AGP Executive Report

Airport Investment: NH International has won the US$243 million Hewanorra redevelopment contract, covering a new three-storey terminal and airside facilities. The agreement follows an international tender that attracted 27 firms. Taiwan Partnership: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre is pursuing cooperation on housing, food security and youth opportunities during his state visit. He cited a US$20 million Taiwan-backed loan for housing development. Fuel Costs: Government subsidies will keep gasoline and diesel at $17.25 per gallon through November 15, while kerosene and cooking gas prices also remain unchanged. Tourism: Bay Gardens Marina Haven has completed a property-wide renovation, refreshing its 35 rooms and public spaces and adding a poolside bar. Investment Climate: Antigua and Barbuda is likely to suspend its citizenship-by-investment programme by November 12 to protect visa-free access to Europe, though Cabinet has not made a final decision. The move could add uncertainty for the wider Eastern Caribbean investment-by-citizenship sector.

Taiwan Visit: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre is in Taiwan discussing housing, food security, education and youth opportunities. He highlighted a US$20 million Taiwan-backed loan for housing, as both countries explore wider cooperation. Tourism Investment: Rodney Bay’s 35-room Bay Gardens Marina Haven has completed a renovation, refreshing guest rooms and public spaces and adding a poolside bar. Energy Costs: Government subsidies keep gasoline and diesel at $17.25 a gallon through November 15; talks with LUCELEC are also exploring ways to ease electricity-bill pressure on households and businesses. Infrastructure: A Trinidad and Tobago contractor has landed a US$243 million airport contract in Saint Lucia. Financial Services: New banking reforms include free basic accounts and a financial dispute resolution commission.

Fuel Costs: Government subsidies are keeping gasoline and diesel at $17.25 per gallon through November 15, while discussions with LUCELEC are exploring ways to ease electricity-bill pressures on households and businesses. Taiwan Visit: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre is in Taiwan for talks on healthcare, high-tech development, climate resilience and economic sustainability, with Saint Lucia Development Bank chairman Daryl Raymond among the delegation. Airport Investment: NH International has secured a US$243 million contract to build a new Hewanorra terminal, with completion targeted for late 2029. Banking Reform: Saint Lucia has passed legislation providing for free basic bank accounts and a Financial Dispute Resolution Commission. Citizenship Investment: Antigua and Barbuda may suspend its citizenship-by-investment programme by November 12 to protect visa-free access to Europe, adding uncertainty for the region’s investment-migration industry.

Taiwan Mission: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre is in Taiwan for talks on economic sustainability, healthcare, high-tech development and climate resilience. The delegation includes Saint Lucia Development Bank chairman Daryl Raymond. Energy Costs: Government subsidies keep gasoline and diesel at $17.25 per gallon through November 15. Officials are also discussing possible payment plans and a pause in electricity disconnections with LUCELEC as bills rise. Airport Expansion: NH International has signed a US$243 million contract to build a new Hewanorra terminal, with completion targeted for late 2029. Banking Reform: Saint Lucia has passed reforms providing free basic accounts and creating a financial dispute resolution commission. Citizenship Investment: Antigua and Barbuda is considering suspending its investment-citizenship programme by November 12 to protect visa-free access to Europe, adding uncertainty for Saint Lucia and other regional programmes.

Citizenship Investment: Antigua and Barbuda is likely to suspend its programme by November 12 to protect visa-free access to Europe. Saint Lucia is among the Eastern Caribbean countries facing EU pressure, but has not announced a decision. Airport Expansion: Local contractor NH International has signed a US$243 million contract to build a new Hewanorra terminal and related airside infrastructure, with completion targeted for late 2029. Banking Reform: Saint Lucia has passed reforms providing free basic bank accounts and creating a Financial Dispute Resolution Commission. Taiwan Partnership: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre is in Taiwan on an official visit through November 1 to discuss shared development priorities and strengthen cooperation.

Taiwan Ties: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre is in Taiwan on an official visit through November 1 to discuss development priorities and strengthen cooperation. Taiwan recently provided Saint Lucia with $20 million for affordable housing. Airport Expansion: NH International has secured a US$243 million contract to build a new Hewanorra terminal, with completion targeted for late 2029. The project will add five gates and expand passenger capacity. Financial Services: Saint Lucia has passed banking reforms providing free basic accounts and establishing a financial dispute resolution commission. Investment and Energy: A government report covering 2012–25 records 137 environmental projects, more than 13,000 people trained and over $28 million invested. Meanwhile, fuel prices and renewable energy remain active policy issues. CIP Pressure: Antigua and Barbuda says it is likely to suspend its citizenship-by-investment programme by November 12 to protect visa-free Schengen access, adding pressure on Saint Lucia and other regional programme operators.

Airport Expansion: NH International has signed a US$243 million contract to build a new passenger terminal and airside infrastructure at Hewanorra International Airport, with completion targeted for late 2029. The project will expand capacity and add five boarding-bridge gates. Banking Reform: Saint Lucia has passed reforms providing free basic bank accounts and establishing a financial dispute resolution commission. Green Investment: A UNDP programme reported 137 projects, more than 13,000 people trained and over EC$28 million invested in Saint Lucia from 2012 to 2025. Regional Funding: Saint Lucia joined a US-Caribbean dialogue on a US$340 million regional package targeting energy, ports, critical minerals and digital infrastructure; no country-level allocation was announced. Affordable Housing: Taiwan recently provided Saint Lucia with US$20 million for affordable housing investment.

Banking Reform: Saint Lucia has passed legislation providing free basic bank accounts and establishing a Financial Dispute Resolution Commission. Energy Costs: The government says it is subsidising fuel and cooking gas while exploring geothermal power; seismic monitors have been installed at three sites. Opposition parties have been invited to discuss fuel prices. Development Investment: A UN-backed programme reported more than 28 million dollars invested in 137 projects and over 13,000 Saint Lucians trained between 2012 and 2025, supporting environmental work and livelihoods. Housing: Taiwan has provided 20 million dollars for affordable housing, as the government seeks to ease home-building costs. Small Business: A financial literacy clinic gave Castries Arcade vendors guidance on business registration, financing and improving operations.

Banking Reform: Saint Lucia has passed reforms providing for free basic accounts and a financial dispute resolution commission, expanding access and consumer protections. Community Investment: A UNDP small-grants programme reports 137 projects, more than 13,000 people trained and over $28 million invested from 2012 to 2025, supporting livelihoods alongside environmental work. Local Enterprise: Saint Lucia’s first Seamoss Festival showcased farmers and processors, spotlighting opportunities to grow the marine crop into higher-value products. Trade & Household Costs: Christmas barrel concessions run from November 1 to February 2027, waiving VAT and customs duty on qualifying goods, up to two barrels per household and EC$3,000 per barrel; electronics are excluded. Energy Costs: Government is exploring geothermal resources as fuel subsidies strain public finances, with seismic monitors installed at Saltibus, Belle Plain and Fond St. Jacques. Small Business: A financial literacy clinic brought banks and business-support agencies together to advise Castries Arcade vendors on financing, registration and revenue growth.

Regional Investment: The United States announced a US$340 million Caribbean funding package targeting energy, critical minerals, ports and digital infrastructure. Saint Lucia joined regional talks on the initiative, which is intended to support jobs and growth. Energy Costs: Saint Lucia is exploring geothermal energy as fuel prices strain public finances. Seismic monitors have been installed at three sites, while the government says it will continue fuel subsidies where affordable. Local Enterprise: A financial literacy clinic connected Castries Arcade vendors with banks and business-support agencies for advice on financing, registration and growing revenue. Trade and Standards: Saint Lucia is developing a national standards strategy to strengthen competitiveness and trade. Eleven Caribbean countries, including Saint Lucia, have also completed e-waste assessments to guide collection, treatment and policy. Household Imports: Christmas barrel concessions begin November 1, allowing up to two qualifying barrels per household, valued at no more than EC$3,000 each. Customs duty and VAT exemptions apply to eligible goods, but electronics are excluded and a six per cent Customs Service Charge remains. Development Partnerships: Saint Lucia was among the countries represented at the India-UN Development Partnership Fund’s annual event, where delegates praised the fund’s support for locally driven development projects.

Tourism: Sandals and Beaches Resorts collected 27 regional travel, culinary and meetings awards, including Sandals Resorts International’s 33rd consecutive Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand title. Regional Investment: The United States announced a US$340 million Caribbean investment package focused on energy, ports and digital infrastructure; Saint Lucia took part in the regional dialogue, but no country-by-country allocations were specified. Energy Costs: Saint Lucia is exploring geothermal power, with seismic monitors installed at three sites. The government says fuel subsidies are costing millions and is weighing longer-term renewable energy options. Local Enterprise: Saint Lucia’s first Seamoss Festival brought farmers, processors and agencies together to showcase products and business opportunities in the growing sector. Trade Readiness: Stakeholders are shaping a national standards strategy intended to improve competitiveness, product quality and trade. Household Costs: Christmas barrel concessions begin November 1, allowing up to two barrels of qualifying goods per household, valued at no more than EC$3,000 each; electronics are excluded, and a 6% Customs Service Charge still applies.

Local Enterprise: Saint Lucia’s first Seamoss Festival brought farmers, processors and entrepreneurs together to showcase products and discuss the industry’s growth potential. Standards and Trade: The Bureau of Standards is consulting stakeholders on a national strategy aimed at improving product quality, competitiveness and export readiness. Energy Costs: With fuel prices squeezing households and public services, the government says geothermal exploration is underway and renewable energy remains a priority; Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has invited the opposition to discuss fuel-price relief. Regional Investment: Saint Lucia joined Caribbean talks on a US$340 million funding package targeting energy, ports, digital infrastructure and other areas expected to support jobs and growth. Household Relief: Christmas barrel concessions run from November 1 to February 2027, allowing up to two barrels of qualifying goods per household, each valued up to EC$3,000. Small Business Support: Cruise Port and the Castries council hosted a financial literacy clinic to help arcade vendors with registration, financing and business growth.

Creative Economy: Saint Lucian artist Umpa’s Billboard recognition is putting Dennery Segment in front of a global audience, raising the profile of a homegrown sound with export potential. Regional Investment: Saint Lucia took part in US-Caribbean talks linked to a US$340 million regional funding package targeting energy, ports, digital infrastructure and other areas; the country’s share was not specified. Energy Costs: The government says geothermal exploration is under way, while solar-panel duty relief and fuel subsidies are among its efforts to ease pressure from high oil prices. Local Enterprise: Castries Arcade vendors received guidance on financing, registration and business operations, while Saint Lucia’s standards bureau is consulting stakeholders on a national strategy to improve competitiveness and trade. Household Imports: Christmas barrel concessions begin November 1, allowing up to two barrels per household, each worth no more than EC$3,000 in qualifying goods; electronics are excluded.

Regional Investment: Saint Lucia joined a U.S.-Caribbean dialogue announcing more than US$340 million for regional projects in energy, ports, critical minerals and digital infrastructure. A Caribbean Investment Summit is planned for early 2027 to connect governments with investors and financiers. Fuel and Energy: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has invited the opposition to discuss fuel prices as global oil costs rise. The government says it will continue subsidies where affordable, while exploring geothermal energy and other renewables to ease reliance on fossil fuels. Small Business: Castries Arcade vendors received guidance on registration, financing and business growth at a financial literacy clinic hosted by Saint Lucia Cruise Port and the Castries Constituency Council. Trade and Industry: The Bureau of Standards is gathering stakeholder input for a national strategy aimed at improving competitiveness, trade and product quality. The Labour Department also met manufacturers to discuss workplace relations, rising costs and sector growth. Local Enterprise: Saint Lucia’s first Seamoss Festival takes place today in Castries, bringing farmers, processors and entrepreneurs together to showcase products and explore opportunities in the growing industry.

Manufacturing: Saint Lucia’s Labour Department met manufacturers to discuss rising costs, supply-chain pressures and competitiveness, with a focus on fair employment, skills and stronger workplace relations. Seamoss Enterprise: The first Seamoss Sent Lisi festival opens Thursday in Castries, linking farmers, processors and entrepreneurs to showcase products and explore the industry’s growth potential. Climate Finance: Saint Lucia is among five countries sharing a US$6.75 million project to improve climate data for national planning, emissions tracking and access to climate finance. Regional Investment: The US says it will invest more than US$340 million across the Caribbean in areas including economic growth and digital infrastructure; a regional investment summit is planned for early 2027. Household Costs: Christmas barrel concessions begin November 1, allowing up to two barrels of qualifying goods per household, valued at EC$3,000 each. Customs duty will be waived, but a 6% Customs Service Charge remains. Tourism: A new underwater sculpture park at Anse La Verdure is expected to open to divers in November, adding an attraction to Saint Lucia’s dive offering.

Regional Investment: The US says it will invest more than US$340 million across the Caribbean in areas including economic growth and digital infrastructure. A US$175.8 million undersea-cable programme is planned, with a Caribbean Investment Summit expected in early 2027. Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre called for cooperation to deliver jobs, affordable electricity and disaster support. Household Costs: Saint Lucia’s Christmas barrel concessions run from November 1 to February 28. Each household can import up to two qualifying barrels, valued at no more than EC$3,000 each, with customs duty waived; a 6% service charge still applies, and electronics are excluded. Tourism Development: A 31-sculpture underwater park planned for Anse La Verdure in November will add a new attraction to Saint Lucia’s dive offerings and become the island’s 23rd designated dive site.