SAINT LUCIA — Dahmanii Berthier, the reigning Emmanuel Bellas MVP for Tier 2 in the Saint Lucia Semi Professional Football League and the 2024 MVP of the Blackheart Knockout Football Tournament, has been excluded from the national football team for the upcoming international qualifiers—despite his dominant form and reported talks with Jamaica’s Cavalier FC for a professional contract.
In an exclusive interview with Saint Lucia Daily Post, Berthier shared his confusion after being left out of the squad.
“It is rather unfortunate not being able to represent the national team at the upcoming qualifiers after my impressive performance in the 2024 season in Blackheart and Semi Pro season,” he said.
Berthier added that this was not the first time he had been left out after attending national team tryouts.
“I was called up for the tryouts. I trained for two weeks, but that’s not the first time. It happened last year.”
While nine players from the Semi Pro League made it onto the final squad this year, Berthier’s back-to-back omissions in both 2024 and 2025—despite standout performances—have raised concerns among fans and players about the fairness and transparency of the selection process.
The national squad includes: Terrel Thomas, Josh Solomon, Arkell Jude Boyd, Alvinus Mayers, Melvin Doxilly, Kurt Frederick, Donavon Jn Baptiste, Hamaiael Charlery, Saviola Elva, Bayan Aman, Ryan Charles, Ryan Remi, Caniggia Elva, Leaus Henville, Aaron Richard, Shaquan Nelson, Trent Alexander, Mervin St. Romain, Keagan Caull, Troy Greenidge, Vino Barclett, Darren Donaie, and Devone St. Prix. The technical team is led by Head Coach Stern John and Head of Delegation Valdez James.
Nine of the players selected are active in the Saint Lucia Semi Professional Football League: Donavon Jn Baptiste, Hamaiael Charlery, Shaquan Nelson, Trent Alexander, Mervin St. Romain, Aaron Richard, Troy Greenidge, Leaus Henville and Devone St. Prix. Three of them are making their national team debut.
Despite the Semi Pro League now serving as a key feeder into the national setup, Berthier’s absence from the roster remains a glaring omission.
