AGP Executive Report

Regional Business Climate: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre urged Saint Lucia to prepare early for the Atlantic hurricane season, calling for stronger inter-agency coordination and citizens to review family emergency plans. Transport & Cost of Living: Pierre also weighed in on the Caribbean Development Bank’s proposed minibus reforms, warning that politically sensitive changes could face public pushback even if they make sense on paper. Cruise Economy Boost: The Saint Lucia Cruise Port released June 2026 arrivals, with Freewinds making multiple calls (including overnight stays) and the Seven Seas Mariner docking June 20—expected to support taxis, tours, restaurants and vendors. Tourism Marketing Push: The CTO and TEMPO Networks announced a 20-year partnership to expand digital, social and broadcast storytelling for Caribbean tourism and events. SME Digital Upgrade: Export Saint Lucia’s digital bootcamp is equipping 40 MSMEs and exporters with tools to compete online, with the top 20 set to receive tailored digital transformation roadmaps. Blue Economy Funding: OECS Commission invited eligible Blue Economy MSMEs to virtual info sessions for Window 2 matching grants, offering USD $100,000–$150,000 for value chain groups. Healthcare Investment: Bank of Saint Lucia completed the Paediatrics Ward rehabilitation at Millennium Heights Medical Centre, unveiling a new child-friendly mural as part of its CSR work. Local Governance Watch: A community meeting in Chateaubelair heard Minister Kishore Shallow say quarry operations in Richmond may be reviewed amid environmental concerns raised by residents.

Cruise Tourism Boost: Saint Lucia’s cruise port has released its June 2026 schedule, with calls from Freewinds (including overnight stays on June 17–18 and June 24–25) and the Seven Seas Mariner docking on June 20—expected to bring hundreds of visitors and lift demand for taxis, tours, restaurants and vendors. Digital Skills for Trade: Export Saint Lucia’s digital bootcamp is equipping 40+ local MSMEs and exporters with tools to compete in a digital economy, with the top 20 set to receive tailored transformation roadmaps. Climate Financing Push: Saint Lucia hosted a Climate Change Adaptation Investment Pitch and Matchmaking event to turn priority adaptation projects into “investment-ready” proposals and connect them with international funding partners. Blue Economy Funding: OECS is inviting eligible Blue Economy MSMEs to virtual information sessions for Window 2 grant proposals, with value chain groups able to apply for US$100,000–US$150,000. Port Delays Pressure: The Chamber of Commerce is urging action on costly port bottlenecks, pressing Customs on digital reforms after businesses said promises aren’t enough. Healthcare Upgrade: Bank of Saint Lucia has completed the Paediatrics Ward rehabilitation at Millennium Heights Medical Centre, unveiling a child-friendly mural as part of a broader EC$75,000 upgrade.

Port delays pressure businesses: The Chamber of Commerce pushed Customs on costly, chronic port bottlenecks, while officials pointed to digital reform—businesses say action must follow. Tax relief for households and firms: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre extended Saint Lucia’s tax amnesty to end-December 2027, waiving interest and penalties on eligible taxes up to Dec 2025. Digital tools for exporters: Export Saint Lucia’s four-day digital bootcamp trained 40+ MSMEs and exporters, with the top 20 set to get tailored digital transformation roadmaps. Climate financing push: Saint Lucia hosted a Climate Change Adaptation Investment pitch and matchmaking event to turn priority projects into investment-ready proposals for international partners. Blue Economy funding call: OECS invites Blue Economy MSMEs to virtual info sessions for Window 2 matching grants (USD $100k–$150k). Tourism partnerships: CTO and TEMPO Networks announced a strengthened collaboration to boost Caribbean tourism storytelling and event coverage. OECS services training: OECS Commission says Antigua will host a specialised services sector training programme (June 29–July 2) to build resilience and competitiveness. Local governance and environment: Tourism Minister Dr Ernest Hilaire defended the relocation and compensation of a long-time beach vendor tied to the Mount Pimard Beach Park project. Health sector upgrade: Bank of Saint Lucia completed the Paediatrics Ward rehabilitation at Millennium Heights with a child-friendly mural and equipment support. Regional labour update: Saint Lucia shared progress on workers’ rights, social protection and gender equality at the ILO’s International Labour Conference in Geneva. Trade and logistics in the wider region: OECS and regional partners also highlighted Blue Economy and fisheries clean-energy work under the STAR-Fish project.

Port & Trade Friction: The St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce pressed Customs over costly port delays, warning that digital reform plans won’t move goods without faster, practical action. Climate Finance Push: Saint Lucia is pitching investment-ready climate resilience projects to unlock international funding under its National Adaptation Plan, with sectors including tourism, infrastructure and spatial planning in focus. Blue Economy Funding: OECS is inviting Blue Economy MSMEs to virtual info sessions for Window 2 of the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme, offering grants of US$100,000–US$150,000 for fisheries, marine tourism and waste value chains. Tourism Governance: CHTA’s newly elected president faced a US visa denial, raising questions about how the regional tourism body operates from its Florida base. Tax Relief: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre extended Saint Lucia’s tax amnesty to end-December 2027, waiving interest and penalties on eligible taxes up to Dec 2025. Local Business & Services: Digicel launched the Digi-Duo mobile + home fibre bundle, while WASCO continued Castries sewerage upgrades with new pumps commissioned.

Visa & Tourism Governance: The US denied a visa renewal for newly elected CHTA president Gregor Nassief, sparking questions about whether the move targets him personally or broader Caribbean visa rules tied to Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment concerns. Blue Economy Funding: OECS invites eligible Blue Economy MSMEs to two virtual info sessions for Window 2 matching grants (US$100,000–US$150,000) supporting fisheries, marine tourism and waste management value chain groups in Grenada, Saint Lucia and St Vincent. Healthcare & Business CSR: Bank of Saint Lucia completes the Paediatrics Ward rehab at Millennium Heights, unveiling a child-friendly mural after an EC$75,000 upgrade. Tax Relief for Households & Firms: St Lucia extends its tax amnesty to end-2027, waiving interest and penalties on eligible taxes up to Dec 2025. Cost of Living Watch: With fuel prices rising to $16.75/gallon, officials say imported inflation and global conflict risks are pushing up costs, while subsidies continue for essentials like cooking gas. Local Infrastructure: WASCO steps up Castries sewerage upgrades, including new pumps to improve reliability and reduce overflow risk. Trade & Markets: Versus Trade marks its first anniversary with over US$300B in trading volume, highlighting how speed and global connectivity are reshaping retail brokerage expectations.

Retail Trading Milestone: Versus Trade says it has topped $300B in trading volume in its first year, reflecting how speed and global connectivity are reshaping retail brokerage expectations. Healthcare & CSR: Bank of Saint Lucia has completed the Paediatrics Ward rehabilitation at Millennium Heights Medical Centre, unveiling a child-friendly mural and upgrades including play space, reception improvements, air conditioning and medical equipment. ESIA Under Scrutiny: A consultant defending Roseau sand harvesting at North Leeward says the biggest risk is to fisheries, while admitting gaps such as no full biodiversity plant inventory—pushing calls for tighter baseline work and better fishers’ partnership. Blue Economy Funding: OECS invites eligible Blue Economy MSMEs in Grenada, St Lucia and St Vincent to virtual info sessions for Window 2 of the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme, with grants of US$100,000–US$150,000 for value chain groups. Tax Relief: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre extends Saint Lucia’s tax amnesty to end-December 2027, waiving interest and penalties on eligible taxes up to Dec 2025. Cost of Living Watch: Consumer Affairs says it’s reviewing retail pricing as grocery bills rise, with officials linking some pressure to imported inflation and warning of knock-on effects from global conflict. Water & Sewerage Upgrade: WASCO is upgrading Castries sewerage capacity with new pumps and maintenance to reduce overflows and improve reliability in the city centre. Biosecurity Incident: Grenada reports horses imported from St Lucia were brought in without permits and tested positive for Babesia, prompting legal action and new port-of-entry procedures. Connectivity Push: Digicel St Lucia launches the Digi-Duo bundle combining mobile and home fibre, with entry-level fibre speeds starting at 350 Mbps. Cruise Port Investment (Regional): St Vincent and the Grenadines signs an MoU with Global Ports Holding for a phased, 30-year Kingstown Cruise Port modernisation expected to total EC$225M–EC$250M.

Tax Relief Update: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre says Saint Lucia’s tax amnesty will stay open until December 2027, letting taxpayers settle outstanding liabilities while waiving interest and penalties due up to December 2025. Water & Sanitation: WASCO is upgrading Castries’ sewerage network, installing new pumps and stepping up maintenance after a Jeremie Street disruption, as part of a wider 25-year, climate-resilient master plan. Public Health & Borders: Saint Lucia is strengthening Ebola preparedness, including reactivating risk-based travel history screening at ports of entry using APIS and updating national response plans with partners. Digital Skills for Trade: A workshop is giving 20 local businesses digital tools to compete better online, improve efficiency, and pursue export opportunities. Business Connectivity: Digicel St. Lucia is rolling out “Digi-Duo,” bundling mobile with home fibre connectivity and pushing entry-level fibre speeds starting at 350 Mbps. Culture & Community: Listwa Kannaval returns for a second year, with a June 10 discussion on how rhythm, language, and Kwéyòl shape Saint Lucian identity. Social Impact in Health: Bank of Saint Lucia-backed refurbishment is transforming the Millennium Heights paediatric ward into a more child-friendly healing space.

Tax Policy: Saint Lucia has extended its tax amnesty to December 2027, letting taxpayers settle outstanding liabilities with a full waiver of interest and penalties on eligible taxes up to December 2025, including VAT and income and property taxes. Water & Infrastructure: WASCO is upgrading Castries’ sewerage network, commissioning new pumps and stepping up maintenance after a Jeremie Street disruption, as part of a wider 25-year, climate-resilient water and wastewater plan. Public Health & Trade: With WHO declaring the Ebola outbreak a PHEIC, Saint Lucia is reactivating enhanced, risk-based travel screening at ports using APIS and updating its national Ebola response plans to protect health while keeping travel and trade moving. Telecoms & Connectivity: Digicel St. Lucia is rolling out “Digi-Duo,” bundling mobile with home fibre (entry speeds from 350 Mbps) to boost speed and value for households. Digital Business Skills: A new push will give 20 local Saint Lucian businesses digital tools to compete and unlock export opportunities in a more online economy. Regional Security Context: A UNDP report flags rising Caribbean violence and notes St. Lucia’s homicide rate increase, pointing to a gap between security policy and the structural drivers of crime. Sports & Brand Partnerships: BYD is named Official Car Sponsor of the Republic Bank CPL 2026 across eight countries, including Saint Lucia, with fan activations and a design challenge. Community & Inclusion: HAPA launches autism-friendly Carnival events in July, including a sensory-friendly social and an inclusive Kiddies Carnival band.

Tax Policy: Saint Lucia has extended its tax amnesty to December 2027, waiving interest and penalties on eligible taxes up to December 2025, including VAT collected by businesses but not yet remitted. Digital & Trade: A new borderless US dollar banking platform, Sendana, is positioning itself to help Caribbean entrepreneurs get paid internationally with fewer payment workarounds. Water & Environment: The Waterways Flowing Clean Project is launching a legislative review to strengthen enforcement against polluted waterways, backed by major funding. Health Security: Saint Lucia is updating Ebola preparedness, including renewed risk-based travel screening at ports and refreshed national response planning. Business Capacity Building: TWENTY local businesses are getting digital tools to compete globally, with support aimed at boosting online presence and export readiness. Tourism & Hospitality: Copa Cruzan Creole opens in Gonzales, adding a new Creole-Caribbean-Latin menu to the local dining scene. Regional Governance: CARICOM leaders are set to convene in St. Lucia for the 51st Heads of Government Meeting, with July timing. Crime Update: Police are investigating the discovery of a 67-year-old man’s body in the Marchand River. Sports & Community: The SLFA Blackheart knockout tournament reaches the semifinals, with multiple zonal winners advancing.

Tourism & Travel: A local travel advisor says the “right” Sandals/Beaches agent comes down to real resort knowledge, not just certification, urging travellers to ask targeted questions before booking. Carnival & Culture: The Groovy and Power Soca Monarch quarterfinals are set for June 26, with semifinalists named across both categories. Public Safety: Police are investigating the death of 67-year-old Andrew Yarde found unresponsive in the Marchand River. Ebola Preparedness: Saint Lucia is stepping up Ebola readiness, including renewed risk-based port screening using APIS and updates to national response plans. SME & Trade: Twenty local businesses received digital tools to compete globally, while Sendana’s borderless US-dollar platform highlights easier ways for Caribbean entrepreneurs to get paid overseas. Environment & Waterways: A new funding boost supports a legislative review to strengthen protection and enforcement for polluted waterways. Regional Economy: Economists warn small Caribbean islands remain highly exposed to global shocks, calling for urgent resilience action. Sports & Community: Blackheart/SLFA knockout football reaches the semifinal stage, and HAPA launches an autism-inclusive carnival band and social events.

Regional Health & Trade: Guyana’s Health Minister says Martinique is willing to supply radioactive nuclear drugs for certain cancers, with survivors pointing to improved access to treatment and lab testing. Inclusive Culture: HAPA launches a sensory-friendly carnival band and social events for autistic children and families, aiming to make Kiddies Carnival more welcoming. Sports & Business: BYD is named Official Car Sponsor of the Republic Bank CPL 2026, rolling out regional activations including a “Wrap the Future” design challenge across eight countries. Banking & Community: Republic Bank’s “Five for Fun” cricket programme expands to Barbados for its first season, targeting 60 primary schools and focusing on inclusion and basic skills. Tourism Policy & Growth: Saint Lucia’s tourism push continues with participation in Caribbean Week in New York, while the UWP warns “arrival figures” claims may be premature given uneven recovery. Environment & Resilience: Saint Lucia launches a Coral Reef Response System with trained brigades and reef insurance-linked rapid response to protect coastlines and livelihoods. Governance Watch: Transparency International’s 2025 CPI ranks Haiti lowest in the Caribbean, while Barbados, The Bahamas and St. Vincent and the Grenadines perform better.

Tourism Policy & Governance: The UWP’s Dominic Fedee says the tourism “booming” narrative is premature, pointing to 2025 declines and cruise arrivals down 7.7% while urging a more cautious read of early 2026 figures. Regional Tourism Push: Saint Lucia’s tourism authority is in New York for CTO Caribbean Week to strengthen partnerships and air connectivity, while the island also launched a Coral Reef Response System to boost reef resilience and speed post-storm recovery. CARICOM Business Agenda: CARICOM Heads of Government will meet in Gros Islet from 5–8 July under Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, with a streamed opening ceremony at Sandals and business sessions on regional priorities. Climate & Youth Skills: A UNICEF-commissioned study finds young people in Barbados, Dominica, St Lucia and Antigua & Barbuda want green jobs but lack information, training and accessible opportunities. Finance & Cost of Money: A banking series argues ECCU lending remains expensive and frames the next two years as a “decade of decision” for regional economic direction. Security & Trade: Police report a British man fined $15,000 after a rifle was seized at Vieux Fort port. Business & Brand: BYD is named Official Car Sponsor of the Republic Bank CPL 2026, rolling out Caribbean-wide fan and dealership activations.

Tourism Awards: Saint Lucia’s tourism push got a regional spotlight as CTO’s Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Awards in New York honoured Barbados Tourism Marketing CEO Andrea Franklin and BVI’s Luce Hodge-Smith, underscoring how leadership and destination development are being rewarded across the Caribbean. Health & Trade in Care: Martinique says it’s ready to supply Guyana with radioactive drugs for cancer treatment, with St. Lucian cancer survivor Alyson Chester pointing to the value of accessible testing and treatment support. Governance Watch: Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index ranks Haiti at the bottom in the Caribbean, while Barbados, The Bahamas and St. Vincent and the Grenadines sit higher—an investor-facing reminder of governance risk. Regional Business & Policy: CARICOM Heads of Government will meet in Gros Islet, St. Lucia, July 5–8, with sessions expected to tackle key regional priorities. Local Economy Signals: Saint Lucia’s tourism debate heats up as UWP’s Dominic Fedee questions “booming” claims, arguing recovery is uneven and fuel and cost pressures still bite. Sports & Youth Investment: Republic Bank’s “Five for Fun” youth cricket programme officially launched in St. Lucia, targeting 38 primary schools for the 2026 season. Energy Costs: A UN warning on the Strait of Hormuz closure highlights how oil chokepoints can drive up energy prices—relevant to St. Lucia’s ongoing fuel-cost concerns.

Governance & Risk: Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index puts Haiti at the bottom of the Caribbean table, while Barbados, The Bahamas and St. Vincent and the Grenadines rank among the region’s stronger performers—an investor-facing reminder that governance risk still shapes business confidence. Tourism & Policy: Saint Lucia is pushing ahead on tourism partnerships and resilience, with the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority taking part in Caribbean Week in New York and the island launching a Coral Reef Response System to speed up post-storm reef recovery. Regional Business Agenda: CARICOM’s 51st Heads of Government Meeting is set for Gros Islet, 5–8 July, with business sessions expected to tackle regional priorities. Cost of Money (ECCU): A new market analysis argues Caribbean lending rates remain high and calls for strategic decisions in the ECCU as the region targets shared prosperity and resilience. Transport Economics: The Caribbean Development Bank is treating traffic congestion as a development issue, linking gridlock to productivity losses and competitiveness costs. Local Tourism Debate: A UWP senator says Saint Lucia’s “arrival figures” claims are premature, urging caution as cruise and total arrivals lag recovery. Fuel Pressure: Reports highlight rising gasoline costs and the knock-on effect for prices across Saint Lucia’s economy. Sports & Sponsorship: Republic Bank’s “Five for Fun” youth cricket programme continues in the region, and BYD is named Official Car Sponsor of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League 2026, with activations across key markets including Saint Lucia.

CARICOM in St. Lucia: Heads of Government will meet in Gros Islet from 5–8 July 2026, with Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre taking the rotating chairmanship on 1 July; the opening ceremony is set for 4:00 pm ECT at Sandals St Lucia and will be streamed live, followed by business sessions and a hybrid closing press conference. Tourism policy and partnerships: The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority is in New York for Caribbean Week 2026 to strengthen air connectivity and global visibility, while the UWP’s Dominic Fedee says tourism “booming” claims are premature given uneven recovery and recent arrival declines. Reef resilience with financing: Saint Lucia launched a Coral Reef Response System using trained brigades for rapid damage assessment and recovery, tied to a regional reef insurance and preparedness push. Regional banking focus: A new ECCU “cost of money” analysis argues lending rates remain high and could be slowing growth, while highlighting the role credit unions may play in cheaper borrowing. Green jobs and youth skills: A UNICEF-commissioned study finds young people across the Eastern Caribbean want green and circular economy careers, but lack information, training, and accessible opportunities—especially in St Lucia and Barbados. Business and mobility: BYD is the Official Car Sponsor of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League 2026, rolling out regional activations including a “Wrap the Future” design challenge. Local business/health tech: CariGenetics Saint Lucia and Lab Services & Consultations announced a partnership to expand genetic testing and advanced cancer diagnostics, including tumour genetics and immunohistochemistry. Security and enforcement: A British man was fined $15,000 after pleading guilty to firearm offences linked to a rifle seizure at Vieux Fort port, and police charged a fourth suspect in the Ciceron murder case.

Tourism & Trade: Saint Lucia’s Tourism Authority says April 2026 delivered record stay-over arrivals—40,752 visitors, up 8.5% year-on-year—while cruise and yachting also gained momentum. Tourism Politics: UWP’s Dominic Fedee pushes back on the government’s “booming” tourism narrative, calling the minister’s arrival claims premature and pointing to 2025 declines in cruise and total arrivals. Regional Spotlight: Saint Lucia is set to host CARICOM’s 51st Heads of Government meeting in Gros Islet from 5–8 July, with an opening ceremony at Sandals St Lucia and business sessions following. Climate & Resilience: The island launched a Coral Reef Response System using trained brigades, rapid damage assessment and insurance-linked financing to speed recovery after storms. Youth & Green Jobs: A UNICEF-commissioned study finds young people across the Eastern Caribbean want green and circular economy careers, but lack information, training and reachable opportunities. Transport Costs: Fuel prices at the pumps move to $16.75 for gas and diesel, renewing calls from the taxi sector for a clear, automatic fare formula tied to fuel changes. Business Partnerships: BYD announced as Official Car Sponsor of CPL 2026, rolling out regional activations across eight markets including Saint Lucia. Health & Innovation: CariGenetics Saint Lucia and Lab Services & Consultations partner to expand access to genetic testing and advanced cancer diagnostics locally.