Government Of Saint Lucia

On December 1st, Saint Lucia joins the global community in commemorating World AIDS Day. This year, there was a call for countries to acknowledge the challenges that persist while recommitting to bold, transformative action to end AIDS as a public health threat. In 2024 in Saint Lucia, 35 new HIV infections were recorded, and to date in 2025, 17 new cases have been documented—figures that will continue to evolve as surveillance improves. AIDS-related deaths have steadily declined, from 21 deaths in 2005, to 16 in 2023, 11 in 2024, and 5 thus far in 2025. Saint Lucia has made significant strides in its AIDS response in areas such as relocation of Sexual and Reproductive Clinic, resumption of viral load testing, ongoing works to restore access to CD4 testing, scale up training for rapid HIV and syphilis testers, enhance capacity in STI management and maintaining reliable antiretroviral therapy stocks, to name a few. 

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs has officially launched the skin health camp which is focused on assessing skin health of people and providing the necessary preventive medication and treatment. This community focused health initiative is part of an integrated approach to eliminate leprosy and ensure early detection of other skin diseases. The first skin health camp was held at the Anse La Raye Wellness Centre and provided residents with the services of dermatological screening, treatment and health education at NO COST. The skin health camp will also be held in other communities around the island. The Fourteen health care workers which includes community dermatologists, medical doctors, nurses and community health aides are trained in contact tracing to provide support in the identification and diagnosis of leprosy and other skin conditions.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs in partnership with the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust will be working towards strengthening the emergency care system in Saint Lucia. This collaboration will entail a pilot learning exchange program where healthcare professionals and UK-based experts will exchange knowledge, best practices and practical approaches to deliver high-quality emergency care on island. Emergency room and urgent care nurses participated in the first phase of this initiative where they received training in intensive clinical skills development. The visiting team from Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust also conducted site visits to several healthcare facilities across the island to gain insights on the outlook of the learning exchange programme and future phases of collaboration.

Saint Lucia is well on its way to strengthening its capacity in rapid HIV and syphilis testing and improving the quality of laboratory services on island, following the completion of the Master Trainers Training Programme which is part of the OECS Global Fund HIV/TB Project. The programme was implemented through the engagement of the Caribbean Med Labs Foundation, contracted to provide technical support and build sustainable laboratory training capacity. The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs nominated four healthcare professionals to undergo certification as Master Trainers. These candidates participated in structured training sessions that combined both theoretical and practical components to ensure a high standard of competency and consistency in testing procedures. The Master Trainers will serve as the frontline point of contact, offering clarity, reassurance, and informed direction to those navigating the screening process.

The Environmental Health Division within the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs invites butchers around the island to a special meeting and training session on Tuesday December 9, 2025 at 9am.

Stakeholders from various sectors such as national security, public health, secondary health facilities and government ministries met recently in a seminar to discuss the Early Warning System for Drugs in Saint Lucia. This seminar is expected to build the capacity of stakeholders to successfully implement the Early Warning System for drugs and also be better able to detect and respond to new and emerging psychoactive substances. The seminar was made possible through the technical support and funding from Organisation of America States/ Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission OAS-CICAD and the Government of Italy. The Early Warning System for Drugs was launched in Saint Lucia in October 2024.

In the headlines: The Taiwan Technical Mission opens a compost house at the Borderly Correctional Facility to boost sustainability and food security.and; the Caribbean Development Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank held a forum in Barbados to explore innovative debt management strategies for the region. For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

The Government of Saint Lucia has reaffirmed its commitment to equitable access to quality education with the official disbursement of one hundred and twenty thousand Eastern Caribbean dollars to Seventh-day Adventist schools across the island. The funding forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen school infrastructure, improve learning environments, and ensure that students across all educational institutions, including denominational schools, are empowered to thrive under Saint Lucia's national education transformation programme

Members of the Councils of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of the Eastern Caribbean (ICAEC) recently participated in the inaugural International Federation of Accountants (IFAC)–International Bar Association (IBA) Professional Body Anti-Money Laundering Capacity Building Workshop, held in the Cayman Islands from October 28 to 30, 2025. Andrea St. Rose, President of the ICAEC, and Joanne Cooper, Public Relations Officer, represented Saint Lucia. The three-day workshop brought together accounting and legal professionals from across the region to strengthen their role as “gatekeepers” in the global fight against money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing. Experts from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), IFAC, IBA, and the World Bank provided valuable insights and best practices to enhance professional vigilance and compliance. Key areas of focus included beneficial ownership transparency and the responsibilities of Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) such as lawyers and accountants in upholding international standards and protecting the integrity of financial systems. Following the workshop, the ICAEC Saint Lucia Branch reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), the National Anti-Money Laundering Oversight Committee (NAMLOC), and other regulatory bodies to promote awareness, strengthen professional capacity, and educate members and the public as Saint Lucia prepares for the upcoming 5th Round Mutual Evaluation.

The Victoria Hospital was officially renamed as the Dr. Winston C.V. Parris Medical Complex, following a renaming ceremony hosted by the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs. Dr. Winston C.V. Parris, who worked as the only Consultant Anesthesiologist at the Victoria Hospital was honored and recognised for his valuable contribution to the health sector in the area of pain management. Family, friends, loved ones of Sir Dr. Winston Parris, Cabinet of Ministers and staff of the Ministry of Health were present to witness the renaming of the health facility. The newly named Dr. Winston C.V. Parris Medical Complex comprises the Dr. Betty Wellness Urban Polyclinic (National Eye Clinic and Urban Care) and the Millennium Heights Medical Complex secondary care wing.

Bordelais Correctional Facility Opens New Compost House to Boost Sustainability and Food Security

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs confirms reports of a rise in cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease in Saint Lucia. These cases are reported in some preschools and kindergartens around the island and the Ministry is working with these institutions to address the situation and protect the safety of children, staff members and families. Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is a highly contagious viral infection primarily affecting children under the age of 5 years. Some of the key symptoms of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease include fever, sore throat, fatigue, painful red spots or sores in the mouth, on the tongue, and inside the cheek; rash or red spots on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and sometimes the buttocks and loss of appetite. 

Health Saint Lucian youth aged 11 to 16 years old, will get the opportunity to creatively express their views on the misuse of alcohol and the risks associated with its abuse, following the launch of the Alcohol Awareness Poster Competition by the Substance Abuse Advisory Council Secretariat (SAACS) within the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs. The poster competition will allow the young people to put into perspective their views of the growing concern of alcohol misuse and abuse across communities, families, and young individuals through artistic expressions. Interested individuals can make submission of posters at the Office of the SAACS or the Bureau of Health Education. The deadline for submission of posters is Monday November 24, 2025.

In the headlines: Saint Lucia has secured a US $20 million loan from Taiwan to boost affordable housing and infrastructure, and; Saint Lucia and the OECS are partnering with CAF to boost sustainable financing, energy transition,  and regional development. For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

In the headlines: Over 100 former public servants are to receive pensions under the new legislation, and; Taiwan donates a new ambulance to boost Saint Lucia's emergency response. For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

In the headlines: Government through Export Saint Lucia has implemented a critical buffer to assist local exporters, and; several tourism stakeholders in Laborie benefit from a strategic networking event. For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

In the headlines: Prime Minister Honorable Philip J.Pierre removes guarantor barrier, opening scholarships to more students, and; a flow of community support and solidarity for cancer survivors and fighters. For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

In the headlines: The One Laptop Per Child Initiative receives support from the Republic of Azerbaijan, and; Saint Lucia is taking proactive steps to strengthen its national preparedness for future health emergencies with a three-day workshop. For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

In the headlines: The 2025-2026 Saint Lucia cruise season is projected to register a 14% increase in passengers over last year's numbers and government increases support for registered private preschools and parents. For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

In the headlines: Government ensures safety of Saint Lucian students as Hurricane Melissa hits Jamaica, and; the celebration of the Kweol language continues as the FRC warns Fred Lang Kweol. For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

A renewed national drive toward sustainable food production and healthier communities took centre stage as stakeholders from across Saint Lucia united to chart the next phase of the island's Food Systems Transformation Pathway. The high-level dialogue, held on October 23, 2025, at the Bay Gardens Resort, Rodney Bay, served as a powerful platform to accelerate Saint Lucia's transition toward a more resilient, inclusive, and nutrition-secure food system. Hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development in collaboration with the United Nations Resident Coordinator's Office for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean the dialogue brought together key national stakeholders, farmers, fisherfolk, policymakers, youth, women's organizations, civil society, and international development partners to validate and advance Saint Lucia's National Food Systems Transformation Pathway. This initiative aligns with the United Nations Food Systems Summit (UNFSS) framework, which seeks to reimagine global food systems in support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

Health professionals and key national partners such as the National Emergency and Management Organization, Customs & Excise Department and the Saint Lucia Fire Service came together in a three-day Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan Development Workshop from October 21st to 23rd at the Harbor Club Hotel. The workshop which was hosted by the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) aimed at developing a road map for coordinated national action which will ensure Saint Lucia's preparedness and response to future health emergencies. At the end of the workshop, a comprehensive plan would be created which would enhance Saint Lucia's ability to detect, respond to, and recover from pandemics, particularly those caused by respiratory diseases.

Health Region 4 comprising the communities of Micoud, Mon Repos, Ti-Rocher Micoud and Desruisseaux recently held a walk in the community of Micoud with the aim of raising awareness of breast cancer and showing support to breast cancer survivors and fighters. The walk started at the Micoud Wellness Centre, through the community to the Verge Point and back to the wellness centre. Participants benefited from an exercise and physical activity session, health screening and breast examinations for women. The Ministry of Health encouraged people in the various communities to visit the Community Wellness Centre and get screened for breast cancer. 

In the headlines: The Cultural Development Foundation launches a new performance stage, and; the Prime Minister addresses a high-level meeting of the regional security system. For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

In the headlines: Prime Minister Pierre upholds CARICOM's decision to maintain the Caribbean as a zone of peace And; Belle Vue and Babonneau prepare to hold the 2025 Jounen Kweyol celebrations. For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

In the headlines: Primary students cultivate early interest in agriculture through innovative competition and new self-service kiosks installed at Saint Lucia's airports to ease congestion and boost efficiency. For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

In the headlines: The Government of Saint Lucia announces plans to increase funding for the Youth Economy Agency, and; Saint Lucia hosts an Electric Vehicle Trade Expo. For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

In the headlines: Prime Minister Pierre has announced a Pathway to Inclusion Initiative, and; the Choiselle Arts and Crafts Centre officially opens. For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

As Saint Lucians across the island embrace the vibrant spirit of Jounen Kwéyòl, the Department of Fisheries is reminding the public of the importance of protecting marine resources while enjoying traditional seafood delicacies. According to Fisheries Biologist, Ms. Yvonne Edwin, several fisheries remain open during this time, including the lobster and sea turtle fisheries, as well as conch (lubby), which is open year-round. However, these are all subject to strict regulations to ensure sustainability and conservation. The Department is also reminding the public that illegal methods of harvesting, such as the use of poisonous substances in rivers to capture crayfish, pose serious risks to human health and the environment. Consumers are encouraged to buy fresh prawns and crayfish only from licensed aquaculture farmers.

As Saint Lucia prepares to celebrate Jounen Kwéyòl, the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs is reminding food vendors and patrons to uphold proper food safety standards throughout the festivities. To prevent food-borne illnesses, vendors are urged to practice proper hygiene, maintain safe food temperatures, and ensure clean preparation areas. Patrons are also encouraged to purchase food only from vendors who demonstrate good sanitary practices. The Ministry continues to monitor food safety and support training for food handlers to protect public health during this cultural celebration.

A week-long consultative mission undertaken by the OECS Skills and Innovation Project (SKIP) has provided fresh insight on how Saint Lucia can refine its national innovation ecosystem and strengthen ties between education, entrepreneurship, and industry.

Since its introduction in 2009, the Community After School Programme (CASP) has grown from just three pilot communities to a comprehensive national initiative. Now fully present in every district, this expansion marks a historic milestone in strengthening social inclusion and ensuring that children in every community have access to structured after-school learning, mentorship, academic, creative arts, music, theatre, sports, and life skills support. In addition to the nationwide rollout, CASP centres have been relocated to new venues in Anse la Raye and Micoud to better serve the needs of those communities. The programme has also welcomed Bocage as the newest addition, bringing much-needed support to children and families in the area.

In the headlines: Saint Lucia prepares for increased vulnerability to the possible importation and spread of infectious diseases via tourism and; the Ministry of Health observes Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

In the headlines: Minister for Persons with Disabilities emphasizes the critical need for mental and emotional support for individuals who have undergone amputations and; Caribbean nations, advanced regional integration For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

In the headlines: Hundreds of home care workers transition to permanent employee status and; Saint Lucia takes a major step towards establishing an artificial limb center. For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

In the headlines: The Police Welfare Association and the government sign a collective agreement and; the Ministry of Health outlines activities for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

In the headlines: Police Commissioner observes one year in current position and discusses areas of success and; France and Saint Lucia strengthen bilateral security ties. For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs, in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), has launched a joint initiative to strengthen Saint Lucia's mental health services through a five-day Training of Trainers Workshop. The program, which runs from October 13th to 17th, 2025, brings together mental health professionals and individuals with lived experiences to build national capacity, promote a rights-based approach to care, and enhance the delivery of compassionate, inclusive, and sustainable mental health services across the island.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs continues to advance access to quality eye care services with the recommencement of eye surgeries at the National Eye Clinic as of October 8, 2025. The State-of-the-Art National Eye Clinic, which became operational on December 2, 2024 represents the merger of the former Diabetic Retinopathy Clinic, once housed at the Castries Wellness Centre, and the Cuban Eye Clinic previously located at Victoria Hospital. Significant infrastructural upgrades were undertaken, including the redesign and retrofitting of the new facility, installation of enhanced lighting and air conditioning systems, and the procurement of advanced biomedical equipment and modern furniture to enhance patient comfort and service delivery. The clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art ophthalmic technology, including an ophthalmic surgical system for cataract and retina surgeries, a phaco-emulsifier, anaesthesia machine, eye surgical microscope, laser machines, sterilizing equipment, and patient monitors. The highly qualified team comprising three ophthalmologists, one optometrist, one medical internist, one biomedical engineer, five nurses, one pharmacist, and auxiliary staff provides comprehensive eye care services to approximately 60 to 70 patients daily. 

Annually on October 10th, the World Health Organization (WHO) commemorates World Mental Health Day with the aim of raising awareness about mental health priorities. The day also calls for greater investment and action to improve access and support to mental health care worldwide. The theme for this year's observance, set by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) is “Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.” This global theme, emphasizes the critical need for robust mental health support during crises like natural disasters, conflicts, and public health emergencies, highlighting the urgent need to ensure that mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) reaches those people affected.