AGP Executive Report

Regional Tourism & Agriculture: Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett wants ALEX expanded into a Caribbean-wide agrolinkages exchange to connect farmers with tourism buyers across islands, including potential links from Grenada nutmeg producers to Saint Lucia hotels. Saint Lucia Politics & Governance: Former PM Dr. Ralph Gonsalves will travel to St. Lucia to deliver a historic address to a joint session of the House of Assembly and Senate marking 75 years of universal adult suffrage. Health & Community: A Cas En Bas student injured on Sept. 18 is still awaiting elective surgery, with her mother urging support as the wait drags on. Sports: Saint Lucia beat Guadeloupe 3-0 in Concacaf Nations League action in Barbados, with Caniggia Elva scoring from the spot and Arkell Jude-Boyd and Donavan Phillip adding goals. Energy & Infrastructure: Saint Lucia’s geothermal exploration is now ongoing in Saltibus, Fond St Jacques and Belle Plaine, with displacement and consultations already underway. Road Safety: GK Insurance is urging motorists to drive carefully this Thanksgiving weekend amid ongoing concerns about fatalities and serious crashes.

Public Finance Shock: St. Vincent’s security minister St Clair Leacock says the government is “broke,” pointing to crumbling public facilities and urging frank, transparent communication. Parliament Watch: Former PM Ralph Gonsalves will travel to St. Lucia for a historic joint address marking 75 years of universal adult suffrage. Diplomacy & Taiwan: A UPI analysis says Belize, St. Lucia and other Caribbean allies are pushing at the UN for Taiwan’s meaningful participation as support shrinks elsewhere. Energy Update: Saint Lucia’s geothermal exploration is now ongoing in Saltibus, Fond St Jacques and Belle Plaine, with relocation and next steps moving toward civil works and drilling. Housing Push: Government targets home ownership with EC$54m in affordable housing financing via the Saint Lucia Development Bank. Youth Policy: Minister Kenson Casimir calls for accelerated action on the National Youth Policy and Action Plan 2025–2030. Road Safety: GK Insurance urges motorists to drive carefully this Thanksgiving weekend. Sports: Saint Lucia beat Guadeloupe 3-0 in Concacaf Nations League, while local cricket mourns the sudden death of Choiseul’s Alvinaus “Mushy” Simon. Disaster Readiness: Choiseul becomes “Tsunami Ready,” with evacuation routes, warning signs and drills.

Geothermal Energy Push: Saint Lucia’s geothermal exploration is now “quite advanced,” with work ongoing in Saltibus, Fond St Jacques and Belle Plaine, including consultations, relocation of two families, and preparations for drilling and road works as bidding nears completion. Housing & Home Ownership: Government says home ownership is being pushed “within reach” for more citizens, including a EC$54 million housing investment via the Saint Lucia Development Bank to expand affordable financing. Labour & Pensions: Labour Minister Emma Hippolyte reports farm workers in Canada raised pension concerns during her visit, with long-serving participants asking whether contributions are enough for retirement. Road Safety Warning: GK Insurance EC is urging motorists to drive carefully this Thanksgiving weekend, warning against speeding, distracted driving, dangerous overtaking and driving after alcohol. Business & Regulation: NURC says water trucking operators who transport water for resale must obtain a licence, with new rules covering safety, liability insurance and business management. Regional & Community: Choiseul becomes “Tsunami Ready” under UNESCO’s programme, while Kwéyòl Heritage Month kicked off with a call that “Kwéyòl-la Sé Sa Nou Tout.” Sports: Saint Lucia beat Guadeloupe 3-0 in Concacaf Nations League action in Barbados, with Caniggia Elva scoring from the spot.

Energy & Infrastructure: Saint Lucia’s geothermal exploration is now underway in Saltibus, Fond St Jacques and Belle Plaine, with a World Bank-funded team consulting residents and farmers and beginning steps that could lead to electricity generation, including relocation for two families and a bidding process nearing completion. Digital Connectivity: EllaLink has officially launched its Caribbean Gateway initiative, moving from design to committed investment for a fibre optic submarine cable linking Cayenne to Martinique and Guadeloupe, with western branches serving Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, targeted for service by end-2029. Labour & Pensions: Labour Minister Emma Hippolyte’s Canada visit focused on how the Canada Farm Labour Programme is working for Saint Lucians, with retirement and pension contributions emerging as a major concern for long-serving workers. Sports: The Saint Lucia men’s team notched a 3-0 Nations League win over Guadeloupe, while local cricket mourns the sudden death of Choiseul off-spinner Alvinaus “Mushy” Simon. Community & Safety: Choiseul becomes “Tsunami Ready” through UNESCO’s programme, and GK Insurance EC urges motorists to drive carefully this Thanksgiving weekend. Business & Policy: Parliament approved a US$20m guarantee for affordable housing loans, and Saint Lucia is moving to regulate water trucking by requiring licences from NURC.

Cricket Spotlight: Dwayne Bravo pulled off a stunning one-handed catch in the World Championship of Legends 2026 as West Indies Champions faced South Africa Champions at Sharjah on Oct 4. CARICOM & Regional Ties: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, also CARICOM Chairman, paid tribute to late French Guiana President Gabriel Serville, noting his role in French Guiana’s CARICOM associate membership. Honours & Community: Lester Francois, a retired British Army warrant officer, received Veteran of the Year at the Leavers to Leaders awards in the UK. Women’s Health & Media: UNFPA says gender-based violence, child marriage and adolescent pregnancy are still under-reported, urging local media to adopt more human-centred coverage. Football (Saint Lucia): Saint Lucia beat Guadeloupe 3-0 in Concacaf Nations League, with Caniggia Elva scoring from the spot and Arkell Jude Boyd and Donavan Phillip adding goals. Road Safety: GK Insurance EC is urging extra caution this Thanksgiving weekend, warning against speeding, phone use, dangerous overtaking and driving after drinking. Housing Push: Government says it’s targeting home ownership, including a EC$54m housing investment via the Saint Lucia Development Bank. Kwéyòl Heritage Month: The Folk Research Centre launched Kwéyòl Heritage Month with the theme “Kwéyòl-la Sé Sa Nou Tout,” naming host communities for Jounen Kwéyòl Day. Disaster Preparedness: Choiseul is now “Tsunami Ready,” with evacuation routes, warning signs, education and drills in place.

Public Health & Media: UNFPA says gender-based violence, child marriage and adolescent pregnancy are still badly under-reported, urging more survivor-centred, human-focused coverage in the region, including St. Lucia. Football (Concacaf Nations League): Saint Lucia’s “Piton Boyz” kept momentum with a 3-0 win over Guadeloupe in Barbados, with Caniggia Elva, Arkell Jude-Boyd and Donavan Phillip on target. Housing: The House approved a US$20m guarantee for affordable housing, with government pushing home ownership through expanded financing. Youth Policy: Minister Kenson Casimir called for faster, results-driven rollout of the National Youth Policy and Action Plan 2025-2030, starting with stronger inter-agency coordination. Culture & Language: Kwéyòl Heritage Month was launched under the theme “Kwéyòl-la Sé Sa Nou Tout,” with host communities named for Jounen Kwéyòl Day. Road Safety: GK Insurance urged motorists to drive carefully this Thanksgiving weekend, warning against speeding, phone use and alcohol-impaired driving. Disaster Preparedness: Choiseul became “Tsunami Ready” through UNESCO’s programme, focusing on warnings, evacuation routes and drills. Sports & Community: Cricket Saint Lucia mourned the sudden death of Choiseul off-spinner Alvinaus “Mushy” Simon.

International Day of Older Persons: Prime Minister Philip J Pierre marked Oct 1 with a message on “the Age of Longevity,” pointing to programmes for seniors including home care (expanded weekends), Golden 80 Plus health, public assistance, pension increases, support for elderly homes, housing help for vulnerable seniors, and dementia/Alzheimer’s training. Road Safety: Ahead of Thanksgiving (Oct 5), GK Insurance EC urged drivers to avoid speeding, distracted driving, dangerous overtaking and alcohol-impaired driving, and to plan trips, allow extra time, appoint a sober driver, and check vehicles before setting out. Tax & Public Service: PM Pierre also highlighted the Inland Revenue Department’s role in funding healthcare, education, roads, public safety and social programmes, noting recent tax relief measures and an extended tax amnesty to Dec 2027. Cannabis Regulation: The Regulated Substances Authority announced a Cannabis Banking & Financial Integrity Summit on Oct 29, focused on compliance, traceability and risk management for a viable regulated cannabis industry. Disaster Preparedness: Choiseul was named “Tsunami Ready,” with steps like risk mapping, evacuation routes, warning signs, education and drills. Business & Finance: Saint Lucia is reviewing its cruise tourism strategy through the “Cruise Connect” initiative to improve visitor value and boost local economic benefits. Regional Support for Women Entrepreneurs: The Caribbean Development Bank launched a US$500,000 clean energy support initiative for women-led businesses, including St Lucia, running 2026–2028. Football: Saint Lucia beat Guadeloupe 3-0 in Concacaf Nations League, while the Piton Boyz’ Kegan Caull hit a hat-trick in a 5-2 win over Bermuda.

Business Climate: Stakeholders are being urged to turn recommendations from Saint Lucia’s ease-of-doing-business review into real, on-the-ground action to remove obstacles and support firms. Football (Concacaf): The Piton Boyz kept rolling, beating Guadeloupe 3-0 in Barbados for a first clean sheet, with Donovan “Gusto” Phillip making his competitive debut and Kegan Caull starring in the scoring. Road Safety: GK Insurance EC is warning motorists to drive carefully this Thanksgiving weekend, citing speeding, distracted driving, dangerous overtaking and alcohol as key risks. Disaster Preparedness: Choiseul became Saint Lucia’s second district to earn UNESCO “Tsunami Ready” recognition, with evacuation routes, warning signs, education and drills. Public Service: Parliament will hold a lying-in-state for former Deputy President of the Senate Evaristus Jn Marie on Oct 9. Women in Clean Energy: The CDB launched a US$500,000 initiative to back women-led businesses developing clean energy solutions across the region, including St. Lucia. Cruise Update: Saint Lucia’s cruise season is set to begin, but Castries waterfront upgrades won’t be fully ready until next season.

Football & National Pride: Nahki Wells says he’s not injured after Bermuda’s 5-2 Concacaf Nations League loss in St Lucia, blaming bad cramp and confirming he’ll play next against Barbados. Sports Momentum: Kegan Caull’s hat-trick powered the Piton Boyz to back-to-back wins as they target more points in League B. Culture & Language: Kwéyòl Heritage Month 2026 was launched in Laborie, with the Folk Research Centre urging Saint Lucians to embrace Kwéyòl as identity. Housing Finance: The House of Assembly approved a US$20 million loan guarantee to expand affordable housing, backed by a Taiwan EXIM Bank facility. Public Health: Free eye screenings and reading glasses roll out at primary care facilities from October 1 for people over 40. Tourism & Ports: Cruise upgrades at Castries waterfront won’t be ready for the coming season, with work expected to deliver bigger results next year. Regional Policy Pressure: The EU has set a deadline for Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Programmes, warning visa-free access could be lost by 2028. Community & Safety: A new Correctional Service Welfare Association executive was elected to focus on members’ welfare and better communication. Humanitarian Spotlight: Saint Lucian humanitarian Marcus “Mufasa” Joseph completed an eight-day Kilimanjaro trek, raising support for school expansion and other causes.

EU CIP Pressure on St Lucia: The European Union has told Eastern Caribbean governments to end golden passport and citizenship by investment programmes by 2028 or face loss of visa-free Schengen access, with St Lucia Prime Minister Philip Pierre saying Brussels is “adamant” and negotiations are unlikely. Housing Finance Boost: The House of Assembly approved a US$20 million guarantee so Prime Minister and Finance Minister Philip J. Pierre can back a Taiwan Exim Bank loan for affordable housing and related infrastructure. Kwéyòl Heritage Month: Kwéyòl Heritage Month 2026 was launched at Laborie Market, calling on Saint Lucians to embrace Kwéyòl language and identity, with host communities named for the month’s main activities. Cruise Season Upgrade Delays: Tourism Minister Ernest Hilaire says key Castries waterfront improvements for the new cruise season won’t be ready, with the biggest upgrades expected next season. Football Spotlight: Saint Lucia opened Concacaf Nations League action with a 5-2 win over Bermuda, powered by Kegan Caull’s hat-trick. Public Health Reading Glasses: Free eye screenings and reading glasses will roll out at primary care facilities starting October 1. Crime Update: A man has been charged with the 2025 murder of Venus “Toho” Joseph after remains were found in a burnt vehicle at Cannelles, Vieux Fort.

Housing & Finance: The House of Assembly approved a US$20 million guarantee so Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre and the finance minister can back a Taiwan export-import bank loan for affordable housing and related infrastructure. Cruise Tourism: Saint Lucia is reviewing its cruise strategy as upgrades at the Castries waterfront won’t be ready for the start of the new season, with the biggest improvements expected next year. Public Health: From October 1, primary care facilities will offer free eye screenings and reading glasses for people over 40. Social Protection: The Welfare Unit has begun its first full reassessment of Public Assistance Programme beneficiaries since 2023, using the SLNET tool to update eligibility for about 3,500 recipients and others on the waiting list. Regional Security: The OAS is calling for the full deployment of Haiti’s Gang Repression Force, urging UN Security Council renewal and support. Sports: Saint Lucia’s Piton Boyz thumped Bermuda 5-2 in the Concacaf Nations League, with Kegan Caull scoring a hat-trick. Culture & Community: Kwéyòl Heritage Month 2026 launches September 30 at the Laborie Market, and Soufrière residents plan a Unity March under “Stronger, Safer Together.”

CIP Deadline Pressure: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre says the EU has told OECS states with Citizenship by Investment Programmes they must end them by 2028 or face loss of EU visa-free access, with a shorter response window ending June 2027. Affordable Housing Boost: The House of Assembly approved a US$20M guarantee to expand affordable housing, with leaders stressing the need to keep the development bank properly capitalised. Cruise Upgrade Delays: Tourism Minister Dr Ernest Hilaire admits Castries waterfront improvements won’t be finished for the current cruise season, with the bigger showcase expected next season. Food Security Push: Agriculture Minister Floyd Green urged Caribbean Week of Agriculture to turn talk into action, warning implementation gaps and calling for better regional financing and trade systems. Public Assistance Reassessment: Equity Minister Emma Hippolyte says welfare officers are reassessing about 3,500 Public Assistance Programme beneficiaries using SLNET, with changes in household circumstances driving eligibility decisions. Sports Spotlight: Kegan Caull hit a hat-trick as Saint Lucia beat Bermuda 5-2 in the Concacaf Nations League, while the Billfish Tournament wrapped with Blue Fever taking top honours. Health & Culture: Free eye screenings and reading glasses start Oct 1, and Kwéyòl Heritage Month 2026 launches Sept 30 at Laborie Market.

CONCACAF Nations League: Saint Lucia’s Piton Boyz roared back with a 5-2 win over Bermuda at Daren Sammy, powered by Keegan Caull’s first-half hat-trick and a relentless second-half push, leaving Bermuda’s Gold Cup hopes looking bleak. Public Health: From October 1, primary care facilities will offer free eye screenings and reading glasses for people over 40, as a new programme rolls out with an international partner. Housing Finance: The House of Assembly approved a US$20m guarantee to expand affordable housing, with officials stressing the need to keep the development bank properly capitalised. Social Protection: Public Assistance reassessment is underway, with welfare officers reviewing about 3,500 current recipients and people on the waiting list using the Saint Lucia National Eligibility Tool. Sports & Community: The Saint Lucia Billfish Tournament wrapped up with Blue Fever taking top honours, while local football also saw a low-scoring SPFL weekend and Soufrière capitalise on dropped points. EU Travel Rules: Saint Lucia faces a June 2028 deadline to phase out its Citizenship by Investment programme or risk losing Schengen visa-free access.

Food Security & Regional Trade: Caribbean agriculture ministers say the region must overhaul how it finances and trades agriculture, warning that more production won’t fix food security without better transport, cold-chain capacity, harmonised standards and smoother borders. Public Assistance Reassessment: Saint Lucia’s Welfare Unit has started the first full review of the Public Assistance Programme since 2023, checking about 3,500 beneficiaries and people on the waiting list using the SLNET tool, with households visited to update eligibility. Water in Schools: NET is installing safe drinking water and hydration stations in schools hit by drought and high temperatures, with eight institutions in Kingston and St Andrew set to benefit at a cost of $28 million. Sport—Nations League: Saint Lucia’s Piton Boyz beat Bermuda 5-2, with Kegan Caull scoring a first-half hat-trick, while the Tridents also returned home after a positive Nations League opening leg. EU Citizenship by Investment: Saint Lucia and Eastern Caribbean neighbours face a June 2028 deadline to phase out CIP or risk losing EU visa-free access. Culture—Mighty Sparrow: The Caribbean mourns calypso legend Mighty Sparrow, who died at 91, remembered for giving the region “a voice that was unmistakably our own.” Football—SPFL: A low-scoring SPFL weekend saw Soufrière capitalise on dropped points as the title race stays tight. Public Safety: Police are investigating the murder of 40-year-old Justus Leo in Bexon, Castries.

CARICOM & Local Politics: CARICOM Chair and St Lucia PM Philip J. Pierre led tributes to calypsonian The Mighty Sparrow, calling him a Caribbean voice “unmistakably our own,” after the 91-year-old died in New York following a brief illness. UN Diplomacy: Pierre also urged renewed multilateral cooperation at the UN General Assembly, saying global institutions must move from “expressions of concern” to real results for vulnerable states, including on climate finance, Haiti, reparatory justice and UN Security Council reform. Citizenship by Investment: Saint Lucia and the wider Eastern Caribbean face a deadline: the EU has set June 2028 to phase out CBI programmes or risk losing Schengen visa-free access. Sports & National Pride: Plans to honour Olympic champion Julien Alfred are advancing, with land near the Julien Alfred Highway secured and designs now under review for a new statue. Justice & Public Safety: The Attorney General has appealed a July ruling ordering the State to pay $75,000 in damages in the unresolved Chacadan Daniel death case. Regional Economy & Jobs: An ILO study flags that tourism’s big role in the Eastern Caribbean comes with informality and weak labour protections, urging reforms that improve productivity and working conditions alongside formalisation. Crime: Police are investigating the murder of 40-year-old Justus Leo in Bexon, Castries.

Football: St Lucia thrashed Bermuda 5-2 in the Nations League, leaving Bermuda bottom of League B Group 2 after two straight losses. Education: The Caribbean Union of teachers and the Canadian Teachers’ Federation met in Saint Lucia to tackle issues facing educators, including AI, school assessments and financing gaps. Politics: PM Philip J. Pierre denied reports that Saint Lucia’s delegation walked out during Netanyahu’s UNGA address, saying “Saint Lucia did not walk out.” Justice: The Attorney General has appealed a July 29 ruling ordering $75,000 damages for Frances Daniel in the unresolved Chacadan Daniel death case. EU-Citizenship: Saint Lucia and the Eastern Caribbean have until June 2028 to end CIP, or risk losing Schengen visa-free access. Sports & culture: Plans to honour Olympic champion Julien Alfred with a statue are underway. Public safety: Police are investigating the murder of 40-year-old Justus Leo in Bexon, Castries. Regional economy: An ILO study warns tourism informality and weak labour protections are holding back Eastern Caribbean growth, including in Saint Lucia. Business & tourism: Junior Achievement Saint Lucia was recognised at the JA Americas summit for restarting youth entrepreneurship and financial literacy programmes.