Government Of Saint Lucia

The Ministry of Education and Digital Transformation's Curriculum and Materials Development Unit (CAMDU),reinforces its commitment to preserving, documenting and sharing the experiences and legacy of those affected by the events of 1976, while ensuring that significant chapters of the island's past are accurately and meaningfully reflected in the national curriculum for future generations. The research initiative draws on the specialized expertise of facilitators; Professor Kate Astbury of the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures at the University of Warwick, and Honorary Research Fellow at the University Dr. Abigail Coppins to deepen understanding of this important chapter in the region's history.

The Government of Saint Lucia is accelerating efforts to modernize the nation's fisheries infrastructure, prioritizing safer and more functional environments for local stakeholders.  On Tuesday, September 15, the Department of Fisheries in Castries hosted a key stakeholder engagement bringing together Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Sustainable Development, the Hon. Lisa Jawahir, ministry officials, and operators of the Castries Fisheries Complex. Central to the meeting was the upcoming removal of the building's asbestos roofing.

The Department of Labour, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs has launched its island-wide 2026 Labour Conditions and Earnings Survey. Authorized enumerators will visit homes and businesses to gather information on employment, working conditions and earnings to support informed labour policies and planning.

Staff of the Saint Lucia Forensic Science Laboratory and justice sector partners have completed specialized expert witness testimony training. The annual course equips forensic analysts with the practical skills needed to present and defend evidence effectively during legal proceedings.

Work continues on the remaining sections of the West Coast Road between Anse La Raye and Canaries. Minister for Economic Development and Youth Economy Hon. Wayne Girard says government remains focused on completing the project to improve safety and ease transportation for residents, commuters and visitors.

Government is advancing several water infrastructure projects, including the Northern Pipeline, John Compton raw water line, Ciceron Treatment Plant and Patience Water Project. Minister for Utilities Hon. Keithson Charles says repairing existing infrastructure and reducing water losses remain priorities, with an estimated 43 percent of water currently lost through leaking pipes.

The Saint Lucia Prosthetic Center at Tapion Hospital has officially opened, providing local access to prosthetic services, initially focusing on below-the-knee prostheses. The initiative aims to reduce financial barriers and eliminate the need for patients to travel overseas for care.

In the headlines: Saint Lucia Prosthetic Centre officially opens and Hon. Keithson Charles outlines Government's approach to water challenges For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

This one-day festival is being organized by the Fond St. Jacques Development Committee (FSJDC) in collaboration with the Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM) in Saint Lucia, and aims to highlight the community's historical and economic dependence on its favourite agricultural crop, dasheen.  During the festival, patrons will be able to purchase dishes prepared from dasheen and other local produce. A variety of entertainment will add to the rich ambience, including live performances by popular Saint Lucian artistes. Come out and support the community on this important venture.

The Department of Education and Digital Transformation is strengthening its capacity to keep Saint Lucia's education system functioning during emergencies and disasters. Education officials are advancing work on a comprehensive Continuity of Operations Plan, or COOP, designed to protect critical Ministry functions while ensuring that teaching and learning can continue following a major disruption.

The Government of Saint Lucia, through the Office of the Prime Minister, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Restoring Vision, which will allow for the integration of presbyopia screening and near vision eyeglasses distribution into Saint Lucia's public health system. Presbyopia is an age-related decline in near vision that affects adults, usually beginning after 40 years of age.  The eye screening services and distribution of reading glasses will be available at selected primary health care facilities from October 1, 2026 and will be offered at NO COST to the public. Each health facility will designate a clinic day each week for the offering of these services. Services may also be delivered through appointments, walk-ins and outreach screening (community groups, workplaces, elderly homes, Bordelais Correctional Facility, etc).

The administration of insolvency cases in Saint Lucia could become more efficient, transparent and coordinated through the use of software technology, as the country moves toward the development of an integrated digital system to support its insolvency framework.

For more than five decades, the Caribbean Examinations Council has helped to shape the educational journeys, professional opportunities and economic participation of millions of Caribbean citizens. As CXC prepares to commemorate its 55th anniversary in April 2027, a historic documentary will examine the institution's regional legacy, with particular attention to its contribution to education and human-capital development in Saint Lucia.

The Department of Commerce, in close collaboration with the Saint Lucia Fashion Council (SFC), is currently hosting Fashion Camp 2026. The much-needed training program, which has received a strong participatory response, runs from September 14, 2026 to September 25, 2026, at the Blue Coral Mall on Bridge Street, Castries. Fifty-seven aspiring designers, tailors, dressmakers, and hobbyists have signed on and secured program placement.

The Order of Saint Lucia Committee has opened nominations for the National Awards, inviting citizens at home and in the diaspora to nominate individuals who have made significant contributions to the country. Nominations are open across areas including public service, education, culture, sports, business, community development and humanitarian work, with submissions due by December 11, 2026.

Plans are progressing for a statue honoring Olympic champion Julien Alfred in recognition of her historic achievement at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. The project is in the advanced planning and design stage, with potential locations being assessed based on visibility, road safety and public access.

Tourism showcase 2026 brought tourism buyers and media representatives from key international markets to Saint Lucia for a first-hand experience of the island's communities, culture and tourism products. The five-day event aims to strengthen partnerships and convert new connections into tourism business.

Government is increasing financial support for private early childhood institutions while investing in the early identification of learning difficulties. A total of $3.4 million is allocated to TVET, special education and early childhood education development, with an additional $1 million dedicated to identifying learning challenges.

The Youth Economy Agency has issued approximately 3,000 grants valued at $14.2 million and trained more than 1,200 young Saint Lucians since its establishment. The initiative continues to provide financial and developmental support to young people pursuing entrepreneurial opportunities.

In the headlines: The Youth Economy Agency issues $14.2 million in grants and plans advance for Julien Alfred statue For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force is reaffirming its commitment to public safety after resolving nine of 11 missing person cases between August 11 and September 14. The public is being urged to avoid circulating unverified information on social media, which police say can cause unnecessary distress and interfere with investigations.

Residents are being encouraged to make greater use of community wellness centres and primary healthcare facilities for less severe illnesses and injuries. Health officials say this can help reduce pressure on emergency departments and allow medical teams to prioritize patients with life-threatening conditions.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition is urging the public to take precautions as Saint Lucia continues to experience prolonged periods of high temperatures and humidity. Residents are advised to stay hydrated, limit strenuous activities and seek cooler environments if they experience symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, nausea or severe headaches.

The Government of Saint Lucia says the John Compton Dam pipeline replacement forms part of a broader, sustained strategy to strengthen the country's water infrastructure. The project is being undertaken alongside other investments, including upgrades to the Theobalds Water Treatment Plant and the Northern Pipeline Project.

The Caribbean Development Bank is reaffirming its partnership with the Government of Saint Lucia as the country advances the replacement of the raw water pipeline at the John Compton Dam. CDB is providing US $22.8 million in financing, representing 77 percent of the project cost, in support of improved water security and climate resilience.

In the headlines: The Caribbean Development Bank commends partnership on water security, and health officials warn public as hot, humid conditions persist For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

For half a century, the Curriculum and Materials Development Unit, CAMDU, has helped to shape what Saint Lucian students learn, how teachers deliver instruction and how the education system responds to national development priorities. Last week, educators, former staff members, education officials and other stakeholders gathered at the National Cultural Centre to commemorate CAMDU's Golden Jubilee.

The Ministry of Education is preparing to implement a national truancy initiative involving multiple agencies and stakeholders, including the police, social development, welfare officials, principals, teachers and counsellors. The program will also include public education and targeted interventions in communities where absenteeism and school dropout are more prevalent.

Saint Lucia continues to strengthen school safety and resilience as Chair of the Caribbean School Safety Initiative. The Ministry of Education is addressing a range of risks, including security concerns, extreme weather and structural damage, while exploring additional resources to further support school safety initiatives.

The Department of Equity, Social Justice, Gender and Older Persons is strengthening its response to gender-based violence through increased collaboration with national agencies, victims' families and NGOs. The Ministry is also expanding community engagement and programs targeting the root causes of violence.

Vendors previously operating at the Castries Vendors Arcade will receive compensation payments under the Vendors Cluster Allocation Exercise. The payments, based on outstanding rental balances, are being provided following the redevelopment of the city's cruise port, with approximately 96 vendors in the low-balance category set to receive just over $5,000 each.

The 9th Water Project will replace the aging raw water pipeline connecting the John Compton Dam to the Ciceron treatment facility. Funded by US$22.8 million from the Caribbean Development Bank, with support from France and Italy, construction is expected to begin in the first half of 2027 and conclude by June 2030.

In the headlines: The 9th Water Project launches and the Government allocates $400,000 in relocation payouts to vendors For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

Saint Lucia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to host the Windward Islands Cricket Franchise, bringing professional cricketers to the island and creating potential economic and sporting benefits while strengthening pathways for local cricket development.

Government is moving to establish a dedicated production facility in Bisée for fashion and design creatives, equipped with commercial-grade machinery and production space to help address capacity challenges in the creative sector.

The Ministry of Agriculture is increasing support for farmers affected by changing weather conditions, including the distribution of water tanks, promotion of rainwater harvesting, and plans for an irrigation project in Labon.

Students who applied for bursary assistance to attend Sir Arthur Lewis Community College and have not been notified that their applications were unsuccessful, can proceed with registration while the final list is being completed.

The Government is considering comprehensive legislation to regulate the use and impact of artificial intelligence, with a focus on balancing innovation and development with safeguards to protect young people from harmful AI-generated content.

In the headlines: Saint Lucia eye's AI Legislation and farmers get climate support For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition advises that the high temperatures and periods of persistent heat amid El Nino conditions should not be regarded solely as a short-term inconvenience. The persistent high temperatures, particularly when accompanied by high humidity, can have significant effects on health and well-being and may also place additional pressure on water supplies, agriculture, workplaces, schools and other sectors. 

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition advises the public to take additional precautions in response to the ongoing high temperatures and anticipated periods of persistent heat affecting Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean. Updates from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) indicate that El Niño is now firmly established and is expected to strengthen further, reaching very strong intensity before peaking towards the end of 2026. El Niño conditions are expected to persist through February 2027, with associated changes in temperature and rainfall patterns and increased risks of drought and extreme heat in some regions. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can result in dehydration and heat-related illnesses. Therefore, the Ministry of Health advises members of the public to remain hydrated by drinking water frequently, avoid or reduce outdoor activity during hottest periods of the day, wear light and cool protective clothing and limit alcohol consumption. 

The Ministry of Agriculture is preparing to launch a hobby farming initiative aimed at encouraging small-scale food production in urban communities. The program will provide starter kits and promote backyard, rooftop, balcony and veranda gardening as a way of strengthening food security and encouraging healthier lifestyles.

During Sickle Cell Awareness Month, the Saint Lucia Sickle Cell Association is encouraging the public to learn more about the disease and challenge the myths and stigma faced by people living with sickle cell disease. The association is also inviting members of the public to volunteer, donate blood, sponsor a warrior and support its awareness efforts.