AGP Executive Report

CARICOM Leadership Shift: Saint Lucia officially took over the CARICOM chairmanship on July 1, with Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre pledging a “people-centred” agenda and results citizens can feel in daily life. Regional Rights Agenda: Outgoing CARICOM chair Terrance Drew will lead a new committee to advance Rastafarian rights across the Caribbean, tackling discrimination in education, employment and public life. Consumer Protection Upgrade: Saint Lucia is launching the Consumer Connect Platform, linking the Department of Consumer Affairs, the National Consumers Association, NURC, SLBS and NTRC so complaints and support reach the right place faster. Health Warning: The Fire Service says all COPD-related emergencies it has handled so far involved men, urging young men to take smoking and COPD seriously as respiratory calls strain ambulance services. Mental Health Support: OECS and UNICEF-backed Young Caribbean Minds Chatline goes live in Saint Lucia and across the region, offering free, anonymous text-based help for young people. Tourism Development: OECS held a Community-Based Tourism workshop in Saint Lucia to help member states move from assessment to action, with communities positioned as the main beneficiaries. Public Finance Milestone: Bank of Saint Lucia marks 25 years since its 2001 merger, highlighting customer service and community impact. Crime Update: Police in St. Vincent and the Grenadines charged a 21-year-old, Delroy Harry, with murder in the June 23 killing of St. Lucian national Troy Cassely.

CARICOM Leadership: Saint Lucia officially took over the CARICOM chairmanship on July 1, with Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre pledging a people-centred agenda focused on unity, climate justice, reparatory justice, economic renewal, and practical results citizens can feel. Regional Governance Scrutiny: Political scientist Prof. Hamid Ghany says CARICOM must “clean up its act,” pointing to governance concerns and questioning the reappointment process for Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett. Health Security: Saint Lucia is strengthening its Ebola Virus Disease plan, including upgrades at international borders, staff training, and designated quarantine arrangements. Agriculture & Green Revolution: A high-level IICA–CATIE technical mission is in St. Lucia to accelerate the Green Revolution and boost climate-resilient agriculture and food security. Public Safety & Crime: Police in St. Vincent and the Grenadines charged Lowmans Hill man Delroy Harry with murder in the June 23 killing of St. Lucian Troy Cassely. Local Crime Update: Police are investigating a shooting at a bar in Marc, Bexon, where a 16-year-old girl was hit multiple times and is in critical condition. Education & Culture: St. Lucia topped the region in CPEA results, while “A Play Must Play” brought theatre exposure to students through an Anansi-themed production. Sports: Bonne Terre Blazers won the KFC National Basketball League title, and Saint Lucia dominated OECS Bridge Championships with multiple wins.

CARICOM Leadership: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre officially begins his CARICOM chairmanship today, pledging a people-centred agenda focused on unity, climate justice, reparatory justice, economic renewal and practical regional action. Governance Watch: Political scientist Prof. Hamid Ghany says CARICOM must “clean up its act,” questioning the process around the reappointment of CARICOM Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett and pointing to possible legal grounds for challenge. Education Wins: St. Lucia tops the region in the 2026 CPEA, improving across all subjects; Mathematics remains the lowest area, but overall results rose from 77.24% to 79.26%. Sports: Soufrière and Canaries lead after the SPFL season 3 opening weekend; Bonne Terre Blazers capture the KFC National Basketball League title; and Monchy United dominate the BOSL LUCELEC Youth Tournament with multiple division wins. Public Safety: Police investigate three weekend homicides, including a 16-year-old girl shot in Bexon (Marc) and other fatal shootings in Jacmel and Marchand. Health & Safety: The Medical and Dental Association warns against unlicensed sellers of GLP-1 drugs and urges purchases only from licensed pharmacies. Regional Culture: Saint Lucia’s bridge team brings home multiple titles at the OECS Bridge Championships, while Tamis Modeste is crowned Soufrière Carnival Queen 2026.

Education: Saint Lucia topped the region in the 2026 Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment, improving across all subjects and lifting the national average to 79.26% (from 77.24%). Language Arts, Science and Social Studies rose, while Mathematics remains the lowest-performing subject. Courts & Public Safety: The High Court ordered the state to pay over $168,000 to two innocent bystanders injured by stray police bullets in a 2023 shooting outside a Laborie nightclub. CARICOM Leadership: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre is set to assume CARICOM chairmanship on July 1, pledging a more people-centred agenda focused on tangible benefits in daily life. Water Woes: Residents continue to feel the strain of St. Lucia’s ongoing water supply crisis, with reports highlighting how long-running problems persist despite major investment. Crime & Security: Police launched a homicide probe after a deadly Jacmel, Anse La Raye shooting left one man dead and two injured. Public Finance: The ECCB is calling for sweeping public finance reforms, warning that monetary stability depends on fiscal discipline. Community Corrections: A new re-entry approach begins rehabilitation inside prison through a Community Re-Entry Program. Health: Health officials renewed appeals for more blood donors as donations decline. Agriculture: The government moved to tackle stray cattle on roads, with Agriculture Minister Lisa Jawahir saying action was needed to prevent accidents and loss of life.

Caricom Integration: Prime Minister Philip Pierre, incoming Caricom chair, says the bloc must get closer to people by delivering tangible benefits in daily life, with unity and diversity as key strengths. VAT Debate: Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet questions whether VAT-free building materials are boosting home construction for everyday Saint Lucians, while government says the sector is still growing, just more moderately. Crime in Jacmel: Royal Saint Lucia Police launched a homicide probe after a Saturday shooting in Jacmel, Anse La Raye left one dead and two injured. Port Modernisation: Infrastructure Minister Shawn Edward backs a major SLASPA loan to fund preparatory work for Saint Lucia port upgrades. Soufriere Security Push: Police and stakeholders formed a working group to tackle crime and violence in Soufriere after community walkthroughs and a June 11 meeting. Earthquake Relief Connectivity: Flow customers get free calls to Venezuela for a week after the quake, with zero-rated mobile voice calls until July 6. ECCB at 50: ECCB will host a July 1 panel marking 50 years of the EC dollar’s fixed peg to the US. Agriculture & Roads: Agriculture Minister Lisa Jawahir says zero tolerance for stray cattle is in effect, after renewed reports of cows on highways and concerns over deaths from earlier relocations. Carnival 2026: Soufriere Carnival Queen 2026 crowned; calypso monarch finalists set after semifinals, with national finals scheduled for July 11. Sports & Youth: Saint Lucia Aquatics Federation names an eight-member team for Pan Am Swimming in Colombia, and Saint Lucia’s Pan Am-ready swimmers include CARIFTA champions and an Olympian. Business Support: Commerce’s Small Enterprise Development Unit steps up outreach in Micoud to connect small businesses with grants, loans and partner agencies. LIAT Fallout: Passengers report hours-long LIAT delays with poor communication and no meals during disruptions affecting St. Kitts routes.

Tourism & Hospitality: Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences in St. Lucia has appointed Almando Rigby as General Manager, effective June 15, tasking him with leading 145 staff and strengthening guest experience across key departments. Public Safety & Justice: Police are investigating a fatal shooting in Marchand that killed Jordon Lansiquot hours before his birthday; investigators are asking anyone with information to contact Marchand Police or the Crime Hotline. Sports (Cricket): The IOC has approved cricket’s LA 2028 qualification pathway, but the West Indies can’t qualify as one Olympic team—so a Caribbean Qualifier will decide which nation represents the region. Regional Energy/Business: Danville Walker has stepped down from West Indies Petroleum and is set to lead Petrojam as managing director from July 1. Local Community & Culture: Mount Pimard opens to the public as a renovated beach park, part of a push for more recreation and culture-focused public spaces. Health & Consumer Watch: St. Lucians are being urged to use licensed pharmacies and avoid buying prescription and GLP-1 medicines from unlicensed sellers and social media. Soca & Community Events: The Groovy and Power Soca Monarch semi-finals delivered the line-up for finals on July 10, with multiple crowd favourites advancing.

OECS Leadership: Antigua and Barbuda PM Gaston Browne has taken over as chair of the OECS Authority at its 78th meeting in Antigua, pledging a focus on regional integration, economic self-reliance, climate resilience, and security. Energy Sector: Danville Walker has stepped down as senior vice president at West Indies Petroleum and is set to lead Petrojam as managing director from July 1. Olympic Cricket Pathway: Cricket’s LA 2028 qualification rules are set, but the West Indies can’t qualify as one team; a Caribbean Qualifier will decide which nation represents the region. Local Crime: A man was shot dead in Marchand hours before his birthday; police identified the victim as Jordon Lansiquot and are seeking information. Tourism & Jobs: Turks and Caicos’ Almando Rigby has been appointed general manager of St. Lucia’s Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences. Sports (Soca): The Groovy and Power Soca Monarch semi-finals are complete, with finalists confirmed ahead of the July 10 showdown. Environment/Agri: A Trinidad-based group is pitching “blue gold” sargassum processing to turn seaweed into fertiliser and other farm products.

Sports Discipline: Antigua & Barbuda U20 captain Keyonte George has been left out of the Concacaf U20 Championship squad for “disciplinary reasons” after an alleged confrontation with coach Schyan Jeffers, with the team set to travel via St Lucia and then on to Mexico. Local Tourism & Public Space: Mount Pimard opens to the public after a modern renovation, as tourism officials push for more recreation-focused waterfront spaces that also benefit residents. Health & Environment: St Lucia issues a Saharan dust advisory as hazy conditions reduce air quality, urging vulnerable people to limit outdoor exposure and protect airways. Education & Health Milestone: Saint Lucian Camille Andrew becomes the first OECS woman to earn a medical degree in Morocco, graduating with highest honors after seven years of training. Agriculture & Livelihoods: Stakeholders move to upgrade the sea moss industry at Savannes Bay, including plans for marine debris removal and sustainable raft systems to support farmers. Public Service Focus: Public Service Week 2026 highlights calls for efficiency, accountability, and people-centered service delivery across government.

Public Health & Environment: Saint Lucia issued a Saharan dust advisory as hazy conditions reduce air quality, urging vulnerable people to limit outdoor exposure and use masks if needed. Tourism & Governance: Tourism Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire pushed public sector departments to improve urgency and attendance at tourism committee meetings, warning delays cost the private sector “time is money.” Sea Moss & Fisheries: Stakeholders moved to upgrade the sea moss industry around Savannes Bay, with plans for sustainable raft systems and marine debris removal to protect livelihoods and the mangrove environment. Education & Health: Saint Lucian Camille Andrew made history by becoming the first OECS woman to earn an MD in Morocco with highest honors, after seven years of training. Regional Diplomacy: Canada and CARICOM renewed their strategic partnership, focusing on security, climate resilience and trade, with Haiti also on the agenda. Public Service: Public Service Week 2026 spotlighted efficiency, accountability and people-centered service delivery across government. Sports: West Indies’ Kemar Roach created history with a 300th Test wicket in Antigua as the team beat Sri Lanka by an innings.

Public Access & Tourism: Mount Pimard Public Beach Park has reopened after modern renovation, with officials also addressing lingering vendor concerns tied to the earlier demolition and compensation. Health & Environment: Saint Lucia issued a Saharan dust advisory as hazy conditions reduce air quality, urging people—especially those with asthma, COPD, allergies and sinus issues—to limit outdoor exposure and use protective masks. Education & Regional Pride: Camille Andrew became the first OECS female to earn a Doctor of Medicine degree in Morocco, graduating with highest honors after seven years of training and research on pediatric inflammatory bowel disease. Governance & Service Delivery: Tourism Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire pushed public sector departments to improve operations and show up on tourism committee boards, warning that delays cost businesses “time is money.” Industry & Livelihoods: Stakeholders are moving to upgrade the sea moss sector at Savannes Bay, including standards and a USD 80,000 project for marine debris removal and sustainable raft systems. Sports: Soufrière Kings evened the KFC National Basketball League Finals 1-1 with a 47-43 win over Bonne Terre Blazers, setting up another decisive clash. Public Service Week: Public Service Week 2026 highlighted efficiency, accountability and people-centered service, with calls for innovation across the public service.

Tourism & Public Service: Tourism Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire urged public sector departments to speed up decision-making and show up for Tourism Advisory Committee meetings, warning that delays cost the private sector “time is money.” Health & Immunization: Saint Lucia took part in a GAVI workshop in Copenhagen to strengthen vaccine and immunization planning, focusing on health system readiness and support for vulnerable groups. Sea Moss & Environment: Stakeholders in Savannes Bay are pushing to revive the sea moss industry with new standards and a marine debris removal project using sustainable raft systems, aiming to protect mangroves and boost farmer livelihoods. Air Quality Advisory: A Saharan dust plume is bringing hazy conditions and poorer air quality; health officials warned people with asthma, COPD, allergies and other risks to limit outdoor exposure and protect airways. Skills for SMEs: Taiwan Technical Mission training in Laborie, Castries, Soufrière and Dennery taught AI-powered marketing tools to 80+ participants, with most rating the programme highly. Regional Diplomacy: Canada and CARICOM renewed their partnership with a new action plan on resilient economies, climate action and regional security, including Haiti. Crime Update: Police in St. Vincent identified a shooting victim in the Great House community as a Saint Lucian national known as “Luche,” as investigations continue. Sports: Coast to Coast Netball wraps up Saturday with finals in both junior and senior categories.

Local Football: Saint Lucian defender Janoi Donacien has joined Northampton on a one-year deal and says he’s comfortable across the back line, with Cobblers boss Chris Hogg highlighting his versatility and drive. Education Milestone: OECS and Saint Lucia celebrate Camille Andrew, the first OECS woman to earn an MD in Morocco, graduating with highest honours after defending her thesis in May. Public Safety & Crime: Police continue work after a fatal shooting in St Vincent’s Great House, where a Saint Lucian national known as “Luche” was identified, while St Lucia authorities help confirm details. Community & Sports: Megan Nestor returned home to Canaries after a standout NCAA season, with a motorcade and praise from MP Wayne Girard. Regional Disaster Response: Caricom and regional leaders extended condolences and support to Venezuela after twin earthquakes. Police Development: The Royal St. Lucia Police Force held its AGM, focusing on reform, development, and the next policing agenda. Health Watch: Health officials warn the public against buying Ozempic from beauty salons and social media, urging licensed pharmacies instead.

Crime & Safety: Police in St. Vincent and the Grenadines are still working with the Royal St. Lucia Police Force to confirm the identity of a Saint Lucian man killed in the Great House shooting in Lowmans Leeward on June 23; the victim, known by the alias “Luche,” was shot after officers responded to reports of gunfire, with investigations ongoing. Health Watch: Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Health is warning the public to avoid buying prescription medicines—especially GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic—from beauty salons and social media or other unlicensed sellers. Education & Opportunity: Saint Lucia launched a US$30 million P.E.R.T. programme aimed at inclusive education, while Camille Andrew made history as the first OECS woman to earn an MD in Morocco with highest honours. Energy & Economy: The House passed an electricity bill to allow independent green energy suppliers to feed into the grid, and government also moved to ease tax burdens through new incentives. Tourism & Regional Links: Tourism Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire defended the Arsenal partnership as a strategic investment, and the OECS reappointed Dr Didacus Jules for a fourth term as Director General. Environment & Livelihoods: A project targets abandoned seamoss farms in Savannes Bay, removing debris and testing more sustainable raft systems to help farmers return.

Health & Safety: Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Health is warning people not to buy GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic from unlicensed pharmacies, beauty salons, or social media, citing risks from counterfeit, contaminated, or improperly stored products. Education Funding: The Ministry says the US$30.4m P.E.R.T. programme is pushing inclusive education so no child is left behind. Energy Law: The House has passed an electricity bill that opens the grid to independent green energy suppliers, aiming to cut reliance on fossil-fuel power. Public Service Reform: RSLPF says integrity, professionalism, and zero tolerance for corruption are central to reform efforts. Tourism & Partnerships: Tourism Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire urged faster action and stronger public-private collaboration, while Arsenal announced a multi-year partnership with the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority to boost international visibility. Regional & Disaster Watch: CARICOM leaders expressed condolences and readiness to help Venezuela after twin earthquakes devastated parts of the country, with deaths and injuries continuing to rise. Youth & Community: The Sandals Foundation launched a Monchy Courtyard beautification project to create a youth-focused community hub. Sports: Netball Coast to Coast finals are set for June 27 at Micoud Court, and the KFC National Basketball League finals opener saw Bonne Terre Blazers edge Soufrière Kings 62-59.

Health Warning: St. Lucia’s Ministry of Health is urging people to stop buying prescription medicines, especially GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, from beauty salons, social media, or other unlicensed sellers. Education Push: The government has launched P.E.R.T., a US$30.4m programme aimed at making schooling more inclusive and ensuring no child is left behind. Energy Reform: The House has passed an electricity bill that opens the grid to independent green energy suppliers, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Water Worries: Reporting highlights how St. Lucia’s intermittent supply and broader water stress are still hitting households, with officials warning relief may be limited by weather patterns. Environment Alert: A lecture warns WWII shipwrecks across the Caribbean could become an oil-spill threat, with no clear assessment or mitigation plan in place. Community Development: The Theresa Vitalis Foundation has launched in Vieux Fort, starting with housing support for a disabled resident. Regional Tech Skills: ECCB will host a free STEM Camp starting July 6 for ages 14–18 across ECCU member states, including St. Lucia. International Ties: Prime Minister Pierre sent condolences to Venezuela after deadly earthquakes.

Arsenal Deal Debate: In St. Lucia’s House of Assembly, the government defended its Arsenal FC partnership as transformative, while opposition pushed for disclosure and questioned value for money. Health Warning: The Ministry of Health urged people to avoid prescription drugs, especially GLP-1 products like Ozempic, from unlicensed pharmacies, beauty spots, or social media, stressing medical supervision and licensed dispensing only. Water & Fuel Updates: PM Pierre clarified WASCO rate changes are set by the independent NURC, not government, while fuel and LPG prices for June 22–July 12 stayed unchanged under the pass-through mechanism. Telecom Disruption: Regulators said Flow’s outage in Dominica and St. Lucia was linked to a fibre fault between Guadeloupe and Antigua, and urged customers to plan backup communication options. Public Services & Education: Public Service Week 2026 kicked off with a push for innovation and inclusion, alongside the launch of P.E.R.T., an AI-driven education realignment effort. Community & Environment: A youth hub was created in Monchy Courtyard, sea moss farming got a major boost, and Carmen René Memorial Primary School won the Green Champions Challenge for e-waste and can recycling. Vision Care Partnership: Government signed a 12-month MoU with RestoringVision to screen for presbyopia and distribute up to 50,000 donated eyeglasses. Sports & Culture: The Saint Lucia Squash Open returned after 13 years, and the Bordelais Correctional Facility launched “Voices Beyond the Walls,” a poetry anthology by residents.