AGP Executive Report
Last update: 8 hours agoPanama Canal Disruption: CARICOM’s private sector group warns that Panama Canal caps and El Niño-linked low water could expose US$8–10bn of annual CARICOM imports (about a quarter to a third of non-fuel imports) to higher landed costs and thinner inventories into 2027, with carriers already adding surcharges. Regional Trade & Industry: Omni Industries says it’s pushing exports harder—aiming to lift export revenue share from 3.5% to 10% in five years—and is in talks to supply Trinidad’s baking manufacturers with bakery trays. Jobs & Labour Market: Saint Lucia reports unemployment fell to 10.1% in Q2 2026 (from 12.1% in Q1), with employment rising to 99,528 and youth unemployment down to 15.5%. Skills & Human Capital: OECS opens applications Sept 10–20 for the Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship (CARDTP/World Bank, delivered by UWI Global Campus), covering areas from AI and cybersecurity to fintech and digital marketing. Governance & Accountability: The UWP calls for an independent audit of the long-delayed St Jude Hospital reconstruction after a 2009 fire and years of incomplete operations. Health Policy Capacity: PAHO and UWI graduate the third cohort of a regional health policy and systems programme, training 11 professionals across eight countries including Saint Lucia. Tourism Demand Signal: Expedia’s 2026 “Island Hot List” shows flight searches for St. Lucia up 125% year-on-year, pointing to strong inbound interest.
Note: AI summary from news headlines; neutral sources weighted more to help reduce bias in the result. Feedback is welcome. Please let us know if you have any comments or suggestions about the AGP Executive Report.
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