AGP Executive Report

Water and Climate Risk: Saint Lucia is entering the dry season with reservoir levels at record lows. Forecasters expect below-average rainfall and high temperatures over the next three months, raising risks for households, farms and businesses. Growth Outlook: The World Bank projects Saint Lucia’s economy will grow by 1.1% in 2026, below its 2.2% forecast for Latin America and the Caribbean. Business Support: Blue Economy MSMEs in Saint Lucia can seek a final round of OECS matching grants for fisheries, marine tourism and waste-management projects; the call launches October 30. Fuel Costs: Government subsidies are keeping gasoline, diesel, kerosene and some cooking-gas prices unchanged through October 25, cushioning households and businesses from higher import costs. Water Investment: WASCO is advancing a EC$13.2 million upgrade to the Theobalds treatment plant, which serves more than 40,000 customers and is operating at about 40% efficiency. Completion is targeted for December 2027. Food Security: Government is urging greater local production, climate-resilient farming and stronger markets as it presses to improve the island’s capacity to feed itself.

Blue Economy Funding: MSMEs in Saint Lucia, Grenada and St Vincent and the Grenadines will get a final chance to apply for grants supporting fisheries, marine tourism and waste-management businesses. The call opens October 30. Water Infrastructure: WASCO is evaluating bids for a EC$13.2 million upgrade to the Theobalds treatment plant, which serves more than 40,000 customers. Work could start in November, with completion targeted for December 2027. Fuel Costs: Government subsidies will keep most fuel and cooking-gas prices unchanged through October 25, though 100-pound cylinders and bulk LPG have become more expensive. Economic Outlook: The World Bank forecasts Saint Lucia’s economy will grow 1.1% in 2026, after an estimated 0.6% contraction last year, and warns high energy and transport costs are weighing on tourism-dependent economies. Small Business: Entrepreneur Kelianne Peter’s Network Soiree is adding agencies focused on growth and financing, aiming to help local businesses turn connections into practical support. Regional Trade: Agriculture Minister Lisa Jawahir is pressing for faster action on long-standing barriers to moving goods and people across the Caribbean.

Digital Services: WASCO has launched a 24-hour online bill portal where customers can view balances, access bills and pay, with accounts updated immediately. Fuel Costs: Government subsidies are keeping petrol, diesel, kerosene and smaller cooking-gas cylinders at current prices through October 25; 100-lb cylinders and bulk LPG have risen by $10 and $0.10 per pound, respectively. Economic Outlook: The World Bank forecasts Saint Lucia’s economy will grow 1.1% in 2026 after contracting 0.6% last year, while warning that high energy and transport costs weigh on tourism-dependent islands. Trade and Agriculture: Agriculture Minister Lisa Jawahir is pressing for faster regional movement of goods, as Saint Lucia pursues plans for agro-parks and stronger local food production. Small Business: Entrepreneur Kelianne Peter is expanding her Network Soiree beyond meet-and-greet networking, bringing in agencies that can offer businesses growth and financing guidance.

Economic Outlook: The World Bank forecasts Saint Lucia’s economy will grow 1.1% in 2026, after an estimated 0.6% contraction last year. It sees practical AI tools as a potential productivity boost, if businesses and workers can adopt them. Fuel Costs: Government subsidies will keep gasoline, diesel, kerosene and smaller cooking-gas cylinders at current prices through October 25. Prices for 100-lb cylinders and bulk LPG have risen despite increased support. Housing Finance: Parliament approved a government guarantee for a US$20 million Development Bank loan to fund home construction, repairs and upgrades, including renewable energy and rainwater systems. Food Security: Agriculture officials are calling for more local production, climate-resilient farming and stronger markets to reduce reliance on imported food. Business Capacity: Saint Lucia’s insolvency and competitiveness officials joined international regulators in Montréal to exchange expertise as the country advances its insolvency framework.

Growth Outlook: The World Bank projects Saint Lucia’s economy will grow 1.1% in 2026, after an estimated 0.6% contraction in 2025, with high energy and transport costs weighing on tourism-dependent economies. Fuel Costs: Government subsidies keep gasoline, diesel, kerosene and smaller cooking-gas cylinders at current prices through October 25; prices for 100-lb cylinders and bulk LPG still rose. Energy: Geothermal exploration is advancing in Saltibus, Fond St Jacques and Belle Plaine, with road works and well-pad preparation next. Housing Finance: Parliament approved a government guarantee for a US$20 million Development Bank loan to expand housing finance, including support for repairs and renewable-energy upgrades. Business Climate: Saint Lucia’s insolvency officials joined international regulators in Montréal to share practices as the country implements its insolvency framework. Food Production: Government plans to focus World Food Day on boosting local farming and fishing, strengthening markets and reducing food losses.

CARICOM Diplomacy: Dr. Janet Caroo was formally accredited as Saint Lucia’s new ambassador to CARICOM, presenting her Letter of Credence to Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett as the island chairs the bloc. Housing Finance: Parliament approved a US$20m Government guarantee for a Saint Lucia Development Bank loan to expand low- and middle-income housing finance, including repairs and renewable energy upgrades, though Opposition raised access concerns. Macroeconomy: The World Bank projects Saint Lucia growth of 1.1% in 2026 after a 0.6% contraction in 2025, citing tourism recovery limits and high energy/transport costs. Fuel Costs: Government increased fuel and cooking gas subsidies to keep gasoline, diesel, kerosene and 20-lb/22-lb LPG prices unchanged through Oct. 25, while larger LPG sizes rose. Food Recall: GraceKennedy Foods recalled specific batches of Grace Tropical Rhythms Fruit Punch 1L in several markets including Saint Lucia, saying it’s a product-quality issue, not a food-safety risk. Security & Drugs: Police charged three after a Bexon search recovered a Glock pistol, ammunition and cannabis resin. Energy Projects: Geothermal exploration is advancing in Saltibus, Fond St Jacques and Belle Plaine, with relocations and next-stage civil works underway. Business & Regulation: NURC says water truckers selling water must obtain licences under new regulations.

Fuel Subsidy Relief: St. Lucia says it’s boosting subsidy support for gasoline, diesel and cooking gas to cushion higher import costs, keeping several retail prices unchanged from Oct. 5–25 while raising support on larger LPG cylinders. Road Safety Push: Ahead of Thanksgiving, GK Insurance EC urges motorists to drive sober, avoid speeding and phone use, and check vehicles—warning that one bad decision can turn a holiday into tragedy. Housing Finance: Parliament approved a US$20m guarantee for affordable housing loans, as the government also targets home ownership with a reported EC$54m housing investment via the Saint Lucia Development Bank. Energy & Infrastructure: Geothermal exploration is now ongoing in Saltibus, Fond St Jacques and Belle Plaine, with displaced families supported and bidding nearing completion for contractors. Business & Regulation: NURC says water truckers reselling water must obtain a licence under new regulations covering safety, liability insurance and business management. Tourism & Connectivity: EllaLink announced its Caribbean Gateway initiative to expand fibre connectivity, while tourism continues to market new luxury offerings like Sapphire Sands Villas on Reduit Beach. Regional Trade Linkages: Jamaica’s ALEX is being pitched by Edmund Bartlett to expand into a Caribbean-wide agrolinkages exchange to connect farmers with tourism buyers across the region.

Fuel Subsidies: St. Lucia is keeping gasoline, diesel, kerosene and 20-lb/22-lb cooking gas prices unchanged (Oct 5–25) while raising support for 100-lb and bulk LPG to cushion higher import costs. Health & Access: A student injured in the Cas En Bas accident more than two weeks ago is still awaiting elective surgery, with her family urging help as the wait drags on. Energy & Infrastructure: Geothermal exploration is now ongoing in Saltibus, Fond St Jacques and Belle Plaine, with relocation already underway and bidding nearing completion for next-stage works. Housing Finance: Government says it’s pushing home ownership, including a EC$54m housing investment via the Saint Lucia Development Bank to expand affordable financing. Business & Regulation: NURC says water truckers reselling water must obtain a licence under new regulations covering safety, liability and business management. Tourism & Connectivity: EllaLink launched its Caribbean Gateway initiative, moving from design to committed investment, targeting service by end-2029. Regional Policy: CARICOM chair Philip Pierre paid tribute to French Guiana’s late President Gabriel Serville, highlighting regional ties and associate membership progress.

Tourism & Connectivity: EllaLink officially launched its Caribbean Gateway (ECG) initiative, moving from design to committed investment for a fibre optic submarine cable linking Cayenne to Martinique/Guadeloupe and serving Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, targeting service by end-2029. Hospitality & Investment: Bay Gardens Resorts unveiled Sapphire Sands Villas, a new five-star, nine-villa property on Reduit Beach with butler service and a Korean-Caribbean dining concept. Energy & Infrastructure: Saint Lucia’s geothermal exploration is now ongoing in Saltibus, Fond St Jacques and Belle Plaine, with consultations held and two families displaced as replacement homes are built; bidding is nearing completion. Housing Finance: Government says it’s targeting home ownership for citizens, announcing EC$54m in housing investment via the Saint Lucia Development Bank to expand affordable financing. Business Regulation: Stakeholders are being urged to turn ease-of-doing-business review recommendations into action, while water truckers must obtain a licence from NURC to transport water for resale. Road Safety: GK Insurance EC warns motorists to drive cautiously this Thanksgiving weekend amid ongoing fatality and collision concerns. Food Recall: GraceKennedy Foods recalled specific batches of Grace Tropical Rhythms Fruit Punch across multiple markets including Saint Lucia, citing a product-quality issue. Regional Policy: EU pressure continues on citizenship-by-investment, with Saint Lucia among nations warned to end CBI by 2028 or risk visa-free access.

Connectivity & Infrastructure: EllaLink officially launched the EllaLink Caribbean Gateway, a new fibre optic submarine cable corridor linking Cayenne to Martinique and Guadeloupe, with western branches for Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, moving from letters of intent to committed investment and targeting service by end-2029. Energy & Jobs: Saint Lucia’s geothermal exploration is now underway in Saltibus, Fond St Jacques and Belle Plaine, with consultations completed, some relocations handled, and bidding nearing completion for the next civil works and drilling stages. Tourism & Investment: Bay Gardens Resorts unveiled Sapphire Sands Villas, a new five-star, nine-villa beachfront property on Reduit Beach with butler service and a Korean-Caribbean dining concept. Business & Consumer Protection: GraceKennedy Foods recalled specific batches of Grace Tropical Rhythms Fruit Punch across Jamaica and several Caribbean markets, citing a product-quality issue and advising refunds or replacements. Housing Finance: Parliament approved a US$20m guarantee for Saint Lucia housing loans, aimed at expanding affordable home ownership financing. Regulation & Compliance: Water trucking operators must now obtain licences from NURC under new regulations covering safety, liability insurance and business management. Regional Policy: The EU set a deadline for Eastern Caribbean citizenship-by-investment programmes, including Saint Lucia, to end by 2028 or risk losing visa-free access. Road Safety: GK Insurance EC urged motorists to drive carefully this Thanksgiving weekend, warning against speeding, distraction and driving after alcohol. Women-Led Enterprise: CDB launched a US$500,000 initiative to support women-led businesses developing clean energy solutions across the region, including St. Lucia.

Food Recall: GraceKennedy Foods is voluntarily recalling specific batches of Grace Tropical Rhythms Fruit Punch (1-litre) across Jamaica and six other markets including Saint Lucia, after identifying a product-quality issue (not a food-safety concern). Regional Leadership: CARICOM Chairman Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre paid tribute to late French Guiana President Gabriel Serville, highlighting his role in French Guiana’s CARICOM associate membership. Youth & Jobs: Minister Kenson Casimir urged faster implementation of Saint Lucia’s National Youth Policy and Action Plan 2025–2030, pushing for measurable results. Housing & Finance: Government targets home ownership with a EC$54m housing investment via the Saint Lucia Development Bank, plus continued support through SSDF. Road Safety: GK Insurance EC warns motorists to drive carefully this Thanksgiving weekend, citing speeding, distraction and alcohol as key risks. Regulation Watch: Water truckers reselling water must now obtain a licence from NURC under new rules. Business Climate: Stakeholders are being urged to turn ease-of-doing-business review recommendations into real action. Culture & Identity: Kwéyòl Heritage Month launched with a call that the language “belongs to all of us,” with host communities named for Jounen Kwéyòl Day. Green Economy: CDB launched a US$500,000 initiative to support women-led businesses developing clean energy solutions, including eligible Saint Lucian firms.

Food & Consumer Watch: GraceKennedy Foods is voluntarily recalling specific batches of Grace Tropical Rhythms Fruit Punch (1-litre) in Jamaica and six other Caribbean markets, including Saint Lucia, after a product-quality issue; affected buyers are told not to consume and to return for a refund or replacement. Regional Governance & Diplomacy: CARICOM Chairman Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre paid tribute to late French Guiana President Gabriel Serville, noting his role in French Guiana’s CARICOM associate membership. Youth, Jobs & Policy Delivery: Minister Kenson Casimir urged faster implementation of Saint Lucia’s National Youth Policy and Action Plan 2025–2030, pushing for concrete results through inter-agency coordination. Housing & Finance: Government targets home ownership for citizens, announcing EC$54 million in housing investment via the Saint Lucia Development Bank to expand affordable financing. Road Safety: GK Insurance EC warns motorists to drive safely this Thanksgiving weekend, stressing speed, distraction, dangerous overtaking and alcohol as key risks. Regulation & Business Operations: Water truckers reselling water must obtain a licence from NURC under new regulations covering safety, liability and business management. Green Economy & Women-Led Firms: CDB launched a US$500,000 initiative to support women-led businesses developing clean energy solutions across the region, including Saint Lucia. Disaster Readiness: Choiseul received UNESCO “Tsunami Ready” recognition, highlighting evacuation routes, warning systems and drills. Financial Integrity & Compliance: RSA announced a Cannabis Banking & Financial Integrity Summit (Oct 29) focused on compliance, traceability and risk management for a viable regulated cannabis industry. Trade & Ease of Doing Business: Stakeholders are being urged to turn recommendations from an ease-of-doing-business review into practical action to strengthen the business environment in Saint Lucia.

Housing & Finance: The House of Assembly approved a US$20 million guarantee for Saint Lucia housing loans, backed by a Taiwan Exim Bank facility (EC$54m) secured for the Saint Lucia Development Bank to expand affordable financing for low- and middle-income households. Youth Policy: Minister Kenson Casimir pushed for faster, results-focused rollout of the National Youth Policy and Action Plan 2025–2030, kicking off inter-agency coordination to monitor implementation. Road Safety: GK Insurance EC urged motorists to drive safely this Thanksgiving weekend, warning against speeding, distracted driving, dangerous overtaking and alcohol-impaired driving. Regulated Cannabis Banking: Saint Lucia’s Regulated Substances Authority announced a Cannabis Banking & Financial Integrity Summit on Oct. 29 to discuss compliance, traceability and risk management for a viable cannabis industry. Water Trucking Regulation: Water truckers reselling water must now obtain licences from the National Utilities Regulatory Commission, with new rules covering safety, liability insurance and business management. Clean Energy Support for Women: The Caribbean Development Bank launched a US$500,000 initiative via SheTrades Caribbean Hub to help women-led businesses develop commercially viable clean energy solutions across the region, including St. Lucia. Cruise Tourism: Saint Lucia Cruise Connect is reviewing its cruise strategy to improve the visitor experience and increase value for the local economy. Culture & Identity: Kwéyòl Heritage Month was launched with “Kwéyòl-la Sé Sa Nou Tout,” highlighting host communities and a month of language and cultural programming.

Ease of Doing Business: Saint Lucia is pushing stakeholders to turn recommendations from its ease-of-doing-business review into real fixes to cut obstacles for businesses. Electric Mobility: M Motors has launched a new BMW and MINI EV range, saying it spent four years preparing staff, tools and parts to support the island’s transport transition. Road Safety: GK Insurance EC is urging motorists to drive carefully this Thanksgiving weekend, warning against speeding, distracted driving, dangerous overtaking and driving after alcohol. Clean Energy for Women: The Caribbean Development Bank launched a US$500,000 initiative to back women-led businesses developing clean energy solutions across the region, including St. Lucia. Cruise Tourism: Saint Lucia’s “Cruise Connect” initiative is mapping how to improve cruise visitor experience and boost value for the local economy. Housing Finance: Parliament approved a US$20 million guarantee to support affordable housing loans, backed by a Taiwan EXIM Bank facility. Disaster Preparedness: Choiseul became the second district in St. Lucia to earn UNESCO “Tsunami Ready” recognition, with evacuation routes, warning signs and drills. Citizenship-by-Investment Pressure: The EU has told St. Lucia and other CBI-selling islands to end programmes by 2028 or risk losing visa-free access. Tourism Airlift: Tourism officials say winter airlift seats are set to rise 7.3% to 295,244 for Nov 2026–Mar 2027, with major airline schedule increases.

Citizenship-by-Investment Pressure: The EU has told Saint Lucia and other Eastern Caribbean CIPs to end golden passport sales by 2028 or risk losing visa-free Schengen access, with Saint Lucia’s PM saying Brussels is “adamant” and negotiations are unlikely. Housing Finance: Saint Lucia’s House of Assembly approved a US$20 million loan guarantee via the development bank to expand affordable housing for low- and middle-income households, with Taiwan’s export-import bank backing the facility. Cruise Strategy Update: Saint Lucia is reviewing its cruise tourism strategy through the “Cruise Connect” initiative, aiming to improve the visitor experience and boost value for the local economy. Tourism Airlift Boost: For the winter season (Nov 2026–Mar 2027), Saint Lucia projects 295,244 scheduled seats—up 7.3%—with major gains from the US and Canada and more frequent services on key routes. Regional Connectivity Push: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway proposal toward development, targeting an open-access submarine network linking islands and improving routes to Europe and beyond. Correctional Officers Leadership: The Correctional Service Welfare Association elected a new executive, led by President Gavin Toussaint, prioritizing better member communication and welfare representation. Culture & Language: Kwéyòl Heritage Month 2026 was launched in Laborie under the theme “Kwéyòl-la Sé Sa Nou Tout,” with communities set to host month-long activities. Business & Trade Skills: Saint Lucia’s representatives are set for Caribbean Week of Agriculture in Jamaica, with a focus on learning, innovation, and climate-smart farming.

UN Diplomacy: World leaders used the UN General Assembly debate to press on security and conflict, with attention on major flashpoints including Russia-Ukraine. EU Citizenship by Investment Pressure: The EU has told Eastern Caribbean states to end golden passport schemes by 2028 or face loss of visa-free Schengen access, with Saint Lucia’s PM saying there’s little room to negotiate. Winter Tourism Airlift: Saint Lucia is projecting 295,244 scheduled seats for Nov 2026–Mar 2027, up 7.3%, led by bigger US and sharp Canadian capacity increases. Affordable Housing Finance: The House of Assembly approved a US$20m guarantee to back housing loans, supporting low- and middle-income home projects and related infrastructure. Cruise Tourism Strategy: Saint Lucia is reviewing its cruise tourism approach through the “Cruise Connect” initiative to improve visitor experience and local economic value. Trade & Regional Food Security: Caribbean agriculture ministers called for better regional trade and financing for farmers, warning that production gains won’t translate into food security without logistics and cross-border systems. Clean Energy Support: Dominica women-led businesses are set to benefit from a US$550,000 clean energy facility to help turn ideas into commercial solutions across the region. Culture & Community: Kwéyòl Heritage Month 2026 was launched, and a Soufrière unity march is set to push “Stronger, Safer Together.”