge victorious. The title was ultimately claimed by the formidable Thomas Tigers, whose performance set them apart in a closely fought contest.

    The concept for the game show was developed by Lecturer Ted Sandiford, who curated a diverse range of questions spanning multiple disciplines, including Saint Lucia’s history and key facts about Sir Arthur Lewis Community College. Contestants navigated three rigorous rounds that tested not only their knowledge, but also their composure and teamwork under pressure.

    The event was expertly hosted by Kendell “Scady” Eugene, whose engaging presence and energetic delivery ensured that both participants and audience members remained fully immersed throughout the show.

    Outstanding performances were recognized with an impressive array of prizes. First-place winners Kyyle Regis (staff) and Marisa Louis (student) of the Thomas Tigers were each awarded an iPad Air. Second place went to Kayreen Cenac Hippolyte (staff) and Adanya Lewis (student) of the Lewis Lions, who each received an iPhone 17.

    Third-place finishers Ryn-Kyj King (staff) and Ethan Glasgow (student) of the François Falcons were awarded a Bluetooth speaker and wireless headphones, while Makoto Nishiura (staff) and Milan Phillip (student) of the Walcott Wolves secured fourth place and received smartwatches. Additionally, audience member Chloe Charles, a staff representative, won a wireless USB game controller.

    The success of the event was made possible through the generous support of sponsors Cox Enterprises, Tech Depot, and Computer World, whose contributions played a vital role in the provision of prizes.

    Given the overwhelming success of its inaugural staging, there is strong anticipation that the Think First Trivia Game Show will become a flagship annual event on the SALCC calendar.

  3. SALCC's Students' Council host Free Haircuts Day ahead of Valentine's Day

    salcc's students' council host free haircuts day ahead of valentine's day

    To assist students and staff in looking their best for Valentine’s Day, the SALCC Students’ Council partnered with two established barbers, Justin Mentor (Mentor the Barber) and Dyell the Barber, to provide free haircuts from 8:00am to 7:00pm on Thursday, February 12, 2026.

    The Council converted their office in B. Ed into a temporary barbershop where the two barbers provided excellent service to students and staff from morning till evening. The barbers provided haircuts, marks, eyebrow shaping and tinting.

    Follow Mentor the Barber on IG: @mentormadejust_in

    Follow Dyell the Barber on IG: @dyell_the_barber_

  4. Five SALCC Alumni Named to WIU Dean's List for Fall 2025

    five salcc alumni named to wiu dean's list for fall 2025

    Five St. Lucian students earned a place on the Dean's List at Western Illinois University for the Fall 2025 semester. The undergraduate students, part of a growing cohort at the University, all earned GPA's greater than 3.6. Several of the students earned a perfect 4.0 GPA for the semester.

    Recognized students are:

    • Renate M E D St. Helene (senior)
    • Bjarne Vivienne Fanis (junior)
    • Mya Skye Hippolyte (senior)
    • Heatha Eliebox (senior)
    • Amber Emmanuel (senior)

    WIU Provost, Mark Mossman noted that the University continues to be impressed with the performance of St. Lucian and Caribbean students at WIU. The Caribbean region students in general are a marker of excellence at WIU, Mossman said. They have truly enhanced the institution.

    Learn more about WIU's International Admissions by visiting their site.

  5. SALCC Student Accepted into Guadeloupe Boxing Programme

    salcc student accepted into guadeloupe boxing programme

    SALCC Computer and Information Technology Year 1 student Daniel Martin (right in photo) is attending a three-month immersion programme at the Centre de Ressources, d'Expertise et de Performance Sportive (CREPS) in Guadeloupe.

    The two-time OECS boxing gold medallist, and his fellow boxing champion Hervé Charlemagne (left in photo), were awarded scholarships to participate in the programme which began in January 2026.

    For more information, read the St. Lucia Times' article, Saint Lucian boxers to take up Guadeloupe scholarships on this subject.

  6. SALCC Titans Fitness Club Hosts Dynamic Introductory SAMBO Seminar

    The SALCC Titans Fitness Club held an energetic SAMBO seminar on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, led by Thaddeus Francis — St. Lucia's only licensed SAMBO instructor and referee. The session offered students a hands-on introduction to the martial art, known for its practicality in self-defense.

    SAMBO was used by the Soviet Red Army in the early 1920's to improve their hand-to-hand combat abilities. Francis educated students on the principles behind SAMBO before leading participants through a series of foundational techniques. Students practiced standing throws such as the Reap, Foot Sweep, and Kharabeili, along with striking drills and ground transitions, including a triangle choke setup. A standout moment came during the demonstration of a joint lock known as “The Exorcist,” which showcased the precision and control required in SAMBO.

    Following positive feedback, the Titans Fitness Club is exploring plans to establish an official SALCC SAMBO team, aimed at preparing students for future SAMBO and amateur MMA competitions.

  7. Venezuelan Ambassador Hosts Cooking Session with SALCC Culinary Students

    Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to Saint Lucia, Her Excellency Leiff Liubliana Escalona Barrueta, hosted a cooking class with ten of our culinary students on November 10, 2025.

    The session was an extension of the Latin American and Caribbean Film Festival (LACFEST) hosted that same week. Ambassador Barrueta guided the students in how to make traditional Venezuela tequeños (cheese sticks) which were served on Thursday, Nov. 13 during the screening of the Venezuelan film, Alí Primera: The Voice Of A People.

    The Ambassador praised the culinary students for the skill in preparing the ingredients and in total, the team made 150 tequeños.

  8. SALCC Titans Fitness Club Empowers Students Through Self-Defense Training