The Saint Lucia-China Friendship Association (SLCFA) held an Extraordinary General Meeting on Sunday, June 14, 2026, where members appointed a new Interim Executive Committee to lead the transition of the 22-year-old entity.
Established in November 2003, the SLCFA has remained active under all Saint Lucia governments since, promoting the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and acknowledging its contributions to Saint Lucia when diplomatic ties existed between 1997 and 2007.
In the 19 years since Saint Lucia ‘broke’ and the PRC ‘suspended’ bilateral ties, the SLCFA also consistently followed and highlight regional and international developments involving Beijing and China’s growing role as a prime mover of how the world turns today.
The SLCFA has, over the last two decades, developed strong fraternal friendship ties with the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the Latin American and Caribbean Federation of China Friendship Associations (FALCARPC), as well as with fellow friendship associations in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
The SLCFA has also been promoting the formation of a Caribbean Federation of Friendship Associations uniting entities in CARICOM and OECS states, as well as in non-independent territories with common strong historical and commercial links to China.
In the past year, the SLCFA has launched a website called Sun and Silk Communications Agency (available at sascaonline.com) that’s available in ten languages and read in over 94 countries.
It reflects local, regional and international news, including items on China’s friendship with and assistance to developing nations worldwide.
The SLCFA is also the lucky beneficiary of an annual media scholarship in Beijing, which has been attended by delegates of at least two local media houses.
The Association will soon establish its own domestic website and plans to also launch a series of public presentations on themes highlighting China’s positive role in development of a new global human order and a rightful place in that unfolding order for the Global South.
Sunday’s meeting discussed the urgent need for generational transformation at leadership levels and for a complete review of the SLCFA’s organizational structure, including its Constitution.
The Association also plans an annual online exhibition by Chinese universities to enhance scholarship and enrolment possibilities for local students.
It will also offer practical advice to Saint Lucians wanting to start business with China.
Regular meetings are scheduled to complete the SLMWA’s reorganization by September 8, when it to officially launch sascaonline.com — with participation by and support from local, regional and international media houses.
The 10-member Interim Executive comprises: Earl Bousquet (President), Andy Xu (Vice President), Kimani Goddard (International Secretary), Melania Monbelley (Executive Secretary), Zeleta Weekes (Assistant Secretary), Dr Jeanice Stanley (Treasurer), Kayode James (Assistant Treasurer), Casey Jerson (Communications Officer/Webmaster), Quinn St. Juste (Youth and Sports Coordinator) and Dalington Mathurin (Business Coordinator).
June 16, 2026
Signed
Earl Bousquet
President
SLCFA