AGP Executive Report

Airport Expansion: NH International has signed a US$243 million contract to build a new terminal at Hewanorra International Airport, with completion targeted for late 2029. The three-storey facility will add five boarding-bridge gates and expanded passenger services while the existing terminal remains open. Banking Reform: Saint Lucia has passed legislation providing for free basic bank accounts and a Financial Dispute Resolution Commission. Development Funding: A UNDP report says Saint Lucia’s environmental grants programme backed 137 projects, trained more than 13,000 people and delivered over EC$28 million in investments between 2012 and 2025. Separately, Taiwan has provided US$20 million for affordable housing. Airport Burglary Probe: Police say more than 10 people have been interviewed after a vault and pistol were stolen from the Customs office at Hewanorra; investigations continue with customs and port officers.

Banking Reform: Saint Lucia has passed legislation providing free basic bank accounts and creating a financial dispute resolution commission. Airport Burglary: Police say more than 10 people have been questioned over the break-in at Hewanorra’s Customs office, where a vault and pistol were stolen; searches are continuing. Development: A UNDP programme report says 137 projects brought more than 13,000 Saint Lucians into training and generated over $28 million in investment between 2012 and 2025. Affordable Housing: Taiwan has provided $20 million for housing, which Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre says will help the government make homebuilding and ownership more accessible. Healthcare: Saint Lucian-trained cardiologist Lestin Celestin could fill a major gap in heart care, but the island’s public hospitals lack the specialised units needed for the procedures. Netball: Saint Lucia’s Gems let an eight-goal lead slip to lose 42-40 to Barbados in the World Cup qualifiers.

Banking Reform: Saint Lucia has passed reforms providing free basic bank accounts and establishing a Financial Dispute Resolution Commission. Airport Burglary: Police say more than 10 people have been questioned after a vault and pistol were stolen from the Customs office at Hewanorra International Airport; searches are ongoing. Healthcare: Cardiologist Lestin Celestin has completed specialist training that could bring interventional heart procedures to Saint Lucia, where public hospitals lack cardiac catheterisation units. Netball: Saint Lucia let an eight-goal lead slip against Barbados, losing 42-40 in the Americas World Cup qualifiers. Energy Costs: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has invited the Opposition to discuss fuel prices as the government subsidises fuel and explores geothermal energy. Cost of Living: Christmas barrel concessions begin November 1, with qualifying household goods exempt from VAT and customs duty, subject to limits. Development Partnerships: Saint Lucia’s UN ambassador praised the India-UN Development Partnership Fund for supporting economic and social development across developing countries.

Health: Saint Lucian-trained cardiologist Lestin Celestin has completed specialist training that could fill a major gap in local heart care, though public hospitals lack the catheterisation units needed to provide the procedures. E-waste: A new regional assessment gives Saint Lucia and 10 other Caribbean countries data to guide e-waste collection, treatment and policy. Netball: Saint Lucia let an eight-goal lead slip, losing 42–40 to Barbados in World Cup qualifying. Regional leadership: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre defended the UN-backed security force in Haiti, warning that “Haiti is bleeding” as the crisis worsens. Energy costs: Pierre invited the Opposition to discuss fuel prices, while officials say geothermal exploration is under way and the government continues to subsidise fuel. Household relief: Christmas barrel concessions begin November 1, waiving VAT and customs duty on qualifying goods, subject to limits of two barrels and EC$3,000 per household. Airport probe: More than 10 people have been questioned over the Hewanorra Customs burglary, in which a vault and pistol were reported missing.

Airport Investigation: More than 10 people have been questioned over the burglary at Hewanorra’s Customs office, where a vault and pistol were reported missing. Police say searches are continuing. Haiti Crisis: Prime Minister Phillip J. Pierre, speaking as CARICOM chair, defended the UN-backed security force, saying Haiti is “bleeding” and needs urgent help. He warned December elections could be postponed. Cost of Living and Energy: Pierre has invited the opposition to discuss fuel prices as the government continues subsidies. Officials say geothermal exploration is under way, with seismic monitors installed at three sites. Christmas Barrels: From November 1, households can import up to two barrels of qualifying goods, valued at no more than EC$3,000 each, with customs duty waived. Electronics are excluded. Local Enterprise: Saint Lucia’s seamoss industry took centre stage at its first festival in Castries, showcasing farmers, products and business opportunities.

Haiti: CARICOM Chair and Prime Minister Phillip Pierre defended the UN-authorised security force, saying Haiti is “bleeding” and needs urgent help. He warned December’s elections may be postponed. Saint Lucian Music: Dennery Segment artiste Umpa earned a Billboard spotlight, raising the profile of the island’s homegrown sound internationally. Household Relief: Christmas barrel concessions begin November 1, allowing up to two barrels per household, valued at no more than EC$3,000 each. Qualifying personal goods are exempt from customs duty and VAT; electronics are excluded. Energy Costs: Pierre invited the Opposition to discuss fuel prices as the government continues subsidies. Officials also say geothermal exploration is under way, with seismic monitors installed at three sites. Regional Investment: The US announced a funding package of more than US$340 million for Caribbean projects, including energy, ports and digital infrastructure. Saint Lucia took part in the regional talks. Local Enterprise: A new seamoss festival in Castries showcased farmers and processors, while a financial literacy clinic offered arcade vendors guidance on financing, registration and business growth.

Fuel Costs: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has invited the Opposition to discuss fuel prices, as rising oil costs strain households and public services. The government says it will continue subsidies where affordable and is exploring geothermal energy, with seismic monitors installed at three sites. Christmas Concessions: From November 1 to February 2027, households can bring in up to two qualifying barrels, each valued at no more than EC$3,000, with customs duty waived; electronics are excluded. Regional Investment: Saint Lucia joined Caribbean talks on a US$340-million funding package for projects in energy, ports, critical minerals and digital infrastructure, though no country-by-country allocation was announced. Trade and Enterprise: The Bureau of Standards is developing a national strategy to support competitiveness and trade, while Castries vendors received business and financial guidance and Saint Lucia’s first Seamoss Festival showcased local producers. US Visas: A report says legal immigration from the Caribbean to the United States fell 53% under new restrictions; Saint Lucia was among several countries where immigrant visa issuance dropped by at least 80%.

Regional Investment: The U.S. announced a US$340 million Caribbean funding package for projects in energy, ports, critical minerals and digital infrastructure. Saint Lucia took part in the dialogue, but no country-specific allocation was announced. Fuel and Energy: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has invited the opposition to discuss fuel prices, saying government subsidies will continue as finances allow. The government is also exploring geothermal energy, with monitoring equipment installed at three sites. Small Business: Castries Arcade vendors received guidance on business registration, financing and revenue growth at a financial literacy clinic hosted by Saint Lucia Cruise Port and the Castries Constituency Council. Standards and Industry: The Bureau of Standards is gathering feedback for a national strategy intended to improve trade, product quality and competitiveness, while Labour officials have met manufacturers on workplace relations and sector growth. Local Enterprise: Saint Lucia’s first Seamoss Festival opens today in Castries, showcasing farmers, processors and products from the growing industry.

Local Enterprise: Saint Lucia’s first Seamoss Festival opens Thursday at Derek Walcott Square, bringing farmers, processors and entrepreneurs together to showcase the industry and its products. Jobs and Industry: The Labour Department is working with manufacturers on fair employment, workplace relations and ways to ease pressures such as rising costs and supply-chain challenges. Household Relief: Christmas barrel concessions begin November 1, allowing up to two qualifying barrels per household, valued at no more than EC$3,000 each, to enter duty-free; electronics are excluded. Tourism: The 2026–27 cruise season is underway, with the Queen Elizabeth calling at Castries on October 20. Saint Lucia also won regional awards for honeymoon and adventure tourism. Regional Investment: Saint Lucia took part in US-Caribbean talks that announced more than US$340 million in planned regional funding for areas including digital connectivity, health and security. Agriculture: Roseau Combined School won Saint Lucia’s agri-innovation competition with a project exploring banana-peel liquid for crops.

Music & Culture: Dennery Segment artist Umpa is pushing to take Saint Lucia’s drum-heavy, Kwéyòl-rooted sound to a global audience, building on the genre’s growing Caribbean profile. US Immigration: A New York Times analysis found legal immigration from the Caribbean fell 53% under Trump administration policies; visa issuance to Saint Lucians was among those reported to have dropped at least 80%. Regional Investment: The US says it will invest more than US$340 million in the Caribbean, including funding for undersea cables, healthcare and security. At Washington talks, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre urged cooperation that delivers jobs, affordable electricity and safer communities. Food Innovation: Roseau Combined School won Saint Lucia’s agri-innovation competition with a project exploring banana-peel liquid as a crop input, while student teams proposed other ways to reduce waste and support farming. Tourism: Saint Lucia was named the Caribbean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination and Leading Adventure Tourism Destination at the World Travel Awards. Diplomacy: Taiwan reaffirmed support for Saint Lucia’s development, while Saint Lucia pledged to continue backing Taiwan’s participation in international organisations.

US-Caribbean Relations: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre urged Washington to deliver practical gains in jobs, affordable electricity, safety and disaster support. The US announced more than US$340 million for regional investment, including undersea cables and healthcare. Immigration: Legal immigrant visa issuance from the Caribbean fell 53% under US policy changes, with Saint Lucia among the countries reporting declines of at least 80%. Business and Innovation: Bank of Nevis leaders discussed using AI to improve customer service at a regional bankers’ meeting in Saint Lucia. Regional Trade: Export Saint Lucia CEO Sunita Daniel was elected chair of the Caribbean Export Development Agency. Citizenship by Investment: Saint Lucia placed fifth in the 2026 CBI Index, behind St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, Grenada and Antigua and Barbuda.

Fatal Shooting: Police are investigating the killing of 23-year-old Martinus Magnus Alexander, shot in Esperance, Choiseul, on Saturday evening. Anyone with information can call 555 or use the police hotline app. Taiwan Ties: Taiwan pledged continued support for Saint Lucia’s development at a National Day reception, while Castries reaffirmed its backing for Taiwan’s participation in international organisations. US-Caribbean Talks: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre led CARICOM’s Washington delegation, calling for cooperation that delivers affordable energy, jobs, safer communities and disaster support. The US announced $55.5 million for regional law enforcement and $11 million in military financing. Trade Leadership: Export Saint Lucia CEO Sunita Daniel was elected chair of Caribbean Export, the regional trade and investment agency. Investment and Food Security: Saint Lucia ranked fifth in the 2026 citizenship-by-investment index, behind four Caribbean neighbours. A local commentary also put the island’s 2024 food import bill at $564 million, highlighting continued reliance on imported food. Youth Leadership: JCI Saint Lucia earned a regional award after hosting more than 180 delegates, and Laurel Jonas was elected JCI West Indies president-elect for 2027.

US-Caribbean Talks: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre urged Washington to turn dialogue into practical gains, including affordable energy, jobs, safer communities and disaster support. The US announced a regional funding package of US$340.3 million for connectivity, health and security, but no Saint Lucia-specific allocation was detailed. Regional Trade: Export Saint Lucia CEO Sunita Daniel was elected chair of Caribbean Export, giving the island a leading role in the agency’s work on trade and investment. Food Security: Saint Lucia’s food import bill reached an estimated EC$564 million in 2024, renewing calls to strengthen local production and reduce reliance on imported food. Democracy: Saint Lucia marked 75 years of universal adult suffrage, with speakers urging citizens not to take the right to vote for granted amid concerns about low registration and turnout.

Regional Justice: Two Saint Lucians were each fined EC$32,660 in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for drug trafficking, importation and possession offences after police found cannabis and hashish in a shipment. US-Caribbean Talks: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre urged Washington to turn dialogue into practical gains, including affordable energy, jobs and disaster support. The US announced regional funding for health, security and digital infrastructure, including US$175.8 million for undersea cables. Trade Leadership: Export Saint Lucia CEO Sunita Daniel was elected chair of the Caribbean Export Development Agency, strengthening Saint Lucia’s voice in regional trade and investment. Decent Work: Government, employers and unions have begun shaping a national framework for decent work, with regional partners contributing to the discussions. Castries Traffic: WASCO scheduled sewer connection works near the Vendors Arcade, with diversions for motorists entering and leaving the city.

Castries Traffic: WASCO sewer works on Jeremie and Laborie streets today are diverting traffic: southbound drivers should use Peynier Street, while northbound motorists should take Brazil Street and Chaussee Road. US-Caribbean Talks: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre urged Washington to turn cooperation into lower energy costs, jobs and safer communities. The U.S. announced US$340.3 million in regional funding, including US$175.8 million for digital connectivity. Trade Leadership: Export Saint Lucia CEO Sunita Daniel was elected chair of the Caribbean Export Development Agency, strengthening Saint Lucia’s voice in regional trade and investment. Universal Suffrage: Saint Lucia marked 75 years since adult suffrage extended voting rights to the wider population, with anniversary reflections urging citizens not to take that hard-won right for granted. Food Security: Saint Lucia’s food import bill reached an estimated $564 million in 2024, renewing calls to build stronger local food production and reduce reliance on imports.

Trade Leadership: Export Saint Lucia CEO Sunita Daniel has been elected chair of Caribbean Export, giving Saint Lucia a stronger voice in the region’s trade and investment agency. US-Caribbean Talks: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre led CARICOM’s delegation in Washington, urging cooperation to deliver affordable energy, jobs, safer communities and disaster support. The US announced more than US$340 million for regional health, security and digital infrastructure. Food Security: Saint Lucia’s food import bill reached an estimated $564 million in 2024, up from $544 million the year before, renewing calls to strengthen local food production. Workers’ Framework: Government, employers and unions have begun shaping a national decent-work framework with regional partners. Suffrage Anniversary: Saint Lucia marked 75 years of universal adult suffrage, with calls to honour the hard-won right to vote by taking part in elections. Community Action: A Laborie e-waste collection drew nearly 100 residents and gathered about 475 pounds of electronic waste for recycling.