AGP Executive Report

Visa Rules: Ireland will require visas from 15 June 2026 for nationals of Nicaragua, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia, with transit visas also needed—plus limited transitional arrangements for some travellers. Port Delays: Saint Lucia’s Chamber of Commerce is pushing Customs for action over costly port bottlenecks, warning that digital reforms won’t help if shipments keep getting stuck. Health Upgrade: Bank of Saint Lucia has completed a Paediatrics Ward makeover at Millennium Heights Medical Centre, unveiling a child-friendly mural alongside key ward improvements. Blue Economy Funding: OECS invites eligible Blue Economy MSMEs to join virtual info sessions for Window 2 matching grants, with grants of US$100,000–US$150,000 for value chain groups. Tax Relief: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre says St Lucia’s tax amnesty is extended to end-December 2027, waiving interest and penalties on eligible taxes up to Dec 2025. Culture & Learning: Listwa Kannaval returns with a lecture and discussion on rhythm, language and identity, while a Dennery segment event brings local culture from village fêtes to the lecture hall. Connectivity: Digicel St Lucia launches Digi-Duo, bundling mobile with home fibre and promoting entry-level fibre speeds from 350 Mbps.

Migration & Travel Rules: Minister Colm Brophy says, from Monday 15 June 2026, Nicaraguan, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia nationals will need a visa to travel to Ireland, with transit visas also required for those passing through. Blue Economy Funding: The OECS is inviting Blue Economy MSMEs to two virtual info sessions on Window 2 grant opportunities, with eligible value chain groups able to apply for US$100,000–US$150,000. Healthcare Upgrade: Bank of Saint Lucia has unveiled a refurbished, child-friendly Paediatrics Ward at Millennium Heights Medical Centre, including a new mural by local artist Arthur Williams. Ebola Preparedness: Saint Lucia’s health authorities are strengthening Ebola readiness, including enhanced travel screening and precautionary measures as the outbreak continues in parts of Africa. Tax Relief: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre says St Lucia’s tax amnesty will run until end of December 2027, waiving interest and penalties on eligible taxes up to December 2025. Local Governance & Services: WASCO is upgrading Castries’ sewerage network with new pumps commissioned to improve reliability and reduce overflow risk. Culture & Community: Listwa Kannaval returns for its second year, exploring how music shapes Saint Lucian identity, with a June 10 event at The Harbor Club.

Ebola Preparedness: Saint Lucia’s health authorities have strengthened national preparedness as the WHO declared the DRC and Uganda Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, with CARPHA reactivating enhanced travel screening at points of entry to flag travellers from affected areas. Tax Relief: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre says Saint Lucia has extended its tax amnesty to December 2027, waiving interest and penalties on eligible taxes up to December 2025 to help households and businesses clear outstanding liabilities. Cost of Living: Fuel prices in Saint Lucia have risen to $16.75 per gallon for both gasoline and diesel, with officials pointing to global oil price pressures and warning that the wider conflict could also affect food and services. Water & Sanitation: WASCO is upgrading Castries’ sewerage network, installing new pumps and carrying out maintenance after disruptions, including work around the CDC building on Coral Street. Health & Community: Bank of Saint Lucia helped refurbish the Millennium Heights paediatric ward into a more colourful, child-friendly healing space. Culture & Sports: Listwa Kannaval returns with a discussion on rhythm, language and identity, while St Lucia’s Julien Alfred continues her Diamond League momentum in Oslo.

Tax Relief Update: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre says Saint Lucia’s tax amnesty will run until December 2027, with interest and penalties on taxes due up to December 2025 waived for eligible taxpayers. Water & Sanitation: 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 master plan supported by the Caribbean Development Bank. Public Health Preparedness: Saint Lucia is strengthening Ebola readiness, including reactivating enhanced travel history screening at ports of entry using APIS and updating national response plans with hospitals and partners. Connectivity & Business: Digicel St. Lucia is rolling out “Digi-Duo,” bundling mobile with home fibre (entry speeds from 350 Mbps) to improve value and performance for households. Culture & Community: Listwa Kannaval returns at The Harbor Club tonight with a discussion on “Rhythm, Language, and Identity,” featuring linguistics scholar Dr Ronald T. Francis and a panel of cultural voices. Local Development Support: A new push is underway to help Saint Lucian businesses get digital tools to compete globally, alongside a funding boost aimed at better protecting polluted waterways through stronger enforcement.

Tax Relief: Saint Lucia has extended its tax amnesty, giving taxpayers until December 2027 to settle outstanding liabilities with a full waiver of interest and penalties on eligible taxes up to December 2025. Public Health: The Ministry of Health is stepping up Ebola preparedness, reactivating enhanced travel history screening at ports using APIS and updating national response plans with local partners. Environment & Waterways: A legislative review under the Waterways Flowing Clean Project has launched with major funding to strengthen enforcement and better protect rivers and watersheds. Regional Resilience: Economists at the Caribbean Development Bank’s annual meeting warn small islands, including Saint Lucia, remain highly exposed to global shocks and need urgent resilience action. CARICOM & Community: CARICOM athletes will gather in Gros Islet for the 19th Road Run/Walk on July 5, tied to regional health goals. Local Safety: Police are investigating the discovery of a 67-year-old man’s body in the Marchand River. Business & Growth: Twenty local businesses are getting digital tools to compete globally, while Sendana is highlighted as a new borderless banking option for Caribbean entrepreneurs. Culture & Sports: Groovy and Power Soca Monarch semifinal lineups are set, and Blackheart/SLFA knockout football semifinals are confirmed for La Clery, Gros Islet, Vieux Fort South and Soufriere.

Tax Relief Update: Saint Lucia has extended its tax amnesty to December 2027, waiving interest and penalties on eligible taxes due up to December 2025, including VAT collected by businesses but not yet remitted. Public Health & Borders: The Ministry of Health says Ebola preparedness is being stepped up with renewed risk-based travel screening at ports using APIS and updated national response plans. Environment & Waterways: A new legislative review under the Waterways Flowing Clean Project is set to strengthen enforcement to protect rivers and watersheds, backed by major funding. Digital Skills for Local Firms: Twenty Saint Lucian businesses are getting digital tools to boost online presence, efficiency, and export opportunities. Crime Investigation: Police are investigating the discovery of a 67-year-old man’s body found in the Marchand River. Culture & Sports: CARICOM athletes will gather in Gros Islet for the 19th Road Run/Walk on July 5, while Groovy and Power Soca Monarch semifinal lineups are set for June 26.

Tourism & Travel Buzz: Tripadvisor has named its 2026 “Best of the Best” hotels worldwide, with the top spot going to Indonesia’s G.H. Universal Hotel and a new focus on truly one-of-a-kind stays. Regional Health & Cancer Care: Martinique says it’s ready to supply Guyana with radioactive nuclear drugs for certain cancers, while St. Lucian survivor Alyson Chester points to the value of accessible testing and oncology support. Inclusive Community in Carnival: HAPA is launching a sensory-friendly autism inclusion effort for Saint Lucia’s carnival, including a July 11 social and a Kiddies Carnival march with the Spectrum Warriors band. Business & Sports Sponsorship: BYD is announced as Official Car Sponsor of CPL 2026 across eight countries, including Saint Lucia, with fan activations and a design challenge. Local Governance & Tourism Debate: The UWP’s Dominic Fedee says tourism “booming” claims are premature, arguing recovery is still uneven for stakeholders. Climate Resilience: Saint Lucia has launched a Coral Reef Response System with trained brigades and insurance-linked rapid response to protect reefs after storms. CARICOM Spotlight: CARICOM Heads of Government will meet in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, from 5–8 July 2026.

CARICOM in St Lucia: The 51st CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting will be held in Gros Islet from 5–8 July, with Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre chairing and an opening ceremony at Sandals Saint Lucia. Tourism politics: The UWP’s Dominic Fedee says the tourism minister’s “booming” arrival claims are premature, pointing to weaker 2025 performance and cruise declines. Tourism push abroad: The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority is in New York for Caribbean Week 2026, aiming to strengthen partnerships and air connectivity. Coral protection: Saint Lucia has launched a Coral Reef Response System, training brigades and linking reef insurance and rapid response to speed recovery after storms. Climate jobs gap: A UNICEF-commissioned study says young people in Barbados, Dominica, St Lucia and Antigua and Barbuda lack awareness of green and circular economy opportunities. Crime and courts: A British man was fined $15,000 after pleading guilty to firearm offences tied to a rifle seized at Vieux Fort port. Sports spotlight: Julien Alfred beat world champion Melissa Jefferson-Wooden in the Diamond League 200m in Rome, clocking 21.93. Banking & sport: BYD is named Official Car Sponsor of CPL 2026 across eight countries, including St Lucia. Youth cricket: Republic Bank’s Five for Fun programme has launched in Barbados after editions across several other islands, with St Lucia among the earlier stops.

Tourism & Culture: A guest-lecture piece argues tourism is shifting toward more authentic, place-based experiences, with agriculture and hospitality increasingly tied together to shape what guests feel and eat. Tourism Politics: The UWP’s Dominic Fedee pushes back on claims that Saint Lucia’s tourism is “booming,” saying the minister’s arrival figures are premature and that recovery beyond pre-COVID levels is still uneven. Regional Tourism Push: Saint Lucia’s tourism authority is in New York for Caribbean Week 2026, aiming to strengthen partnerships and global visibility. Environment & Resilience: Saint Lucia launches a Coral Reef Response System, training brigades for damage assessment and rapid recovery, linked to regional reef insurance and hurricane preparedness efforts. Crime & Justice: A British man was fined $15,000 after pleading guilty to firearm offences tied to a rifle seized at the Vieux Fort seaport. Sports Spotlight: Julien Alfred beats world champion Melissa Jefferson-Wooden in the women’s 200m at Rome’s Diamond League, clocking 21.93 seconds. Governance: CARICOM’s 51st Heads of Government meeting is set for Gros Islet, 5–8 July, with opening at Sandals Saint Lucia and a hybrid closing press conference.

CARICOM in St Lucia: Heads of Government will meet in Gros Islet from 5–8 July 2026, chaired by Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, with an opening ceremony at Sandals St Lucia and a streamed programme across CARICOM’s platforms. Tourism debate: The UWP’s Dominic Fedee says the Tourism Minister’s “booming” arrival claims are premature, pointing to 2025 declines and warning stakeholders may be getting an incomplete picture. Reef protection: Saint Lucia has launched a Coral Reef Response System, training brigades to assess damage and speed up recovery, linked to regional reef insurance and hurricane preparedness efforts. Crime update: A fourth suspect has been charged in the Ciceron murder case, with Germaine Ishonn Joseph remanded until mid-July. Sports spotlight: Julien Alfred beat world champion Melissa Jefferson-Wooden in the women’s 200m at Rome’s Diamond League, clocking 21.93 seconds. Regional business & jobs: OPEN Interactive says CIS26 in Saint Lucia was successfully delivered, while a UNICEF-commissioned study finds young people in the Eastern Caribbean still lack access to green economy training and opportunities. Travel promos: P&O Cruises announced low deposits and up to £500 onboard spending on select Caribbean fly-cruises.

Sports Spotlight: Saint Lucia’s sprint star Julien Alfred beat reigning world champion Melissa Jefferson-Wooden in the women’s 200m at the Rome Diamond League, clocking 21.93 seconds. Regional Diplomacy: CARICOM’s 51st Heads of Government meeting is set for Gros Islet from 5–8 July, with Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre chairing and an opening ceremony at Sandals St Lucia. Tourism & Policy: The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority is in New York for Caribbean Week 2026 to boost partnerships and air connectivity, while the UWP’s Dominic Fedee says tourism “booming” claims are premature given recent arrival and cruise trends. Climate & Resilience: Saint Lucia launched a Coral Reef Response System with trained brigades and rapid post-storm support, tied to regional reef insurance and recovery planning. Finance & Cost of Money: A regional banking analysis argues ECCU borrowing costs remain high and could be slowing growth, pointing to strategic decisions facing the next decade. Crime Update: A fourth suspect has been charged in the Ciceron murder case, with the latest accused remanded until mid-July. Justice System: Margaret Price Findlay has been appointed Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, effective April 9, 2026. Business & Community: SLFA’s 40th annual congress is scheduled for Saturday, ahead of the semi-pro league season.

CARICOM in Gros Islet: Saint Lucia will host the 51st CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting from 5–8 July 2026, with the opening ceremony at Sandals Saint Lucia and a live stream on CARICOM’s social media. Tourism push: The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority is in New York for Caribbean Week 2026 to strengthen partnerships and global visibility under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences.” Reef protection: Saint Lucia has launched a Coral Reef Response System, training brigades to assess damage and mobilise rapid recovery, linked to regional reef resilience and risk financing. Green jobs gap: A UNICEF-commissioned study says young people across the Eastern Caribbean want green and circular economy careers, but lack information, training and accessible opportunities—Saint Lucia included. Cost of money in the ECCU: A new banking series argues Caribbean lending remains expensive and points to a “decade of decision” for regional economic direction. Sports spotlight: Julien Alfred beat world champion Melissa Jefferson-Wooden in the women’s 200m at Rome’s Diamond League. Public safety: A British man was fined $15,000 after a rifle was seized at the Vieux Fort port. Politics & legacy: Tributes and a state funeral are set for former Governor General Sir Neville Cenac.

CARICOM in St Lucia: Heads of Government will meet in Gros Islet from 5–8 July 2026, chaired by Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre (taking the role on 1 July). The opening ceremony at Sandals St Lucia on 5 July at 4:00 pm ECT will be streamed live, with business sessions following and a hybrid press conference on 8 July. Athletics: Saint Lucia’s Julien Alfred beat reigning world champion Melissa Jefferson-Wooden in the Rome Diamond League women’s 200m, clocking 21.93. Sports & youth: Republic Bank launched its “Five for Fun” youth cricket programme in Castries, marking the sixth season and bringing 38 primary schools into the 2026 competition. Crime update: A fourth suspect has been charged in the Ciceron murder case, with the accused remanded until 14 July. Justice leadership: The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court confirmed Margaret Price Findlay as its 14th Chief Justice, effective April 9, 2026. Health & science: A new partnership between CariGenetics and Lab Services & Consultations aims to bring genetic testing and advanced cancer diagnostics to Saint Lucia. Climate & jobs: Saint Lucia hosted an Adaptation Investment Pitch and Matchmaking event to help fund its National Adaptation Plan.

CARICOM Heads Meeting in St Lucia: CARICOM leaders will convene in Gros Islet from 5–8 July 2026 for the 51st Heads of Government Meeting, with the opening ceremony on Sunday 5 July at 4:00 pm at Sandals St Lucia and live streaming on CARICOM’s social media. Caribbean Premier League boost: BYD has been named Official Car Sponsor of the Republic Bank CPL 2026, with activations across eight countries including Saint Lucia, plus a “Wrap the Future” design challenge for creatives. Local athletics on the world stage: Saint Lucia’s Julien Alfred won the women’s 200m at the Rome Diamond League in 21.93, edging Melissa Jefferson-Wooden. Regional justice leadership: The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court says Margaret Price Findlay has been appointed Chief Justice, effective April 9, 2026. Health and science in focus: A new partnership between CariGenetics Saint Lucia and Lab Services & Consultations aims to expand genetic testing and advanced cancer diagnostics locally. Public safety concern: Police report Saint Lucia is seeing about one homicide every four days, with firearms involved in most killings.

Fuel Prices & Transport Costs: Saint Lucia’s new fuel rates (from June 1) have sparked fresh anger, with opposition and business voices warning higher costs will ripple through the economy and asking for better, automatic fare adjustments. Taxi Union Moves to Close Ranks: The National Taxi Union says it’s clearing up rumours, pushing for the long-awaited taxi permit system, and aiming to have every TX-plate driver properly permitted by end-September. Crime & Public Safety Debate: Prime Minister Philip Pierre rejects claims his policies are driving violent crime, while police report progress on investigations even as homicides remain a major concern. Homicide Rate Watch: Local reporting puts the island at about one homicide every four days, with firearms behind most killings. Justice Leadership: Madam Margaret Price Findlay has been appointed the 14th Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, taking effect April 9, 2026. National Mourning: Former Governor-General Sir Neville Cenac has died at 86, with the government announcing a state funeral. Health Innovation: CariGenetics Saint Lucia and Lab Services & Consultations launch a partnership to expand genetic testing and advanced cancer diagnostics locally. Marine Livelihoods: A new Savannes Bay project (about EC$215,000) will remove marine debris and support seamoss farmers with sustainable raft systems. Youth & Culture: Republic Bank’s “Five for Fun” youth cricket programme kicks off for its sixth season, while Dugard Combined and Ave Maria Girls’ Primary win Calypso & Soca crowns. Sports Spotlight: Noah Lyles storms to a 9.88-second 100m win in Rome, and Julien Alfred beats Melissa Jefferson-Wooden in the women’s 200m.

State Funeral for Sir Neville Cenac: Saint Lucia’s former Governor-General and Foreign Minister Sir Neville Cenac has died at 86, with the government announcing a state funeral for the influential political figure. Crime and Public Safety: A judge has criticised CARICOM countries for not accepting the CCJ as their final court of appeal, while locally police say homicides remain stubborn—about one every four days—despite progress on serious crime investigations. Fuel Costs and Transport Pressure: Fuel prices have risen again, sparking fresh calls for a clear, automatic fare formula; the taxi union is also moving to close ranks and push for a permit system to improve regulation as Uber competition grows. Tourism and Culture: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 is bringing tourism leaders together under “One Caribbean: Infinite experiences,” and St Lucia is also seeing reminders for visitors to respect local dress rules—like skipping bikinis ashore in some destinations. Health, Environment and Development: A new partnership aims to expand genetic testing and advanced cancer diagnostics in St Lucia and the OECS; meanwhile, an $80,000 marine restoration and seamoss farming initiative is launched in Savannes Bay, and Saint Lucia hosted a climate adaptation pitch-and-match event to unlock funding for its National Adaptation Plan. Youth and Community: Republic Bank’s “Five for Fun” youth cricket programme returns for its sixth season, and Dugard Combined and Ave Maria Girls’ Primary took top Calypso and Soca honours at the national primary schools competition.