AGP Executive Report

Economic Outlook: The World Bank forecasts 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 Infrastructure: WASCO says the Patience project is 85% complete and could improve supply to 10 Micoud North communities by December. A separate EC$13.2 million upgrade to the Theobalds plant is expected to start in November, targeting better service from Millet to Cap Estate. Fuel Costs: Government subsidies are keeping gasoline, diesel and smaller cooking-gas cylinder prices unchanged through October 25, while larger LPG prices have risen. Blue Economy: Eligible businesses in fisheries, marine tourism and waste management can seek final-round OECS grant funding; the call launches online October 30. Agriculture and Trade: Agriculture Minister Lisa Jawahir is pressing for faster regional action on moving goods, while World Food Day plans will spotlight local production, resilient farming and stronger markets. Manufacturing Skills: Millers from Saint Lucia joined regional peers for hands-on U.S. wheat processing training aimed at improving flour quality and mill efficiency.

Blue Economy: OECS is opening a final matching-grant round for eligible Saint Lucia businesses in fisheries, marine tourism and waste management, with the call launching October 30. Tourism: Guyana’s tourism minister urged Caribbean governments to coordinate across sectors and improve connectivity so tourism brings wider benefits to communities. Water Infrastructure: WASCO is evaluating bids for a EC$13.2 million upgrade to Theobalds Water Treatment Plant, which supplies more than 40,000 customers and is operating at about 40% efficiency. Food Security: Saint Lucia is calling for more local production, climate-resilient farming, stronger markets and value-added products to help feed the country. Fuel and Energy: Government subsidies are keeping most fuel and cooking-gas prices steady through October 25, despite rising import costs; larger LPG cylinders have gone up. Geothermal exploration is also advancing in Saltibus, Fond St Jacques and Belle Plaine. Economic Outlook: The World Bank projects Saint Lucia’s economy will grow 1.1% in 2026, after an estimated contraction in 2025, and says practical AI tools could help raise productivity.

Regional Tourism: Guyana’s tourism minister is urging Caribbean governments to coordinate across sectors and improve connectivity so tourism brings broader benefits to local communities. Innovation: Saint Lucian students are competing in South Korea’s FIRST Global robotics challenge, with Orbtronics mentoring the team for a third year. Economic Outlook: The World Bank projects 1.1% growth for Saint Lucia in 2026, after an estimated contraction last year, and says practical AI tools could help lift productivity. Fuel Costs: Government subsidies are keeping gasoline, diesel, kerosene and smaller cooking-gas cylinders at unchanged prices through October 25, though larger LPG cylinders have become more expensive. Food Security: Agriculture officials are calling for more local production, climate-resilient farming and stronger markets to help Saint Lucia feed itself. Energy: Geothermal exploration is advancing in Saltibus, Fond St Jacques and Belle Plaine; a new CDB programme will also support women-led clean-energy businesses, including in Saint Lucia. Business Services: Water truckers selling water must now obtain a licence from the utilities regulator.

Technology & Skills: Saint Lucian students will take their robotics skills to the FIRST Global Challenge in South Korea, competing against teams from more than 190 countries with a robot developed alongside local firm Orbtronics. Small Business: Entrepreneur Kelianne Peter’s Network Soiree is adding agencies focused on financing and business growth to its networking programme. Fuel Costs: Government subsidies are keeping gasoline at $17.25 a gallon and 20- and 22-pound gas cylinders at $36 and $40 through October 25, while larger LPG supplies have risen in price. Food Security: Agriculture Minister Lisa Jawahir is calling for more local production, climate-resilient farming and stronger markets, alongside faster regional movement of goods to support Saint Lucia’s ambitions as an agricultural hub. Economic Outlook: The World Bank projects 1.1% growth for Saint Lucia in 2026, after an estimated 0.6% contraction in 2025, and points to practical AI tools as a possible productivity boost. Clean Energy: Geothermal exploration is advancing in Saltibus, Fond St Jacques and Belle Plaine, with road and well-pad works expected next.

Fuel Costs: Government subsidies are keeping gasoline, diesel, kerosene and smaller cooking-gas cylinders at unchanged prices through Oct. 25, despite rising import costs. Prices for 100-lb cylinders and bulk LPG have still increased. Food Security: Saint Lucia is urging greater investment in local farming, climate-resilient production and stronger markets as it prepares to mark World Food Day on Oct. 18. Workplace Relations: The Department of Labour is promoting dialogue and knowledge-sharing with union shop stewards to help resolve disputes before they escalate. Economic Outlook: The World Bank projects Saint Lucia’s economy will grow 1.1% in 2026, following an estimated contraction last year, with high energy and transport costs weighing on tourism-dependent islands. Energy Development: Geothermal exploration is underway in Saltibus, Fond St Jacques and Belle Plaine, with road and well-pad preparations expected ahead of drilling.

Economic Outlook: The World Bank projects Saint Lucia’s economy will grow 1.1% in 2026, after an estimated 0.6% contraction in 2025. It points to practical AI tools as a possible productivity boost, but says businesses and workers need the capacity to use them effectively. Energy Costs: Government subsidies are keeping gasoline, diesel, kerosene and smaller cooking-gas cylinders at current prices through October 25; 100-lb cylinders and bulk LPG have still become more expensive. Consumer Alert: GraceKennedy is recalling two specified batches of Tropical Rhythms Fruit Punch 1L in Saint Lucia and six other markets over a product-quality issue. Geothermal: Exploration is under way in Saltibus, Fond St Jacques and Belle Plaine, with road and well-pad preparations next; two families displaced by the project are to receive replacement homes. Trade Infrastructure: EllaLink’s proposed Caribbean cable is in development and could connect Saint Lucia to regional and international networks, with service targeted for 2029. Business Regulation: Water truckers selling water must obtain a licence from the National Utilities Regulatory Commission under new sector rules.

Housing Finance: Parliament approved a Government guarantee for a US$20 million loan via the Saint Lucia Development Bank to expand low- to medium-income housing finance, including support for repairs, extensions, renovations, drainage, retaining walls and renewable energy/rainwater harvesting; Opposition raised concerns in the Senate. Macroeconomic Outlook: The World Bank projects Saint Lucia growth of 1.1% for 2026 after a 0.6% contraction in 2025, with tourism-dependent islands facing high energy and transport costs. Energy Costs: Fuel and cooking gas subsidies were increased to keep retail prices steady (gasoline, diesel, kerosene and 20-lb/22-lb LPG unchanged) while larger LPG cylinders and bulk LPG rose. Food Recall: GraceKennedy Foods recalled specific batches of Grace Tropical Rhythms Fruit Punch 1L (best-before codes BB JUL 21 27 L6 and BB JUL 22 27 L6) across multiple markets including Saint Lucia, citing a product-quality issue, not food safety. Geothermal Push: Saint Lucia’s geothermal exploration is now ongoing in Saltibus, Fond St Jacques and Belle Plaine, with relocation of two families and next steps including civil works and drilling preparations. Water Trucking Regulation: Water truckers transporting water for resale must obtain a licence from NURC under new regulations covering safety, liability and business management. Clean Energy Support: CDB launched a US$500,000 initiative to back women-led businesses developing clean energy solutions, including St. Lucia. Connectivity: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway into the development phase, targeting service by end-2029 and linking multiple islands to its transatlantic network.

Fuel Subsidy Update: Saint Lucia increased subsidy support for gasoline, diesel and cooking gas to cushion higher import costs, keeping several retail prices unchanged (Oct 5–25) while raising subsidies for 100-lb and bulk LPG. Geothermal Push: Geothermal exploration is now ongoing in Saltibus, Fond St Jacques and Belle Plaine, with consultations and relocation already underway as the World Bank-funded project moves toward drilling and civil works. Water Trucking Licensing: New NURC rules require water truck operators transporting water for resale to obtain a licence, with a focus on health and safety, liability insurance and road safety. Clean Energy for Women: The CDB launched a US$500,000 initiative via SheTrades Caribbean Hub to support women-led businesses developing clean energy solutions across the region, including St. Lucia. Caribbean Connectivity: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway into the development phase, targeting service by end-2029 with a carrier-neutral fibre corridor linking French Guiana to Caribbean islands and onward routes. Food Industry Recall: GraceKennedy Foods recalled specific batches of Grace Tropical Rhythms Fruit Punch 1L in multiple Caribbean markets including Saint Lucia, citing a product-quality issue (no expected health effects). Agriculture Implementation Call: At Caribbean Week of Agriculture, Minister Floyd Green urged the region to turn food-security dialogue into actionable outcomes, targeting reduced import dependence. Tourism Airlift Outlook: Saint Lucia’s tourism ministry expects a stronger winter season (Nov 2026–Mar 2027) with more available seats and added/expanded routes. Cannabis Banking Summit: Saint Lucia’s RSA announced a Cannabis Banking & Financial Integrity Summit on Oct 29 to discuss compliance, traceability and risk management for a viable regulated cannabis industry. Sports & Local Talent: Kegan Caull’s hat-trick powered Saint Lucia’s 5-2 win over Bermuda in the CONCACAF Nations League, spotlighting homegrown talent.

Fuel & LPG Relief: Saint Lucia boosts subsidies for gasoline, diesel, kerosene and cooking gas to cushion higher import costs, keeping several retail prices unchanged (Oct 5–25) while raising support for 20-lb and 22-lb cylinders and limiting the impact of increases on 100-lb and bulk LPG. Geothermal Progress: Government says geothermal exploration is now ongoing in Saltibus, Fond St Jacques and Belle Plaine, with consultations completed and next steps including civil works, road upgrades and well-pad preparation. Food Industry Recall: GraceKennedy Foods recalls specific batches of Grace Tropical Rhythms Fruit Punch 1L (best-before codes July 21/22 2027, L6) across multiple Caribbean markets including Saint Lucia, citing a product-quality issue, not food safety. Water Sector Regulation: Water truckers transporting water for resale must obtain a licence from NURC under new regulations covering safety, insurance, road compliance and business management. Clean Energy Support for Women: CDB launches a US$500,000 SheTrades Caribbean Tech It Up Facility to back women-led businesses developing clean energy solutions across the region, including St. Lucia. Trade & Connectivity: EllaLink advances its Caribbean Gateway into development, targeting service by end-2029, with a carrier-neutral fibre corridor linking territories toward Europe and beyond. Agriculture & Food Security Push: Caribbean agriculture ministers call for better regional trade, logistics, cold-chain and financing so increased production actually reaches markets.

Geothermal Energy: Saint Lucia’s geothermal exploration is now ongoing in Saltibus, Fond St Jacques and Belle Plaine, with a World Bank-funded team in place and consultations already held; two families have been displaced and replacement homes are being built, while bidding for the next phase is nearing completion. Digital Connectivity: EllaLink has advanced its Caribbean Gateway into the development stage, moving from design to committed investment for a submarine fibre corridor linking Cayenne to Martinique/Guadeloupe and a western leg to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, targeting service by end-2029. Food & Consumer Safety: GraceKennedy Foods is voluntarily recalling specific batches of Grace Tropical Rhythms Fruit Punch 1L (best-before codes July 21/22, 2027, L6) across several markets including Saint Lucia, saying it’s a product-quality issue with no expected health impact. Water Services Regulation: Water truckers transporting water for resale in Saint Lucia must obtain a licence from NURC under new regulations covering health and safety, liability insurance and road safety. Clean Energy Support for Women: CDB launched a US$500,000 initiative via SheTrades Caribbean Hub to back women-led businesses developing clean energy solutions across the region, including St. Lucia. Tourism Infrastructure: Saint Lucia’s winter season outlook is upbeat, with reported increases in airlift seats and new/expanded routes expected from the US and Canada.

Connectivity & Infrastructure: EllaLink has moved its Caribbean Gateway into the development phase, advancing a new open-access fibre corridor linking Cayenne to Martinique and Guadeloupe, with a western leg for Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, targeting service by end-2029. Energy & Jobs: Saint Lucia’s geothermal exploration is now ongoing in Saltibus, Fond St Jacques and Belle Plaine, with resident consultations and relocation already underway, and bidding for next steps nearing completion. Food & Consumer Protection: GraceKennedy Foods is voluntarily recalling specific Grace Tropical Rhythms Fruit Punch 1L batches (best-before codes July 21/22, 2027, L6) across several markets including Saint Lucia, saying it’s a quality issue with no expected health impact. Water Sector Regulation: Water truckers transporting water for resale must now be licensed by NURC under new regulations covering safety, liability insurance and business management. Regional Business Support: The CDB launched a US$500,000 clean-energy support initiative for women-led businesses across the Caribbean, including St. Lucia, running 2026–2028. Agriculture & Trade: Caribbean agriculture ministers at CWA 2026 pushed for better intra-regional trade, logistics, cold-chain and financing to turn higher production into real food security.

Food & Consumer Safety: GraceKennedy Foods is voluntarily recalling specific batches of Grace Tropical Rhythms Fruit Punch (1-litre) across Jamaica and several Caribbean markets including Saint Lucia, after identifying two best-before codes (July 21, 2027 L6 and July 22, 2027 L6). The company says it’s a product-quality issue, not a food-safety concern, and advises consumers not to drink the affected product and to return it for a refund or replacement. Health & Community Awareness: Saint Lucia marked World No Alcohol Day 2026 with the theme “Alcohol and Me,” urging people to reflect on drinking habits and warning signs that may signal a need to cut back or stop. Regulated Cannabis & Finance: The Regulated Substances Authority (RSA) announced a Cannabis Banking & Financial Integrity Summit for October 29, focusing on compliance, traceability and risk management to support a viable, regulated cannabis industry. Water Services Regulation: Water truckers transporting water for resale in Saint Lucia must obtain a licence from NURC under new regulations covering safety, liability insurance and business management. Energy & Women-Led Growth: The CDB launched a US$500,000 initiative to support women-led businesses developing clean energy solutions across the region, including Saint Lucia. Regional Trade & Agriculture: Caribbean agriculture ministers pushed for deeper integration and better logistics, warning that production gains won’t deliver food security without improved transport, cold-chain capacity and smoother cross-border trade. Tourism & Airlift: St Lucia’s winter tourism season is expected to grow, with projected seat increases and more frequent services from key markets. Infrastructure & Climate Readiness: Separately, regional coverage highlights urgent road and drainage acceleration ahead of El Niño rains, underscoring the push to reduce flood risk through faster works.

World No Alcohol Day: Saint Lucia marked World No Alcohol Day 2026 under “Alcohol and Me,” with the Ministry of Health urging people to reflect on drinking habits and watch for warning signs like impaired judgment, blackouts, and driving under the influence. Cannabis Industry Finance: The Regulated Substances Authority (RSA) announced a Cannabis Banking & Financial Integrity Summit on Oct. 29, focused on compliance, traceability and risk management to support a viable regulated cannabis sector. Water Sector Regulation: Water truckers transporting water for resale must now obtain a licence from the National Utilities Regulatory Commission (NURC), as new rules move the sector toward stronger health, safety and business standards. Clean Energy Support for Women: The Caribbean Development Bank launched a US$500,000 initiative via SheTrades Caribbean Hub to back women-led businesses developing clean energy solutions across the region, including St. Lucia. El Niño Readiness: While not local, regional infrastructure planning is in focus as authorities push faster road and drainage works ahead of El Niño rains—an approach Saint Lucians will be watching closely. Tourism & Airlift: St. Lucia’s winter season outlook points to more seats and routes, with reported increases in US and Canada capacity. Regional Food Security Push: Caribbean agriculture ministers at Caribbean Week of Agriculture pressed for better logistics, trade standards and financing so increased production can actually reach markets. Port & Shipping Sustainability: Caribbean port leaders shared European lessons on shore power, electrification and port investment to cut emissions and improve resilience. Connectivity Investment: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway into the development stage, targeting service by end-2029 and expanding open-access fibre links across the Eastern Caribbean. Business & Youth: Junior Achievement Saint Lucia received recognition for restarting the programme with private-sector support, reinforcing skills training for entrepreneurship and work readiness.

Water & Utilities Regulation: Saint Lucia’s water truckers who transport water for resale must now obtain a licence from the National Utilities Regulatory Commission (NURC), with new rules covering health and safety, liability insurance, road safety and business management. Clean Energy for Women-Led Firms: The Caribbean Development Bank launched a US$500,000, three-year SheTrades Caribbean Tech It Up Facility (2026–2028) to back women-led businesses across the region, including St. Lucia, to turn clean energy ideas into market-ready services. EU Citizenship Pressure: Eastern Caribbean governments selling golden passports were told by the European Union to end the practice by 2028 or risk losing visa-free travel access, with St. Lucia’s PM Phillip Pierre saying the EU position is firm. Food Security & Agriculture Logistics: Caribbean agriculture ministers at Caribbean Week of Agriculture pushed for deeper regional integration, better air/sea links, cold-chain and smoother border procedures—arguing that more production won’t fix food security without trade and financing reforms. Tourism & Airlift Outlook: St. Lucia’s tourism ministry expects a stronger winter season (Nov 2026–Mar 2027), citing rising seat capacity and new or expanded services from key markets. Regional Trade Modernisation: OECS trade-in-services stakeholders received EU-funded training to strengthen negotiating and policymaking capacity, supporting the push toward a more integrated regional economic space. Port & Shipping Sustainability: Caribbean port leaders shared lessons from European ports on shore power, electrification and port investment, aiming to turn sustainability plans into practical upgrades. Sports & Local Spotlight: Saint Lucia’s Piton Boyz bounced back with a 5-2 win over Bermuda, powered by Kegan Caull’s hat-trick. Connectivity Infrastructure: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway into the development phase, targeting service by end-2029 with a carrier-neutral submarine route linking Cayenne to Martinique/Guadeloupe and a western segment to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire.

Clean Energy for Women-Led Firms: The Caribbean Development Bank launched a US$500,000, three-year SheTrades Caribbean Hub initiative to back women-led businesses in St. Lucia and across the region to turn clean energy ideas into commercial products, with technical help and funding from 2026–2028. El Niño Readiness in Infrastructure: Saint Lucia’s wider region is also bracing for El Niño impacts, with Nairobi’s governor ordering engineers and contractors to accelerate road and drainage works in flood-prone areas ahead of heavy rains. Citizenship-by-Investment Pressure: Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Phillip Pierre says the EU has set a 2028 deadline for Eastern Caribbean “golden passport” programmes or risk losing visa-free travel access. Food Security Push at CWA: Caribbean agriculture ministers, including St. Lucia’s, used Caribbean Week of Agriculture to demand better regional financing, logistics, and trade links so increased production can actually reach markets. Trade and Connectivity Upgrades: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway submarine cable into the development stage, targeting service by end-2029, aiming to diversify routes for islands including St. Lucia. Tourism and Airlift Outlook: St. Lucia’s tourism ministry expects a stronger winter season (Nov 2026–Mar 2027) with seat capacity up year-on-year, including expanded US and Canada services.

El Niño Readiness: Saint Lucia’s wider region is bracing for harsher weather as El Niño is expected to run into early 2027, with warnings of hotter conditions and longer drought risk. Infrastructure & Resilience: Nairobi Governor Sakaja ordered engineers and contractors to speed up citywide road and drainage works, giving teams a 14-day push to finish flood-prone hotspots before rains—an example of how fast execution can reduce disruption. Citizenship-by-Investment Pressure: The EU has told Eastern Caribbean states to stop selling passports by 2028 or face loss of visa-free access, with Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister saying the stance is “very difficult” to negotiate. Clean Energy for Women: Dominica and other islands, including Saint Lucia, can access a new US$550,000 CDB initiative supporting women-led businesses to commercialise clean energy solutions (2026–2028). Food Security Push: Caribbean agriculture ministers at Caribbean Week of Agriculture urged action beyond talk—fixing logistics, cold-chain, standards, and financing so farmers can move produce across borders. Trade & Ports: Port leaders studied European approaches to shore power, electrification and resilient investment, aiming to turn lessons into practical upgrades at home. Connectivity Plans: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway into the development stage, targeting service by end-2029 and linking territories via a carrier-neutral submarine system. Tourism & Jobs: An ILO study flags that tourism’s big economic role in the Eastern Caribbean is held back by informality, weak labour protections, and limited access to financing.