AGP Executive Report

Underwater Tourism & Culture: St Lucia will unveil its first National Exhibition for the Dive Park, part of a three-park Underwater Sculpture project (Dive Park, Snorkel Park, Conservation Park), with the public able to view the sculptures for two days from Aug. 29 before installation at Anse La Verdure, Canaries—positioned as a “St Lucians define the story” ownership push. Digital Growth for MSMEs: The Caribbean Development Bank and the Small Business Association of Barbados launched “Reengineering MSMEs for Growth,” backing at least 150 MSMEs across Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines to assess digital maturity, adopt solutions and build transformation plans, with focus on women-led and underserved firms. Water & Infrastructure Security: WASCO moved to cut water losses by setting up leak-focused units and is investigating suspected tampering with a decommissioned valve that restricted flow to the Delcer Water Treatment Plant in Choiseul. Agriculture & Aquaculture Skills: Saint Lucia’s agriculture ministry hosted FAO-led capacity building for sustainable shrimp hatchery and seed production, aiming to strengthen aquaculture output and resilience. Trade in Services Data: OECS, UNCTAD and ECLAC wrapped up work to improve evidence-based policymaking for trade in services, using TiSSTAT to close data gaps and help member states plan export strategies.

Underwater Tourism Push: St. Lucia is set to unveil the first public exhibition for its first of three Underwater Sculpture Parks, with a Dive Park corridor (Dive Park, Snorkel Park, Conservation Park) aimed at boosting dive tourism and letting locals shape how the island’s heritage is told. Digital MSME Drive: The Caribbean Development Bank and Barbados’ Small Business Association launched a regional initiative to help at least 150 MSMEs across Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines strengthen digital skills, adopt solutions, and build resilience—while targeting women-led and underserved firms. Trade Data for Services: OECS, UNCTAD and ECLAC wrapped up work to improve evidence-based policymaking for trade in services, using UNCTAD’s TiSSTAT to close long-running data gaps and support export strategies. Water Reliability & Security: WASCO moved to cut water losses by setting up a Water Management Unit for leak detection, repair and better metering, while also investigating suspected tampering that restricted flow to the Delcer Water Treatment Plant. Aquaculture Capacity: Saint Lucia’s agriculture ministry, with FAO support, ran training to build sustainable shrimp hatchery and seed production skills, including a visit to the Union Aquaculture Hatchery. Energy & Costs Watch: A regional energy-price update highlighted ECCU fuel and LPG price differences, with St Lucia listed among the higher LPG prices. Maritime Careers Spotlight: Prime Minister Andrew Holness is slated to keynote the American Caribbean Maritime Foundation’s Anchor Awards, aimed at expanding Caribbean pathways into shipping and logistics.

MSME Digital Push: The Caribbean Development Bank and Barbados’ Small Business Association launched “Reengineering MSMEs for Growth,” backing at least 150 MSMEs across Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines to assess digital maturity, adopt practical tools and roll out transformation plans. Trade in Services Data Boost: OECS, UNCTAD and ECLAC wrapped up a CARICOM-linked initiative to close services-trade data gaps using UNCTAD’s TiSSTAT, helping governments shape export strategies and plug into global value chains. Water Reliability Measures: WASCO moved to cut water losses by creating a Water Management Unit for leak detection, repairs and better metering, while also investigating suspected tampering that restricted flow to the Delcer Water Treatment Plant. Aquaculture Capacity: Saint Lucia’s fisheries and agriculture teams, with FAO support, ran training to strengthen sustainable shrimp hatchery and seed production, including a visit to the Union Aquaculture Hatchery. Energy Costs Watch: ECCB data shows Antigua and Barbuda with the lowest gasoline and diesel prices in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union, while St Lucia sits among the highest for LPG pricing. Local Media Wins: St Lucia Times scored two awards and a special mention at the CBU Media Awards in its debut, including Best Sports Photograph and Best News Photograph.

Renewables Push: Saint Lucia’s Minister Keithson Charles proposes zero-rating VAT on solar panels, batteries, inverters and installation for five years to cut electricity costs and reduce reliance on imported oil. Water Security: WASCO says it has launched an investigation after suspected tampering with a decommissioned valve restricted flow to the Delcer Water Treatment Plant in Choiseul, while also setting up leak-detection and repair units to cut non-revenue water. Aquaculture Capacity: The Ministry of Agriculture, with FAO support, runs training to build sustainable shrimp hatchery and seed production skills, including a visit to the Union Aquaculture Hatchery. Digital for MSMEs: CDB and Barbados’ Small Business Association launch a regional digital transformation push for at least 150 MSMEs across Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines, with focus on women-led and underserved firms. Trade Data for Services: OECS, UNCTAD and ECLAC wrap up an initiative using TiSSTAT to close services-trade data gaps and help governments craft export strategies. Maritime Careers: Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness is set to keynote the American Caribbean Maritime Foundation’s Anchor Awards in Florida, spotlighting shipping and logistics career pathways. Industry Finance: PROVEN returns to profitability on a US$9.4m gain from partially selling its stake in Roberts Manufacturing, reshaping its financial reporting. Local Infrastructure Works: Infrastructure Minister Shawn Edward tours Vieux Fort North and Choiseul to advance road rehabilitation plans, including Canelles–Vigé and Chu Tigre. Energy Prices Watch: ECCB data shows Antigua and Barbuda with the lowest gasoline and diesel prices in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union, while St Lucia sits at the high end.

Radiation Safety Training: A new six-month post-graduate education course in radiation protection and safety is training 12 regional professionals across the English-speaking Caribbean, aiming to close a long-standing skills gap as ionising radiation use grows in healthcare and research. Media & Industry Recognition: St Lucia Times made a strong debut at the CBU Media Awards, winning two awards and a special mention—boosting local visibility in regional broadcasting and digital journalism. Water & Utilities: WASCO launched measures to cut water leakages islandwide, including a Water Management Unit for leak detection, repair and better metering, while also investigating suspected tampering that restricted flow to the Delcer Water Treatment Plant. Agriculture & Food Security: Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Agriculture, with FAO support, ran capacity building for sustainable shrimp hatchery and seed production, including a technical visit to the Union Aquaculture Hatchery. Trade in Services Policy: OECS, UNCTAD and ECLAC wrapped up an initiative to strengthen evidence-based policymaking for trade in services, using TiSSTAT to improve services data for better export strategy planning. Renewable Energy Policy: The government proposed zero-rating VAT for solar panels, batteries, inverters and installation services for five years to speed up renewables and reduce cost pressures. Maritime & Logistics: Prime Minister Holness is set to keynote the ACMF Anchor Awards in Florida, highlighting regional shipping and logistics career pathways. Tourism & Market Diversification: Saint Lucia’s tourism sector says cancellations from the latest US travel advisory impact have been limited so far, but officials stress diversifying visitor sources.

Water & Utilities: WASCO is stepping up to cut water losses and protect infrastructure, setting up a Water Management Unit to target leak detection, better metering, and system efficiency, while also investigating suspected tampering that restricted flow to the Delcer Water Treatment Plant in Choiseul/Unionville and warning the public that damaging utility assets is an offence. Aquaculture & Food Security: Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Agriculture, with FAO support, ran capacity building for sustainable shrimp hatchery and seed production, including a visit to the Union Aquaculture Hatchery to improve processes and strengthen aquaculture diversification. Trade & Services Policy: OECS, UNCTAD and ECLAC wrapped up an evidence-based trade in services initiative, using UNCTAD’s TiSSTAT to close services data gaps and help member states craft stronger export strategies. Renewable Energy: Minister Keithson Charles proposed zero-rating VAT on solar panels, batteries, inverters and installation services for five years to speed adoption and reduce exposure to imported oil price swings. Maritime & Shipping: Prime Minister Holness is set to keynote the ACMF Anchor Awards in Miami, spotlighting regional careers in shipping, logistics and maritime services. Tourism & Transport: MSC Cruises is reshuffling winter 2027/28 itineraries—dropping Middle East routes and reallocating the MSC World Asia to the southern Caribbean with Castries among planned stops. Local Industry & Skills: Saint Lucia’s TVET centres are being highlighted regionally as CARICOM pushes for stronger technical and vocational training to match a changing economy. Business & Finance: Nu Wave Automotive says it’s expanding beyond Trinidad and Tobago with plans for a St Lucia franchise and a battery-assembly plant in Ghana to ease foreign-exchange constraints. Energy Prices: ECCB data shows Antigua and Barbuda with the lowest gasoline and diesel prices in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union, while St Lucia sits at the high end for LPG. Wildlife Moment: A fish eagle was filmed “swimming” across the St Lucia estuary with a heavy catch—an upbeat reminder of the island’s natural attractions.

Trade in Services: OECS, UNCTAD and ECLAC wrapped up a project to plug trade-in-services data gaps across the Eastern Caribbean, using UNCTAD’s TiSSTAT to help governments build stronger export strategies and link into global value chains. Maritime & Shipping Careers: Prime Minister Andrew Holness is set to keynote the American Caribbean Maritime Foundation’s 9th Annual Anchor Awards in Miami, highlighting regional pathways for shipping, logistics and port-related jobs. Energy & Transport Costs: ECCB data shows Antigua and Barbuda with the lowest gasoline and diesel prices in the ECCU, while St Lucia sits at the top end for LPG prices—fuel cost pressure remains a live issue for households and businesses. Water Infrastructure Security: WASCO is investigating suspected tampering with a decommissioned valve feeding the Delcer Water Treatment Plant in Unionville, after flow restrictions were restored and security measures were tightened. Renewables Push: Minister Keithson Charles proposed zero-rating VAT on solar panels, batteries, inverters and installation for five years to cut bills and reduce reliance on imported oil. Tourism Market Diversification: Saint Lucia’s tourism is responding to a higher U.S. travel advisory, with officials saying cancellations so far are limited but stressing the need to diversify visitor sources. Agriculture Under Heat Stress: St Lucian farmers explored modern methods, including hydroponics, as heat and other pressures challenge production. Local Industry & Skills: Saint Lucia’s TVET centres are being cited regionally as CARICOM calls for stronger technical and vocational training to match changing labour needs.

Caribbean Trade & Investment: Dolphin Cove Limited’s controlling 79.99% stake is set to be sold to Saint Lucia-incorporated Global Attractions Limited as part of a wider Caribbean asset disposal expected to generate about US$22 million in net proceeds, with closing targeted around a Chapter 11 liquidation plan date in late October (price for the local company not disclosed). Energy Costs: ECCB data for July shows Antigua and Barbuda with the lowest gasoline and diesel prices across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union, while St Lucia sits at the top end for LPG pricing—fuel cost pressure remains a live issue for households and business. Trade Policy Capacity: Saint Lucia’s trade agenda gets a boost with the appointment of trade consultants to build a Cayman Islands Trade Development Framework, led by a Saint Lucia-based team—while OECS and partners wrap up a services-trade data push using UNCTAD’s TiSSTAT to help governments plan better. Water & Infrastructure Security: WASCO is investigating suspected tampering with a decommissioned valve feeding the Delcer Water Treatment Plant in Unionville, restoring flow but warning that interference is an offence. Renewables Push: Parliament hears calls to zero-rate VAT on solar equipment and installation for five years to cut electricity costs and reduce reliance on imported oil. Skills & Development: CARICOM highlights TVET as a regional priority, with Saint Lucia represented in discussions urging stronger technical and vocational training links to employment.

Trade & Services Policy: Saint Lucia’s trade agenda gets a boost with the appointment of a consultant to build the Cayman Islands’ first Trade Development Framework, led by Saint Lucia-based Preville and Associates under GFA Consulting Group. OECS Data Push: The OECS Commission wrapped up a UNCTAD and ECLAC initiative to close services-trade data gaps using TiSSTAT, helping member states craft stronger export strategies and plug into global value chains. Water Security: WASCO is investigating suspected tampering with a decommissioned valve feeding the Delcer Water Treatment Plant in Unionville, while also working with partners to cut water losses. Renewables Drive: Minister Keithson Charles proposes zero-rating VAT on solar equipment and installation for five years to lower electricity costs and reduce dependence on imported fuel. Airport Progress: Hewanorra International Airport redevelopment is at an advanced stage, with the air traffic control tower about 95% complete and expected to be fully functional in early 2027. Skills & Jobs: CARICOM’s push for stronger TVET is echoed locally, with Saint Lucia’s TVET centres highlighted as a regional example for practical skills and employment links. Agriculture Resilience: Saint Lucia farmers are exploring climate-smart methods, including hydroponics, as heat and other pressures challenge production. Tourism Market Risk: Saint Lucia’s tourism says cancellations from a higher U.S. travel advisory have been limited so far, but officials stress the need to diversify visitor sources.

Trade in Services: The OECS Commission says it has wrapped up an evidence-based policy push with UNCTAD and ECLAC to close trade-in-services data gaps, using UNCTAD’s TiSSTAT to help member states craft export strategies and join global value chains. Renewables Push: Saint Lucia’s energy minister Keithson Charles proposes zero-rating VAT on solar panels, batteries, inverters and installation for five years to cut electricity costs and reduce reliance on imported oil. Airport Upgrade: Hewanorra International Airport redevelopment is at an “advanced stage,” with the air traffic control tower about 95% complete and expected to be fully functional in early 2027. Water Loss Cuts: WASCO, with Japan’s JICA, is targeting a 5% reduction in non-revenue water through leak fixing, meter repairs and stopping unauthorised use. Agriculture Under Heat: St. Lucia farmers are exploring modern methods, including hydroponics, as heat and other pressures challenge production. Tourism Market Diversification: Officials say cancellations from a higher U.S. travel advisory have been limited so far, but the message is clear: diversify visitor sources. Skills & Training: CARICOM’s push for stronger TVET is highlighted, with Saint Lucia’s TVET centres cited as a regional example. Scholarships: Saint Lucia Cruise Port awarded two full undergraduate scholarships covering up to four years abroad. Infrastructure Works: Minister Shawn Edward toured road rehabilitation plans in Vieux Fort North and Choiseul, including the Canelles–Vigé stretch and Chu Tigre. Cricket & Culture: Barbados Tridents top the CPL table after a nine-run win over St Lucia Kings, while a viral rain-delay “dance” by groundsmen added carnival energy to the match.

Climate-smart farming: Farmers in Dennery and Union say heat pressures are forcing them to look beyond old methods, with Isratech’s two symposiums ending in Union where growers discussed options like hydroponics and other climate-resilient practices. Renewables push: Minister Keithson Charles told Parliament Saint Lucia should cut electricity costs and oil dependence by zero-rating VAT on solar panels, batteries, inverters and installation for five years. Road and infrastructure works: Infrastructure Minister Shawn Edward toured Vieux Fort North and Choiseul, pointing to phased rehabilitation for the Canelles–Vigé stretch and the Chu Tigre area road. Airport upgrade: Hewanorra International Airport redevelopment is “advanced,” with the air traffic control tower about 95% complete and expected to be fully functional in early 2027. Water efficiency: WASCO, with JICA support, is targeting a 5% reduction in water losses by fixing leaks, repairing meters and tackling unauthorised use. Skills and jobs pipeline: CARICOM’s push for TVET skills development highlights Saint Lucia’s TVET centres as regional examples. Local business climate: The St Lucia Chamber of Commerce urges caution on calls for Carnival Monday and Tuesday public holidays, warning of operational strain on businesses. Education abroad: Saint Lucia Cruise Port awarded two 2026 undergraduate scholarships covering major costs for study in Canada and the US. Energy security debate: Separate reporting urges faster solar and geothermal adoption to ease fuel-cost pressure on electricity.

Renewables Push: Energy Minister Shawn Edward says Saint Lucia must accelerate solar and geothermal use and proposes zero-rating VAT on solar panels, batteries, inverters and installation for five years to cut electricity costs and reduce dependence on imported oil. Airport Upgrade: Hewanorra International Airport redevelopment is at an “advanced stage,” with the air traffic control tower about 95% complete and expected to be fully functional in early 2027; SLASPA has selected a contractor for the wider works. Roads & Connectivity: Infrastructure Minister Shawn Edward toured Vieux Fort North and Choiseul, outlining phased rehabilitation for the Canelles–Vigé road and the Chu Tigre area, while the North–South link road remains a concept but is now a government priority. Water Reliability: WASCO, with JICA support, aims to cut non-revenue water by 5% over three to five years by fixing leaks, repairing meters and tackling unauthorised use. Cruise Port Scholarships: Saint Lucia Cruise Port awarded two full undergraduate scholarships (STEM and non-STEM) to Shyne Savory and Rhea Barrett, covering tuition, living costs and airfare for up to four years. Tourism Market Risk: SLHTA says limited cancellations so far after a higher U.S. travel advisory, but stresses diversifying tourism markets. Local Business Watch: The Chamber of Commerce urges caution on calls for Carnival Monday/Tuesday public holidays due to operational pressure on businesses. Agriculture & Food Security: Agriculture Minister Lisa Jawahir links egg shortages to farmers turning over flocks and says unregistered farmers are missing out on support. Public Safety Info: The Agriculture Ministry debunks a viral “snake in toilet” claim, saying the video was not recorded in Saint Lucia and points residents to wildlife officers for real incidents.

Renewables Push: Energy Minister Shawn Edward says Saint Lucia should accelerate solar and geothermal use and proposes zero-rating VAT on solar panels, batteries, inverters and installation for five years to cut bills and reduce oil-price shocks. Airport Upgrade: At Hewanorra International Airport, the air traffic control tower is about 95% complete and could be fully functional by early 2027, while the wider redevelopment contractor has been selected after bidding. Water Efficiency: WASCO, with JICA support, is targeting a 5% reduction in non-revenue water over the next few years by fixing leaks, repairing meters and curbing unauthorised use. Roads & Connectivity: Infrastructure Minister Shawn Edward reports the North-South link road is still at concept stage, while separate road rehabilitation plans move forward in Vieux Fort North and Choiseul. Skills Pipeline: CARICOM’s push for TVET is echoed locally as Saint Lucia’s TVET centres are highlighted for building practical, digital-ready skills. Food & Farming: Agriculture Minister Lisa Jawahir links the egg shortage to farmers turning over flocks and stresses better coordination with unregistered producers. Tourism Demand: SLHTA says limited cancellations so far after a higher U.S. travel advisory, but urges diversifying tourism markets. Education Support: Saint Lucia Cruise Port awards two full undergraduate scholarships for 2026, covering costs for STEM and non-STEM study abroad. Industry & Culture: Flow rolls out a Caribbean-wide CPL campaign, and Kisha Kay makes history as the first woman to win Groovy Soca Monarch.

Renewables Push: Minister Shawn Edward says Saint Lucia should cut fuel dependence by accelerating solar and geothermal adoption, including a proposed five-year VAT zero-rate on solar panels, batteries, inverters and installation. Airport Upgrade: Hewanorra International Airport redevelopment is “advanced,” with the air traffic control tower about 95% complete and expected to be fully functional in early 2027. Road Works: Infrastructure Minister Shawn Edward toured Vieux Fort North and Choiseul, outlining phased rehabilitation for the Canelles–Vigé stretch and the Chu Tigre road. Water Loss Cuts: WASCO, with JICA support, is targeting a 5% reduction in non-revenue water by fixing leaks, repairing meters and tackling unauthorised use. Skills for Industry: CARICOM’s push for stronger TVET is echoed in Saint Lucia’s TVET centres, as regional leaders stress practical and digital skills for jobs. Food Security: Egg shortages are linked to farmers turning over flocks; the Agriculture Minister calls for tighter coordination with registered producers. Consumer/Business Watch: The Chamber of Commerce urges caution on calls for Carnival Monday and Tuesday public holidays, warning of operational strain on businesses. Regional Trade/Policy: A U.S. Section 201 safeguard on quartz surface products starts Aug. 15, with tariff-rate quota limits that could raise costs for importers. Scholarships: Saint Lucia Cruise Port awarded two 2026 undergraduate scholarships covering tuition and living costs for STEM and non-STEM study abroad.

Renewables Push: Energy Minister Shawn Edward says Saint Lucia must accelerate solar and geothermal to cut fuel costs and protect households from global oil price shocks. Airport Upgrade: At Hewanorra International Airport, the air traffic control tower is about 95% complete and could be fully functional by early 2027, while the wider HIA redevelopment is at an advanced stage with a contractor selected. Road Works: Infrastructure Minister Shawn Edward toured Vieux Fort North and Choiseul, mapping phased rehabilitation for the Canelles–Vigé stretch and the Chu Tigre area road. Water Loss Cuts: WASCO, with Japan’s JICA, is targeting a 5% reduction in non-revenue water over the next few years by fixing leaks, meters, and stopping unauthorised use. Tourism & Markets: Saint Lucia’s tourism is absorbing a higher U.S. travel advisory impact with limited cancellations, but officials stress the need to diversify visitor sources. Food Security: Agriculture Minister Lisa Jawahir links the egg shortage to farmers turning over flocks and calls for tighter coordination with registered producers. Cruise Port Scholarships: Saint Lucia Cruise Port awarded two 2026 undergraduate scholarships covering tuition and living costs for STEM and non-STEM study abroad. Skills Development: Saint Lucia’s TVET centres are highlighted regionally as CARICOM urges stronger vocational and digital skills for jobs. Local Business Climate: The Chamber of Commerce urges caution on calls for adding Carnival public holidays, warning of operational strain on businesses. Energy Tax Relief Plan: Minister Keithson Charles proposes zero-rating VAT on solar panels, batteries, inverters and installation services for five years. Consumer Protection: Authorities warn a viral “expired food” claim was not recorded in Saint Lucia, as officials reiterate food safety and consumer awareness steps. AI Buildathon: Future Caribbean says 450-plus builders from 39 countries are developing deployable agentic AI solutions across sectors including logistics, food systems and energy. Diplomacy & Tech Links: Taiwan ICDF marks 30 years and points to cooperation projects including agricultural and digital governance work in Saint Lucia.

Tourism Resilience: Saint Lucia’s tourism sector is absorbing the impact of a higher U.S. travel advisory with only limited cancellations so far, but officials say the island can’t rely too heavily on one source market. Energy Push: Government is urging a faster shift to solar and geothermal to cut fuel costs and ease electricity pressure. Airport Upgrade: Hewanorra International Airport redevelopment is at an “advanced” stage, with the air traffic control tower about 95% complete and expected to be fully functional in early 2027. Water Loss Reduction: WASCO, with Japan’s JICA, is targeting a 5% cut in non-revenue water through leak repairs, meter fixes and stopping unauthorised use. Skills for Jobs: Saint Lucia’s TVET centres are being highlighted across CARICOM as the region calls for stronger technical and vocational training. Food Security Watch: The Agriculture Ministry says an egg shortage is linked to farmers turning over flocks and stresses better coordination with registered producers. Local Business & Consumer Alerts: The Ministry debunks a viral “snake in toilet” claim as not recorded in Saint Lucia, urging residents to verify before sharing. Cruise Port Scholarships: Saint Lucia Cruise Port awarded two full undergraduate scholarships for 2026, supporting STEM and non-STEM study abroad. Infrastructure Planning: The North-South link road remains at concept stage, though it’s now a government priority.