AGP Executive Report

Fuel Price Relief Watch: Saint Lucia says it will keep fuel prices unchanged for another three weeks, after measures since April 1 cut fuel excise tax collections by EC$39.2m and added EC$5.7m in cooking-gas subsidies—an EC$44.9m hit to public finances. Regional Trade & Transport: Officials discussed Saint Lucia’s role in a proposed high-speed ferry network aimed at easing travel and cargo bottlenecks across the Caribbean, with economists urging it be treated as trade infrastructure. Caribbean Citizenship Pressure: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley says the EU’s CBI ultimatum can’t be handled by one country alone, calling for coordinated OECS/CARICOM action as the June 25, 2026 EU deadline looms. Skills for Jobs: NRDF launches a Skill-Up Summer Programme to prepare Saint Lucians for work-ready careers. Education Support: Republic Bank donates mathematics textbooks to Aux Lyons Combined School to boost early numeracy. Infrastructure Delivery: Canada and UNOPS sign on to a Caribbean Resilient Infrastructure Implementation and Skills Exchange (RIISE) facility, with Saint Lucia among the initial beneficiaries. Digital Resilience: A cybersecurity forum in Saint Lucia focused on protecting national systems as threats like ransomware and phishing rise. Tourism & Business: A new Sapphire Sands Villas by Bay Gardens Resorts opens on Reduit Beach, adding a family-friendly villa option to the luxury market.

Fuel & Cost of Living: The St. Lucia government says it will absorb a EC$44.9 million revenue hit since April and keep fuel prices unchanged for another three weeks despite higher international oil costs, citing a lag at the pump and ongoing subsidies. Regional Infrastructure & Skills: Canada and UNOPS have signed on to a new Caribbean Resilient Infrastructure Implementation and Skills Exchange (RIISE) Facility, with Saint Lucia among the first beneficiaries, aiming to speed up delivery of climate-resilient projects and build local capacity. Tourism Health Security: CARPHA and the OECS renewed a partnership to strengthen travellers’ health across OECS tourism through December 2030, linking public health systems to destination competitiveness. Digital Resilience: A Saint Lucia forum brought together government and partners to tackle rising cyber threats and improve national digital resilience. Business & Hospitality: Hyatt named Eduardo Schutte as SVP commercial for the Hyatt Inclusive Collection, signalling continued growth in all-inclusive leisure markets. Local Economy & Enterprise: A young entrepreneur’s Leonas Liqueur brand is highlighted as it turns Carnival footfall into momentum for a growing local product. Maritime Safety: A high-level panel is set to lead the Commission of Inquiry into the MV Barima tragedy, with a maritime safety specialist among the appointees.

Regional Finance & Currency: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank unveiled new EC banknotes featuring national heroes and regional icons, as part of a wider push to align the currency with local identity. Education & Human Capital: Forty-eight Saint Lucian scholars will head to Taiwan at end-August, with an equal split of men and women, boosting the island’s talent pipeline. Tourism Health & Resilience: CARPHA and the OECS renewed their partnership to strengthen travellers’ health across the tourism sector through 2030, aiming to protect public health and destination competitiveness. Climate-Ready Infrastructure: Canada and UNOPS launched the RIISE Facility to help OECS governments deliver climate-resilient infrastructure faster, with a Barbados secretariat coordinating support for Saint Lucia and others. Digital Security: Officials warned cyber threats are now a national security and economic resilience issue, as a forum in Saint Lucia focused on strengthening digital resilience and cooperation. Aviation & Travel Connectivity: Antigua’s PM renewed calls for an OECS-owned regional airline to cut delays and cancellations that disrupt travel across the sub-region. Local Business & Jobs: The Saint Lucia Blind Welfare Association urged better employment access, safer inclusion, and improved accessibility for visually impaired residents. Sports & Youth: Saint Lucia hosts the Windward Islands School Games starting July 24, with competition across athletics, football, netball and volleyball.

CPL Cricket & Tourism: Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad will host all Trinbago Knight Riders group-stage matches in the 2026 Republic Bank CPL, with updated fixtures against Jamaica Kingsmen and Guyana Amazon Warriors—good news for regional travel demand. Hospitality Jobs & Growth: Hyatt named Eduardo Schutte SVP, commercial for the Hyatt Inclusive Collection, signaling fresh push on sales, revenue and distribution across its all-inclusive portfolio. Trade & Investment: Saint Lucia’s embassy network got a boost as Taiwan’s Latin American and Caribbean Trade Office (LACTO) opened in Taipei, aiming one-stop support for trade, investment and tourism with regional allies. Local Business Spotlight: A young entrepreneur turned a family recipe into Leonas Liqueur, using Carnival footfall to grow a premium milk-based brand. Healthcare & Infrastructure: St Jude’s Hospital reopened with a new life-safety fire system after the 2009 rebuild, strengthening patient safety and operations. Policy & Risk: A new Caribbean resilience study flags Saint Lucia among the region’s more vulnerable economies, arguing resilience goes beyond income. Community & Inclusion: The Blind Welfare Association is calling for better job access, safety and accessibility for people with visual impairments. Sports Development: Saint Lucia will host the 2026 CBN/WINLOTT Windward Islands School Games starting July 24, bringing 62 athletes and multiple disciplines to the island.

Tourism & Investment: A new luxury villa resort, Sapphire Sands Villas by Bay Gardens Resorts, has opened on Reduit Beach, adding family-friendly, ocean-view villas (with some plunge pools) to Saint Lucia’s accommodation mix. Regional Trade & Jobs: OECS and Morocco wrapped up Economic Promotion Week in Morocco, spotlighting trade, investment and sector partnerships with delegations including Invest Saint Lucia and local chambers. Shipping Safety & Accountability: President Irfaan named a five-member Commission of Inquiry panel into the MV Barima tragedy, led by maritime and legal experts—an issue that keeps marine safety front and centre for the region. Local Business Spotlight: Leonas Liqueur is turning a family recipe into a growing premium milk-based alcohol brand, with young entrepreneur Ajan-I Lansiquot driving expansion. Health & Skills: Transformative Pharmacy Business Solutions (TPBS) is set to expand pharmaceutical care services in Saint Lucia, while the Windward Islands School Games kick off July 24 with Saint Lucia hosting. Economy Watch: A new Caribbean resilience study ranks Jamaica and Barbados strongest, while Haiti and Saint Lucia are flagged as more vulnerable. Road Safety: NCPC is pushing road safety reforms, linking crashes to productivity and competitiveness.

Entrepreneurship & Tourism: Ajan-I Lansiquot and family are turning Leonas Liqueur’s creamy, milk-based flavours into a Carnival-season pop-up at Bay Gardens Marina Haven, spotlighting local business grit and premium branding. Regional Trade & Investment: OECS and Morocco wrapped Economic Promotion Week in Morocco, aiming to deepen trade, investment and economic cooperation with delegations including Invest Saint Lucia and chambers of commerce. Finance & Policy: CARICOM tax administrators head to Guyana for the 27th COTA General Assembly and Technical Conference, focused on future-ready, data-driven and AI-enabled revenue systems. Public Sector & Governance: Government says Housing Minister Richard Frederick is on annual vacation leave until Aug. 27, with temporary portfolio handovers amid calls for his resignation. Health & Business Services: Transformative Pharmacy Business Solutions (TPBS) is set to expand pharmaceutical care in Saint Lucia, including personalized medicine approaches using genetic profiles. Infrastructure & Safety: NCPC and police are pushing road safety reforms, linking traffic violations to national productivity and competitiveness. Sports & Youth Development: Saint Lucia hosts the 2026 CBN/WINLOTT Windward Islands School Games (July 24–Aug. 2), with 62 athletes and multiple disciplines. Maritime Tragedy: Search efforts around the Anse Cochon collision have ended with four confirmed dead, as investigations shift to marine safety lessons.

Entrepreneurship & Tourism: Ajan-I Lansiquot and family are turning Leonas Liqueur into a growing local brand, serving creamy, premium flavours at a Carnival pop-up at Bay Gardens Marina Haven—an upbeat snapshot of how small businesses ride peak visitor demand. Regional Trade & Investment: OECS and Morocco used Economic Promotion Week in Morocco to push new trade, investment and cooperation links, with Saint Lucia among participating states and delegations from investment agencies and chambers of commerce. Health & Business Services: Transformative Pharmacy Business Solutions (TPBS) is set to expand pharmaceutical care in Saint Lucia, including personalized medicine support using patients’ genetic profiles via Tapion Hospital. Finance & Policy: CARICOM tax administrators will meet in Guyana for the 27th COTA General Assembly and Technical Conference, focused on “future-ready” tax systems using smart, data-driven and AI-enabled approaches. Road Safety & Productivity: The NCPC is calling for traffic law reforms after renewed warnings that road crashes hurt national productivity and competitiveness, with police and government stakeholders backing the push. Marine Tragedy Update: Search efforts around the Anse Cochon collision have ended with four confirmed dead, and attention is shifting to the circumstances leading to the disaster. Sports & Youth Development: Saint Lucia is set to host the 2026 CBN/WINLOTT Windward Islands School Games starting July 24, with 62 athletes competing across multiple disciplines.

Tourism & Connectivity: Saint Lucia is set to host the 2026 CBN/WINLOTT Windward Islands School Games (July 24–Aug 2), with 62 athletes from Dominica, Grenada, St Vincent and the Grenadines and hosts Saint Lucia competing across athletics, basketball, football, netball and volleyball. Digital Economy: Digicel says it has expanded its fibre network across Saint Lucia, bringing higher-speed services within reach of an additional 23,412 homes and pushing coverage to more than 99% of households by September. Business Leadership: Hyatt Inclusive Collection named Eduardo Schutte as its new SVP of Commercial, effective July 27, tasked with sales, revenue management, marketing and distribution across its all-inclusive portfolio. Trade & Investment Links: OECS countries and Morocco highlighted new opportunities for trade and investment during Economic Promotion Week, with Saint Lucia among the delegations. Regional Policy Watch: A new Caribbean economic resilience study (RICa) flags Saint Lucia as among the most vulnerable economies, arguing resilience depends more on institutions and shock-absorbing capacity than income alone. Governance & Public Safety: Government announced a Commission of Inquiry into the Anse Cochon boat collision after four deaths, while NCPC renewed calls for road safety law reforms amid rising traffic violations. Healthcare & Skills: Transformative Pharmacy Business Solutions (TPBS) is rolling out pharmaceutical care services in Saint Lucia, including genetics-informed medication support.

Trade & Investment: OECS and Morocco wrapped Economic Promotion Week in Morocco, bringing together investment agencies, chambers and private sector groups from Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines to line up new cooperation. Tourism & Connectivity: Digicel says it has expanded its fibre network across Saint Lucia, bringing high-speed services to an additional 23,412 homes and targeting more than 99% coverage islandwide by September. Tourism Spotlight: Expedia named Saint Lucia top on its 2026 Island Hot List for “romantic escapes,” reinforcing the destination’s brand push. Regional Business Links: Taiwan’s Latin American and Caribbean Trade Office (LACTO) officially opened in Taipei with expanded coverage that now includes Saint Lucia, aiming to boost trade, investment and tourism matchmaking. Policy & Data: Saint Lucia’s Central Statistical Office is modernising its national data system with support from the World Bank’s Data for Decision Making Project, positioning the CSO toward National Statistical Institute status. Maritime Safety: A government-ordered Commission of Inquiry will examine the Anse Cochon boat collision that killed four Saint Lucians, with police confirming the search ended and the death toll stands at four. EU Citizenship Pressure: Reports say the EU has asked CBI-operating Eastern Caribbean states, including Saint Lucia, to phase out programmes by June 1, 2028 or risk Schengen visa-free access.

Trade & Investment: Taiwan’s Latin America and Caribbean Trade Office (LACTO) has opened in Taipei and expanded coverage to six Taiwan allies, including Saint Lucia, aiming to boost trade, investment and tourism via missions and business matchmaking. Economic Resilience: A new Caribbean study, the Resilience Index Caribbean (RICa), says prosperity alone doesn’t predict shock-readiness; Jamaica and Barbados rank strongest, while Haiti and Saint Lucia are flagged as among the most vulnerable. Tourism & Airlift: Expedia named Saint Lucia its top island destination for 2026, “Best for Romantic Escapes,” while Sunrise Airways launched a new Antigua–Barbados route, adding regional connectivity that supports tourism and business travel. Digital Economy: Digicel is expanding its fibre network to reach more than 99% of homes on island, with rollout expected to finish by September. Citizenship by Investment Pressure: The EU has asked five Eastern Caribbean states, including Saint Lucia, to phase out CBI by June 1, 2028 or risk losing Schengen visa-free access. Maritime Safety: Government will appoint a Commission of Inquiry into the Anse Cochon boat collision that killed four, with investigations ongoing.

Tourism & Youth Leadership: Saint Lucia’s 2026 Junior Minister for Tourism is Tiffany Jn. Jaques, after winning the National Tourism Public Speaking Competition, with plans to act as a youth ambassador for the sector. Digital Economy & Connectivity: Digicel says it has expanded its fibre network across Saint Lucia, bringing higher-speed services within reach of an additional 23,412 homes and pushing coverage to more than 99% by September. EU Migration Policy Impact on Finance: The European Commission has formally asked five Eastern Caribbean CBI countries, including Saint Lucia, to phase out Citizenship by Investment by June 1, 2028 or risk losing Schengen visa-free access—raising stakes for public finances tied to investor passports. Maritime Safety & Accountability: Government will appoint a Commission of Inquiry into the Anse Cochon boat accident that killed four, with a mandate focused on safety recommendations and better regulatory oversight. Travel Demand Signals: Expedia named Saint Lucia the top island destination for couples in its 2026 Island Hot List, citing a 125% jump in searches. Skills & Workforce Development: A new apprenticeship programme in the baking industry is training young Saint Lucians through workplace placements and classes at the National Skills Development Centre. Regional Business & Policy: CARICOM tax administrators will meet in Georgetown (27–31 July) for COTA’s General Assembly on future-ready, data-driven tax administration. Local Business Watch: WASCO clarified it is not responsible for the Bridge Street wastewater issue in Castries, pointing to other authorities for the affected sewer infrastructure.

Maritime Safety: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has ordered a Commission of Inquiry into the Anse Cochon boat collision that killed four Saint Lucians, with a mandate to recommend fixes to maritime safety, regulation, and oversight. Tragedy Update: Police say the search for two missing people ended with both bodies recovered, bringing the death toll to four and leaving 14 injured after the Ocean Angel and Mango Tours collision. Connectivity & Business: Digicel expanded its fibre network to reach more than 99% of homes, adding access for 53,253 households and supporting online learning, remote work, and digital services. EU Citizenship by Investment: The EU has formally asked Saint Lucia and other CBI countries to phase out programmes by June 1, 2028 or risk Schengen visa-free access—raising stakes for tourism and public finances. Tourism Demand: Expedia named Saint Lucia the top island destination for couples in 2026, citing a 125% jump in searches and highlighting romance, Pitons experiences, and resort offerings. Regional Finance: The ECCB unveiled redesigned EC banknotes featuring national heroes and regional icons, replacing Queen Elizabeth II’s image. Skills & Jobs: A new apprenticeship programme is training young Saint Lucians for careers in baking through workplace placements and NSDC classes. Sports & Culture: Lucian Carnival 2026 results crowned Xuvo as Band of the Year and Andrew as Road March winner.

Maritime Safety: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has ordered a Commission of Inquiry into the Anse Cochon boat collision that killed four Saint Lucians, with a mandate to recommend fixes to maritime safety, oversight and regulations. Tragedy Update: Police say the search has ended after two more bodies were recovered, bringing deaths to four and leaving 14 injured after the Ocean Angel and Mango Tours crash near 11:55 p.m. on July 18. EU Citizenship Pressure: Saint Lucia’s leaders are bracing for the EU’s demand that Citizenship by Investment schemes be phased out by June 1, 2028, or risk losing Schengen visa-free access—while Prime Minister Drew reiterates the need to move beyond CBI. Connectivity & Business: Digicel is expanding its fibre network to reach more than 99% of homes, adding access for over 53,000 households and boosting online work, learning and digital services. Tourism Spotlight: Expedia named Saint Lucia the top island destination on its 2026 Island Hot List, highlighting romance and “best for romantic escapes.” Regional Finance: The ECCB Monetary Council met and reaffirmed the EC dollar’s role as a stability anchor, alongside resilience and shared prosperity goals. Data Modernisation: Saint Lucia’s Central Statistical Office is upgrading its national data system with support under the World Bank’s Data for Decision Making project. Local Skills: A new apprenticeship programme is training young Saint Lucians for careers in baking, linking workplace experience with NSDC classes. Wastewater Clarification: WASCO says the Bridge Street wastewater issue in Castries is outside its sewerage network responsibility, urging reports to the relevant authorities.

ECCB Monetary Policy & Currency Reform: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank’s 113th Monetary Council meeting reaffirmed the EC dollar as a stability anchor while pushing resilience and shared prosperity across the ECCU. New Banknotes Roll Out: ECCB unveiled redesigned EC banknotes that replace Queen Elizabeth II’s image with national heroes and regional icons, including St. Lucia figures on top denominations. National Data Upgrade: Saint Lucia’s Central Statistical Office has begun a major modernization push under the World Bank’s Data for Decision Making Project, aiming to strengthen evidence-based policy and move toward National Statistical Institute status. Skills for Jobs: A new baking industry apprenticeship programme is training young Saint Lucians through workplace placements and NSDC classes, supported by LEAF and Global Affairs Canada. Water & Wastewater Accountability: WASCO says the Bridge Street wastewater problem in Castries is outside its sewer network and urges reporting through the right authorities. Marine Tragedy: A fatal collision off Anse Cochon left two women dead, 14 injured, and two still missing as search and rescue continues; PM Philip J. Pierre extended condolences. Tourism Momentum: Expedia named St. Lucia the top island destination for couples in 2026, citing a 125% jump in searches. EU Pressure on Citizenship: An EU push to wind down “golden passports” by 2028 threatens visa-free access for CBI countries, including Saint Lucia. Trade & Climate Links: Saint Lucia’s sustainable development officials joined a Taiwan workshop on carbon credits and capacity building.

Banking & Currency: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank unveiled redesigned EC$ banknotes that replace Queen Elizabeth II’s image with Eastern Caribbean national heroes, including St. Lucia figures on the $100 and $50 notes. Tourism & Demand: Expedia’s 2026 island rankings put St. Lucia at No. 1 for couples, citing a 125% jump in searches, with the Pitons, Sulphur Springs and resort experiences driving interest. Trade & Climate Finance: Taiwan’s diplomatic allies, including St. Lucia’s sustainable development PS Anita Montoute, are in Taipei for a carbon-credit cooperation workshop aimed at boosting participation in international carbon markets. Regional Business & Sports Tourism: A business-focused look at how the 2026 CPL is expected to move people and spending across islands, with St. Lucia among the host territories. Marine Safety: A fatal Anse Cochon collision left two women dead, 14 injured and two missing as search and rescue continues; officials urged prayers for families. Aviation Disruption: British Airways cancelled a Saint Lucia–Guyana flight after a technical issue, leaving passengers stranded and complaining about limited support. EU Travel Rules: The EU warned Caribbean “golden passport” states, including St. Lucia, to end CBI by 2028 or risk losing visa-free access to Europe. Eco-Agriculture Funding: The St. Lucia Environmental and Agricultural Foundation received a GEF Small Grants Programme boost (EC$13,500) to design a sustainable agriculture and coastal management project.

Tourism Momentum: Expedia’s 2026 “Island Hot List” puts St. Lucia at No. 1 for couples, citing a 125% jump in searches and highlighting Pitons, Sulphur Springs and resort experiences like Zoetry Marigot Bay. Travel Policy Watch: Spain’s visa-free list has sparked confusion, but St. Lucia is still treated as Schengen-exempt only under existing EU rules—Belizeans, for example, still need Schengen visas. EU Pressure on CBI: The EU warns five Eastern Caribbean states, including St. Lucia, to end Citizenship-by-Investment by June 2028 or risk losing visa-free access. Climate & Carbon Cooperation: Taiwan launched a trade promotion office for diplomatic allies and hosted a carbon-credit workshop in Taipei that included Saint Lucia’s sustainable development officials. Sustainable Agriculture Funding: The St. Lucia Environmental and Agricultural Foundation secured an EC$13,500 GEF grant to design a national sustainable agriculture and coastal management project. Safety & Transport Disruption: A deadly Anse Cochon marine collision left at least 3 dead and 14 injured, while British Airways cancelled a St. Lucia–Guyana flight due to technical issues, stranding passengers.