AGP Executive Report

Connectivity & Infrastructure: EllaLink officially launched its Caribbean Gateway initiative, a new fibre optic submarine cable linking Cayenne to Martinique and Guadeloupe, with western branches for Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, aiming for service by end-2029. Tourism & Hospitality: Bay Gardens Resorts unveiled Sapphire Sands Villas, a new five-star, nine-villa retreat on Reduit Beach with butler service, a waterfront spa and a Korean-Caribbean dining concept. Energy Transition: Saint Lucia’s geothermal exploration is now underway in Saltibus, Fond St Jacques and Belle Plaine, with relocation of two families and next steps including road works and well-pad preparation. Food Safety: GraceKennedy Foods is recalling specific batches of Grace Tropical Rhythms Fruit Punch 1L in several markets including Saint Lucia, citing a product-quality issue (no expected health impact). Labour & Migration: Minister Emma Hippolyte’s Canada visit highlighted long-running farm workers’ concerns about retirement and pension contributions under the Canada Farm Labour Programme. Justice: The CCJ will hold itinerant sittings in St Lucia from Oct 7–8, hearing cases from St Lucia, Guyana and Belize. Road Safety: GK Insurance EC urged motorists to drive carefully this Thanksgiving weekend, warning against speeding, phone use, reckless overtaking and drunk driving. Sports: Saint Lucia’s senior men’s team beat Guadeloupe 3-0 in Concacaf Nations League, with Caniggia Elva scoring from the spot and Kegan Caull netting a hat-trick in recent action.

Cricket Spotlight: Dwayne Bravo pulled off a stunning one-handed catch for West Indies Champions against South Africa Champions at the World Championship of Legends 2026 in Sharjah. Football (Nations League): Rajesh Lachoo notched back-to-back wins with St Lucia, beating Guadeloupe 3-0 after a 5-2 win over Bermuda, while the wider League B action saw tight results across the groups. Food Recall: GraceKennedy Foods recalled specific batches of Grace Tropical Rhythms Fruit Punch (1-litre) in Jamaica and several other markets including Saint Lucia, saying it’s a quality issue, not a safety concern. Regional Diplomacy: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, also CARICOM chair, paid tribute to late French Guiana President Gabriel Serville, highlighting his role in strengthening Caribbean ties. Justice Watch: The Caribbean Court of Justice will hold its first-ever itinerant sittings in Saint Lucia from Oct 7–8, hearing cases from St Lucia, Guyana and Belize. Public Health & Safety: World No Alcohol Day was marked under “Alcohol and Me,” and GK Insurance urged motorists to drive carefully this Thanksgiving weekend. Housing & Youth: Government reiterated plans to expand home ownership, while Minister Casimir pushed for faster rollout of the National Youth Policy and Action Plan.

Regional Football: St Lucia’s senior men’s team kept momentum in Concacaf Nations League, beating Guadeloupe 3-0 in Barbados, with Caniggia Elva scoring from the spot and Arkell Jude Boyd and Donavan Phillip adding goals. CCJ on the Move: The Caribbean Court of Justice will hold its first-ever itinerant sittings in St Lucia from Tuesday Oct 7 to Wednesday Oct 8, hearing cases from St Lucia, Guyana and Belize. Public Health & Safety: GraceKennedy Foods is recalling specific batches of Grace Tropical Rhythms Fruit Punch sold in Jamaica, Barbados and St Lucia (and others), saying it’s a quality issue not a safety concern. Community & Culture: St Lucia marked World No Alcohol Day under “Alcohol and Me,” while Kwéyòl Heritage Month kicked off with a call that “Kwéyòl-la Sé Sa Nou Tout” belongs to everyone. Road Safety: GK Insurance EC is urging motorists to drive carefully this Thanksgiving weekend, warning against speeding, distraction and driving after drinking. Youth Policy: Education Minister Kenson Casimir pushed for faster, results-focused rollout of the National Youth Policy and Action Plan 2025-2030. Disaster Preparedness: Choiseul was named “Tsunami Ready,” with plans for warning, evacuation routes and drills.

International Day of Older Persons: Prime Minister Philip J Pierre marked Oct. 1 with a message honouring elders and pointing to support like the Home Care Programme, Golden 80 Plus, PAP, pension increases, and dementia/Alzheimer’s training. Road Safety: GK Insurance EC urged motorists to drive carefully this Thanksgiving weekend, warning against speeding, distracted driving, dangerous overtaking and drink-driving. Tax & Public Service: PM Pierre also recognized Inland Revenue Department staff, highlighting tax relief measures and an extended tax amnesty to Dec 2027. Courts & Governance: The Caribbean Court of Justice will hold historic itinerant sittings in St Lucia on Oct 7–8, its first time doing so in 21 years. Disaster Preparedness: Choiseul was named “Tsunami Ready” by UNESCO, with plans for warnings, evacuation routes, drills and disability-inclusive support. Health & Protection: A new Independent Child Protection Advisor programme seeks to expand free, confidential advocacy for children affected by abuse. Sports: Under-12 soccer semi-finals are set for today at the Technical Centre in Grande Rivière, Dennery. Business & Regulation: Water truckers must now obtain licences from NURC to transport water for resale.

Caribbean Courts: The CCJ is set to hold a historic sitting in St. Lucia, a major moment for regional justice. Football (Nations League): Saint Lucia’s Piton Boyz target back-to-back wins as they face Guadeloupe again, after a 5-2 home win over Bermuda with Kegan Caull’s hat-trick under new coach Rajesh Latchoo. Local Sports: Women’s football is getting a boost, with SLFA initiatives including a girls’ festival and a national consultation on a Women’s Football Strategic Plan with FIFA support. Education: The St. Lucia Teachers’ Union conference urged teachers to stay central to shaping the education sector, with concern raised over the absence of Ministry officials. Language & Culture: Kwéyòl Heritage Month 2026 was launched in Laborie, calling on Saint Lucians to embrace the language and its identity. Governance & Welfare: A new executive was elected for the Correctional Service Welfare Association, aiming to better represent correctional officers on welfare and working conditions. EU Passport Pressure: The EU has told Eastern Caribbean states to end citizenship-by-investment schemes by 2028 or risk losing visa-free access. Road Readiness: (International) Nairobi’s governor ordered accelerated road and drainage works ahead of El Niño rains, highlighting how infrastructure planning can reduce flood risk. Humanitarian Spotlight: Saint Lucian humanitarian Marcus “Mufasa” Joseph completed an eight-day Mount Kilimanjaro trek to support school expansion and other causes. Parole News (US): Amber Guyger was granted parole in the Botham Jean case, a decision that has drawn renewed public debate.

Education & Governance: The St. Lucia Teachers’ Union conference urged teachers to stay at the centre of shaping the education sector, with concern raised over the absence of Ministry of Education officials. Citizenship by Investment: EU talks in New York left little room for compromise: Saint Lucia and other Eastern Caribbean islands have until 2028 to end golden passports or risk losing visa-free access. Culture & Language: Kwéyòl Heritage Month 2026 was launched in Laborie, calling on Saint Lucians to embrace the language as part of identity, with host communities named for the month’s main activities. Sports: Saint Lucia roared back in Concacaf Nations League, beating Bermuda 5-2 as Keegan Caull scored a hat-trick; earlier, Guadeloupe and Barbados played to a 2-2 draw. Tourism & Infrastructure: Cruise upgrades won’t be fully ready for the coming season, with Castries waterfront works continuing; the minister pointed to supply delays. Housing Finance: The House of Assembly approved a US$20 million guarantee to support Saint Lucia housing loans for low- and middle-income households. Public Safety: The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force is asking people with unresolved disciplinary complaints to contact its Discipline Unit as it pushes for internal discipline and public trust. International Spotlight: A St. Lucian-linked case abroad drew attention as former Dallas officer Amber Guyger was granted parole after serving seven years for the 2018 killing of Botham Jean.

Tourism & Economy: Saint Lucia expects a 7.3% jump in winter airlift for Nov 2026–Mar 2027, projecting 295,244 seats, with big gains from the US and Canada and more frequent services from key cities. Housing Finance: The House of Assembly approved a US$20 million guarantee to back affordable housing loans via the Saint Lucia Development Bank, aimed at low- and middle-income households. Cruise Update: Cruise upgrades at Castries are not expected to be ready for the new season, with work continuing and the “big season” pushed to next year. UN/Policy: The EU is pressing Saint Lucia and other OECS CIPs to end Citizenship-By-Investment programmes by 2028 or face loss of visa-free Schengen access. Culture & Community: Choiseul and Piaye have been certified UNESCO tsunami-ready, and Soufrière residents plan a Unity March under “Stronger, Safer Together.” Sports: The Piton Boyz bounced back with a 5-2 Nations League win over Bermuda, highlighted by Kegan Caull’s hat-trick. Public Safety: Police are urging people with unresolved complaints to contact the Discipline Unit as internal discipline becomes a priority.

Concacaf Nations League: St. Lucia bounced back from a loss to Barbados by hammering Bermuda 5-2 at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, with Keegan Caull firing a first-half hat-trick (15th, 18th, 35th) before Shevon Bryan and Kurt Frederick added goals. Regional chess: At the 46th Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan, Cuba led the Caribbean in the Open section (61st), while St. Lucia finished 164th; China won the Women’s title. Public safety: The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force is urging anyone with unresolved disciplinary complaints to contact its Discipline Unit, citing concerns over misconduct and indiscipline. Crime update: A man, Larian Swanson, has been charged with the 2025 murder of Venus “Toho” Joseph after DNA confirmed remains found in a burnt vehicle. Tourism & transport: St. Lucia is projecting 295,244 winter-season seats (Nov 2026–Mar 2027), a 7.3% rise, as cruise upgrades at Castries waterfront won’t be fully ready until next season. Health & community: Free eye screenings and reading glasses start Oct. 1 at primary care facilities, while Soufriere residents plan a “Stronger, Safer Together” unity march with police support.

Football (CONCACAF Nations League): Saint Lucia’s Piton Boyz roared back with a 5-2 win over Bermuda, led by Keegan Caull’s first-half hat-trick, as the home side bounced after a loss to Barbados. Tourism & Airlift: Saint Lucia is projecting a 7.3% jump in winter scheduled seats to 295,244 from Nov 2026–Mar 2027, with big gains expected from the US and Canada. Public Health: Free reading glasses and eye screenings roll out at primary care facilities starting Oct 1 for people over 40. Housing Finance: The House of Assembly approved a US$20M guarantee to expand affordable housing, with funds aimed at low- and middle-income projects. Crime & Social Support: Government says crime needs a coordinated response; meanwhile, PAP beneficiaries are being reassessed using SLNET as officials seek “current and accurate information.” Culture: The Calypso Review Committee honoured Jeff Elva (“The Mighty Pelay”) on the 15th anniversary of his death, spotlighting his legacy. Sports Beyond Football: Anglers celebrated the 2026 Billfish Tournament at Rodney Bay, while RR Aquatic made history with its first overseas club travel meet in Grenada.

Concacaf Nations League: Saint Lucia opened their 2026/27 campaign with a big 5-2 win over Bermuda at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, powered by Kegan Caull’s first-half hat-trick, with Shevon Byron and Kurt Frederick adding in the second half. Public Assistance: The Welfare Unit has started the first full reassessment of Saint Lucia’s Public Assistance Programme since 2023, reviewing about 3,500 current beneficiaries plus people on the waiting list using the SLNET eligibility tool. EU Citizenship by Investment: Saint Lucia has been given until June 2028 to phase out its CIP or risk losing visa-free Schengen access, with officials pointing to EU “adamant” positions after talks in New York. Food security push: Caribbean agriculture ministers meeting in Jamaica called for deeper regional integration, better transport and cold-chain links, harmonised standards, and a new financing model to make food security real. Water in schools: NET is rolling out safe drinking water and hydration stations in schools, targeting institutions hit by drought and high temperatures. Sports & culture: Saint Lucia also plans to honour Olympic champion Julien Alfred with a statue, while the region mourns calypso legend Mighty Sparrow, who died at 91.

CARICOM & UN Diplomacy: St. Lucia PM Philip J. Pierre paid tribute to calypsonian The Mighty Sparrow after his death at 91, calling him a Caribbean voice “unmistakably our own,” while Pierre also denied reports that Saint Lucia walked out of the UN General Assembly during Netanyahu’s speech. Regional Politics: CARICOM Chair Pierre urged renewed multilateral cooperation at UNGA, stressing climate finance, debt relief, Haiti, reparatory justice and UN Security Council reform. EU Travel Rules: Saint Lucia has been given until June 2028 to phase out its Citizenship by Investment programme or risk losing EU visa-free access to the Schengen Area. Sports (Football): Saint Lucia opened their 2026/27 Concacaf Nations League campaign with a 5-2 win over Bermuda, led by Kegan Caull’s first-half hat-trick. Sports (Athletics): Plans are advancing for a statue honouring Olympic champion Julien Alfred, with land near the Julien Alfred Highway already secured. Crime: Police are investigating the murder of 40-year-old Justus Leo in Bexon, Castries. Work & Tourism: An ILO study flags informality and weak labour protections in Eastern Caribbean tourism, including Saint Lucia, calling for better working conditions and support for small businesses to formalize.

Nations League: St Lucia thrashed Bermuda 5-2 in League B, leaving Bermuda bottom with no points after two straight losses. Local Politics: Speaker Claudius Francis says Senate President Wade Mark’s casting vote on the Special Operations Bill was lawful, even if it broke convention. UNGA Claims: PM Philip Pierre denies reports St Lucia walked out during Netanyahu’s UN speech, saying the country did not participate. Courts: The AG has appealed a July ruling ordering $75,000 damages in the Chacadan Daniel case, seeking to overturn parts of the judgment. EU/Citizenship by Investment: Saint Lucia and OECS states face a June 2028 deadline to phase out CIPs or risk losing Schengen visa-free access. Sports & Culture: Plans are advancing for a statue honouring Olympic champion Julien Alfred; St Lucia also won chess medals at the Olympiad in Uzbekistan. Crime: Police are investigating the murder of 40-year-old Justus Leo in Bexon, Castries.

Tourism & Jobs: A new ILO study says tourism drives about 39% of GDP and over 11% of jobs across Eastern Caribbean states including Saint Lucia, but informality and weak labour protections are holding back decent work and sustainable growth. Regional Security: OAS member states, including Saint Lucia, are urging the UN Security Council to renew Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate and fully deploy it with personnel, funding, equipment and logistics. UN Diplomacy: At UNGA, Barbados PM Mia Mottley called for the Caribbean to remain a “zone of peace,” warning against force and confrontation, while Russia backed India’s bid for a permanent UNSC seat and opposed expanding Western representation. Electricity Costs: LUCELEC says September’s fuel surcharge is 35.6 cents per kWh, tied to higher August fuel prices. Crime & Justice: The FIA has charged Electra Fernand in connection with money laundering linked to the Creators Alliance Investment Scheme. Football (Concacaf Nations League): Barbados beat Saint Lucia 2-0 in League B opener; Bermuda now faces St Lucia tonight after losing 2-1 to Guadeloupe. Business/Travel: Cruise giant Royal Caribbean welcomed as it moves toward a US$3bn deal to buy a 50% stake in Sandals, a partnership praised by regional cruise and private-sector groups.

UN Diplomacy on Haiti: Barbados PM Mia Mottley urged the Caribbean to stay a “Zone of Peace” and backed full renewal and deployment of the UN-authorised multinational gang suppression mission in Haiti, warning insecurity is blocking political renewal and economic recovery. Regional Security Push: All 32 OAS member states called on the UN Security Council to renew Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate and fund it fully, stressing Haitian-led solutions and that a mandate alone won’t deliver results. Saint Lucia Football: Barbados beat St Lucia 2-0 in the Concacaf Nations League opener at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, with goals from Thierry Gale (penalty) and Niall Reid-Stephen. OECS–EU Citizenship by Investment: OECS leaders plan a Europe visit next month to clarify the EU’s stance on CBI programmes after the EU asked affected countries, including Saint Lucia, to phase them out by June 1, 2028 or risk losing visa-free Schengen access. Electricity Cost Update: LUCELEC set September 2026 fuel surcharge at 35.6 cents per kWh, reflecting higher August fuel costs. Health & Inclusion: Government signed an MoU to expand presbyopia screening and free reading glasses through primary health care from October 1, and a new Saint Lucia Prosthetic Centre opened to help amputees regain mobility. Money Laundering Case: FIA charged Electra Fernand with seven counts of money laundering linked to the Creators Alliance Investment Scheme.

Crime & Policing: The Royal St Lucia Police Force says illegal firearms remain central to violent crime, reporting 48 homicides year-to-date (down from 59) but noting 36 involved illegal guns, while warning prosecutions will proceed “without impunity.” Cost of Living: LUCELEC set September’s fuel surcharge at 35.6 cents per kWh, citing higher August fuel costs. UN & Diplomacy: At UNGA, Russia backed India’s bid for a permanent UNSC seat while opposing more Western representation; meanwhile, climate-vulnerable states including St. Lucia’s PM Philip J Pierre urged grants and faster access to climate finance, warning against “loans with solidarity” that deepen debt. Regional Security: OAS member states called for renewal of Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate and urged sustained funding and support. Local Health: Presbyopia screening and free reading glasses roll out from Oct. 1 through primary health care. Disability Support: NCPD launched a two-year project to build a knowledge management system to improve services for persons with disabilities. Sports: Barbados beat St Lucia 2-0 in CONCACAF Nations League League B; locally, the SPFL season is at its halfway mark with seven teams in contention. Tourism & Culture: St Lucia Jazz & Arts won “Music Festival of the Year,” and Secrets St Lucia marked its first anniversary with a showcase event. Business: Bank of Saint Lucia held a merchant seminar on modern payments, including tap-to-pay via smartphones.

UN Finance & Climate Justice: Developing countries at UNGA demanded an overhaul of global lending and climate-finance rules, saying small island states are forced to borrow to recover from disasters they didn’t cause. UN Security Council Reform: Russia’s Sergey Lavrov backed India’s bid for a permanent UNSC seat while warning against adding more Western members; Portugal and Mauritius also voiced support for India. Crime & Public Safety: Saint Lucia’s police warned social media users not to share “roadblock” locations, saying it could help criminals evade lawful operations; meanwhile, the RSLPF reported fewer offences and a drop in homicides, but noted many killings involved illegal firearms. Electricity Costs: LUCELEC set September’s fuel surcharge at 35.6 cents per kWh, citing higher August fuel costs. Money Laundering Case: The FIA charged Electra Fernand with seven counts of money laundering tied to the Creators Alliance Investment Scheme. Tourism & Business: Royal Caribbean announced a US$3bn deal to buy a 50% stake in Sandals, which includes three Saint Lucia properties; locally, Bank of Saint Lucia and Discover held a merchant seminar, and SLTA hosted Canadian travel media. Health & Inclusion: Presbyopia screening and free reading glasses roll out from Oct 1, and a new Saint Lucia Prosthetic Centre opened to help amputees walk again. Sports: Barbados beat St Lucia 2-0 in Concacaf Nations League; Piton Boyz coach Rajesh Latchoo is preparing for the next clash as the Tridents top the group.