Government Of Saint Lucia

In the headlines: The Saint Lucia Government to invest $1 million to establish a farmer's insurance scheme and; the Ministry of Equity spearheads the formation of a national faith-based association. For details on these stories and more, visit: www.govt.lc

In the headlines: The Ministry of Agriculture partners in an effort to revitalize the cocoa industry and; the Saint Lucia Employers Federation prioritizes employee wellness. For details on these stories and more, visit: www.govt.lc

The Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment continues to advance its commitment to inclusive national development with the convening of a high-level consultation focused on the formation of a national Faith-Based Association.  The session, held recently at the Ministry's Conference Room, brought together representatives from over ten religious denominations from across Saint Lucia, all unified in their desire to strengthen collaboration and community outreach efforts through a cohesive and representative body. This consultation marks a pivotal step following the National Faith-Based Symposium held in April, where religious leaders collectively advocated for a broader, more inclusive association to work alongside existing faith bodies such as the Christian Council.

Saint Lucia has taken another step toward strengthening its national innovation framework.  A recent stakeholder engagement brought together representatives from key sectors to help shape the direction of a regional project aimed at advancing skills development and economic growth.

In the headlines: The Minister for Crime Prevention addresses the issue of gun violence and; national stakeholders partner to implement a road safety campaign. For details on these stories and more, visit: www.govt.lc

For Education Minister Hon. Shawn Edward, this year's graduation at Aux Lyons Combined School was more than a formal occasion; it was personal.  Standing before the children of his former students, he bore witness to the quiet power of Education to shape lives across generations.

As we prepare for Carnival season, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs note the importance of highlighting measures to reduce the possible negative health implications. People can stay healthy by doing the following: getting adequate sleep, staying hydrated, protecting themselves from the sun and mosquitoes, practicing safe sex and avoiding dark isolated places when attending events, etc. 

In the headlines: An amendment to the Administration of Small Succession Bill passes in Parliament and; community Wellness Centers across the island received major upgrades as the Government of Saint Lucia continues its thrust to improve health care. For details on these stories and more, visit: www.govt.lc

In the headlines: Saint Lucia's Prime Minister provides details of discussions held between the OECS heads of government and the President of Nigeria and; Saint Lucia's health care system is on a path to improvement as new services and incentives are introduced. For details on these stories and more, visit: www.govt.lc

The Saint Lucia Employers' Federation is leading the charge for healthier, more productive workplaces. At a recent breakfast meeting, the Federation urged employers to make employee wellness a top priority. With non-communicable diseases on the rise and health-related costs mounting, Executive Director Cornelia Jn Baptiste says the message is clear: a healthier workforce drives stronger businesses, and now is the time for employers to take action.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs offers health screening services to farmers of Monchy and Babonneau to ensure timely intervention and improved overall well-being. This activity was held on the grounds of the Balata Rubis Service Station.

In the headlines: The Minister for Labour serves as a mediator in a St.Jude's Hospital labour dispute, and the government extends the moratorium on VAT on building materials for yet another year. For details on these stories and more, visit: www.govt.lc

Nineteen educators and school administrators have marked a significant milestone in Saint Lucia's education sector, completing a six-month training initiative, under the Advancing Caribbean Teachers in Mathematics Project.

Saint Lucia has taken a crucial step to strengthen its ability to detect early and respond to potential public health threats by launching the National Event-Based Surveillance System. This system is designed to incorporate an unstructured way of identifying and assessing reports of potential public health threats through channels such as the community and social media platforms. Saint Lucia has taken a crucial step to strengthen its ability to detect early and respond to potential public health threats by launching the National Event-Based Surveillance System. This system is designed to incorporate an unstructured way of identifying and assessing reports of potential public health threats through channels such as the community and social media platforms. 

In the headlines: Nigeria's President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, outlines his vision for bilateral co-operation; and the removal of government-imposed taxes on food items aims to ease economic pressure on the nation's most vulnerable.  For details on these stories and more, visit: www.govt.lc

In the headlines: The government of Saint Lucia has awarded contracts for the renovation of two wellness centers and; the Botham Jean Foundation partners to help support vulnerable youth. For details on these developments and more, visit: www.govt.lc

Episode 22 of the #OECSNewslink brings you some exciting stories! Find out more about: 

In a continued show of support for Saint Lucia's youth, the Botham Jean Foundation has once again partnered with the Boys Training Centre (BTC), this time delivering on a heartfelt request made during the Centre's recent 65th Anniversary celebrations. At that milestone event, one of the BTC residents appealed for basketballs to enhance recreational activities at the facility. The Botham Jean Foundation not only heard the request but went a step further, presenting two professional-grade, NBA-style Elite basketballs to the Centre.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs through the OECS Regional Health Project and the Health System Strengthening Project has taken a major step to ensure enhancement of health infrastructure on the island following the signing of contracts for the rehabilitation of the Babonneau and Fond Assau Wellness Centres. The rehabilitation works for the two wellness centres will take place for a period of six months and is estimated at approximately EC $2.6 million. With the rehabilitative works being undertaken, at the end, residents are expected to receive upgraded facilities with improved electrical and plumbing distribution, reorganized floor areas, disability access, construction of a gazebo at Fond Assau for patients waiting, improved security and much more. 

In effort to support the appeal to save lives through blood donation, the St. Lucia Medical and Dental Association partnered with the Blood Bank to host a blood drive activity. The doctors took the opportunity to lead by example and donate blood which will help significantly with the management of patients during the health emergencies. The public is encouraged to do the same and donate blood as one pint of blood can save up to three lives. 

In the headlines: The government reduces VAT on food items and construction material and; Saint Lucia bids farewell to the Nigerian President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu. For details on these developments and more, visit: www.govt.lc

In the headlines: Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has visited the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College as part of his presidential visit to Saint Lucia and; the Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce hosts an event to commemorate MSME Day. For details on these developments and more, visit: www.govt.lc

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs extends sincere condolences to the family, friends, loved ones and colleagues including the nursing fraternity on the passing of the beloved, La Toya Alexander, Nurse- Midwife, who worked at the Millennium Heights Medical Complex. The Ministry expresses deepest gratitude for her dedicated service as a nurse and midwife and recognized her contribution to the healthcare system. Nurse Alexander's tireless efforts and compassionate care had a profound impact on the lives of many patients. 

In the headlines: Nigeria and the OECS pledge deeper diplomatic relations and St. Joseph's Convent Steelpan Orchestra shine at Arts Festival in Martinique. For details on these developments and more, visit: www.govt.lc

In the headlines: Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is conferred the title of Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia and; the Caribbean Public Health Agency CAFA urges men to prioritize their health. For details on these developments and more, visit: www.govt.lc

In the headlines: 54 youth graduate from NSDC's specialized program and opportunities relating to technical skills, and; the Department of Education opens applications for first-generation Scholarships.. For details on these developments and more, visit: www.govt.lc

In the headlines: A new Human Resource Centre in Bar St.Joseph opens up opportunities for residents and; seedless watermelons introduced into Saint Lucia's food biodiversity. For details on these developments and more, visit: www.govt.lc

In the headlines: The Nigerian president's visit to Saint Lucia expected to deepen economic collaboration with the Caribbean and; Creole instruction will expand to more schools following positive feedback. For details on these developments and more, visit: www.govt.lc

In the headlines: The UBEC initiative has launched workshops to inform MSMEs about the regional matching grants program and; Saint Lucia's tax amnesty has been extended to May 1, 2026, allowing taxpayers to settle obligations without interest or penalties. For details on these developments and more, visit: www.govt.lc

The first phase of Saint Lucia's historic Kwéyòl Curriculum Pilot Program has concluded, with positive results. The initiative aims to boost student engagement and preserve the island's indigenous language, through education.

In the headlines: The Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs advances plans for 24-hour services at the Gros Islet Polyclinic and; Saint Lucia among 16 Caribbean countries to boost debt transparency with Commonwealth IMF support. For details on these developments and more, visit: www.govt.lc

In the headlines: President of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Tinubu, arrives in Saint Lucia on Friday for an official state visit and; Saint Lucia TVET School of Innovation showcases youth skills in a groundbreaking exhibition. For details on these developments and more, visit: www.govt.lc

Taxpayers in Saint Lucia have been given more time to clear their tax arrears without the burden of penalties and interest. The Government of Saint Lucia has officially extended the tax amnesty program to May 1st, 2026. The Inland Revenue Department urges taxpayers to act early to benefit from this tax amnesty.

In the headlines: Licensed Dennery fishers receive safety equipment and; a final salute to a distinguished son of the soil, the late Dr. Velon John. For details on these developments and more, visit: www.govt.lc

In the headlines: The government of Saint Lucia has signed new collective bargaining agreements with key public sector unions, securing improved employment terms, benefits and conditions for workers from 2022 to 2028 and; hundreds of Saint Lucian families are one step closer to owning the government's lands they have called home for decades. For details on these developments and more, visit: www.govt.lc

In the headlines: The Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Honourable Philip J. Pierre, addresses media reports that Saint Lucia has been blacklisted for travel by the US and; the Seven Crops Project hosts seedless watermelon field day. For details on these developments and more, visit: www.govt.lc

The Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs is actively progressing with plans to provide 24-hour healthcare services at the Gros Islet Polyclinic. The ongoing infrastructure upgrade at the facility represents a strategic investment in improving access to quality healthcare for the northern region of Saint Lucia. Construction at the site commenced earlier this year and is moving forward as anticipated. Monty Emmanuel, Engineer at the Ministry of Health, confirmed that the project is on track and emphasized the government's commitment to timely completion.   “The project originally started in January and is scheduled to finish in July, which is a six-month period. The project so far is going according to plan. I mean, we had some rain, so there were a few delays, but these delays are not a large enough setback to affect the project. I mean, the contractor would have to put in a little more time to speed up work, but then it is not a huge delay. So we are basically on schedule,” he stated.

In the headlines: Saint Lucia adopts A mechanism to support vulnerable households before disasters strike and former parliamentarian Dr. Velon John remembered for serving in his various roles with humor, passion and brilliance. For details on these developments and more, visit: www.govt.lc

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, is recognized on June 15th annually, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs uses this opportunity to highlight the challenges faced by older persons around us, and to renew our commitment to ensuring accessible health care, and support for their well-being. This day of recognition was launched by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations, in 2006 and remains an important observance to remind us that we need to protect our older generations from abuse and neglect. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, supports the United Nations International Plan of Action that acknowledges the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue. By shining a spotlight on this form of abuse, we are encouraged as a nation to take action and support justice for older persons. As we make the commitment to take responsibility to prevent the abuse of older persons, we can lend a hand to those in need, be their voice when they need it, and take actions to protect them. 

As the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season officially begins, the Ministry of Health, Wellness & Elderly Affairs is advising all citizens to take proactive steps to protect their health and well-being amid forecasts of an active and potentially dangerous season. According to The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA), the 2025 hurricane season is expected to be above average, with 13 to 19 named storms, 6 to 10 hurricanes, and 3 to 5 major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher) predicted. While we cannot prevent hurricanes, we can take steps to mitigate their impact and prepare in advance. Preparedness is not just a government responsibility, it's a community responsibility, it's a family responsibility, and perhaps most importantly, it's a personal responsibility. A pre-hurricane season preparedness meeting was recently convened by the Ministry of Health for all health stakeholders, to review the health sector's readiness and to address any existing gaps urgently. The Ministry of Health is urging households to begin preparations now, before any immediate threat. By taking early, practical steps, we can safeguard lives, reduce the risk of severe property damage, reduce the burden on our health system, and ensure our communities remain resilient in the face of these storms. Here are a few key recommendations as you prepare for the hurricane season.

In the headlines: The Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Hon. Philip J. Pierre, is headed to Brazil for the Brazil Caribbean Summit and; Saint Lucia is implementing STREAM, a partnership integrating science, technology, reading, engineering, arts, and math into early childhood education. For details on these developments and more, visit: www.govt.lc

In the headlines: Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre is in Brazil for the Brazil Caribbean Summit, and; the Department of Education integrates science and technology into the preschool curriculum. For details on these developments and more, visit: www.govt.lc

In the headlines: Health services at the Babonneau and Fond Assau Wellness Centers now being provided at Laguerre and; the Department of Consumer Affairs assures the public of a well-stocked government supply warehouse. For details on these developments and more, visit: www.govt.lc

In the headlines: Saint Lucia develops a strategy for data-driven development and the Department of Education launches the 2025 pre-kindergarten screening exercise. For details on these developments and more, visit: www.govt.lc