AGP Executive Report

OECS Regional Agenda: OECS leaders opened the 78th Authority Meeting in Antigua, with Godwin Friday urging faster, practical integration for small states, as priorities include economic growth, climate resilience, security, food and energy security, and freedom of movement. Tourism & Marketing Partnerships: Saint Lucia Tourism Authority signed a multi-year global partnership with Arsenal FC, positioning the island as the Premier League club’s official destination partner from 2026-27 and linking it to an academy hub. Utilities & Cost Pressures: NURC approved phased water and sewerage tariff hikes for WASCO, with households and especially hotels and marine vessels facing steep increases, while the NURC chief warned tourism growth must not outpace utility planning. Food & Farming Support: Taiwan-backed projects are boosting Saint Lucia’s fruit output via advanced guava grafting, and improving irrigation reliability for Chassin farmers through dam rehabilitation and filtration upgrades. Industry Leadership: Erwin Louisy was re-elected unopposed as SLHTA president, pledging stronger operations and a sharper private-sector voice as the sector prepares for continued growth. Regional Finance for Resilience: IFC will invest up to US$15m in the Caribbean Community Resilience Fund debt sub-fund across 13 countries, targeting climate resilience and medium-sized enterprise financing.

Water & Utilities Costs: Saint Lucians and businesses are set for phased water and sewerage tariff hikes after NURC approved new WASCO rates, with hotels and marine vessels facing the steepest increases and WASCO placed under tighter oversight for infrastructure delivery. Tourism Planning Meets Infrastructure: NURC chief Skeeta Gibbs warned that tourism growth must not outpace utility planning, pushing utilities into investment and land-use conversations from the start. Tourism Marketing Push: SLTA announced a multi-year global partnership with Arsenal FC, naming Saint Lucia the club’s official destination partner from 2026-27 and linking the deal to youth academy development and global visibility. Agriculture & Food Security: Taiwan-backed Seven Crops Project training boosted Saint Lucian farmers with advanced guava grafting, while an irrigation rehabilitation in Chassin improved reliable water access for growers. Community & Environment: The Green Champions Challenge kicks off with school-led collection of e-waste and aluminum cans, supported by local businesses and SLSWMA. Industry & Compliance: IRD and ECCO signed an MOU to strengthen tax compliance and protect music rights through data sharing and enforcement cooperation. Business Climate: The Chamber of Commerce highlighted strategy execution and business-ease hurdles, urging better accountability and smoother operations. Citizenship by Investment Scrutiny: Experts say currency volatility and stricter compliance checks are the biggest hurdles for CBI applicants. Local Resource Debate: Officials and residents are clashing over the Roseau River sand and aggregate project, with critics calling it “quarry number two” despite claims of tighter safeguards.

Tourism Marketing Boost: Saint Lucia Tourism Authority has signed a multi-year global partnership with Arsenal FC, naming the island the Premier League club’s official destination partner from the 2026-27 season, with Brand Saint Lucia exposure at Emirates Stadium and on Arsenal digital platforms plus a local youth academy hub. Utilities & Tourism Planning: NURC CEO Skeeta Gibbs warned that tourism growth must not outpace utility planning, urging water, power, internet and sewage upgrades to be built into investment decisions from the start. Water Costs Rise: WASCO water and sewerage tariffs are set for phased increases—households and businesses up first, with hotels and marine vessels facing steeper jumps—while NURC tightens oversight and performance targets. Agri Skills for Food Security: Farmers in Chassin received training and irrigation support under Taiwan-backed Seven Crops Project, including guava grafting for longer shelf-life fruit and a rehabilitated irrigation system to improve reliable water access. Green Waste Push: Saint Lucia launches the Green Champions Challenge to collect e-waste and aluminum cans via participating schools, aiming to cut toxic landfill impacts and build recycling habits. Regional Finance for Resilience: IFC will invest up to US$15m in the Caribbean Community Resilience Fund debt sub-fund, targeting climate-resilience and SME financing across 13 countries including Saint Lucia.

Water & Utilities Costs: NURC approved phased WASCO water and sewerage tariff hikes starting June 2026, with households paying more based on usage and hotels/boats facing the steepest increases (about 76% for hotels and vessels). Tourism Planning Meets Infrastructure: NURC CEO Skeeta Gibbs warned tourism growth must not outpace utility planning, urging utilities to be built into investment and land-use decisions from the start. Tourism Marketing Deal: Saint Lucia Tourism Authority signed a multi-year global partnership with Arsenal FC, starting 2026/27, aiming to boost visibility in the UK and support a local youth academy hub. Food Security & Farming Skills: Farmers trained in advanced guava grafting under Taiwan-backed support to improve fruit quality and reduce reliance on imports. Regional Food Investment: SVG pushed eight agriculture and food-system projects into a Barbados “deal room,” including irrigation, poultry, agro-processing and youth agri-investment. Youth & Environment: The Green Champions Challenge launches islandwide e-waste and aluminum can collection with schools, backed by SLSWMA and IDB Lab. Business Ease Focus: Chamber of Commerce and partners ran sessions on strategy execution and easing business hurdles. Consumer Pressure: A consumer group renewed calls for economic relief as household costs soar, linking relief to stronger agriculture, food security and utility regulation.

Water & Utilities Shock: NURC approved phased WASCO water and sewerage tariff hikes starting June 2026, with households and businesses paying more and hotels/boats hit hardest, as the regulator tightens oversight and pushes infrastructure funding. Tourism Must Plan for Power: SLHTA leaders and NURC’s chief warned tourism growth can’t outpace utility planning, urging utilities to be built into investment and land-use decisions from the start. Agriculture Irrigation Boost: Taiwan’s technical mission backed rehabilitation of the Chassin farmers’ irrigation system in Babonneau, including silt removal and filtration, to restore reliable crop water access. Regional Climate Finance: IFC will invest up to US$15M into the Caribbean Community Resilience Fund debt sub-fund across 13 countries, targeting resilience and SME financing. Tourism Marketing Push: SLTA and Arsenal Football Club signed a multi-year global partnership making Saint Lucia Arsenal’s official destination partner from 2026/27, with brand exposure and a planned academy hub. Consumer Pressure: A consumer group renewed calls for economic relief as household costs rise, linking relief to stronger food security and better regulation of utility costs. Youth & Environment: Caribbean Youth Environment Network convened a St. Lucia youth conference to shape national recommendations on water, energy, agriculture and climate resilience. Music Rights & Tax Compliance: IRD and ECCO signed an MOU to improve transparency and protect music rights through shared data on ticketing and event attendance. EV Market Adds New Brand: Peter and Company launched Chery vehicles locally, expanding Saint Lucia’s electric-vehicle options.

Water & Utilities Shock: NURC has approved phased WASCO water and sewerage tariff increases starting June 2026, with households facing higher tiers and hotels/boats hit hardest, while regulators tighten oversight tied to key pipeline funding. Tourism vs Infrastructure: NURC’s chief warned tourism growth must be planned alongside utilities from the start, not after expansion, as hotels feel pressure from water, power, internet and sewage demands. Consumer Pressure: The National Consumer Association renewed calls for stronger protections as household costs rise, pushing for better food security, agriculture investment and tighter utility cost regulation. Sports Tourism Boost: Saint Lucia Tourism Authority and Arsenal announced a multi-year destination partnership beginning 2026/27, aiming to drive global visibility (especially the UK) and include an academy hub for local youth. Regional Food Security: PM Pierre is pushing CARICOM-wide action on food security ahead of the Heads of Government summit, targeting reduced import reliance through stronger regional agriculture. Trade Finance Push: Afreximbank is backing a Caricom EXIM bank plan to unlock affordable long-term trade and infrastructure financing across the region. Music Rights & Tax Compliance: IRD and ECCO signed an MOU to improve transparency, data sharing and enforcement around music licensing and tax administration. Local Agriculture Recognition: Region Four farmers were honoured for contributions to food security and rural livelihoods, highlighting ongoing sector challenges and the need to attract younger growers. Marine Skills Milestone: A 20-year-old Saint Lucian, Jameel Leonce, became the world’s youngest Sea TREK Training Coordinator, signalling fresh momentum for marine tourism training. EV Training Upgrade: TVET institutions received new equipment for green and blue skills, including solar installation trainers and agro-processing tools. Animal Health & Permits: Two pregnant Saint Lucian horses were euthanised in Grenada after arriving without export clearance, reigniting scrutiny of veterinary quarantine and permitting.

Water & Utilities: NURC has approved phased water and sewerage tariff increases for WASCO, with households and businesses facing higher bills starting June 2026 (hotels and boats hit the steepest jumps) as the regulator tightens oversight tied to the John Compton Raw Water Pipeline upgrade. Tourism Infrastructure: NURC chief Skeeta Gibbs warned that tourism growth must not outpace utility planning, urging utilities to be built into investment and land-use decisions from the start. Sports Tourism Deal: The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority has signed a multi-year partnership with Arsenal FC as Official Destination Partner, starting 2026/27, promising global brand exposure (notably in the UK) and an academy hub for local youth football. Regional Food Security: PM Philip J. Pierre is pushing CARICOM-wide action on food security ahead of the Heads of Government conference, focusing on agricultural sustainability and cutting import dependence. Trade & Finance: Afreximbank is backing a Caricom EXIM bank plan to unlock more affordable long-term trade and infrastructure financing across the region. Music Rights & Tax Compliance: IRD and ECCO signed an MOU to improve transparency and protect music rights, including data sharing on ticket sales and event attendance for better tax administration. Agriculture & Skills: TVET institutions received EV diagnostic and green-job training equipment under a German-funded programme, supporting renewable energy and sustainable development careers. Animal Health Incident: Two pregnant Saint Lucian horses were euthanised in Grenada after arriving without export clearance and testing positive for Babesia, raising questions about quarantine and permitting.

Tourism & Utilities Planning: NURC CEO Skeeta Gibbs told the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association that water, power, internet and sewage must be built into tourism investment planning from the start, warning that “catch up later” is costly and unsustainable. Sports Tourism Deal: The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority has signed a multi-year global partnership with Arsenal FC, starting 2026/27, aiming to boost arrivals (especially the UK) and include an academy hub for local youth. Music Rights Meets Tax Compliance: The Inland Revenue Department and ECCO signed an MOU to improve transparency and compliance around music licensing, including data sharing on ticket sales and event attendance. Agriculture & Food Security Recognition: Region Four Farmers were honoured for contributions to food security and rural livelihoods, with discussions on climate pressures, market access and attracting younger farmers. Marine Tourism Talent: At 20, Jameel Leonce became the world’s youngest certified Sea TREK Training Coordinator, strengthening Saint Lucia’s marine tourism training and safety standards. EV Skills Training: TVET institutions received EV diagnostic tools and green-job equipment, including solar trainers and agro-processing gear, under Green & Blue Skills and NDC-Tec. Fuel Cost Pressure: UWP deputy leader Dominic Fedee urged government to cut fuel taxes as oil prices ease, arguing relief should reach consumers.

Tourism & Utilities Planning: NURC CEO Skeeta Gibbs told hoteliers that utility infrastructure—water, electricity, internet and sewage—must be built into tourism investment and land-use plans from the start, warning that “catch-up” after development is costly and unsustainable. Sports Tourism Deal: The Saint Lucia 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 and on Arsenal digital platforms plus plans for a local academy hub. Tourism Growth Outlook: SLTA CEO Louis Lewis says Saint Lucia is entering its fastest hotel-room growth period in 18 months, targeting about a 20% increase in rooms and adding wellness tourism alongside weddings and honeymoons. Music Rights Meets Tax Compliance: The Inland Revenue Department and ECCO signed an MOU to improve transparency and compliance for music licensing, including data sharing tied to ticket sales and event attendance. Agriculture Recognition: Region Four Farmers’ Appreciation Day 2026 honoured farmers supporting food security, while highlighting climate pressures, market access and the need to attract younger people to farming. Marine Skills Milestone: At 20, Jameel Leonce became the world’s youngest certified Sea TREK Training Coordinator, boosting Saint Lucia’s marine tourism training capacity. EV Market Update: Peter and Company launched the Chery brand locally, adding four Tiggo SUV models to St. Lucia’s growing electric-vehicle and automotive lineup.

Arsenal x Saint Lucia Tourism: The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority has signed a multi-year deal making Arsenal FC its Official Destination Partner, starting with the 2026/27 season. The partnership is set to boost global visibility—especially in the UK—through brand placements at Emirates Stadium, Arsenal digital channels and joint marketing, with plans for a local academy hub to develop youth football. Tourism Trade Boost: Saint Lucia’s SLTA hosted the Global Piton Awards, honouring 34 top travel advisors and tour operators for 2025 performance, aiming to strengthen visitor arrivals and tourism revenue. Music Rights Meets Tax Compliance: The Inland Revenue Department and ECCO signed an MOU to improve transparency and compliance around music licensing, including data sharing on ticket sales and event attendance. Electric Mobility Arrives: Peter and Company launched the Chery EV line in Saint Lucia, adding four Tiggo SUV models to the local market. Marine Skills Milestone: 20-year-old Jameel Leonce became the world’s youngest certified Sea TREK Training Coordinator, highlighting growing marine tourism capability on island. Agriculture Recognition: Region Four Farmers were celebrated for contributions to food security and rural development, with discussions on climate, markets and attracting younger farmers. Regional Community Event: OECS invites residents to join a Fun Walk on June 18 as part of OECS’ 45th anniversary activities. Local Culture Funding: Bank of Saint Lucia was named Title Sponsor of Lucian Carnival 2026, deepening support for local musicians, designers and vendors.

Arsenal x Saint Lucia Tourism: The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority has signed a multi-year global partnership with English Premier League champions Arsenal, naming the island the club’s official destination partner from the 2026/27 season, with Brand Saint Lucia visibility at Emirates Stadium and across Arsenal’s digital platforms, plus plans for a local youth football academy. Tourism Trade Boost: SLTA also hosted the 6th Annual Global Piton Awards, honouring 34 top travel advisors and tour operators for driving 2025 visitor arrivals and tourism revenue. Music Rights Meets Tax Compliance: The Inland Revenue Department and ECCO signed a historic MOU to improve transparency and compliance around music rights, including data sharing on ticket sales and event attendance. Agriculture Recognition: Region Four farmers were celebrated at the Region Four Farmers’ Appreciation Day 2026 for their role in food security and rural livelihoods. EV Market Update: Peter and Company launched the Chery brand in Saint Lucia, adding four Tiggo SUV models to the local electric-vehicle and automotive lineup. Marine Tourism Milestone: 20-year-old Jameel Leonce became the world’s youngest certified Sea TREK Training Coordinator, strengthening Saint Lucia’s marine tourism talent pipeline. Digital Skills for MSMEs: Export Saint Lucia ran a four-day digital bootcamp for 40+ businesses to build capacity in cloud tools, AI, e-commerce, data and cybersecurity, with top firms set to get tailored roadmaps.

Marine Tourism & Skills: A 20-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. Tourism Marketing & Partnerships: The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority signed a multi-year global partnership with Arsenal FC as Official Destination Partner, starting 2026/27, aiming for major UK and digital exposure and an academy hub in Saint Lucia. Regional Services Training: OECS-linked specialised services sector training is set for Antigua and Barbuda (June 29–July 2), with Saint Lucia among member states, focused on strengthening trade officials’ and policymakers’ capacity for global services markets. SME Digital Boost: Export Saint Lucia ran a four-day digital bootcamp for 40+ MSMEs and exporters, teaching digital transformation, AI, e-commerce and cybersecurity, with the top 20 getting tailored roadmaps. Food Innovation: Researchers at the University of Queensland say fermentation tech at its St Lucia campus can produce rare “healthy” low-calorie sugars, potentially lowering costs for food and drink makers. Finance & Industry: IFC confirmed a US$15m investment in a CARICOM resilience debt fund sub-structure targeting SME financing, with up to 70% earmarked for on-lending. Culture & Sponsorship: Bank of Saint Lucia was named Title Sponsor of Lucian Carnival 2026, deepening its long-running support for local musicians, artisans and vendors.

Tourism Marketing Boost: The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority has signed a multi-year global partnership with Premier League champions Arsenal as its official destination partner, starting 2026/27, aiming to drive international visibility (notably in the UK) and support an academy hub in Saint Lucia. Marine Skills Milestone: A 20-year-old Saint Lucian, Jameel Leonce, became the world’s youngest certified Sea TREK Training Coordinator after an international evaluation at Sea Life Paradise, taking on guide training, safety standards, and performance assessments. Food Innovation: Researchers at UQ’s Biosustainability Hub say fermentation-based production of rare sugars could bring “healthy” low-calorie alternatives to supermarket shelves, with the hub launched at UQ’s St Lucia campus. Regional Finance for SMEs: The IFC confirmed a US$15m investment in the CARICOM Resilience Fund Debt Sub-Fund, targeting medium-sized enterprise lending across 13 countries with a resilience and sustainability component. Public Transport Reform Watch: PM Philip J. Pierre weighed the CDB’s proposed minibus network reforms, warning that politically sensitive changes could face public pushback. Blue Economy Funding Steps: OECS is inviting Blue Economy MSMEs to virtual information sessions for Window 2 matching grants, with support aimed at fisheries, marine tourism, and waste management value chains. Local Industry & Infrastructure: North Leeward MP Kishore Shallow said Richmond quarry operations may face review after community concerns about environmental impact and development effects.

Banking & Trade Finance: IFC has confirmed a US$15m investment in the CARICOM Resilience Fund Debt Sub-Fund, with up to 70% earmarked for on-lending to medium-sized enterprises across 13 countries—an important signal for regional business financing. Digital Skills for Local Industry: Export Saint Lucia and Caribbean Export Development Agency ran a four-day digital bootcamp for 40+ MSMEs, training firms in cloud tools, AI, e-commerce and cybersecurity, with the top 20 set to get tailored digital transformation roadmaps. Transport Reform Watch: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre weighed in on a CDB study calling for bus network reforms, warning that politically sensitive changes could trigger public pushback. Tourism & Ports: St Vincent and the Grenadines moved toward a 30-year cruise port concession, with Global Ports Holding seeking phased investment to modernise Kingstown and boost shore excursions. Local Business & Tourism Infrastructure: Tourism Minister Dr Ernest Hilaire defended the relocation and compensation of long-time beach vendor Marie Farrell tied to the Mount Pimard Beach Park project. Agriculture & Biosecurity: Grenada launched legal action and enforcement after two Babesia-positive horses were imported from St Lucia without permits, with authorities citing animal health and human biosecurity risks. Blue Economy Funding: OECS Commission invited eligible Blue Economy MSMEs to join virtual info sessions for Window 2 matching grants (USD $100k–$150k) focused on fisheries, marine tourism and waste management. Culture & Brand Support: Bank of Saint Lucia was named title sponsor of Lucian Carnival 2026, deepening its long-running support for local musicians, artisans and small businesses.

Banking & Payments: A new commentary warns Caribbean correspondent banking is at a crossroads as stablecoins and US payment rules reshape cross-border flows. SME Finance: The IFC has confirmed a US$15m investment in a CARICOM resilience debt fund aimed at unlocking financing for medium-sized enterprises across the region. Tourism & Culture: Bank of Saint Lucia was named Title Sponsor of Lucian Carnival 2026, deepening support for local musicians, designers and small businesses. Digital Skills for Industry: Export Saint Lucia ran a four-day digital bootcamp for 40+ MSMEs to help firms use e-commerce, AI, analytics and cybersecurity to compete globally. Transport Reform: PM Philip J. Pierre weighed CDB public transport recommendations for minibus reform, noting the political risk of major changes. Blue Economy Funding: OECS is inviting Blue Economy MSMEs to virtual info sessions for Window 2 matching grants, with funding for fisheries, marine tourism and waste management value chains. Ports & Cruise Development: St Vincent and the Grenadines moved toward a 30-year concession framework with Global Ports Holding to modernise its cruise port and expand capacity. Biosecurity & Agriculture: Grenada launched legal action and enforcement after two Babesia-positive horses were imported from Saint Lucia without permits, with authorities defending euthanasia decisions. Local Industry Watch: Richmond quarry operations may come under review after community concerns about environmental impacts.

Caribbean Banking Watch: A new commentary warns correspondent banking in the region is at a crossroads as U.S. stablecoin rules and Visa’s stablecoin settlement push cross-border payments toward faster, cheaper rails. Transport & Public Policy: Saint Lucia’s PM Philip J. Pierre says proposed CDB minibus reforms may be hard to implement politically, even if they make sense on paper. Cruise Infrastructure: St Vincent and the Grenadines signed a deal with Global Ports Holding to modernise Kingstown Cruise Port under a 30-year concession, with phased investment up to about EC$250m. Local Business Digital Push: Export Saint Lucia’s digital bootcamp is equipping 40+ MSMEs with tools for e-commerce, AI, analytics and cybersecurity, with top firms set for tailored roadmaps. Saint Lucia Tax Relief: The government extended its tax amnesty to end-December 2027, waiving interest and penalties on eligible taxes up to Dec 2025. Blue Economy Funding: OECS is inviting eligible Blue Economy MSMEs in Grenada, Saint Lucia and St Vincent to virtual info sessions for Window 2 matching grants (US$100k–US$150k). Biosecurity & Trade Risk: Grenada’s authorities say two Babesia-positive horses imported from St Lucia breached import rules, triggering legal action and new port SOPs. Tourism Operations: Saint Lucia’s tourism minister defended the relocation and compensation of a long-time beach vendor tied to the Mount Pimard Beach Park project. Energy & Fisheries Resilience: CRFM is scaling clean-energy interventions under the STAR-Fish project, including renewables and cold storage for fisheries.