AGP Executive Report

Arsenal Deal Confidentiality: Tourism Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire says the financial terms of Saint Lucia’s Arsenal FC partnership should stay confidential, warning that public disclosure can hurt future negotiations. CARICOM Outreach: Ahead of Saint Lucia’s CARICOM chairmanship, PM Philip J. Pierre’s government rolls out a public sensitisation campaign focused on how regional integration affects everyday life. Water Rates Clarity: PM Pierre reiterates that WASCO can’t set its own tariffs and that the independent NURC controls water and sewerage rate changes, with phased implementation to fund upgrades. Telecom Resilience After Flow Outage: Regulators in Dominica and St. Lucia urge customers and businesses to plan backup communication after a major Flow service disruption; Flow says services are restored and rebates will be applied. Fuel & LPG Prices Held: Government keeps fuel and LPG prices unchanged for June 22–July 12, maintaining subsidies for diesel, kerosene and cooking gas. Customs Digitisation: Customs online payments are speeding up cargo clearance and improving transparency for businesses. Tourism Growth & Utilities: SLHTA re-elected Erwin Louisy through 2028, with utilities like water, energy and telecoms flagged as key to sustaining tourism expansion. Blue Economy Knowledge Hub: CRFM, FAO and CAF launch an open-access Caribbean Blue Economy Knowledge Hub for fisheries, aquaculture and marine planning. Green Champions Challenge: Carmen Renee Memorial Primary School wins the inaugural Green Champions Challenge for e-waste and aluminum recycling.

Utility Costs: Saint Lucia’s NURC-approved water rate hike kicks in with the June 2026 billing cycle, aimed at stabilising the Brittle water network. Fuel & Relief: PM Philip J. Pierre says there’s no immediate gas price relief, while the government keeps fuel and LPG prices unchanged under the modified pass-through for June 22–July 12. Telecom Disruption: Flow restored services after a crisis-level regional outage linked to a damaged subsea fibre, with automatic rebates/credits for affected customers; some users still reported lingering issues. Trade Facilitation: Customs online payments are speeding up cargo clearance, letting businesses pay duties anytime and reducing delays. Parliament & Finance: Lawmakers clashed over a proposed EC$906m financing plan, with debate focused on debt strategy and investor confidence. Tourism Push: Lucian Carnival 2026 is set to boost tourism and the economy, while SLHTA re-elected Erwin Louisy through 2028, stressing utilities as key to growth. Regional Integration: OECS leaders met in Antigua to tackle economic development, climate resilience, security and integration. Energy Transition: GIZ is inviting bids for design, supply and installation of 10 grid-tied solar PV systems across Saint Lucia. Sports & Business Spotlight: Arsenal FC partnership details remain confidential as the government defends the deal amid public questions.

Telecom & Business Continuity: Flow says its major regional outage is fully restored, with rebates automatically applied to affected Saint Lucia accounts after the disruption was linked to a damaged subsea fibre; the company says it doesn’t expect further interruptions. Regional Investment & Finance: The inaugural Caribbean Economic Forum 2026 in Barbados brought together global investors and regional leaders to push the Caribbean as a unified, investment-ready market, with participants representing over US$24 trillion in assets. Tourism & Utilities: Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association president Erwin Louisy was re-elected through 2028, with utilities like water, energy resilience and telecommunications flagged as key to supporting tourism growth. Energy & Procurement: GIZ has issued an expression of interest for the design, supply and installation of 10 grid-tied solar PV systems across Saint Lucia, with execution expected from Aug 2026 to Feb 2027. Fuel Prices: Government maintains fuel and LPG retail prices for June 22–July 12, keeping gasoline and diesel at EC$16.75 per imperial gallon and LPG cylinder prices unchanged. Currency & Recognition: ECCB–Thomas De La Rue Scholarship goes to Vincentian Phillip John, while ECCU banknote redesign plans include Kirani James on the EC$5 note from 2027.

Telecom Disruption: Flow says a suspected fault triggered a crisis-level outage that knocked out broadband and IP services across Saint Lucia and affected some customers in Dominica; some users report lingering problems even after restoration updates. Tourism Leadership: Erwin Louisy was re-elected unopposed as President of the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association through 2028, with utilities and competitiveness flagged as priorities for continued visitor growth. Energy & Climate Procurement: GIZ is inviting expressions of interest for the design, supply and installation of 10 grid-tied Solar PV systems (about 111kW) across Saint Lucia, with installation expected between Aug 2026 and Feb 2027. Fuel Price Stability: Government maintains fuel and LPG prices for June 22–July 12, keeping gasoline and diesel at $16.75 per imperial gallon and holding LPG cylinder prices steady, supported by ongoing diesel/kerosene and LPG subsidies. Regional Integration Push: OECS leaders opened their 78th Authority meeting in Antigua, with incoming chair Godwin Friday urging practical regional integration that delivers real outcomes for small states. Business & Trade Finance: IFC will invest up to US$15m in the Caribbean Community Resilience Fund debt sub-fund, aiming to expand financing for medium-sized enterprises across 13 countries including Saint Lucia. Consumer Pressure: The National Consumer Association renews calls for stronger consumer protection as households face rising utility bills and food costs.

Regional Connectivity: Flow reports a crisis-level telecom outage hitting both Dominica and St Lucia on Sunday evening, disrupting broadband and IP services and prompting regional recovery teams. Regional Integration & Governance: OECS chair Godwin Friday urged leaders to treat integration as practical survival, handing over the rotating OECS chair to Antigua and Barbuda’s Gaston Browne with priorities including air transport, energy security and development finance. Citizenship by Investment Scrutiny: A Saint Lucia CBI due-diligence report shows 75 Nigerian subjects screened in 2023/24, with currency volatility and compliance checks flagged as key hurdles for applicants. Water & Utility Costs: NURC oversight tightens as WASCO faces phased water rate hikes (over 30%) and much steeper increases for hotels and marine vessels, with performance targets tied to the John Compton Raw Water Pipeline upgrade. Food Security & Agriculture: Farmers trained in advanced guava grafting under a Taiwan-backed project aimed at cutting import reliance, while SVG pushes multiple agri-food proposals into regional investment channels. Tourism Sector Moves: SLHTA re-elected Erwin Louisy unopposed, pledging stronger private-sector advocacy as tourism growth continues. Business Environment: A Chamber-led push tackles strategy execution and business ease-of-doing issues, echoing a broader “crisis of execution” theme. Local Business Disruption: Police investigate an alleged arson at a Castries business (The Briefcase) after CCTV footage was reportedly captured.

Blackheart Football Final: Vieux Fort South won the 2026 Blackheart/Saint Lucia FA Knockout title on June 20, beating La Clery 4-2 at Soufrière Stadium, with Obafami Poyotte named MVP after a tense match that saw VFS play the final stretch with a red card and a man down. ECCB & Currency Messaging: The ECCB says its Agency Offices across member states are key for currency operations, regulatory oversight, and public education—while stressing they are not commercial banks. Citizenship by Investment Scrutiny: A CBI industry expert flags currency volatility and stricter compliance checks as the biggest hurdles for high-net-worth applicants. CBI Due Diligence Numbers: Saint Lucia’s CBI programme screened at least 75 Nigerians in 2023/24, with due diligence firms processing thousands of applicants and dependents. Agriculture & Food Security: Farmers received Taiwan-backed training in advanced guava grafting under the Seven Crops Project, aiming to cut import reliance and improve supermarket-ready varieties. Water Tariffs & Oversight: NURC approved phased WASCO water and sewerage increases—households and businesses will pay more, with hotels and vessels facing the steepest jumps—alongside tighter oversight. Tourism Sector Leadership: Erwin Louisy was re-elected unopposed as SLHTA president, pledging stronger focus on tourism growth and better member services. Regional Finance for Resilience: IFC will invest up to US$15m in the Caribbean Community Resilience Fund debt sub-fund to expand medium-sized enterprise financing across 13 countries, including Saint Lucia. Regional Integration Push: Incoming CARICOM chair Philip J. Pierre says integration must deliver tangible results people can feel, as Saint Lucia prepares to host the July Heads meeting. Business Ease & Execution: A Chamber of Commerce-led push tackled strategy execution and business ease hurdles, targeting better planning and smoother operations. Green Champions Challenge: Saint Lucia launches a youth-led drive to collect e-waste and aluminum cans, partnering with SLSWMA and Greening the Caribbean Inc. to reduce toxic landfill impacts. Youth Sports Spotlight: A Castries youth football tournament heats up with sponsor matches featuring LUCELEC and Bank of Saint Lucia, plus semifinal and final berths across age groups.

Water & Utilities Costs: NURC approved phased WASCO tariff hikes—households face increases starting June 2026 (with a second jump in Jan 2027), while hotels and marine vessels get the steepest rise, as regulators tighten oversight tied to the John Compton Raw Water Pipeline upgrade. Tourism Readiness & Execution: At the SLHTA AGM, Erwin Louisy was re-elected unopposed and pledged stronger focus on tourism growth; NURC CEO Skeeta Gibbs also warned utilities must be planned from the start so tourism expansion doesn’t outpace water, power, internet and sewage capacity. Regional Finance for Resilience: IFC will invest up to US$15m in the Caribbean Community Resilience Fund debt sub-fund, targeting SME financing across 13 countries including Saint Lucia. Citizenship by Investment Scrutiny: A report says 75 Nigerians were screened by due diligence firms for Saint Lucia’s CBI programme in 2023/24, with currency volatility and compliance checks flagged as key hurdles for applicants. Agriculture & Food Security: Farmers trained in advanced guava grafting under a Taiwan-backed project aimed at boosting local fruit output and cutting import reliance. Business Environment Push: The Chamber of Commerce and partners tackled strategy execution and business ease-of-doing hurdles, while leaders discussed a “crisis of execution” at a business summit. Community & Environment: Saint Lucia launched the Green Champions Challenge to collect e-waste and aluminum cans, with schools and sponsors backing recycling and safer waste handling. Sports & Youth: Youth football finals and a sponsors’ match featuring LUCELEC and Bank of Saint Lucia are set for Castries, alongside KFC basketball playoff action. Local Business Incident: Police are investigating a suspected arson at a Castries business, with CCTV reportedly capturing the incident.

Water & Cost of Living: NURC has approved phased water and sewerage tariff hikes for WASCO, with households and businesses set to pay more starting the June 2026 billing cycle, and hotels/boats hit hardest (hotels and vessels up about 76%); the second stage lands in January 2027. Business & Execution: A Chamber of Commerce-led push and a wider “crisis of execution” discussion at a Bay Gardens summit focused on better strategy implementation and smoother business operations. Tourism & Utilities Planning: NURC CEO Skeeta Gibbs warned that utility infrastructure must be planned alongside tourism growth, not left to catch up later. Agriculture & Food Security: Taiwan-backed training helped Saint Lucian farmers improve fruit output using advanced guava grafting under the Seven Crops Project. Citizenship-by-Investment Scrutiny: Data from Saint Lucia’s CBI unit annual report shows due diligence firms screened 75 Nigerians in 2023/24, with Nigeria among the top African source nations for passport-for-cash orders. Regional Finance: IFC will invest up to US$15m in the Caribbean Community Resilience Fund debt sub-fund, targeting SME financing across multiple countries including Saint Lucia. ECCU Banknotes: ECCU plans to replace Queen Elizabeth II’s image on new EC bank notes with Caribbean figures, with Kirani James’ $5 note slated for 2027. Tourism Growth via Sports: SLHTA president Erwin Louisy was re-elected unopposed, while Saint Lucia’s Arsenal partnership is set to support a local youth academy and boost sports tourism.

Water & Sewerage Costs: NURC approved phased WASCO tariff increases, with households and businesses set to pay more starting the June 2026 billing cycle—commercial up about 37%, and hotels/boats up about 76%—as the regulator tightens oversight tied to the John Compton Raw Water Pipeline upgrade. Regional Finance for SMEs: The IFC says it will invest up to US$15m in the Caribbean Community Resilience Fund debt sub-fund, aiming to expand medium-sized enterprise financing across 13 countries including Saint Lucia. CARICOM Deliverables: Incoming CARICOM chair PM Philip J. Pierre urged “tangible benefits” from regional integration ahead of Saint Lucia hosting the July 5–8 Heads meeting, framing the agenda around resilience and renewal. Business Execution Push: A Chamber of Commerce-led push with partners focused on strategy execution and easing business hurdles, tackling a “crisis of execution” theme raised by leaders. Tourism, Sports & Trade Links: Saint Lucia’s Arsenal partnership is set to boost sports tourism with a youth academy and global exposure; meanwhile, Digicel launched the Digi-Duo mobile + home fibre bundle for households. Local Economy & Consumer Pressure: A consumer group renewed calls for economic relief as household costs rise, while an NURC warning stressed utilities must be planned alongside tourism growth. Youth & Community: Youth football finals are this weekend in Castries, and chef Orlando Satchell received a British Empire Medal for community service and poverty-alleviation work. Trade & Diplomacy: Venezuela and Saint Lucia reaffirmed cooperation through parliamentary diplomacy, while CARIFORUM–EU talks move forward with the Dominican Republic hosting the joint council meeting.

Water & Utilities Costs: NURC approved phased WASCO tariff increases starting June 2026, with households facing hikes (over 30% overall) and hotels/boats hit hardest (about 76%), alongside tighter oversight tied to the John Compton Raw Water Pipeline upgrade. Business Ease & Execution: A Chamber of Commerce-led push with partners focused on strategy execution and easing business operations, as leaders tackle a “crisis of execution” theme at a major business summit. Regional Trade & Integration: CARICOM’s incoming chair, PM Philip J. Pierre, urged integration that delivers visible results, ahead of Saint Lucia hosting CARICOM Heads meetings (July 5–8) and the CARIFORUM–EU Joint Council meeting in the Dominican Republic. Tourism, Sports & Partnerships: Saint Lucia’s multi-year Arsenal deal is set to boost global tourism exposure and includes plans for a youth academy hub. Connectivity Launch: Digicel introduced the Digi-Duo mobile + home fibre bundle, with entry plans starting at EC$191/month. Trade Finance Idea: Afreximbank says a proposed Caricom EXIM bank is moving through review to expand long-term trade and infrastructure financing. Compliance & Rights: IRD and ECCO signed an MOU to strengthen tax compliance and protect music rights through data sharing and enforcement cooperation. Public Services & Governance: PM Pierre warned illegal dumping will face enforcement as waste disposal problems strain public resources.

Business & Ease of Doing Business: The St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce teamed up with partners to spotlight strategy execution, accountability, and ways to streamline operations for a smoother business environment. Water & Utilities Costs: NURC approved phased WASCO tariff increases starting June 2026—households and businesses will pay more, with hotels and vessels facing the steepest jumps—while regulators tighten oversight tied to the John Compton Raw Water Pipeline upgrade. Tourism Planning Meets Infrastructure: NURC CEO Skeeta Gibbs warned that tourism growth must be matched with utilities planning, not “catch up” later, as service disruptions hit both residents and the visitor economy. Regional Finance Push: Afreximbank is backing Caricom’s EXIM bank plan to unlock affordable long-term trade and infrastructure financing across the region. CARICOM Leadership: PM Philip Pierre is set to assume CARICOM chairmanship in July, with the July 5–8 summit theme “From Resilience to Renewal.” Trade & Compliance: IRD and ECCO signed an MOU to improve tax compliance and protect music rights, including data sharing on ticket sales and event attendance. Tourism Deal: Saint Lucia’s multi-year Arsenal partnership launches in 2026/27, including a local youth academy hub. Governance & Enforcement: PM Pierre called for stronger enforcement against illegal dumping, saying it drains public resources and harms the environment. Animal Health & Trade Risk: Grenada euthanised two Saint Lucian horses after they arrived without export clearance, sparking renewed scrutiny of veterinary and import rules.

Tourism & Sports Marketing: Saint Lucia Tourism Authority sealed a multi-year global deal with Arsenal FC as Official Destination Partner, starting 2026/27, promising Brand Saint Lucia visibility at Emirates Stadium, Arsenal digital platforms, and a local youth academy hub. Utilities & Tourism Planning: NURC CEO Skeeta Gibbs warned tourism growth must be matched with earlier utility planning—water, power, internet and sewage—so infrastructure doesn’t “catch up” after development. Regional Governance & Integration: PM Philip Pierre will assume CARICOM chair in July as Saint Lucia hosts the Heads meeting July 5–8, with the theme “From Resilience to Renewal.” Trade & Diplomacy: Venezuela’s ambassador met Saint Lucia’s House and Senate leaders to reaffirm cooperation on development, investment and peace diplomacy. Education & Skills: OECS launched “OECS PEARL Legacy” to carry forward education reforms after the PEARL programme ends June 30; TVET schools also received EV and green-jobs training equipment. Business & Compliance: IRD and ECCO signed an MOU to strengthen tax compliance and protect music rights. Local Economy & Recognition: Chef Orlando Satchell received the British Empire Medal for community service and poverty-alleviating outreach. Environment: PM Pierre called for enforcement against illegal dumping, saying it drains public resources.

Tourism & Sports Marketing: Saint Lucia’s Tourism Authority has signed a multi-year global partnership with Arsenal FC, naming the island the club’s Official Destination Partner from the 2026/27 season, with brand visibility at Emirates Stadium, Arsenal digital promotion, and a local academy hub for youth footballers. Regional Governance: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre will chair CARICOM from July 1 and Saint Lucia hosts the 51st Heads meeting July 5–8 under “From Resilience to Renewal,” with a leaders’ retreat set for July 6. Travel Policy Impact: Pierre addressed Ireland’s new visa requirement for Saint Lucians (effective June 15), raising concerns for students and business travellers; St. Kitts and Nevis PM Terrance Drew has not yet commented. Marine Tourism & Youth Skills: Jameel Leonce, 20, became the world’s youngest certified Sea TREK Training Coordinator, a first for the global programme and a boost for St. Lucia’s blue economy. Climate Finance: Stakeholders validated a project proposal aimed at unlocking Green Climate Fund support to strengthen water sector resilience. Local Business & Trade: Peter and Company launched the Chery brand in St. Lucia, adding four Tiggo SUVs to the local EV/hybrid market lineup. Environment & Enforcement: PM Pierre called out illegal dumping and said the law will be enforced to protect public resources and taxpayers. Agriculture & Food Security: Region Four farmers were honoured at an appreciation day highlighting challenges like climate change, market access, and attracting younger workers.

Tourism & Sports Marketing: Saint Lucia’s Tourism Authority has signed a multi-year Official Destination Partner deal with Arsenal FC, starting 2026/27, promising Brand Saint Lucia visibility at Emirates Stadium and across Arsenal’s digital platforms, plus an academy hub to develop local youth football talent. Regional Governance: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre addressed the 51st CARICOM Heads meeting in Saint Lucia, framing the agenda as “From Resilience to Renewal,” and said Saint Lucia will assume CARICOM chairmanship on July 1. CARICOM Summit Logistics: CARICOM leaders will hold a retreat on July 6 after the ceremonial opening on July 5, with formal business sessions July 7-8. Local Business & Trade: Inland Revenue Department and ECCO signed an MOU to boost tax compliance and protect music rights, including data sharing on ticket sales and event attendance. Transport & Environment: PM Pierre warned that illegal dumping is spreading as people discard waste in open spaces, saying enforcement will be tightened. Automotive Market: Peter and Company Auto launched the Chery brand in Saint Lucia, adding four Tiggo SUVs to the local EV/hybrid-friendly lineup. Youth & Community: Saint Lucia will host about 170 delegates for the JCI West Indies National Convention (Oct 7-10), focused on leadership, entrepreneurship and community service. Marine Economy: Jameel Leonce, 20, became the world’s youngest certified Sea TREK Training Coordinator, strengthening Saint Lucia’s marine tourism skills pipeline. Agriculture: Region Four Farmers were honoured for contributions to food security and national development. Tech & Media: The Caribbean Broadcasting Union launched its AGM in Guyana with a focus on Caribbean media and artificial intelligence.

Arsenal x Saint Lucia Tourism: The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority has signed a multi-year deal making Arsenal FC its Official Destination Partner from the 2026/27 season, with Brand Saint Lucia promoted at Emirates Stadium and across Arsenal’s digital platforms, plus a youth academy hub aimed at turning global football exposure into tourism and local opportunity. Travel Sales Spotlight: Sunlover Travel’s Kerri Logan Shirk won the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority’s Prime Minister’s Award for top global sales revenue in 2025, highlighting how private-sector agents are driving arrivals and spend. Hybrid Car Deal: Peter and Company Auto has launched the Chery hybrid brand in Saint Lucia, pitching fuel efficiency and competitive warranties to stir up the local vehicle market. Marine Tourism Talent: 20-year-old Jameel Leonce became the world’s youngest certified Sea TREK Training Coordinator, strengthening Saint Lucia’s blue-economy credentials at Pigeon Island. Regional Governance & Policy: Saint Lucia will host CARICOM’s 51st Heads meeting (July 5–8) as it takes the chairmanship, with priorities including climate resilience, security, economic cooperation and food security. Finance for SMEs: IFC confirmed a US$15m investment in a CARICOM Resilience Fund debt sub-fund designed to support medium-sized enterprises across the region. Banking & Payments Watch: A new analysis flags correspondent banking pressures and the rise of stablecoins as Caribbean banks face a strategic crossroads.

Arsenal Tourism Push: The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority has signed a multi-year deal making Arsenal FC its Official Destination Partner from the 2026/27 season, aiming to boost global visibility—especially in the UK—through matchday branding, digital promotion, joint campaigns, and an academy hub for local youth. Marine Tourism Milestone: Twenty-year-old Saint Lucian Jameel Leonce became the world’s youngest certified Sea TREK Training Coordinator after an international evaluation at Sea Life Paradise in Pigeon Island, taking on guide training and safety standards. OECS Services Skills: Antigua and Barbuda will host an OECS specialised services sector training programme from June 29 to July 2, supporting trade officials and policymakers as the region targets stronger competitiveness in global services. Climate Water Funding Drive: Saint Lucia is validating a project proposal with agencies and development partners to unlock Green Climate Fund support for long-overdue water sector resilience work. CARICOM Hosting Plan: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre says Saint Lucia will host the 51st CARICOM Heads meeting July 5–8 in Gros Islet, with a leaders’ retreat set for July 6. Regional Finance for SMEs: The IFC confirmed a US$15m investment in a CARICOM Resilience Fund debt sub-fund arranged by Sygnus Capital, targeting SME lending across 13 countries. Cruise Calendar Update: The cruise port released June 2026 schedules, with calls from Freewinds and Seven Seas Mariner expected to bring hundreds of visitors and support local tour and vendor businesses.