AGP Executive Report

Tax Policy: Saint Lucia has extended its tax amnesty to December 2027, letting taxpayers settle outstanding liabilities with a full waiver of interest and penalties on eligible taxes up to December 2025, including VAT and income and property taxes. Water & Infrastructure: WASCO is upgrading Castries’ sewerage network, commissioning new pumps and stepping up maintenance after a Jeremie Street disruption, as part of a wider 25-year, climate-resilient water and wastewater plan. Public Health & Trade: With WHO declaring the Ebola outbreak a PHEIC, Saint Lucia is reactivating enhanced, risk-based travel screening at ports using APIS and updating its national Ebola response plans to protect health while keeping travel and trade moving. Telecoms & Connectivity: Digicel St. Lucia is rolling out “Digi-Duo,” bundling mobile with home fibre (entry speeds from 350 Mbps) to boost speed and value for households. Digital Business Skills: A new push will give 20 local Saint Lucian businesses digital tools to compete and unlock export opportunities in a more online economy. Regional Security Context: A UNDP report flags rising Caribbean violence and notes St. Lucia’s homicide rate increase, pointing to a gap between security policy and the structural drivers of crime. Sports & Brand Partnerships: BYD is named Official Car Sponsor of the Republic Bank CPL 2026 across eight countries, including Saint Lucia, with fan activations and a design challenge. Community & Inclusion: HAPA launches autism-friendly Carnival events in July, including a sensory-friendly social and an inclusive Kiddies Carnival band.

Tax Policy: Saint Lucia has extended its tax amnesty to December 2027, waiving interest and penalties on eligible taxes up to December 2025, including VAT collected by businesses but not yet remitted. Digital & Trade: A new borderless US dollar banking platform, Sendana, is positioning itself to help Caribbean entrepreneurs get paid internationally with fewer payment workarounds. Water & Environment: The Waterways Flowing Clean Project is launching a legislative review to strengthen enforcement against polluted waterways, backed by major funding. Health Security: Saint Lucia is updating Ebola preparedness, including renewed risk-based travel screening at ports and refreshed national response planning. Business Capacity Building: TWENTY local businesses are getting digital tools to compete globally, with support aimed at boosting online presence and export readiness. Tourism & Hospitality: Copa Cruzan Creole opens in Gonzales, adding a new Creole-Caribbean-Latin menu to the local dining scene. Regional Governance: CARICOM leaders are set to convene in St. Lucia for the 51st Heads of Government Meeting, with July timing. Crime Update: Police are investigating the discovery of a 67-year-old man’s body in the Marchand River. Sports & Community: The SLFA Blackheart knockout tournament reaches the semifinals, with multiple zonal winners advancing.

Tourism & Travel: A local travel advisor says the “right” Sandals/Beaches agent comes down to real resort knowledge, not just certification, urging travellers to ask targeted questions before booking. Carnival & Culture: The Groovy and Power Soca Monarch quarterfinals are set for June 26, with semifinalists named across both categories. Public Safety: Police are investigating the death of 67-year-old Andrew Yarde found unresponsive in the Marchand River. Ebola Preparedness: Saint Lucia is stepping up Ebola readiness, including renewed risk-based port screening using APIS and updates to national response plans. SME & Trade: Twenty local businesses received digital tools to compete globally, while Sendana’s borderless US-dollar platform highlights easier ways for Caribbean entrepreneurs to get paid overseas. Environment & Waterways: A new funding boost supports a legislative review to strengthen protection and enforcement for polluted waterways. Regional Economy: Economists warn small Caribbean islands remain highly exposed to global shocks, calling for urgent resilience action. Sports & Community: Blackheart/SLFA knockout football reaches the semifinal stage, and HAPA launches an autism-inclusive carnival band and social events.

Regional Health & Trade: Guyana’s Health Minister says Martinique is willing to supply radioactive nuclear drugs for certain cancers, with survivors pointing to improved access to treatment and lab testing. Inclusive Culture: HAPA launches a sensory-friendly carnival band and social events for autistic children and families, aiming to make Kiddies Carnival more welcoming. Sports & Business: BYD is named Official Car Sponsor of the Republic Bank CPL 2026, rolling out regional activations including a “Wrap the Future” design challenge across eight countries. Banking & Community: Republic Bank’s “Five for Fun” cricket programme expands to Barbados for its first season, targeting 60 primary schools and focusing on inclusion and basic skills. Tourism Policy & Growth: Saint Lucia’s tourism push continues with participation in Caribbean Week in New York, while the UWP warns “arrival figures” claims may be premature given uneven recovery. Environment & Resilience: Saint Lucia launches a Coral Reef Response System with trained brigades and reef insurance-linked rapid response to protect coastlines and livelihoods. Governance Watch: Transparency International’s 2025 CPI ranks Haiti lowest in the Caribbean, while Barbados, The Bahamas and St. Vincent and the Grenadines perform better.

Tourism Policy & Governance: The UWP’s Dominic Fedee says the tourism “booming” narrative is premature, pointing to 2025 declines and cruise arrivals down 7.7% while urging a more cautious read of early 2026 figures. Regional Tourism Push: Saint Lucia’s tourism authority is in New York for CTO Caribbean Week to strengthen partnerships and air connectivity, while the island also launched a Coral Reef Response System to boost reef resilience and speed post-storm recovery. CARICOM Business Agenda: CARICOM Heads of Government will meet in Gros Islet from 5–8 July under Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, with a streamed opening ceremony at Sandals and business sessions on regional priorities. Climate & Youth Skills: A UNICEF-commissioned study finds young people in Barbados, Dominica, St Lucia and Antigua & Barbuda want green jobs but lack information, training and accessible opportunities. Finance & Cost of Money: A banking series argues ECCU lending remains expensive and frames the next two years as a “decade of decision” for regional economic direction. Security & Trade: Police report a British man fined $15,000 after a rifle was seized at Vieux Fort port. Business & Brand: BYD is named Official Car Sponsor of the Republic Bank CPL 2026, rolling out Caribbean-wide fan and dealership activations.

Tourism Awards: Saint Lucia’s tourism push got a regional spotlight as CTO’s Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Awards in New York honoured Barbados Tourism Marketing CEO Andrea Franklin and BVI’s Luce Hodge-Smith, underscoring how leadership and destination development are being rewarded across the Caribbean. Health & Trade in Care: Martinique says it’s ready to supply Guyana with radioactive drugs for cancer treatment, with St. Lucian cancer survivor Alyson Chester pointing to the value of accessible testing and treatment support. Governance Watch: Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index ranks Haiti at the bottom in the Caribbean, while Barbados, The Bahamas and St. Vincent and the Grenadines sit higher—an investor-facing reminder of governance risk. Regional Business & Policy: CARICOM Heads of Government will meet in Gros Islet, St. Lucia, July 5–8, with sessions expected to tackle key regional priorities. Local Economy Signals: Saint Lucia’s tourism debate heats up as UWP’s Dominic Fedee questions “booming” claims, arguing recovery is uneven and fuel and cost pressures still bite. Sports & Youth Investment: Republic Bank’s “Five for Fun” youth cricket programme officially launched in St. Lucia, targeting 38 primary schools for the 2026 season. Energy Costs: A UN warning on the Strait of Hormuz closure highlights how oil chokepoints can drive up energy prices—relevant to St. Lucia’s ongoing fuel-cost concerns.

Governance & Risk: Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index puts Haiti at the bottom of the Caribbean table, while Barbados, The Bahamas and St. Vincent and the Grenadines rank among the region’s stronger performers—an investor-facing reminder that governance risk still shapes business confidence. Tourism & Policy: Saint Lucia is pushing ahead on tourism partnerships and resilience, with the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority taking part in Caribbean Week in New York and the island launching a Coral Reef Response System to speed up post-storm reef recovery. Regional Business Agenda: CARICOM’s 51st Heads of Government Meeting is set for Gros Islet, 5–8 July, with business sessions expected to tackle regional priorities. Cost of Money (ECCU): A new market analysis argues Caribbean lending rates remain high and calls for strategic decisions in the ECCU as the region targets shared prosperity and resilience. Transport Economics: The Caribbean Development Bank is treating traffic congestion as a development issue, linking gridlock to productivity losses and competitiveness costs. Local Tourism Debate: A UWP senator says Saint Lucia’s “arrival figures” claims are premature, urging caution as cruise and total arrivals lag recovery. Fuel Pressure: Reports highlight rising gasoline costs and the knock-on effect for prices across Saint Lucia’s economy. Sports & Sponsorship: Republic Bank’s “Five for Fun” youth cricket programme continues in the region, and BYD is named Official Car Sponsor of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League 2026, with activations across key markets including Saint Lucia.

CARICOM in St. Lucia: Heads of Government will meet in Gros Islet from 5–8 July 2026, with Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre taking the rotating chairmanship on 1 July; the opening ceremony is set for 4:00 pm ECT at Sandals St Lucia and will be streamed live, followed by business sessions and a hybrid closing press conference. Tourism policy and partnerships: The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority is in New York for Caribbean Week 2026 to strengthen air connectivity and global visibility, while the UWP’s Dominic Fedee says tourism “booming” claims are premature given uneven recovery and recent arrival declines. Reef resilience with financing: Saint Lucia launched a Coral Reef Response System using trained brigades for rapid damage assessment and recovery, tied to a regional reef insurance and preparedness push. Regional banking focus: A new ECCU “cost of money” analysis argues lending rates remain high and could be slowing growth, while highlighting the role credit unions may play in cheaper borrowing. Green jobs and youth skills: A UNICEF-commissioned study finds young people across the Eastern Caribbean want green and circular economy careers, but lack information, training, and accessible opportunities—especially in St Lucia and Barbados. Business and mobility: BYD is the Official Car Sponsor of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League 2026, rolling out regional activations including a “Wrap the Future” design challenge. Local business/health tech: CariGenetics Saint Lucia and Lab Services & Consultations announced a partnership to expand genetic testing and advanced cancer diagnostics, including tumour genetics and immunohistochemistry. Security and enforcement: A British man was fined $15,000 after pleading guilty to firearm offences linked to a rifle seizure at Vieux Fort port, and police charged a fourth suspect in the Ciceron murder case.

Tourism & Trade: Saint Lucia’s Tourism Authority says April 2026 delivered record stay-over arrivals—40,752 visitors, up 8.5% year-on-year—while cruise and yachting also gained momentum. Tourism Politics: UWP’s Dominic Fedee pushes back on the government’s “booming” tourism narrative, calling the minister’s arrival claims premature and pointing to 2025 declines in cruise and total arrivals. Regional Spotlight: Saint Lucia is set to host CARICOM’s 51st Heads of Government meeting in Gros Islet from 5–8 July, with an opening ceremony at Sandals St Lucia and business sessions following. Climate & Resilience: The island launched a Coral Reef Response System using trained brigades, rapid damage assessment and insurance-linked financing to speed recovery after storms. Youth & Green Jobs: A UNICEF-commissioned study finds young people across the Eastern Caribbean want green and circular economy careers, but lack information, training and reachable opportunities. Transport Costs: Fuel prices at the pumps move to $16.75 for gas and diesel, renewing calls from the taxi sector for a clear, automatic fare formula tied to fuel changes. Business Partnerships: BYD announced as Official Car Sponsor of CPL 2026, rolling out regional activations across eight markets including Saint Lucia. Health & Innovation: CariGenetics Saint Lucia and Lab Services & Consultations partner to expand access to genetic testing and advanced cancer diagnostics locally.

CARICOM Summit in St Lucia: Heads of Government will meet in Gros Islet from 5–8 July 2026, with Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre taking the chair from 1 July. The opening ceremony at Sandals St Lucia on 5 July (4pm ECT) will be streamed live, followed by business sessions and a hybrid closing press conference on 8 July. Green economy awareness gap: A UNICEF-commissioned study for World Environment Day found youth in Barbados lag behind peers in green and circular economy awareness, with researchers pointing to how information is packaged and communicated. Fuel costs squeeze households and businesses: Gasoline and diesel at the pumps rise to $16.75 per imperial gallon from 1 June, while LPG remains unchanged but heavily subsidised—prompting calls for a clearer, automatic fare adjustment formula for public transport. Tourism momentum: Saint Lucia recorded its highest-ever April stay-over arrivals, up 8.5% year-on-year, with gains from the US, Caribbean and Canada. Health and diagnostics upgrade: CariGenetics Saint Lucia and Lab Services & Consultations announce a partnership to expand access to genetic testing and advanced cancer diagnostics, including tumour genetics and immunohistochemistry. Marine livelihoods support: An $80,000 (EC$215,000) project launches in Savannes Bay to remove marine debris and deploy sustainable raft systems to back seamoss farmers. CARICOM-linked business calendar: BYD is named Official Car Sponsor of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2026, with activations across eight countries including Saint Lucia.

Fuel Prices & Cost of Living: St. Lucia’s gas and diesel prices at the pumps rose to $16.75 (up 75 cents), with officials pointing to higher global crude and noting LPG remains subsidised—while opposition and transport voices warn the increase could ripple through prices across the economy. Tourism Growth: The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority reports record April stay-over arrivals: 40,752 visitors, up 8.5% year-on-year, with strong gains from the US, Caribbean and Canada. Marine Livelihoods: A new Savannes Bay project backed by about US$80,000 (EC$215,000) will remove marine debris and deploy sustainable raft systems to support seamoss farmers and reduce future waste. Climate Finance: Saint Lucia hosted an Adaptation Investment Pitch and Matchmaking event to connect local sectors with international climate funds for National Adaptation Plan projects. Health & Innovation: CariGenetics Saint Lucia and Lab Services & Consultations launched a partnership to expand access to genetic testing and advanced cancer diagnostics, including tumour genetics and immunohistochemistry. Business & Disputes: A taxi sector update from the National Taxi Union focuses on the long-awaited permit system and regulation enforcement as operators seek clearer rules amid competition. Regional Business Environment: OECS and the OHADAC–CARO Centre announced training to strengthen arbitration and ADR capacity for Eastern Caribbean businesses and investors.

Fuel & cost pressures: Saint Lucia’s pump prices rose June 1, with gasoline and diesel up to $16.75, while kerosene and LPG stayed subsidised—prompting calls for a clearer, automatic public transport fare formula and renewed talks with operators. Transport sector response: The National Taxi Union says it’s moving to close ranks amid Uber competition, including a new app for riders and drivers and a push to ensure every TX-plate driver has the required permit by end-September. Tourism momentum: The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority reports a record April for stay-over arrivals—40,752 visitors, up 8.5% year-on-year—alongside growth in cruise and yachting. Regional business & connectivity: Air Caraïbes and LIAT launched an interline single-ticket link to Paris-Orly, easing travel for residents, tourists and business travellers. Marine livelihoods: A new Savannes Bay project (EC$215,000) will remove marine debris and deploy sustainable raft systems to support seamoss farmers. Local economy & jobs: Quayclean secured a major three-year cleaning contract for 58 schools and 14 early education centres in New South Wales. Governance & justice: A judge criticised most CARICOM states for not accepting the CCJ as final appeal court. Public safety: Police say Saint Lucia is averaging a homicide every four days, with firearms behind most killings.

Caribbean Week in New York 2026: Tourism ministers and officials from across the region gathered at the InterContinental New York Times Square for the CTO summit (June 1–5) under “One Caribbean: Infinite experiences,” aiming to secure markets and push a shift toward more authentic, cultural and regenerative travel. Fuel costs and transport pressure: Saint Lucia’s pump prices rose to $16.75 for gasoline and diesel (from $16.00), with kerosene up to $10.41; transport leaders say the increase will ripple through the economy and are calling for a clear, automatic fare formula. Local transport shake-up: The National Taxi Union is moving to close ranks amid Uber competition, discussing a taxi permit push and developing a new app for riders and drivers. Tourism performance: The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority reports record April stay-over arrivals—40,752 visitors, up 8.5% year-on-year—plus gains from the US, Caribbean and Canada. Marine livelihoods funding: A USD $80,000 (EC $215,000) Savannes Bay project will remove marine debris and deploy sustainable raft systems to support seamoss farmers. Health and business capacity: CariGenetics Saint Lucia and Lab Services announced a partnership to expand genetic testing and advanced cancer diagnostics across Saint Lucia and the OECS. Crime and public safety: Police data points to about one homicide every four days, with firearms behind most killings. Regional justice training: OECS and the OHADAC–CARO Centre will launch arbitration and ADR training next week to strengthen access to economic justice for businesses and investors.

Fuel Prices & Cost of Living: Saint Lucia’s gas and diesel prices rose 75 cents at the pumps, moving from $16.00 to $16.75 per imperial gallon, with kerosene up to $10.41, as global crude climbed above US$100; the government says LPG stays subsidised and points to a “negative excise tax environment” while opposition figures warn the hikes will ripple through prices across the economy. Transport & Fares: The National Council on Public Transport is urging a clear automatic fare formula tied to fuel costs, while the National Taxi Union is moving to close ranks and push ahead with a taxi permit system to improve regulation and enforcement. Tourism Growth: The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority reports record April stay-over arrivals—40,752 visitors, up 8.5% year-on-year—with gains from the US, Caribbean and Canada, plus stronger cruise and yachting activity. Marine Livelihoods: An EC$215,000 (about US$80,000) Savannes Bay project launched to remove marine debris and deploy sustainable raft systems to support seamoss farmers and cut future waste. Climate Finance: Saint Lucia hosted an Adaptation Investment Pitch and Matchmaking event to connect local sectors to international climate funds for its National Adaptation Plan. Health & Innovation: CariGenetics Saint Lucia and Lab Services announced a partnership to expand access to genetic testing and advanced cancer diagnostics across Saint Lucia and the OECS. Crime Update: Police say Saint Lucia is averaging about one homicide every four days, with firearms involved in most killings, as investigations continue. Regional Governance: Minister Emma Hippolyte was elected to the OAS Inter-American Commission of Women executive committee for a second consecutive term. Business/Corporate: LASCO is strengthening leadership continuity with Dr Eileen Chin elevated to deputy executive chairman roles as the group prepares for its next phase.

Fuel Relief Under Fire: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre says gasoline and diesel at the pumps rise to $16.75 per gallon (kerosene to $10.41) as crude tops US$100, while LPG stays unchanged due to heavy subsidies—yet opposition figures warn the increases will ripple through prices across the economy. Tourism Momentum: Saint Lucia Tourism Authority reports April hit the highest stay-over arrivals for the month—40,752 visitors, up 8.5% year-on-year—driven by gains from the US, Caribbean and Canada, plus stronger cruise and yachting activity. Marine Livelihoods: A new USD $80,000 Savannes Bay project launches to remove marine debris and support sustainable seamoss farming, funded via AFD’s Caribbean Biodiversity Fund. Climate Finance Push: Saint Lucia hosts an Adaptation Investment Pitch and Matchmaking event to connect local sectors with international climate funds for National Adaptation Plan projects. Regional Business & Justice: OECS and OHADAC/CARO move to strengthen arbitration and ADR access for Eastern Caribbean businesses via a June training programme. Corporate Leadership: LASCO begins post-Lascelles leadership continuity with Dr Eileen Chin elevated to deputy executive chairman roles. Tourism Industry Watch: Dolphin Cove posts a US$2.34m net loss for 2025, citing Hurricane Melissa impacts and parent-company bankruptcy write-downs.

Fuel Relief Debate: Former tourism minister Dominic Fedee says Saint Lucia’s fuel price hikes are an avoidable burden on consumers, arguing tax revenues should have delivered stronger pump relief while the government points to global oil volatility and subsidies. Cost-of-Living Pressure: Motorists and businesses are already feeling the impact as gasoline and diesel move from $16.00 to $16.75 per imperial gallon (kerosene to $10.41), with LPG prices unchanged due to continued subsidies. Regional Economic Justice: OECS and the OHADAC Regional Arbitration Centre (CARO) will launch June 10 training on arbitration and ADR to improve access to economic justice for businesses and investors across the Eastern Caribbean, including Saint Lucia. Tourism Numbers: The St. Lucia Tourism Authority reports record stay-over arrivals in April, up 8.5% year-on-year, with gains from the US, Caribbean, and Canada. Clean Energy for Fisheries: The STAR-Fish project is scaling clean energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries, targeting low-carbon certification and cold-chain upgrades, with Saint Lucia among participating countries. Connectivity for Travelers: Air Caraïbes and LIAT introduce a single-ticket interline option to connect Caribbean islands to Paris-Orly with through-checked baggage.