AGP Executive Report

Fuel Prices & Cost of Living: Saint Lucia’s government raised gasoline and diesel from $16.00 to $16.75 per imperial gallon and kerosene to $10.41, pointing to higher global crude costs and ongoing subsidies to soften the blow. Tourism Numbers: The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority says April 2026 delivered the strongest April ever for stay-over arrivals, up 8.5% year-on-year, with gains across key markets. Caribbean Week in New York: Tourism ministers and officials gathered in Manhattan for Caribbean Week 2026 to push connectivity, resilience, and a unified regional tourism pitch. Marine Livelihoods: A new USD $80,000 project in Savannes Bay will remove marine debris and deploy sustainable raft systems to support seamoss farmers. Agriculture & Exports: TTM ran a papaya cultivation workshop at its Union demonstration farm, sharing practices for growing, harvesting, and exporting. Local Transport: The National Taxi Union met members to clarify its legal status and plans for a taxi permit system amid Uber competition. Youth Sports: Republic Bank launched its 2026 “Five for Fun” youth cricket programme, bringing together 38 primary schools for the sixth season. Health & Youth Vaping: A World No Tobacco Day reflection warns that vaping is increasingly targeting young people with appealing flavours and marketing. Equine Health Dispute: Bonanza Stables owner alleges imported horses were euthanised too quickly after testing positive for a tick-borne disease, questioning quarantine and permit handling.

Primary Schools Calypso & Soca: Ave Maria Girls’ Primary and Dugard Combined swept major prizes at the National Primary Schools Calypso & Soca Competition at Mindoo Phillip Park, with Dugard taking first in calypso and Ave Maria winning the soca crown; the National Secondary Schools event is set for June 5 at 9:30am at the same venue. Tourism Growth: Saint Lucia logged its strongest April ever for stay-over arrivals, reaching 40,752 visitors (+8.5% vs April 2025) as key markets like the US, Canada and the Caribbean region posted gains. Marine & Seamoss Livelihoods: A new USD $80,000 (EC$215,000) Savannes Bay project launched to remove marine debris and deploy sustainable raft systems to support seamoss farmers and cut future waste. Fuel Prices: Motorists face higher gasoline and diesel prices from June 1, with gasoline rising from EC$16.00 to EC$16.75 per imperial gallon, as government cites global oil pressures and ongoing subsidies. Taxi Sector Update: The National Taxi Union moved to close ranks after resignations and says a taxi permit system is on track so drivers with TX plates can operate within the law by end-September. Agriculture Training: Taiwan Technical Mission ran a papaya cultivation workshop at its Union demonstration farm, training extension officers, farmers and students on growing, harvesting and export practices. Regional Women’s Leadership: Minister Emma Hippolyte was elected to the OAS Inter-American Commission of Women Executive Committee for a second consecutive Saint Lucia term.

Fuel & Cost of Living: Saint Lucia raised gasoline and diesel prices from EC$16.00 to EC$16.75 per imperial gallon and kerosene from EC$9.66 to EC$10.41, effective June 1, as Prime Minister Phillip J. Pierre pointed to a 5.5% jump in crude oil prices above US$100 a barrel amid Iran–US tensions; government says subsidies will keep LPG prices stable (20-lb and 22-lb unchanged) even as motorists feel the impact. Tourism & Airlift: The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority reported April 2026 as the strongest April ever for stay-over arrivals, up 8.5% year-on-year to 40,752 visitors, with gains from the US, Caribbean, and Canada, plus added flight capacity from WestJet and Air Canada. Agri & Skills: Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM) ran a papaya cultivation workshop at its Union demonstration farm, training farmers and extension officers on growing, harvesting, and export practices. Marine Livelihoods: A new USD $80,000 partnership project launched in Savannes Bay to remove marine debris and deploy sustainable raft systems, supporting seamoss farmers and coastal restoration. Health Policy: On World No Tobacco Day, Saint Lucia stepped up efforts against youth vaping and nicotine use, citing survey findings that show vaping uptake among secondary school students. Regional Women’s Leadership: Minister Emma Hippolyte was elected to the OAS Inter-American Commission of Women (CIM) Executive Committee for a second consecutive term for Saint Lucia. Local Business Leadership: LASCO began strengthening its leadership structure after founder Lascelles Chin’s death, appointing Dr Eileen Chin to expanded deputy executive chairman roles.

Fuel & Cost of Living: Saint Lucia’s government announced new energy price increases effective June 1, citing a 5.5% rise in crude oil (WTI averaging US$100.72) amid Iran–US tensions and Strait of Hormuz disruptions; gasoline and diesel move from EC$16.00 to EC$16.75 per imperial gallon, kerosene to EC$10.41, while LPG retail prices stay unchanged as subsidies cushion the impact. Political Pushback: Former tourism minister Dominic Fedee accuses the government of failing to deliver enough fuel relief, as officials defend the hikes and highlight subsidy spending. Tourism Boom: The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority says April 2026 delivered the strongest April ever for stay-over arrivals, reinforcing momentum for the island’s visitor economy. Clean Energy for Fisheries: Canada-backed STAR-Fish ramps up clean energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries, including renewable tech and cold-storage upgrades, with St Lucia among participating countries. Transport & Jobs: National Taxi Union explores a local app to compete with Uber, aiming for digital booking and better transparency for drivers and associations. Regional Tourism Strategy: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 brings ministers and commissioners together under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences” to strengthen connectivity and market share. Health & Youth: Saint Lucia steps up action against vaping and nicotine use ahead of World No Tobacco Day, citing survey findings that show declining cigarette use but rising e-cigarette use among students.

Fuel Prices Up in St. Lucia: The government says gasoline rises from EC$16.00 to EC$16.75 per imperial gallon, with diesel also up to EC$16.75 and kerosene to EC$10.41, effective June 1, citing a 5.5% jump in global crude prices to above US$100 a barrel amid Iran–US tensions and Strait of Hormuz disruption. Energy Cost Relief via Subsidies: Officials say LPG retail prices stay unchanged (20-lb at EC$34.00 and 22-lb at EC$38.00), with subsidies absorbing much of the pressure—while gasoline and diesel subsidies are listed per gallon to soften the impact. Regional Justice Training for Businesses: OECS and the OHADAC–CARO Centre will launch June 10 in the Eastern Caribbean a training programme on arbitration and ADR, aiming to make commercial dispute resolution more predictable and accessible for investors and firms, including Saint Lucia. Tobacco Control Push for Youth: Saint Lucia is stepping up education around World No Tobacco Day, pointing to rising vape and nicotine use among students even as cigarette smoking declines, and warning about flavours and marketing aimed at young people. OECS Blue Economy Grants: The OECS Commission opens a second call for Window 2 of the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme, backing value chain groups in fisheries, coastal tourism and waste management with US$100,000–US$150,000.

Fuel Prices: Saint Lucia will pay more at the pumps from June 1 after the government adjusted retail petroleum prices, with gasoline and diesel rising from EC$16.00 to EC$16.75 per imperial gallon and kerosene moving from EC$9.66 to EC$10.41, while LPG cooking gas stays unchanged thanks to continued subsidies. Energy Costs & Policy: Officials say crude oil climbed about 5.5% to above US$100 per barrel during the May 4–24 review period, and that subsidies are absorbing much of the shock for households and businesses. Access to Justice (Business Disputes): The OHADAC–CARO training programmes on arbitration and ADR are set for an official launch in June, aiming to strengthen dispute resolution capacity across the Eastern Caribbean, including Saint Lucia. Blue Economy Funding: The OECS has opened the second call for proposals under the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme (Window 2), targeting value chain groups in fisheries, coastal tourism and waste management with grants of US$100,000–US$150,000. Youth Health: Saint Lucia is intensifying its push against youth tobacco use as World No Tobacco Day focuses on “Unmasking the Appeal,” citing rising vaping and nicotine product use among young people. Regional Environment: OECS partners met in Dominica for a SARSEA workshop on coordinated sargassum management and coastal resilience. Livestock Enforcement: The Department of Agriculture warns owners to control stray animals, citing road safety risks and enforcement under the Animals Act.

Agriculture & Rural Livelihoods: St. Lucia mourns Renwrick Rose, a WINFA and Fairtrade champion whose work helped protect banana farmers and secure fair pricing and community funding across the Windward Islands. Coastal Resilience & Environment: OECS states met in Dominica for a SARSEA workshop to coordinate regional action on sargassum impacts, biodiversity protection, and stronger coastal resilience. Public Health & Youth Tobacco: Saint Lucia is stepping up education ahead of World No Tobacco Day, citing rising vape and nicotine use among students and warning against flavours and “harmless” marketing. Livestock & Road Safety: The Department of Agriculture warns owners to control stray and roaming animals under the Animals Act, citing risks to motorists, crops, and public safety. Blue Economy Funding: OECS launched the second call for proposals under the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme, targeting fisheries, coastal tourism, and waste management value chain groups with grants of USD $100,000–$150,000. Tourism & Industry: St. Lucia reports its strongest April cruise performance, with 673,700 cruise passengers in 2025-26 and more visitors per ship, while gun violence concerns continue to be raised. Regional Business Links: A Trinidad and Tobago trade delegation is in Saint Lucia to strengthen CARICOM partnerships and investment ties. Aviation & Connectivity: A regional aviation commentary points to structural realignment, including a new LIAT 2020–Air Caraïbes interline agreement effective June 1.

Tourism & Trade Diplomacy: Caribbean Week in New York opens June 1 with a strong turnout of tourism ministers and commissioners, including Saint Lucia, as the region pushes for economic resilience and unified messaging to international stakeholders. Public Health: Saint Lucia is stepping up its response to youth tobacco use ahead of World No Tobacco Day, citing a rise in vaping and nicotine delivery systems even as cigarette smoking declines, and launching education aimed at “unmasking the appeal.” Agriculture & Environment: The Department of Agriculture warns livestock owners to secure animals to curb stray-roaming risks to road safety and crops, while regional climate reporting flags drought pressure and extreme heat linked to a strong El Niño pattern. Blue Economy Funding: The OECS Commission launches Window 2 of the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme, backing value chain groups in fisheries, coastal tourism and waste management with grants of $100,000–$150,000. Justice & Business Climate: Government continues justice reforms, including the Swift Justice Project and court backlog reduction, alongside upgrades like the Soufrière Courthouse refurbishment. Energy & Industry: LUCELEC marks its 2025 staff awards, highlighting improved performance and ongoing reliability efforts.

Regional Aviation Realignment: A new interline deal between LIAT 2020 and Air Caraïbes takes effect June 1, as Caribbean Airlines exits key Dominica, St. Kitts and Ogle-Suriname markets and reshapes frequencies—signalling a structural shift toward emerging hubs. Construction & Skills: Abingdon & Witney College students under the Government-backed Turing Scheme completed hands-on placements in St Lucia, Spain and the US, working alongside tradespeople on commercial and residential projects. Agriculture & Climate Risk: The Department of Agriculture warns livestock owners to secure animals under the Animals Act as stray cattle and goats continue to threaten road safety and crops. Greenhouse Gas Data Support: Taiwan’s Technical Mission backed a National Greenhouse Gas Inventory Validation Workshop in Micoud, supporting crop-emissions data work with CCMRVH. Blue Economy Funding: OECS launched the second call for Window 2 of the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme, targeting fisheries, coastal tourism and waste management with grants of USD $100,000–$150,000 for value chain groups. Justice & Business Environment: Government justice reforms continue, including the Swift Justice Project’s Criminal Backlog Reduction Court and expanded virtual court operations. Electricity Costs: LUCELEC highlights rising global oil prices as a driver behind increasing electricity bills, while also celebrating staff awards and performance gains. Tourism Watch: St Lucia’s cruise season is up, with 673,700 passengers in 2025-26, but gun violence concerns are being raised alongside record April stayover figures. Trade & Investment: A Trinidad and Tobago business delegation is in St Lucia to strengthen regional partnerships, while Saint Lucia’s commerce team advances practical export and cooperation plans with Martinique.

Livestock Enforcement: Saint Lucia’s Department of Agriculture is warning owners to secure and control cattle, horses, goats, donkeys and sheep, saying stray animals are linked to road accidents, crop and property damage, and risks to human life, with seizure, impoundment costs, fines and possible prosecution under the Animals Act. Climate Data for Agriculture: Taiwan’s Technical Mission and CCMRVH are supporting greenhouse gas inventory work, including a May 22 validation workshop at Volet Agricultural Station focused on crop-production emissions data. Blue Economy Grants: OECS has launched the second call for proposals under the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme (Window 2), backing value chain groups in fisheries, coastal tourism and waste management with USD $100,000–$150,000 grants. Trade & Market Readiness: Saint Lucia’s Commerce Department is advancing cooperation with Martinique through meetings on export collaboration, including product testing, packaging, transport, traceability, certification and compliance. Tourism Push, Safety Concern: April stayover arrivals hit a new high, but gun violence worries are prompting questions about visitor safety and the country’s image. Justice Reforms: Government continues Swift Justice Project and Criminal Backlog Reduction Court efforts, including virtual court operations and upgrades to court infrastructure. Utilities Costs: LUCELEC says rising electricity bills are tied to higher international oil prices and overseas instability; WASCO has signalled new water and sewerage rates coming in June. Health Access: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS are convening a workshop in Saint Lucia to improve access to safe, quality-assured medicines and health technologies across OECS. Business Leadership: Return on Investment Consulting and the Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture will host “Executive Circle St. Lucia” on June 18 on strategy-led performance and closing execution gaps.

Justice & Public Confidence: Saint Lucia’s justice reforms move ahead with the Swift Justice Project and the Criminal Backlog Reduction Court, plus expanded virtual court operations and upgrades like the Soufriere Courthouse refurbishment. Water & Cost Pressures: WASCO has flagged “new rates coming soon,” with the Prime Minister saying Cabinet’s hands are tied because the National Utilities Regulatory Commission sets tariffs. Blue Economy Funding: OECS launched the second call for proposals under the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme (Window 2), targeting fisheries, coastal tourism and waste management value chain groups in Grenada, Saint Lucia and St Vincent & the Grenadines. Trade & Regional Links: Saint Lucia’s Department of Commerce is advancing plans with Martinique to boost trade, investment and cultural cooperation, including product readiness and compliance steps. Energy & Bills: LUCELEC says rising global oil prices and overseas instability are driving higher electricity bills; the utility also reported strong 2025 performance at its staff awards. Health Access: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS convene a workshop in Saint Lucia to improve access to safe, quality-assured medicines and health technologies across the Eastern Caribbean. Culture & Social Norms: Minister Ernest Hilaire says creatives should not glorify violence, especially violence against women, as debate grows after the death of Joy St Omer. Tourism Watch: Saint Lucia reports its strongest April on record, while gun violence concerns continue to raise safety-image questions for visitors. Sports Community: A vigil in Saint Lucia honoured Darrion Roberts for his impact across multiple sports.

Justice & Safety: St Lucia is reeling after the stabbing death of 31-year-old Vincentian journalist Deanzer Roberts’ son, Jevauny Darrion Roberts, found with multiple stab wounds in Sunny Acres on May 22. Justice System Reform: Government says it’s pushing ahead with court efficiency upgrades, including the Swift Justice Project’s Criminal Backlog Reduction Court and expanded virtual court operations at Bordelais. Water Costs: WASCO has flagged “new rates coming soon,” with the Prime Minister noting Cabinet’s limited role because tariff changes sit with the NURC. Blue Economy Funding: OECS launched the second call for proposals under the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme (Window 2), targeting fisheries, coastal tourism and waste management value chain groups with grants of $100,000–$150,000. Trade & Industry Links: Saint Lucia’s Commerce Department is advancing practical cooperation with Martinique, focusing on export readiness like testing, packaging, traceability and compliance. Energy & Utilities: LUCELEC says rising global oil prices are driving higher electricity bills, while it also celebrated staff awards for performance gains. Tourism Watch: April stayover arrivals hit a record, but gun violence concerns are being raised over visitor safety and the island’s image. Regional Business: A Trinidad and Tobago trade delegation is in Saint Lucia to strengthen CARICOM business ties.

Blue Economy Funding: OECS has opened a second call for proposals under the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme (Window 2), backing Value Chain Groups in fisheries, coastal tourism and waste management with grants of USD $100,000–$150,000 across Grenada, Saint Lucia and St Vincent & the Grenadines. Tourism & Safety: Saint Lucia reported its strongest April for stayover arrivals, but tourism leaders are watching rising gun violence concerns closely as visitors’ usual areas appear largely unaffected. Utilities Costs: LUCELEC says electricity bills are being pushed up by higher global oil prices and overseas instability, while WASCO has flagged “new rates coming soon” for water and sewerage, with the Prime Minister noting Cabinet has limited control under the NURC Act. Justice Sector Reform: Government updates highlight Swift Justice Project work, a Criminal Backlog Reduction Court, more virtual court operations at Bordelais, and courthouse upgrades. Trade & Regional Links: Saint Lucia is advancing practical trade and investment cooperation with Martinique after meetings involving agriculture, external affairs and commerce officials. Business Leadership: Executive Circle St. Lucia is set for June 18, focused on strategy-led execution and closing the execution gap. Health Access: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS will convene a workshop in Saint Lucia to improve access to safe medicines and health technologies, including launching a technical working group. Creative Industries Debate: Minister Ernest Hilaire says creatives should not glorify violence, especially violence against women, as public debate grows after the death of Joy St Omer.

Tourism & Security: Saint Lucia logged its strongest April for stayover arrivals, but gun violence worries are now front and centre as officials say incidents aren’t hitting visitor hotspots. Cruise Economy: The 2025-26 cruise season hit record highs with 673,700 passengers, helped by larger ships carrying more people per call. Blue Economy Funding: OECS launched the second call for Window 2 of the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme, backing value chain groups in fisheries, coastal tourism and waste management with grants of USD 100,000–150,000. Energy Costs: LUCELEC says rising global oil prices and overseas instability are driving higher electricity bills. Utilities Watch: WASCO posted notice of new water and sewerage rates “coming soon,” with June implementation expected; Cabinet says it can’t directly control NURC tariff decisions. Justice Reform: Government continues Swift Justice Project and backlog reduction efforts, including virtual court operations at Bordelais and upgrades to court infrastructure. Health Supply Chain: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS convene a workshop in Saint Lucia to improve access to safe medicines and health technologies across the Eastern Caribbean. Trade Links: Saint Lucia is pushing practical export and investment cooperation with Martinique, including product testing, certification and logistics steps. Transport Strategy Debate: Commentary renews calls for a unified ECCU–CARICOM air-and-sea transport plan as regional carriers face setbacks.

Tourism & Safety: Saint Lucia logged its strongest April ever with 40,000+ stayover visitors, but rising gun-violence worries are prompting fresh questions about visitor safety and the island’s image. Regional Trade & Diplomacy: A Trinidad and Tobago trade delegation is in Saint Lucia to deepen CARICOM business ties, while the UAE used CARICOM’s foreign ministers meeting in Suriname to push structured trade and investment talks. Justice & Governance: Government justice reforms continue, including the Swift Justice Project’s Criminal Backlog Reduction Court and expanded virtual court operations. Utilities Costs: LUCELEC says electricity hikes are driven by rising global oil prices; meanwhile WASCO has flagged “new rates coming soon” for water and sewerage, with NURC holding the tariff authority. Health Access: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS convene a Saint Lucia workshop to improve access to safe, quality-assured medicines through pooled procurement and better supply systems. Culture & Industry: Castries vendors face uncertainty amid the cruise-port redevelopment, even as compensation promises are discussed; and calypso season kicks off with packed shows as youth-focused carnival sponsorships roll in.

Utilities & Cost of Living: LUCELEC says rising global oil prices and overseas instability are driving higher electricity bills, while WASCO has posted “new rates coming soon” for water and sewerage, with the Prime Minister noting Cabinet has limited control because the National Utilities Regulatory Commission sets tariffs. Regional Transport & Trade: A new push argues ECCU and CARICOM must build one bold air-and-sea transport strategy, warning that airline failures and route cuts are undermining food security, medical tourism, and trade links. Port & Logistics Reform: SCASPA reports a Saint Lucia workshop on port reform, digitalisation, and customs cooperation aimed at modernising Eastern Caribbean maritime gateways, supported by the World Bank and EU plans. Local Business Disruption: Castries Vendors Arcade redevelopment is forcing vendors to vacate quickly; the Prime Minister says compensation is coming, but vendors want clearer relocation plans. Energy & Agribusiness Planning: An Archdiocesan Pastoral Centre project received a GEF Small Grants planning boost for a large solarised aquaponics facility, with a business and marketing plan to follow. Culture & Youth Industry: Piton Malta becomes title sponsor of Lucian Junior Carnival 2026, backing youth creative arts and strengthening the island’s carnival economy.