AGP Executive Report

Tourism Growth Watch: Saint Lucia’s stay-over arrivals hit a record for April 2026, up 8.5% year-on-year to 40,752 visitors, with gains from the US, Canada and the wider Caribbean, plus cruise and yachting momentum. Political Pushback: Opposition UWP’s Dominic Fedee says the tourism “booming” narrative is premature, pointing to 2025 declines and cruise drops, urging a more cautious read of the recovery. Regional Marketing: The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority is in New York for Caribbean Week 2026 to strengthen partnerships and air connectivity under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences.” Caribbean Industry Deals: OPEN Interactive says it successfully delivered CIS26 in Saint Lucia and flags ECCIRA as a key shift shaping the investment migration industry. Local Business & Jobs: Quayclean secured a major schools cleaning contract in Australia, highlighting how facility services are increasingly outsourced. Marine Livelihoods: A USD $80,000 project in Savannes Bay will remove marine debris and support seamoss farmers with sustainable raft systems. Health Policy: PAHO/WHO convened Caribbean nutritionists and legal drafters to advance sodium reduction and industrial trans fat elimination roadmaps. Youth & Culture: Republic Bank launched its “Five for Fun” youth cricket programme in Castries, while Junior Calypso and Soca winners were crowned at Mindoo Philip Park. Mobility & Costs: A CDB discussion in The Bahamas frames traffic congestion as a development issue, linking it to productivity and competitiveness.

Tourism Numbers & Policy Debate: Saint Lucia’s stay-over arrivals hit their strongest April on record, up 8.5% year-on-year, with growth from the US, Caribbean, and Canada as airlift improves—while the UWP’s Dominic Fedee pushes back, calling the “booming” narrative premature given cruise and total arrivals declines in 2025. Green Economy Skills Gap: A UNICEF-commissioned survey found young people in Barbados, Dominica, St Lucia and Antigua and Barbuda are not fully connecting climate action and green economy opportunities to their own prospects. Marine Livelihoods & Restoration: A new USD $80,000 Savannes Bay project will remove marine debris and support sustainable seamoss farming, funded via AFD and the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund. Regional Tourism Push: SLTA is in New York for Caribbean Week 2026 to strengthen partnerships and air connectivity under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences.” Youth & Culture: Republic Bank’s “Five for Fun” youth cricket programme launches for its sixth season, while Junior Calypso and Soca crowns went to Dugard Combined and Ave Maria Girls’ Primary. Health & Food Policy: PAHO/WHO convened nutritionists and legal drafters to advance sodium reduction and trans fats elimination policies across the region. Energy Cost Pressure: A UN report warns disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz could drive up energy prices and hit small island states hard. Transport & Industry Finance: A market analysis revisits why ECCU borrowing costs stay high and what the region’s “decade of decision” means for growth. BYD & CPL 2026: BYD is named Official Car Sponsor of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League, rolling out fan activations across eight countries including St Lucia.

Tourism Recognition & Market Push: Saint Lucia’s tourism authority is in New York for Caribbean Week 2026 under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” aiming to deepen partnerships and air-connectivity as the sector competes globally. Fuel & Cost Pressures: Saint Lucians are set to pay more as the government announces increases in energy prices, with wider concerns about fuel relief and price hikes. Stay-over Growth: SLTA reports April 2026 as the island’s strongest April ever for stay-over arrivals, up 8.5% year-on-year, with gains from the US, Canada and the wider Caribbean. Local Governance & Regulation: The National Taxi Union moves to close ranks and push for a clearer taxi permit system by September, targeting better enforcement and accountability. Marine Livelihoods: A new Savannes Bay project backed by EC$215,000 will remove marine debris and deploy sustainable raft systems to support seamoss farmers. Youth & Culture: Junior Calypso and Soca crowns went to Dugard Combined and Ave Maria Girls’ Primary, while secondary schools’ titles featured “Zizi” and “Fire Kay.” Industry Spotlight: BYD is named official car sponsor of CPL 2026, bringing vehicle showcases and a design challenge across participating markets including Saint Lucia.

Tourism Numbers: Saint Lucia’s stay-over arrivals hit a new high for April 2026, with 40,752 visitors up 8.5% year-on-year, as the SLTA points to stronger airlift, marketing and cruise/yachting momentum. Fuel Relief Debate: Opposition figure Dominic Fedee says recent fuel price hikes unfairly burden households, arguing the government should have used past fuel tax revenue for more relief while officials cite global oil pressure and subsidies. Marine Livelihoods: A new Savannes Bay project backed by EC$215,000 (about USD$80,000) will remove marine debris and deploy sustainable raft systems to support seamoss farmers and reduce future waste. Agriculture Training: Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM) ran a papaya cultivation workshop for farmers, extension officers and agriculture students, sharing practices for growing, harvesting and exporting. Local Transport Regulation: The National Taxi Union met members to clarify its position and push for a long-awaited taxi permit system, aiming for better enforcement by end-September. Regional Governance: Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index ranks Haiti lowest in the Caribbean, while Barbados, The Bahamas and St. Vincent and the Grenadines score higher. Business & Industry: LASCO is strengthening leadership continuity with Dr. Eileen Chin moving into expanded deputy executive chairman roles across group companies.

Fuel Prices & Politics: Dominic Fedee says Saint Lucia’s tourism “booming” claims are premature and points to 2025 declines, while he also challenges the government’s fuel relief approach as prices rise. Tourism Numbers: SLTA reports April 2026 as the strongest April ever for stay-over arrivals, with 8.5% growth over April 2025 and gains across key markets, plus cruise and yachting momentum. Caribbean Week in New York: Saint Lucia’s SLTA is in New York for CTO Caribbean Week 2026 under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” pushing partnerships and connectivity as global competition intensifies. Short-Term Rentals Regulation: CHTA releases a Caribbean short-term rental framework urging “smart regulation” so destinations can capture demand without losing oversight. Marine Livelihoods: A USD $80,000 Savannes Bay project launches to remove marine debris and deploy sustainable raft systems to support seamoss farmers and reduce future waste. Clean Energy for Fisheries: The STAR-Fish project ramps up clean energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries, including cold-chain upgrades and low-carbon certification support. Local Transport Tech: The National Taxi Union moves toward a new app to improve coordination and transparency as Uber expands. Regional Finance Costs: A new ECCU “cost of money” analysis argues Caribbean lending rates remain high and could slow growth, while credit unions may offer cheaper options. CIS26 Wrap: OPEN Interactive marks delivery of CIS26 in Saint Lucia and flags St Kitts and Nevis as host for CIS27.

Fuel & Cost of Living: Saint Lucia’s government announced new energy price increases from June 1, pointing to global oil pressures tied to Iran–US tensions and the Strait of Hormuz, with gasoline set at EC$16.75 per imperial gallon while kerosene and LPG prices face different subsidy impacts. Tourism Politics: UWP’s Dominic Fedee pushed back on Tourism Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire’s “booming” claims, saying April arrival gains don’t erase 2025 declines and that the picture is incomplete without cruise and overall recovery context. Tourism Growth: SLTA reported April 2026 as the strongest April on record for stay-over arrivals, up 8.5% year-on-year, with gains from the US, Caribbean, and Canada and continued diversification beyond the UK. Regional Tourism Push: Saint Lucia’s SLTA is in New York for CTO Caribbean Week 2026 under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” aiming to strengthen partnerships and global visibility. Marine Livelihoods: SLUNCF launched an EC$215,000 (USD $80,000) Savannes Bay project to remove marine debris and deploy sustainable raft systems to support seamoss farmers. Taxi Sector Update: The National Taxi Union moved to close ranks amid Uber competition, discussing a taxi permit system and a new app concept for drivers and riders. Youth & Culture: Junior Calypso and Soca winners included Dugard Combined (Calypso) and Ave Maria Girls’ Primary (Soca), while Republic Bank’s “Five for Fun” youth cricket programme kicked off its 2026 season. Business & Sponsorship: BYD was named Official Car Sponsor of CPL 2026, with activations across eight countries including Saint Lucia. Health Watch: World No Tobacco Day coverage highlighted the push to curb youth vaping, warning that flavours and marketing are drawing young people into nicotine use.

Energy Prices & Cost of Living: Saint Lucia’s government says motorists will pay more from June 1, with gasoline and diesel rising from EC$16.00 to EC$16.75 per imperial gallon and kerosene from EC$9.66 to EC$10.41, citing a 5.5% jump in global crude prices above US$100 a barrel amid Iran–US tensions; officials stress LPG remains heavily subsidised and unchanged. Fuel Relief Debate: Former tourism minister Dominic Fedee challenges the government over fuel relief, arguing tax revenues should have cushioned consumers more as the administration points to subsidies and global volatility. Tourism Momentum: The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority reports April 2026 as the strongest April on record for stay-over arrivals, up 8.5% year-on-year to 40,752 visitors, with gains from the US, Canada and the Caribbean. Marine Livelihoods & Aquaculture: A USD $80,000 (EC$215,000) Savannes Bay project launches to remove marine debris and deploy sustainable raft systems to support seamoss farmers, funded by AFD via the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund. Local Industry Leadership: LASCO begins leadership continuity planning after founder Lascelles Chin’s death, elevating Dr Eileen Chin into expanded deputy executive chairman roles. Transport Sector Updates: The National Taxi Union moves to tighten regulation with a permit system by end-September and is developing an app to improve coordination as Uber competition grows. Sports & Youth Development: Republic Bank’s “Five for Fun” youth cricket programme returns for its sixth season, with 38 primary schools set to compete. Caribbean Business & Culture: BYD is named official car partner of CPL 2026, rolling out regional activations across eight countries including Saint Lucia. Youth Arts Wins: Dugard Combined and Ave Maria Girls’ Primary take top honours at the National Primary Schools Calypso & Soca competition.

Energy & Cost of Living: Saint Lucia’s government has raised gasoline and diesel prices to EC$16.75 per imperial gallon and kerosene to EC$10.41, citing a 5.5% jump in crude oil to above US$100 a barrel, while saying LPG remains unchanged thanks to subsidies. Fuel Politics: Former tourism minister Dominic Fedee is pushing back, arguing consumers should have received more relief from past fuel tax revenues as officials defend the latest increases. Tourism Growth: The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority reports April 2026 as the strongest April on record for stay-over arrivals, up 8.5% year-on-year to 40,752 visitors, with gains from the US, Canada and the Caribbean market. Marine & Agriculture Livelihoods: A new Savannes Bay project backed by AFD/CBF funding (about USD $80,000) will remove marine debris and deploy sustainable raft systems to support seamoss farmers and coastal restoration. Transport & Services: The National Taxi Union is moving toward a permit system and is developing a local app to manage drivers, trips and payments as Uber expands. Youth Sport & Brand Partnerships: Republic Bank’s “Five for Fun” youth cricket programme returns for its sixth season, while BYD is named official car sponsor of CPL 2026 with activations across participating countries including Saint Lucia.

Fuel & Energy Costs: Saint Lucia’s government says global oil pressures are behind the latest pump increases, with gasoline and diesel rising from EC$16.00 to EC$16.75 per imperial gallon and kerosene from EC$9.66 to EC$10.41, while LPG prices stay unchanged due to subsidies. Marine Livelihoods & Aquaculture: A new USD $80,000 (EC$215,000) Savannes Bay project will remove marine debris and deploy sustainable raft systems to support seamoss farmers, funded by France’s AFD through the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund. Tourism Performance: The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority reports April 2026 as the strongest April ever for stay-over arrivals, up 8.5% year-on-year to 40,752 visitors, with gains from the US, Caribbean and Canada. Regional Women’s Leadership: Minister Emma Hippolyte has been elected to the OAS Inter-American Commission of Women’s Executive Committee for a second consecutive term, a first for Saint Lucia. Local Transport Industry: The National Taxi Union is moving toward a digital app for drivers and riders amid Uber competition, aiming for better regulation and transparency. Youth & Culture: Republic Bank launched its 2026 “Five for Fun” youth cricket programme in Castries, while Dugard Combined and Ave Maria Girls’ Primary won Calypso and Soca crowns at the national primary competition.

Fuel Prices & Cost of Living: Saint Lucia’s government raised gasoline and diesel from $16.00 to $16.75 per imperial gallon and kerosene to $10.41, pointing to higher global crude costs and ongoing subsidies to soften the blow. Tourism Numbers: The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority says April 2026 delivered the strongest April ever for stay-over arrivals, up 8.5% year-on-year, with gains across key markets. Caribbean Week in New York: Tourism ministers and officials gathered in Manhattan for Caribbean Week 2026 to push connectivity, resilience, and a unified regional tourism pitch. Marine Livelihoods: A new USD $80,000 project in Savannes Bay will remove marine debris and deploy sustainable raft systems to support seamoss farmers. Agriculture & Exports: TTM ran a papaya cultivation workshop at its Union demonstration farm, sharing practices for growing, harvesting, and exporting. Local Transport: The National Taxi Union met members to clarify its legal status and plans for a taxi permit system amid Uber competition. Youth Sports: Republic Bank launched its 2026 “Five for Fun” youth cricket programme, bringing together 38 primary schools for the sixth season. Health & Youth Vaping: A World No Tobacco Day reflection warns that vaping is increasingly targeting young people with appealing flavours and marketing. Equine Health Dispute: Bonanza Stables owner alleges imported horses were euthanised too quickly after testing positive for a tick-borne disease, questioning quarantine and permit handling.

Primary Schools Calypso & Soca: Ave Maria Girls’ Primary and Dugard Combined swept major prizes at the National Primary Schools Calypso & Soca Competition at Mindoo Phillip Park, with Dugard taking first in calypso and Ave Maria winning the soca crown; the National Secondary Schools event is set for June 5 at 9:30am at the same venue. Tourism Growth: Saint Lucia logged its strongest April ever for stay-over arrivals, reaching 40,752 visitors (+8.5% vs April 2025) as key markets like the US, Canada and the Caribbean region posted gains. Marine & Seamoss Livelihoods: A new USD $80,000 (EC$215,000) Savannes Bay project launched to remove marine debris and deploy sustainable raft systems to support seamoss farmers and cut future waste. Fuel Prices: Motorists face higher gasoline and diesel prices from June 1, with gasoline rising from EC$16.00 to EC$16.75 per imperial gallon, as government cites global oil pressures and ongoing subsidies. Taxi Sector Update: The National Taxi Union moved to close ranks after resignations and says a taxi permit system is on track so drivers with TX plates can operate within the law by end-September. Agriculture Training: Taiwan Technical Mission ran a papaya cultivation workshop at its Union demonstration farm, training extension officers, farmers and students on growing, harvesting and export practices. Regional Women’s Leadership: Minister Emma Hippolyte was elected to the OAS Inter-American Commission of Women Executive Committee for a second consecutive Saint Lucia term.

Fuel & Cost of Living: Saint Lucia raised gasoline and diesel prices from EC$16.00 to EC$16.75 per imperial gallon and kerosene from EC$9.66 to EC$10.41, effective June 1, as Prime Minister Phillip J. Pierre pointed to a 5.5% jump in crude oil prices above US$100 a barrel amid Iran–US tensions; government says subsidies will keep LPG prices stable (20-lb and 22-lb unchanged) even as motorists feel the impact. Tourism & Airlift: The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority reported April 2026 as the strongest April ever for stay-over arrivals, up 8.5% year-on-year to 40,752 visitors, with gains from the US, Caribbean, and Canada, plus added flight capacity from WestJet and Air Canada. Agri & Skills: Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM) ran a papaya cultivation workshop at its Union demonstration farm, training farmers and extension officers on growing, harvesting, and export practices. Marine Livelihoods: A new USD $80,000 partnership project launched in Savannes Bay to remove marine debris and deploy sustainable raft systems, supporting seamoss farmers and coastal restoration. Health Policy: On World No Tobacco Day, Saint Lucia stepped up efforts against youth vaping and nicotine use, citing survey findings that show vaping uptake among secondary school students. Regional Women’s Leadership: Minister Emma Hippolyte was elected to the OAS Inter-American Commission of Women (CIM) Executive Committee for a second consecutive term for Saint Lucia. Local Business Leadership: LASCO began strengthening its leadership structure after founder Lascelles Chin’s death, appointing Dr Eileen Chin to expanded deputy executive chairman roles.

Fuel & Cost of Living: Saint Lucia’s government announced new energy price increases effective June 1, citing a 5.5% rise in crude oil (WTI averaging US$100.72) amid Iran–US tensions and Strait of Hormuz disruptions; gasoline and diesel move from EC$16.00 to EC$16.75 per imperial gallon, kerosene to EC$10.41, while LPG retail prices stay unchanged as subsidies cushion the impact. Political Pushback: Former tourism minister Dominic Fedee accuses the government of failing to deliver enough fuel relief, as officials defend the hikes and highlight subsidy spending. Tourism Boom: The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority says April 2026 delivered the strongest April ever for stay-over arrivals, reinforcing momentum for the island’s visitor economy. Clean Energy for Fisheries: Canada-backed STAR-Fish ramps up clean energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries, including renewable tech and cold-storage upgrades, with St Lucia among participating countries. Transport & Jobs: National Taxi Union explores a local app to compete with Uber, aiming for digital booking and better transparency for drivers and associations. Regional Tourism Strategy: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 brings ministers and commissioners together under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences” to strengthen connectivity and market share. Health & Youth: Saint Lucia steps up action against vaping and nicotine use ahead of World No Tobacco Day, citing survey findings that show declining cigarette use but rising e-cigarette use among students.

Fuel Prices Up in St. Lucia: The government says gasoline rises from EC$16.00 to EC$16.75 per imperial gallon, with diesel also up to EC$16.75 and kerosene to EC$10.41, effective June 1, citing a 5.5% jump in global crude prices to above US$100 a barrel amid Iran–US tensions and Strait of Hormuz disruption. Energy Cost Relief via Subsidies: Officials say LPG retail prices stay unchanged (20-lb at EC$34.00 and 22-lb at EC$38.00), with subsidies absorbing much of the pressure—while gasoline and diesel subsidies are listed per gallon to soften the impact. Regional Justice Training for Businesses: OECS and the OHADAC–CARO Centre will launch June 10 in the Eastern Caribbean a training programme on arbitration and ADR, aiming to make commercial dispute resolution more predictable and accessible for investors and firms, including Saint Lucia. Tobacco Control Push for Youth: Saint Lucia is stepping up education around World No Tobacco Day, pointing to rising vape and nicotine use among students even as cigarette smoking declines, and warning about flavours and marketing aimed at young people. OECS Blue Economy Grants: The OECS Commission opens a second call for Window 2 of the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme, backing value chain groups in fisheries, coastal tourism and waste management with US$100,000–US$150,000.

Fuel Prices: Saint Lucia will pay more at the pumps from June 1 after the government adjusted retail petroleum prices, with gasoline and diesel rising from EC$16.00 to EC$16.75 per imperial gallon and kerosene moving from EC$9.66 to EC$10.41, while LPG cooking gas stays unchanged thanks to continued subsidies. Energy Costs & Policy: Officials say crude oil climbed about 5.5% to above US$100 per barrel during the May 4–24 review period, and that subsidies are absorbing much of the shock for households and businesses. Access to Justice (Business Disputes): The OHADAC–CARO training programmes on arbitration and ADR are set for an official launch in June, aiming to strengthen dispute resolution capacity across the Eastern Caribbean, including Saint Lucia. Blue Economy Funding: The OECS has opened the second call for proposals under the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme (Window 2), targeting value chain groups in fisheries, coastal tourism and waste management with grants of US$100,000–US$150,000. Youth Health: Saint Lucia is intensifying its push against youth tobacco use as World No Tobacco Day focuses on “Unmasking the Appeal,” citing rising vaping and nicotine product use among young people. Regional Environment: OECS partners met in Dominica for a SARSEA workshop on coordinated sargassum management and coastal resilience. Livestock Enforcement: The Department of Agriculture warns owners to control stray animals, citing road safety risks and enforcement under the Animals Act.

Agriculture & Rural Livelihoods: St. Lucia mourns Renwrick Rose, a WINFA and Fairtrade champion whose work helped protect banana farmers and secure fair pricing and community funding across the Windward Islands. Coastal Resilience & Environment: OECS states met in Dominica for a SARSEA workshop to coordinate regional action on sargassum impacts, biodiversity protection, and stronger coastal resilience. Public Health & Youth Tobacco: Saint Lucia is stepping up education ahead of World No Tobacco Day, citing rising vape and nicotine use among students and warning against flavours and “harmless” marketing. Livestock & Road Safety: The Department of Agriculture warns owners to control stray and roaming animals under the Animals Act, citing risks to motorists, crops, and public safety. Blue Economy Funding: OECS launched the second call for proposals under the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme, targeting fisheries, coastal tourism, and waste management value chain groups with grants of USD $100,000–$150,000. Tourism & Industry: St. Lucia reports its strongest April cruise performance, with 673,700 cruise passengers in 2025-26 and more visitors per ship, while gun violence concerns continue to be raised. Regional Business Links: A Trinidad and Tobago trade delegation is in Saint Lucia to strengthen CARICOM partnerships and investment ties. Aviation & Connectivity: A regional aviation commentary points to structural realignment, including a new LIAT 2020–Air Caraïbes interline agreement effective June 1.