AGP Executive Report

Police & Governance: The Government says it will not interfere in the police investigation involving Housing Minister Richard Frederick, after he was detained for questioning and later released, stressing respect for police independence and the rule of law. Fire Safety: Investigators have ruled out arson in the March 6 Computer World fire in Bois D’Orange, citing no evidence of deliberate setting despite challenges from lithium-ion batteries. Tourism & Trade: New CTO data show Saint Lucia saw a steep 15.9% year-on-year drop in European stayover arrivals in Q1, with 22,073 visitors from Europe, the largest decline among Caribbean destinations for the quarter. Consumer Protection: Saint Lucia is launching a Consumer Connect Platform to speed up how people get information and file complaints across key consumer and regulatory agencies. Regional Economy & Policy: Saint Lucia takes the CARICOM chairmanship (July 1–Dec 31) with a people-centred agenda, while CARICOM Day messaging highlights renewal amid climate, food/energy and security pressures. Security: Police report homicides up 25% year-to-date, with firearms behind most killings.

CARICOM Day 2026: Saint Lucia PM Philip J. Pierre, now CARICOM chair, urged a “renewal” push for a stronger, fairer and safer region as leaders mark the 53rd anniversary. Regional Governance: The 51st CARICOM Heads of Government meeting opens in Gros Islet (5–8 July), with security, food protection, climate resilience, renewable energy, economic integration and youth on the agenda. Local Security: Police say homicides are up 25% this year (40 so far), with firearms behind 73% of killings; 17 cases have been solved. Consumer Protection: Saint Lucia is rolling out the Consumer Connect Platform to let people get information and file complaints through one coordinated system across key agencies. Tourism & Jobs: OECS is training member states on community-based tourism, aiming to keep tourism benefits in local communities; Saint Lucia also reports 27 families graduating from assistance into business ownership. Diplomacy & Trade: Romania has opened its first honorary consulate in Saint Lucia to deepen ties, including tourism and trade.

CARICOM Leadership Clash: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is set to attend CARICOM’s 51st Heads of Government meeting in St. Lucia, while former foreign minister Dr. Amery Browne urges the region to resist any move to revive the dispute over reappointing CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett, arguing leaders should instead focus on support for Venezuela. Regional Agenda in Focus: CARICOM chairmanship rotates to St. Lucia’s Philip J. Pierre (July 1–Dec 31), with leaders meeting July 5–8 in Gros Islet to push a people-centred agenda. Consumer Protection Upgrade: St. Lucia is launching the Consumer Connect Platform, bringing the Department of Consumer Affairs, National Consumers Association, NURC, SLBS and NTRC onto one system to speed up complaints and support. Banking Milestone: Bank of Saint Lucia marks 25 years since the 2001 merger, highlighting customer service, community impact and ongoing anniversary activities. Tourism Strategy: OECS workshops in St. Lucia (June 9–11) advanced community-based tourism policy and action planning, backed by the EU’s 11th EDF RIGHT programme. Public Safety Watch: Police report homicides up 25% year-to-date, with firearms driving 73% of killings, and a 43% detection rate so far. Travel Tech Startup: BRDRS is expanding its “super app” for Africa and the Caribbean, with visa assistance, eSIM and a virtual wallet, now live in St. Lucia among other markets.

CARICOM Leadership Shift: Saint Lucia officially took over the CARICOM chairmanship on July 1, with Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre pledging a people-centred agenda focused on unity, climate justice, reparatory justice, economic renewal and tangible results for citizens. Regional Tourism Push: OECS tourism officials met in Saint Lucia (June 9–11) to advance community-based tourism, supported by the 11th EDF RIGHT programme, aiming to put local communities and entrepreneurs at the centre of tourism benefits. Citizenship by Investment Scrutiny: A new legal assessment from Harvey Law Group reviews 2026 changes affecting Caribbean CBI programmes, including the creation of ECCIRA and shifting travel rules, while an exclusive academic report raises concerns about how banks spot risks after citizenship is granted. Public Finance Reform Watch: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank is calling for sweeping public finance reforms across the region, warning that monetary stability depends on stronger fiscal discipline and better transparency. Agriculture & Food Security: Saint Lucia unveiled a “Green Revolution” project with regional experts (IICA/CATIE) to modernize agriculture and strengthen climate resilience. Security & Crime: Police are investigating a shooting in Bexon that left a 16-year-old girl in critical condition.

CARICOM Leadership: Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre officially takes the CARICOM chair from July 1 to Dec. 31, promising a people-centred agenda focused on climate action, food security, economic renewal, digital transformation, and easier movement of people, skills, services and ideas. Regional Governance & Finance: The ECCB is calling for sweeping public finance reforms across the Eastern Caribbean, warning that monetary stability depends on fiscal discipline and better transparency. Security & Migration Pressure: A new report flags fresh concerns about how banks handle risk linked to Citizenship by Investment programmes, while separate coverage highlights Caribbean anxiety over US “third-country national” transfers and the strain on local systems. Local Economy & Infrastructure: Parliament backs a SLASPA loan guarantee to fund port modernization prep work, with the port upgrade framed as a driver for growth. Water Crisis: Saint Lucia’s ongoing water woes remain a major flashpoint, with residents still facing intermittent supply despite large investments. Business Support: Commerce’s Small Enterprise Development Unit is ramping up grant and loan awareness through MSME outreach, linking entrepreneurs with BELfund, the Youth Economy Agency and the Bank of Saint Lucia. Health: Saint Lucia continues strengthening national Ebola preparedness as WHO tracks the DRC and Uganda outbreak.

CARICOM Leadership: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre says his CARICOM chairmanship from July 1 will be “people-centred,” pushing integration that shows up in communities, schools, businesses and everyday opportunities. Public Finance: The ECCB is calling for sweeping public finance reforms across the region, arguing monetary stability depends on stronger fiscal discipline, transparency and shared accounting standards. Port Modernisation: Saint Lucia’s House backed a SLASPA loan guarantee after Infrastructure Minister Shawn Edward endorsed major port upgrade work to support economic growth. Gender & Capacity Building: The OECS Commission launched a three-part Gender Mainstreaming staff training series to embed gender-responsive planning across programmes, linked to the EC-STEMS project funded via CDB and the EU. Agriculture & Food Security: Minister Lisa Jawahir unveiled a “Green Revolution” push with regional experts (IICA/CATIE) to modernise agriculture and strengthen climate resilience. Ebola Preparedness: Saint Lucia’s health authorities continue strengthening national Ebola Virus Disease plans amid WHO’s PHEIC for DRC and Uganda. Local Business Support: Commerce’s Small Enterprise Development Unit held a World MSME Day outreach in Micoud, promoting grants and loan financing with partner agencies.

Water Crisis Watch: A new report highlights how St. Lucia’s long-running intermittent water supply has pushed residents “to the brink,” despite major spending and World Bank financing, with Wasco’s monopoly making the issue especially contentious. CARICOM Leadership: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre will take over CARICOM chairmanship on July 1, pledging a more people-centred integration agenda that shows up in schools, businesses and everyday life. Port Modernisation Funding: The House approved a government guarantee for a SLASPA loan to fund preparatory work for major port upgrades—aimed at boosting trade and economic expansion. Regional Money Matters: The ECCB will mark 50 years of the EC dollar’s US peg with a July 1 panel on July 1, focusing on what the fixed exchange rate has delivered and where it should go next. Small Business Push: The Department of Commerce’s Small Enterprise Development Unit held a World MSME Day outreach in Micoud, promoting grants, registration support and consultations with partners like BELfund and the Bank of Saint Lucia. Connectivity Relief: Liberty/Flow is zero-rating mobile calls to earthquake-hit Venezuela for eligible customers until July 6. Security in Soufriere: Police and stakeholders formed a working group to tackle crime and violence in Soufriere, following community walkthroughs and a high-level meeting. Tourism & Hospitality Jobs: Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences appointed Almando Rigby as General Manager, tasking him with driving revenue and service standards across key departments.

ECCB & Monetary Policy: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank will mark 50 years since the EC dollar’s fixed peg to the US with a July 1 panel, “EC PEG AT 50,” bringing together regional leaders and youth voices to discuss what the peg has delivered and where it should go next. Tourism & Public Sector Performance: Tourism Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire urged public sector departments to speed up decision-making and improve attendance at tourism committee boards, warning that delays are costing businesses “time and money” and hurting competitiveness. Local Finance & Insurance Industry: A new look at the captive insurance market estimates there are 228 captive managers across 88 domiciles, using regulatory lists, trade association data and public records to map who manages the industry. Calypso & Culture: Calypso Monarch semifinals have set up 10 finalists for the July 11 finals, with Dezral defending his crown and judges selecting nine others after 18 performances. Soca Finals Setup: Groovy and Power Soca Monarch semifinals confirmed the line-up for the July 10 finals at the SAB in Vigie, with crowd favourites earning spots and defending champions set to retain their titles. Regional Business & Energy: Danville Walker has stepped down from West Indies Petroleum and is set to lead Petrojam as managing director, signalling a leadership shift at the state-owned refinery. Caribbean Sports Pathway: Cricket’s Olympic return is shaping a Caribbean qualification route, but the West Indies’ composite structure faces IOC eligibility hurdles, meaning a regional qualifier may decide which nation represents the Caribbean. Wellness Tourism: Jamaica’s JACANA launched a Caribbean Wellness Platform, bundling botanical care, plant medicines, nature experiences and retail under one brand as wellness travel accelerates. Security & Community Impact: Police are investigating a fatal shooting in Marchand that killed Jordon Lansiquot hours before his birthday, with the public asked to share information.

OECS Leadership & Regional Economy: Antigua and Barbuda’s PM Gaston Browne has taken over the OECS Authority chair at the 78th meeting, with a stated focus on economic self-reliance, integration, climate resilience, food and energy security, and digital transformation. Energy Sector Move: Danville Walker has stepped down from West Indies Petroleum and is set to lead Petrojam as managing director starting July 1. Tourism & Hospitality Jobs: Turks and Caicos’ Almando Rigby was appointed GM of St. Lucia’s Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences, tasked with driving revenue and service standards across 145 staff. Tourism Operations Pressure: St. Lucia’s Tourism Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire urged public sector departments to improve responsiveness on tourism committee work, warning delays cost businesses “time and money.” Agribusiness & Skills: Taiwan Technical Mission training in Laborie, Castries, Soufriere and Dennery equipped 80+ SMEs with AI marketing tools, while a separate guava grafting workshop supported farmers and students. Blue Economy / Food Security: A Trinidad-based group is pitching a “blue gold” sargassum-to-fertiliser processing approach to complement St. Lucia’s collection efforts. Local Business & Infrastructure: Mount Pimard Public Beach Park opened at Reduit Beach, alongside renewed vendor concerns over demolition and compensation.

Tourism & Culture: The battle for the 2026 Groovy and Power Soca Monarch titles heated up at the National Cultural Centre, with 40 artistes fighting for spots in the July 10 finals; crowd favourites like Kisha K, Ricky T, Shemmy J and Ezra D’Funmachine advanced, and tickets are EC$60. Hospitality Careers: Turks and Caicos’ Almando Rigby was appointed General Manager of Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences in St. Lucia, taking over June 15 and overseeing 145 staff across key divisions. Tourism Operations: Tourism Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire urged public sector departments to show up and move faster on tourism committee work, warning that delays cost businesses “time is money” and hurt competitiveness. Health Policy: Saint Lucia took part in a GAVI workshop in Copenhagen to strengthen immunization planning and prepare for the September 2026 review window. SME Skills & AI: Taiwan Technical Mission ran a four-part AI marketing training series for over 80 SME owners, with participants rating the programme highly (97% satisfied). Agribusiness & Livelihoods: The Savannes Bay Restoration Programme is backing sea moss farming with better site demarcation and a push toward value-added products to raise farmers’ earnings. Regional Finance: A major banking move in Jamaica has Scotiabank taking Scotia Group Jamaica private, raising questions about who will own the region’s banks and how Caribbean finance stays connected globally.

Regional Security & Migration: Canada and CARICOM renewed their strategic partnership in Panama, agreeing on a results-focused action plan for competitive economies, climate action, and regional security, with gangs, irregular migration and Haiti on the agenda. Tourism Operations: Saint Lucia’s Tourism Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire urged public sector departments to speed up decision-making and improve attendance at tourism committee meetings, warning delays cost the private sector “time is money.” Health & Immunization: Saint Lucia took part in a GAVI workshop in Copenhagen to strengthen vaccine equity and prepare for the September 2026 independent review window. Caribbean Wellness Brand: Jamaica’s JACANA launched a Caribbean Wellness Platform, aiming to scale botanical personal care, therapeutic plant medicines and nature-based experiences as wellness tourism grows. Agriculture & Value Chains: Taiwan Technical Mission training in Saint Lucia boosted AI marketing skills for SMEs, while guava grafting workshops supported farmers with practical propagation know-how. Fisheries & Livelihoods: Savannes Bay Restoration Programme updates highlight steps to improve sea moss farming organization and expand value-added opportunities for local producers. Banking & Ownership: A major finance story out of the region: Scotiabank is moving to buy out remaining shares in Scotia Group Jamaica and take it private, raising questions about who controls Caribbean banking.

Tourism & Public Sector Performance: Tourism Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire urged public sector departments to show more urgency and improve attendance at Tourism Advisory Committee meetings, warning delays are costing the private sector “time is money” and hurting competitiveness. Health & Policy: Saint Lucia took part in a GAVI workshop in Copenhagen to strengthen vaccine and immunization planning, focusing on health system readiness and preparation for the September 2026 review process. Trade & Regional Diplomacy: Canada and CARICOM renewed their strategic partnership with a results-focused action plan on competitive economies, climate action, and regional security, with ministers pushing for timelines, measurable outcomes, and sustainable financing. Agriculture & Livelihoods: Fisheries officials fully endorsed the Savannes Bay restoration project, backing efforts to boost sea moss farming organization and value-added opportunities for local farmers. SME Skills & Digital Marketing: Taiwan Technical Mission ran an AI-powered marketing training series for over 80 SME owners across Laborie, Castries, Soufriere and Dennery, with participants reporting high satisfaction and practical e-commerce upgrades. Infrastructure & Community Concerns: Mount Pimard Public Beach Park opened at Reduit Beach, with officials addressing lingering vendor concerns tied to demolition and compensation. Energy & Jobs: NRDF launched a Skill-Up Summer Programme aimed at job-ready training for employment and entrepreneurship, alongside a push for practical pathways to income.

Tourism & Public Sector Efficiency: Tourism Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire urged public departments to show more urgency on tourism committee work, warning that postponed meetings and slow decisions are costing businesses “time and money.” Health Policy: Saint Lucia strengthened its vaccine and immunization approach after participating in a multi-country GAVI workshop in Copenhagen, focusing on vaccine equity and preparation for the September 2026 review window. OECS Leadership & Integration: OECS Heads reaffirmed confidence in Dr. Didacus Jules, reappointing him for a fourth term as Director General to push deeper regional integration. Agriculture & Value Chains: The Fisheries Department fully endorsed the Savannes Bay restoration push tied to sea moss farming, with new organization and capacity-building aimed at boosting farmers’ earnings and value-added products. SME Digital Skills: Taiwan Technical Mission training in Laborie, Castries, Soufriere and Dennery equipped 80+ SME owners with AI-powered marketing tools, with 97% rating the experience highly satisfactory. Energy Transition: Parliament passed a new energy law to open the grid to independent green power suppliers, aiming to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Maritime & Trade: SLASPA marked the Day of the Seafarer by reiterating its commitment to safe port operations while expanding blue-economy opportunities. Local Business & Markets: A Mount Pimard Public Beach Park opened amid vendor concerns over demolition and compensation, keeping the spotlight on how public works affect small traders.

Basketball Finals: Soufrière Kings levelled the KFC National Basketball League Finals 1-1, beating Bonne Terre Blazers 47-43 at Beausejour and setting up an all-or-nothing Game 3 on Saturday night. Sports & Talent: Saint Lucian rebound star Megan Nestor was welcomed home at Hewanorra after a standout NCAA run, including a 30-30 game and a Chicago Sky training camp invite. Energy Policy: Parliament passed a new electricity law that opens the grid to independent green energy suppliers, aiming to cut reliance on fossil-fuel generation. Health & Consumer Safety: The Ministry of Health warned the public to use licensed pharmacies for GLP-1 medicines, citing risks from unlicensed sellers and compounded products. Regional Economy & Trade: OECS leaders reaffirmed Dr Didacus Jules for a fourth term as Director General, backing deeper integration priorities including digital transformation and resilience. Tourism Pressure: Tourism Minister Dr Ernest Hilaire urged faster action from both public and private sectors to protect St Lucia’s tourism engine. Water Crisis: A report highlights how intermittent supply and climate uncertainty are still squeezing households and hospitality, even as the rainy season begins. Digital Resilience: Grenada co-hosted a regional cell broadcast emergency warning validation workshop with St Lucia and others, supported by the ITU and World Bank.

OECS Leadership & Integration: Dr Didacus Jules has secured a fourth term as OECS Director General after the 78th OECS Authority meeting reaffirmed confidence in his push for deeper regional integration. Energy Market Opening: Saint Lucia’s lower house passed a new electricity law that allows independent green energy suppliers to generate for the national grid, aiming to cut reliance on fossil fuels. Water Pressure & Cost: The government clarified adjustments to water rates as the island continues to grapple with intermittent supply and rising utility bills. Health & Medicines Safety: The Ministry of Health warned the public to use licensed pharmacies for GLP-1 weight-loss/diabetes medicines, citing risks from unlicensed sellers and compounded products. Regional Disaster Readiness: Grenada co-hosted a CB-EWS validation workshop with OECS states to strengthen cell broadcast emergency alerts, supported by the ITU and World Bank. Tourism Call for Action: Tourism Minister Dr Ernest Hilaire urged stakeholders to move from discussion to action to protect the island’s tourism engine. Caribbean Trade & Markets: A commentary highlights how vendors are using TikTok to compete with supermarkets, turning attention into sales without big ad budgets. Sports & Youth: Megan Nestor was welcomed home after NCAA success; ECCB announced a free 2026 STEM Camp starting July 6 for ages 14–18 across ECCU member states.

Energy & Investment: Saint Lucia’s House has passed a new electricity law that opens the grid to independent green power suppliers, aiming to cut reliance on fossil-fuel generation and modernize the island’s power sector. Water Security: With the rainy season offering only partial relief, St. Lucia’s water shortage remains a major risk for households and tourism; officials warn that “super El Niño” could limit replenishment. Agriculture & Resilience: In Babonneau, farmers received a water lifeline after rehabilitation work cleared silt, improved filtration, and upgraded irrigation—supporting about 50 farmers over roughly 100 acres. Tourism Pressure: Tourism Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire urged stakeholders to move from talk to action to protect the sector’s future amid intensifying competition. Regional Trade & Connectivity: Regulators and ECTEL are reviewing a Flow outage that disrupted services in Dominica and Saint Lucia, after a fibre fault between Guadeloupe and Antigua. Public Health & Consumer Safety: The Ministry of Health is warning residents to use licensed pharmacies for prescription medicines, especially GLP‑1 products, and to avoid unlicensed sellers and social media. Business & Governance: Parliament also saw heated debate over a port redevelopment plan, including proposed cargo relocation from Castries to Cul de Sac. Crime & Justice: Police are investigating a fatal shooting in St Vincent involving a Saint Lucian man, with identity checks ongoing.