AGP Executive Report

Tourism: At a regional tourism summit, Guyana’s tourism minister argued that better air and sea links are essential to make Caribbean travel more affordable and help destinations grow. Saint Lucia was among the territories represented. Creative Industries: Jamaican thriller Stew Peas is set to open in Saint Lucia and six other Caribbean markets on October 29, in the first regional distribution deal for a Jamaican film with Caribbean Cinemas. Business Services: WASCO has launched online bill payment, digital statements and balance checks, giving customers round-the-clock access to their accounts. Economic Outlook: The World Bank forecasts Saint Lucia’s economy will grow 1.1% in 2026, after contracting 0.6% last year, as tourism-dependent economies face a slower recovery and high energy and transport costs. Water Infrastructure: Reservoir levels are at record lows, raising drought concerns, while WASCO says the Patience water-supply project—planned to serve 10 Micoud North communities—is about 85% complete and due by December.

Regional Film Market: Jamaican thriller Stew Peas opens in Saint Lucia and six other Caribbean territories on October 29. It marks the first time Caribbean Cinemas has distributed a Jamaican film, creating a new regional showcase for homegrown productions. Growth Outlook: The World Bank projects Saint Lucia’s economy will grow 1.1% in 2026, after contracting 0.6% last year, with high energy and transport costs weighing on tourism-dependent economies. Water & Utilities: WASCO has introduced online bill payment and digital account services. Its Patience water project is about 85% complete and is expected to improve supply to 10 communities by December, but drought concerns are rising as reservoir levels hit record lows and rainfall is forecast to remain low. Fuel Costs: Government subsidies are helping keep fuel prices steady as global prices rise.

Water and Utility Services: WASCO has launched online bill payment, digital statements and balance checks, giving customers round-the-clock access to their accounts. The utility is also advancing upgrades to the Theobalds plant, which serves more than 40,000 customers and is operating at about 40% efficiency, while warning that low reservoir levels and poor rainfall heighten drought risks. Economic Outlook: The World Bank projects Saint Lucia’s economy will grow 1.1% in 2026, following a 0.6% contraction last year, as tourism-dependent economies face higher energy and transport costs. Business Funding: Blue Economy businesses in Saint Lucia can apply for a final round of OECS matching grants supporting fisheries, marine tourism and waste management; the call launches October 30. Fuel Costs: Government subsidies are helping offset higher fuel prices, with fuel prices holding steady.

Utilities: WASCO has launched online bill payment and account services as it advances water-system upgrades, including a EC$13.2 million project to restore the Theobalds plant’s capacity. The push comes as low reservoirs and drought risk threaten reliable supply. Economic Outlook: The World Bank forecasts Saint Lucia’s economy will grow 1.1% in 2026, after contracting 0.6% last year, with growth reaching 2.1% in 2027. Tourism-dependent economies face a slower recovery than oil producers, amid high energy and transport costs. Business Funding: Blue Economy MSMEs in Saint Lucia can apply for a final round of matching grants for projects in fisheries, marine tourism and waste management; the call opens October 30. Energy Costs: Government subsidies are helping offset higher fuel prices, with prices holding steady.

Growth Outlook: The World Bank forecasts Saint Lucia’s economy will grow 1.1% in 2026, after contracting 0.6% last year, as tourism-dependent economies face higher energy and transport costs. Business Support: The OECS will launch a final matching-grant call on October 30 for Saint Lucian businesses in fisheries, marine tourism and waste management. Fuel Costs: Government subsidies are keeping gasoline, diesel, kerosene and 20- and 22-pound cooking gas prices unchanged through October 25, despite rising import costs. Water Infrastructure: WASCO says the Patience water project is about 85% complete and due by December, with upgrades expected to improve supply in 10 Micoud North communities. A separate EC$13.2 million upgrade to the Theobalds plant, now operating at 40% efficiency, is targeted to begin in November and finish in 2027. Drought Risk: Reservoirs are at record lows, and below-average rainfall could further strain water supplies as the island enters the dry season.

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.