Government Of Saint Lucia

Authorities are urging residents to conserve water and remain prepared as developing El Niño conditions are expected to bring hotter and drier conditions during Saint Lucia's 2026 wet season. Meteorological officials are forecasting near-normal to below-normal hurricane activity but warn that heavy rainfall and localized flooding can still occur, emphasizing the importance of monitoring weather updates and maintaining emergency plans.

The Water and Sewerage Company Inc. (WASCO) will undertake rehabilitation works on two valve boxes along the Sir Julian R. Hunte Highway on August 1 and 2. Temporary closures of the southbound lane will be implemented at two locations, with motorists urged to exercise caution, follow traffic-control measures and use alternative routes where possible.

Patients receiving treatment at the newly opened Dialysis Unit at St. Jude Hospital are expressing gratitude for the modern, purpose-built facility. The new unit, which replaces the temporary facility at the George Odlum Stadium, features 15 treatment chairs and provides dialysis services to 45 patients across three daily shifts.

Saint Lucia's Emancipation Day 2026 celebrations officially begin on August 1 with the ringing of freedom bells, followed by a month-long programme of activities. Events include the Emancipation Day Lecture, tributes to ancestors and historical figures, a book launch, treasure hunt, poetry challenge, Emancipation Markets and the closing La Woz Gwan Fete celebration.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition is launching Saint Lucia's first population-based cancer registry to provide reliable nationwide data on cancer cases. Officials say the registry will help identify trends, strengthen prevention and screening programmes, improve patient care, support research, and guide the allocation of healthcare resources.

In the headlines: Emancipation celebrations to honour freedom and heritage and Saint Lucia launches population based Cancer registry For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

Saint Lucia is strengthening its national framework to combat money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing, as officials review the findings of the 2025 National Risk Assessment. The exercise is being used to identify vulnerabilities, address deficiencies and prepare the country for the fifth-round mutual evaluation by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF).

The Ministry of External Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation and Diaspora Affairs, in partnership with the OECS Commission, has convened a four-day workshop focused on strengthening technical capacity in trade in services. The training aims to improve policy and regulatory decision-making while helping Saint Lucia become more competitive in regional and international services trade.

The Cultural Development Foundation is using Emancipation Day 2026 to encourage Saint Lucians to reflect on their history and embrace the cultural legacy passed down through generations. This year's observance focuses on understanding the past and using it to create a pathway for the future, with special emphasis on African cultural influences.

Minister for Health, Wellness and Nutrition Hon. Moses Jn. Baptiste has dismissed reports of an electrical fire at the newly reconstructed St. Jude Hospital. The Minister says neither his ministry nor the relevant authorities, including the Saint Lucia Fire Service and electrical department, have provided any official report confirming such an incident.

St. Jude Hospital has officially opened a new purpose-built dialysis unit equipped with 15 dialysis chairs and the capacity to provide three treatment shifts daily. The facility currently serves 45 patients and is designed to improve the comfort and quality of care for persons requiring dialysis.

Government says it will continue measures to cushion consumers from rising international fuel prices, despite a combined EC$44.9 million impact on public finances since the start of the 2026–2027 financial year. Fuel prices will remain unchanged during the next pricing cycle, while education and early childhood support programmes will also continue.

The commissioning of the Dialysis Unit at the St. Jude Hospital (Augier site) marks a significant milestone in the Government of Saint Lucia's ongoing efforts to strengthen the delivery of healthcare services and also to improve access to dialysis services to residents in the south of the island. The dialysis unit is expected to enhance patient comfort while accessing care in a more modern environment. With the addition of the dialysis unit as the government continues to commission the St. Jude Hospital in a phased approach, reinforces the commitment to investing in the health and well-being of the people and also strengthening the healthcare system.

In the headlines: Government maintains fuel and LPG support and St. Jude Hospital opens a new Dialysis Unit For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

The Saint Lucia Association of Retired Persons is promoting its "Know Your Country" programme, an initiative that takes retirees on educational tours across communities and historic sites to deepen their appreciation of the island's heritage, culture and history.

The Saint Lucia Association of Retired Persons (SLAP) is celebrating its 41st anniversary while reaffirming its commitment to improving the well-being of citizens aged 50 and over through health initiatives, educational programmes, recreation, community outreach and continued support for active ageing.

The Government Information Service and the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) have launched the second season of Fun Mandarin, an educational television programme designed to make Mandarin language learning engaging, accessible and culturally enriching while strengthening ties between Saint Lucia and Taiwan.

The Government of Saint Lucia, in collaboration with the Taiwan Technical Mission, has launched the second phase of the Seven Crops Project, introducing a new nursery for dragon fruit and grafted guava seedlings to strengthen food security, improve crop diversity, enhance farmer productivity and build resilience through climate-smart agriculture.

Saint Lucia has officially launched its month-long Emancipation Day 2026 observance, featuring cultural, educational and commemorative activities including the ringing of freedom bells, an Emancipation lecture, tributes to national ancestors and historical figures, book launches, heritage programming, a treasure hunt, poetry challenge, emancipation markets and celebrations honouring Marcus Garvey.

In the headlines: Emancipaton Day Celebrations Launched and Saint Lucia expands Seedling Crops Project For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

The Saint Lucia Association of Retired Persons (SLARP) is encouraging seniors to embrace retirement as a new phase of opportunity, offering programs that foster social engagement, lifelong learning, wellness, and active aging while combating isolation and depression.

Twenty-four residents of Babonneau have successfully completed a four-week traditional dance workshop under the Taiwan Technical Mission's Community Business Revitalization Project, leading to the formation of the Babonneau Cultural Ambassadors to preserve the community's cultural heritage.

The U.S.-based Lift Her Initiative will provide undergarments, personal care items, and emotional support to incarcerated women at the Bordelais Correctional Facility through a collaborative outreach program aimed at restoring dignity, confidence, and hope.

A record cohort of 48 Saint Lucian students has received scholarships to pursue higher education in Taiwan, reinforcing the long-standing educational partnership between the two countries and preparing the scholars to contribute to national development upon their return.

In the headlines: Forty-Eight Saint Lucian Scholars are set to pursue higher education In Taiwan and a philanthropic organization makes historic donation to women incarcerated at the Bordelais Correctional facility For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

Forty-eight Saint Lucians are preparing to exchange one island classroom for another; travelling thousands of miles to Taiwan in pursuit of higher education. This year's record-breaking cohort also reflects a broader national idea: that education must prepare citizens not merely to earn qualifications, but to help shape the future of their country.

Public officers from government ministries and agencies have completed a week-long strategic policy planning workshop organized by the Department of Economic Development in collaboration with ECLAC. The training aims to strengthen evidence-based policymaking, improve policy coordination, and enhance the government's capacity to develop and implement effective national and sectoral development plans.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition is urging the public to purchase prescription medications, including GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic, only from licensed pharmacies. Officials warn that medications obtained through social media, beauty establishments, or other unauthorized vendors may be counterfeit, contaminated, improperly stored, or unsafe, posing serious health risks.

The Laborie Development Foundation has unveiled the refurbished Iconic Laborian Centre, showcasing the history and achievements of the community through interactive exhibits and audio-guided displays. Six additional distinguished Laborians were honoured, bringing the total number of Iconic Laborians to 13, while Taiwan's support for the revitalization project was recognized for helping preserve the community's heritage and promote local economic development.

The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force has praised police officers, business owners, commuters, revellers, and the wider public for their cooperation in ensuring a safe, secure, and incident-free Carnival 2026. Acting Police Commissioner Albert Charlery thanked all stakeholders for their professionalism, patience, and responsible conduct, which contributed to the successful staging of the national celebration.

A new community outreach initiative, Lift Her, has been launched in partnership with the Saint Lucia Crisis Centre to provide vulnerable women and girls with properly fitted bras while promoting breast health, dignity, and self-confidence. The programme also focuses on advocacy against domestic violence and aims to empower women through partnerships with local organizations.

In the headlines: The Lift Her Bra Initiative has been launched and police commend public cooperation during Carnival 2026 For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

The Taiwan Technical Mission, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Security, recently hosted a harvesting exercise and officially commissioned a new seedling nursery dedicated to the propagation of dragon fruit and grafted guava. The initiative forms part of the Enhancement of the Efficiency of Production and Distribution Supply Chain in the Fruits and Vegetables Sector Project, commonly known as the Seven Crops Project. More info: https://www.govt.lc/news/taiwan-technical-mission-and-department-of-agriculture-advance-food-security-with-dragon-fruit-and-guava-harvest

Hundreds of young people across Saint Lucia have begun benefiting from a series of summer camps designed to build confidence, strengthen life skills, and create positive pathways for personal development. More info: https://www.govt.lc/news/summer-camps-open-across-saint-lucia-equipping-youth-with-skills-for-success

The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) has announced reforms to its School-Based Assessment (SBA) system to protect academic integrity amid the growing use of artificial intelligence. Traditional SBAs will be replaced with an enhanced Paper 3/2 assessment for non-practical subjects, allowing students to prepare in advance and bring reference notes into supervised examinations. The phased rollout will provide schools, teachers, and students with time and guidance to adapt to the new assessment model.

Government officials, regional experts, and stakeholders gathered at a cybersecurity forum aimed at strengthening cyber resilience as Saint Lucia advances its digital transformation agenda. ICT Project Manager Johannith Khodra emphasized that strong cyber governance and collaboration across government, organizations, and communities are essential to protecting critical digital infrastructure and maintaining public trust.

Investment Minister Hon. Dr. Ernest Hilaire says revenue generated through Saint Lucia's Citizenship by Investment Programme remains an important source of non-tax income that helps finance healthcare, infrastructure, and other national development priorities. While CIP contributes less than ten percent of government revenue, he noted that the programme reduces pressure on taxpayers and acknowledged the need for greater public awareness of how these funds are invested.

The Government of Saint Lucia will pursue further diplomatic engagement with the European Union following its latest position on Caribbean Citizenship by Investment (CIP) programmes. Deputy Prime Minister and Investment Minister Hon. Dr. Ernest Hilaire said Saint Lucia has already strengthened its programme through legislative reforms, including minimum net worth requirements, annual quotas, residential obligations, and enhanced value metrics, while regional leaders seek continued dialogue before determining their next steps.

The Government of Saint Lucia will appoint a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the July 18, 2026 marine collision at Anse Cochon that claimed at least two lives. Chaired by a former senior judicial official and supported by marine safety experts and a police investigator, the Commission will examine the incident, recommend improvements to maritime safety regulations, strengthen oversight, and help prevent similar tragedies in the future.

In the headlines: Prime Minister announces commission of inquiry into Anse Cochon marine collision and Hon. Ernest Hilaire highlights CIP revenue's contribution to National Development For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

Senior Government officials, regional institutions and international agricultural experts convened in Saint Lucia this week for a High-Level Technical Mission aimed at developing a strategic roadmap to modernize the nation's agricultural sector

The Government Information Service is mourning the passing of retired Information Technician Norman "Charlie" Charlemagne, remembering his decades of dedicated public service, valued contributions to Parliament, and passion for music. Tributes highlighted his professionalism, humility, and the lasting impact he made on colleagues and the nation's democratic institutions.

Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre has extended condolences to the family of Barbadian National Hero Sir Garfield Sobers, describing his passing as a tremendous loss to Barbados, West Indies cricket, and the Caribbean. The Prime Minister paid tribute to Sir Garfield's remarkable achievements and lasting contribution to regional pride and sporting excellence.