AGP Executive Report

Tax Relief for Households and Businesses: Saint Lucia has extended its tax amnesty to end-December 2027, waiving interest and penalties on eligible taxes due up to December 2025, including VAT collected but not yet remitted. Cost of Living and Retail Pricing: Consumer Affairs Minister Emma Hippolyte says her ministry is reviewing retail pricing after concerns about price gouging, as fuel costs and imported inflation continue to squeeze budgets. Mining and Community Impact: Tourism Minister Dr. Kishore Shallow says quarry operations in Richmond may be reviewed after community objections, with a look at alternatives that could lead to ending quarrying. Fisheries and Clean Energy: CRFM is ramping up clean energy work under the STAR-Fish project, targeting low-carbon upgrades like renewable energy and cold storage for fisheries and aquaculture across beneficiary countries including Saint Lucia. Blue Economy Funding for Local Firms: OECS is inviting eligible Blue Economy MSMEs to join virtual info sessions for Window 2 of the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme, with grants of US$100,000–US$150,000 for value chain groups. Tourism Labour Talks: SLTA management met the NWU to negotiate improved worker terms and set procedures for future industrial relations. Regional Trade and Ports: St Vincent and the Grenadines signed an MoU with Global Ports Holding to modernise the Kingstown cruise port, while OECS also announced Barbados as host for Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027.

Caribbean Tourism Trade: CHTA has named Barbados host for Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027 (May 18–21), after a successful 2026 event in Antigua, promising more B2B meetings linking hotels, attractions and transport. Visa & Industry Governance: The US denied a visa to newly elected CHTA president Gregor Nassief, sparking questions about how tighter US rules could affect a regional tourism body headquartered in Florida. Blue Economy Funding (OECS): OECS is inviting Blue Economy MSMEs to two virtual info sessions for Window 2 of the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme (grants of US$100,000–US$150,000), focused on fisheries, marine tourism and waste management in Grenada, St Lucia and St Vincent. Public Health Logistics: CARPHA trained 18 people from 15 member states in IATA infectious substances transport, strengthening regional lab and pandemic preparedness. St Lucia Tax Relief: Saint Lucia extended its tax amnesty to end-December 2027, waiving interest and penalties on eligible taxes up to Dec 2025. Cost of Living Watch: Saint Lucia launched a price-gouging probe as grocery and fuel costs rise, with officials linking part of the pressure to global shocks. Animal Health Enforcement: Grenada says two Babesia-positive horses were imported from St Lucia without permits, and it is tightening port-entry procedures and public guidance. Tourism & Labour: SLTA and the NWU began negotiations on improved worker terms after SLTA employees sought union representation.

Tax Relief for Businesses and Households: Saint Lucia has extended its tax amnesty to the end of 2027, waiving interest and penalties on eligible taxes due up to December 2025, including VAT businesses collected but not yet remitted. Food and Retail Pricing Watch: Consumer Affairs Minister Emma Hippolyte says her ministry is reviewing retail pricing after concerns about price gouging as fuel and imported goods costs rise. Animal Health and Border Controls: Grenada has launched legal action after two disease-positive horses were imported from Saint Lucia without the required permit; the Ministry of Agriculture will roll out standard operating procedures to all ports of entry. Tourism Infrastructure and Jobs: Saint Lucia’s tourism minister defended the relocation and compensation of long-time beach vendor Marie Farrell tied to the Mount Pimard Beach Park project. Blue Economy Funding: OECS is inviting eligible Blue Economy MSMEs in Grenada, St Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines to virtual info sessions for grants under the UBEC regional matching programme. Cruise Port Modernisation: St Vincent and the Grenadines signed an MOU with Global Ports Holding to modernise Kingstown Cruise Port under a phased 30-year concession. Agribusiness Turnaround: A T&T agribusiness story highlights rapid growth after a rescue and turnaround, feeding a wider push on food security and import substitution.

Offshore Boat Building: Trinidad and Tobago’s Kenny Scott Boats is expanding across the Caribbean and Florida with its KSB 429, built for rough regional seas and aimed at buyers wanting customised luxury. Tourism & Ports: St. Vincent and the Grenadines signed an MoU with Global Ports Holding to modernise Kingstown Cruise Port under a phased 30-year concession, targeting better shore excursions and repeat visitors. Local Tourism Development: Saint Lucia’s tourism minister defended the relocation of Marie’s Fish Shack for the Mount Pimard Beach Park, saying the vendor was offered a new site and higher compensation than the original structure’s value. Tax Relief: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre extended Saint Lucia’s tax amnesty to end-December 2027, waiving interest and penalties on eligible taxes up to December 2025. Consumer Watch: Saint Lucia launched a closer look at retail pricing as officials respond to rising grocery bills and concerns about price gouging. Health & Regional Cooperation: Martinique says it can supply radioactive cancer drugs to Guyana, with St. Lucian cancer survivor accounts highlighting the value of accessible testing and treatment. Labour & Services Sector: SLTA management and the NWU began negotiating improved working conditions after union recognition moves. Culture & Identity: Listwa Kannaval returns in Castries to explore how music and Kwéyòl shape Saint Lucian identity. Energy Shock Risk: A UN-linked report warns that Strait of Hormuz disruptions are hitting small island states hard through higher imported oil costs.

Tax Relief for Households and Businesses: Saint Lucia has extended its tax amnesty environment to December 2027, letting eligible taxpayers settle outstanding liabilities with a full waiver of interest and penalties on taxes up to December 2025. Tourism Labour Talks: The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) and the National Workers Union (NWU) have begun negotiating improved working conditions, with the NWU set to develop proposals after being recognized as the bargaining representative. Culture and Creative Industry: Listwa Kannaval returns for a June 10 discussion on how Saint Lucian music shapes identity, with a keynote from linguistics scholar Dr Ronald T. Francis and a panel of artists and industry leaders. Social Justice and Decent Work: A Saint Lucian tripartite delegation has taken part in the International Labour Conference in Geneva, with Minister Emma Hippolyte addressing delegates for the first time in decades. Health and Industry Links: A Saint Lucian resident among cancer survivors highlighted how Guyana’s support can reduce out-of-pocket costs for tests and treatment, while Martinique says it is ready to supply radioactive drugs for cancer care. Regional Demographics Pressure: A Caribbean-wide report warns populations are aging faster than economies grow, shrinking workforces and stretching hospitals and schools. Local Youth and Food Systems: A UNICEF-backed study in the region finds young people are not fully connecting climate-smart spending with green economy opportunities, including in St Lucia. Cultural Competition: Schools Calypso and Soca Monarch results crowned Sir Ira Simmons (Calypso) and Corinth (Soca), with standout performances from “Zizi” and “Fire Kay.”

Tax Relief for Businesses and Households: Saint Lucia has extended its tax amnesty to end-December 2027, waiving interest and penalties on eligible taxes due up to December 2025, including VAT collected by businesses but not yet remitted. Tourism Policy and Accountability: The UWP says recent “booming” tourism claims are premature, pointing to Saint Lucia’s slower recovery and declines in 2025 arrivals, including cruise numbers. Tourism Promotion in Global Markets: The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority is in New York for Caribbean Week 2026, pushing partnerships under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences.” Caribbean Climate Messaging: Lucian reggae artist Taj Weekes released an animated “Climate Justice” video for World Environment Day, produced by Saint Lucia’s Malfinis Film & Animation Studios. Health and Food Policy: PAHO/WHO convened nutritionists, NCD focal points and legal drafters in Barbados to advance sodium reduction and trans fat elimination roadmaps across the region. Regional Business and Finance: A Sendana borderless banking platform aims to help Caribbean entrepreneurs get paid internationally via a virtual US dollar account. Sports Sponsorship: BYD signed on as Official Car Sponsor of CPL 2026, with activations across key markets including Saint Lucia. Industry Outlook: A regional analysis argues Caribbean lending rates remain high, shaping the ECCU’s “decade of decision” on growth and resilience.

Tourism Growth Debate: Saint Lucia’s April 2026 stay-over surge is being challenged politically, with UWP’s Dominic Fedee warning the “booming” narrative is premature and pointing to 2025 declines in arrivals and cruise traffic. Tourism Promotion & Connectivity: The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority is in New York for CTO Caribbean Week 2026, pushing partnerships and air connectivity to lift global visibility under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences.” Luxury Development Watch: Antigua and Barbuda welcomed construction of the US$200m Long Bay Zen Resort, pitching premium tourism and pledging wages above the upcoming minimum living wage. Caribbean Business Payments: Sendana, a borderless banking platform for freelancers and entrepreneurs, is gaining traction across the Caribbean by enabling overseas payments into virtual US dollar accounts. Health Policy for Food Industry: PAHO/WHO convened nutritionists and legal drafters on sodium reduction and industrially produced trans fats, aiming to build local roadmaps and monitoring. Regional Finance Focus: A new analysis revisits the “cost of money” in the ECCU, tying high lending rates to the region’s broader “decade of decision” for resilience and growth. Sustainable Tourism Rules: CHTA released a framework to help destinations regulate short-term rentals as a permanent part of Caribbean accommodation, balancing opportunity with oversight. Energy Shock Alert: The UN warns Strait of Hormuz closure is affecting nearly one billion lives, with small island states hit hardest by higher fuel costs. Mobility & Congestion: The Caribbean Development Bank is treating traffic congestion as a development issue, citing major productivity losses across the region.

Tourism Growth Watch: Saint Lucia’s stay-over arrivals hit a record for April 2026, up 8.5% year-on-year to 40,752 visitors, with gains from the US, Canada and the wider Caribbean, plus cruise and yachting momentum. Political Pushback: Opposition UWP’s Dominic Fedee says the tourism “booming” narrative is premature, pointing to 2025 declines and cruise drops, urging a more cautious read of the recovery. Regional Marketing: The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority is in New York for Caribbean Week 2026 to strengthen partnerships and air connectivity under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences.” Caribbean Industry Deals: OPEN Interactive says it successfully delivered CIS26 in Saint Lucia and flags ECCIRA as a key shift shaping the investment migration industry. Local Business & Jobs: Quayclean secured a major schools cleaning contract in Australia, highlighting how facility services are increasingly outsourced. Marine Livelihoods: A USD $80,000 project in Savannes Bay will remove marine debris and support seamoss farmers with sustainable raft systems. Health Policy: PAHO/WHO convened Caribbean nutritionists and legal drafters to advance sodium reduction and industrial trans fat elimination roadmaps. Youth & Culture: Republic Bank launched its “Five for Fun” youth cricket programme in Castries, while Junior Calypso and Soca winners were crowned at Mindoo Philip Park. Mobility & Costs: A CDB discussion in The Bahamas frames traffic congestion as a development issue, linking it to productivity and competitiveness.

Tourism Numbers & Policy Debate: Saint Lucia’s stay-over arrivals hit their strongest April on record, up 8.5% year-on-year, with growth from the US, Caribbean, and Canada as airlift improves—while the UWP’s Dominic Fedee pushes back, calling the “booming” narrative premature given cruise and total arrivals declines in 2025. Green Economy Skills Gap: A UNICEF-commissioned survey found young people in Barbados, Dominica, St Lucia and Antigua and Barbuda are not fully connecting climate action and green economy opportunities to their own prospects. Marine Livelihoods & Restoration: A new USD $80,000 Savannes Bay project will remove marine debris and support sustainable seamoss farming, funded via AFD and the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund. Regional Tourism Push: SLTA is in New York for Caribbean Week 2026 to strengthen partnerships and air connectivity under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences.” Youth & Culture: Republic Bank’s “Five for Fun” youth cricket programme launches for its sixth season, while Junior Calypso and Soca crowns went to Dugard Combined and Ave Maria Girls’ Primary. Health & Food Policy: PAHO/WHO convened nutritionists and legal drafters to advance sodium reduction and trans fats elimination policies across the region. Energy Cost Pressure: A UN report warns disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz could drive up energy prices and hit small island states hard. Transport & Industry Finance: A market analysis revisits why ECCU borrowing costs stay high and what the region’s “decade of decision” means for growth. BYD & CPL 2026: BYD is named Official Car Sponsor of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League, rolling out fan activations across eight countries including St Lucia.

Tourism Recognition & Market Push: Saint Lucia’s tourism authority is in New York for Caribbean Week 2026 under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” aiming to deepen partnerships and air-connectivity as the sector competes globally. Fuel & Cost Pressures: Saint Lucians are set to pay more as the government announces increases in energy prices, with wider concerns about fuel relief and price hikes. Stay-over Growth: SLTA reports April 2026 as the island’s strongest April ever for stay-over arrivals, up 8.5% year-on-year, with gains from the US, Canada and the wider Caribbean. Local Governance & Regulation: The National Taxi Union moves to close ranks and push for a clearer taxi permit system by September, targeting better enforcement and accountability. Marine Livelihoods: A new Savannes Bay project backed by EC$215,000 will remove marine debris and deploy sustainable raft systems to support seamoss farmers. Youth & Culture: Junior Calypso and Soca crowns went to Dugard Combined and Ave Maria Girls’ Primary, while secondary schools’ titles featured “Zizi” and “Fire Kay.” Industry Spotlight: BYD is named official car sponsor of CPL 2026, bringing vehicle showcases and a design challenge across participating markets including Saint Lucia.

Tourism Numbers: Saint Lucia’s stay-over arrivals hit a new high for April 2026, with 40,752 visitors up 8.5% year-on-year, as the SLTA points to stronger airlift, marketing and cruise/yachting momentum. Fuel Relief Debate: Opposition figure Dominic Fedee says recent fuel price hikes unfairly burden households, arguing the government should have used past fuel tax revenue for more relief while officials cite global oil pressure and subsidies. Marine Livelihoods: A new Savannes Bay project backed by EC$215,000 (about USD$80,000) will remove marine debris and deploy sustainable raft systems to support seamoss farmers and reduce future waste. Agriculture Training: Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM) ran a papaya cultivation workshop for farmers, extension officers and agriculture students, sharing practices for growing, harvesting and exporting. Local Transport Regulation: The National Taxi Union met members to clarify its position and push for a long-awaited taxi permit system, aiming for better enforcement by end-September. Regional Governance: Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index ranks Haiti lowest in the Caribbean, while Barbados, The Bahamas and St. Vincent and the Grenadines score higher. Business & Industry: LASCO is strengthening leadership continuity with Dr. Eileen Chin moving into expanded deputy executive chairman roles across group companies.

Fuel Prices & Politics: Dominic Fedee says Saint Lucia’s tourism “booming” claims are premature and points to 2025 declines, while he also challenges the government’s fuel relief approach as prices rise. Tourism Numbers: SLTA reports April 2026 as the strongest April ever for stay-over arrivals, with 8.5% growth over April 2025 and gains across key markets, plus cruise and yachting momentum. Caribbean Week in New York: Saint Lucia’s SLTA is in New York for CTO Caribbean Week 2026 under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” pushing partnerships and connectivity as global competition intensifies. Short-Term Rentals Regulation: CHTA releases a Caribbean short-term rental framework urging “smart regulation” so destinations can capture demand without losing oversight. Marine Livelihoods: A USD $80,000 Savannes Bay project launches to remove marine debris and deploy sustainable raft systems to support seamoss farmers and reduce future waste. Clean Energy for Fisheries: The STAR-Fish project ramps up clean energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries, including cold-chain upgrades and low-carbon certification support. Local Transport Tech: The National Taxi Union moves toward a new app to improve coordination and transparency as Uber expands. Regional Finance Costs: A new ECCU “cost of money” analysis argues Caribbean lending rates remain high and could slow growth, while credit unions may offer cheaper options. CIS26 Wrap: OPEN Interactive marks delivery of CIS26 in Saint Lucia and flags St Kitts and Nevis as host for CIS27.

Fuel & Cost of Living: Saint Lucia’s government announced new energy price increases from June 1, pointing to global oil pressures tied to Iran–US tensions and the Strait of Hormuz, with gasoline set at EC$16.75 per imperial gallon while kerosene and LPG prices face different subsidy impacts. Tourism Politics: UWP’s Dominic Fedee pushed back on Tourism Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire’s “booming” claims, saying April arrival gains don’t erase 2025 declines and that the picture is incomplete without cruise and overall recovery context. Tourism Growth: SLTA reported April 2026 as the strongest April on record for stay-over arrivals, up 8.5% year-on-year, with gains from the US, Caribbean, and Canada and continued diversification beyond the UK. Regional Tourism Push: Saint Lucia’s SLTA is in New York for CTO Caribbean Week 2026 under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” aiming to strengthen partnerships and global visibility. Marine Livelihoods: SLUNCF launched an EC$215,000 (USD $80,000) Savannes Bay project to remove marine debris and deploy sustainable raft systems to support seamoss farmers. Taxi Sector Update: The National Taxi Union moved to close ranks amid Uber competition, discussing a taxi permit system and a new app concept for drivers and riders. Youth & Culture: Junior Calypso and Soca winners included Dugard Combined (Calypso) and Ave Maria Girls’ Primary (Soca), while Republic Bank’s “Five for Fun” youth cricket programme kicked off its 2026 season. Business & Sponsorship: BYD was named Official Car Sponsor of CPL 2026, with activations across eight countries including Saint Lucia. Health Watch: World No Tobacco Day coverage highlighted the push to curb youth vaping, warning that flavours and marketing are drawing young people into nicotine use.

Energy Prices & Cost of Living: Saint Lucia’s government says motorists will pay more from June 1, with gasoline and diesel rising from EC$16.00 to EC$16.75 per imperial gallon and kerosene from EC$9.66 to EC$10.41, citing a 5.5% jump in global crude prices above US$100 a barrel amid Iran–US tensions; officials stress LPG remains heavily subsidised and unchanged. Fuel Relief Debate: Former tourism minister Dominic Fedee challenges the government over fuel relief, arguing tax revenues should have cushioned consumers more as the administration points to subsidies and global volatility. Tourism Momentum: The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority reports April 2026 as the strongest April on record for stay-over arrivals, up 8.5% year-on-year to 40,752 visitors, with gains from the US, Canada and the Caribbean. Marine Livelihoods & Aquaculture: A USD $80,000 (EC$215,000) Savannes Bay project launches to remove marine debris and deploy sustainable raft systems to support seamoss farmers, funded by AFD via the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund. Local Industry Leadership: LASCO begins leadership continuity planning after founder Lascelles Chin’s death, elevating Dr Eileen Chin into expanded deputy executive chairman roles. Transport Sector Updates: The National Taxi Union moves to tighten regulation with a permit system by end-September and is developing an app to improve coordination as Uber competition grows. Sports & Youth Development: Republic Bank’s “Five for Fun” youth cricket programme returns for its sixth season, with 38 primary schools set to compete. Caribbean Business & Culture: BYD is named official car partner of CPL 2026, rolling out regional activations across eight countries including Saint Lucia. Youth Arts Wins: Dugard Combined and Ave Maria Girls’ Primary take top honours at the National Primary Schools Calypso & Soca competition.

Energy & Cost of Living: Saint Lucia’s government has raised gasoline and diesel prices to EC$16.75 per imperial gallon and kerosene to EC$10.41, citing a 5.5% jump in crude oil to above US$100 a barrel, while saying LPG remains unchanged thanks to subsidies. Fuel Politics: Former tourism minister Dominic Fedee is pushing back, arguing consumers should have received more relief from past fuel tax revenues as officials defend the latest increases. Tourism Growth: The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority reports April 2026 as the strongest April on record for stay-over arrivals, up 8.5% year-on-year to 40,752 visitors, with gains from the US, Canada and the Caribbean market. Marine & Agriculture Livelihoods: A new Savannes Bay project backed by AFD/CBF funding (about USD $80,000) will remove marine debris and deploy sustainable raft systems to support seamoss farmers and coastal restoration. Transport & Services: The National Taxi Union is moving toward a permit system and is developing a local app to manage drivers, trips and payments as Uber expands. Youth Sport & Brand Partnerships: Republic Bank’s “Five for Fun” youth cricket programme returns for its sixth season, while BYD is named official car sponsor of CPL 2026 with activations across participating countries including Saint Lucia.

Fuel & Energy Costs: Saint Lucia’s government says global oil pressures are behind the latest pump increases, with gasoline and diesel rising from EC$16.00 to EC$16.75 per imperial gallon and kerosene from EC$9.66 to EC$10.41, while LPG prices stay unchanged due to subsidies. Marine Livelihoods & Aquaculture: A new USD $80,000 (EC$215,000) Savannes Bay project will remove marine debris and deploy sustainable raft systems to support seamoss farmers, funded by France’s AFD through the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund. Tourism Performance: The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority reports 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. Regional Women’s Leadership: Minister Emma Hippolyte has been elected to the OAS Inter-American Commission of Women’s Executive Committee for a second consecutive term, a first for Saint Lucia. Local Transport Industry: The National Taxi Union is moving toward a digital app for drivers and riders amid Uber competition, aiming for better regulation and transparency. Youth & Culture: Republic Bank launched its 2026 “Five for Fun” youth cricket programme in Castries, while Dugard Combined and Ave Maria Girls’ Primary won Calypso and Soca crowns at the national primary competition.