Government Of Saint Lucia

The Substance Abuse Advisory Council Secretariat within the Ministry of Health is urging the public to remain vigilant about the presence and use of new psychoactive substances (NPS) during the Carnival season. New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) such as Molly, Ecstasy and other drugs can pose severe health risks to an individual and can cause symptoms like shortness of breath, confusion and severe anxiety. If you or someone you know begins to feel unwell and is experiencing these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention at a health facility.

The Ministry responsible for Civil Aviation is reminding the public that unauthorized drone operations are prohibited near George F.L. Charles Airport during the Parade of the Bands, with only Ministry-authorized and Carnival Planning and Management Committee-approved operators permitted to conduct aerial filming in the interest of public and aviation safety.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition is urging revelers to make responsible choices by practicing safe sex, carrying condoms, avoiding risky sexual behaviour, and seeking testing when necessary to help protect themselves, their partners, and the wider community throughout Carnival.

The Environmental Health Division is encouraging food vendors and patrons to prioritize food safety by following proper hygiene and food handling practices, obtaining the necessary food handlers' licences, and taking precautions to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses during the Carnival festivities.

The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force has launched heightened security operations, urging the public to celebrate responsibly while officers maintain an increased presence across the island to ensure a safe Carnival.

Residents and visitors will regain access to the Castries Waterfront as redevelopment works pause temporarily for the Carnival weekend, with construction set to resume once the festivities conclude.

In the headlines: The Castries Waterfront reopens for Carnival weekend and the RSLPF appeals for a peaceful Carnival For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

The Government of Saint Lucia is strengthening its capacity for strategic, evidence-based decision-making through a week-long Strategic Policy Planning Workshop designed to equip public officers with the knowledge and tools to develop, implement and monitor national policies that deliver measurable results.

Saint Lucian Olympic champion Julien Alfred continued her outstanding form by winning the women's 100 metres in Budapest with a season's best time of 10.87 seconds, following her record-breaking victory in the 200 metres at the Monaco Diamond League.

CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett has urged regional leaders to move beyond commitments and accelerate implementation of key CARICOM decisions, with renewed focus on economic integration, climate resilience, food security and sustainable development.

President of the Caribbean Court of Justice, Hon. Justice Winston Anderson, met with Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre during his visit to Saint Lucia, reinforcing the Court's commitment to strengthening relationships with governments and judiciaries across the region.

Heads of Government of the participating Eastern Caribbean states have agreed on a coordinated regional approach to engage the European Union, reaffirming the importance of Citizenship by Investment programmes and recent reforms that enhance transparency, governance and regional cooperation.

Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre says Saint Lucia will continue working closely with its Eastern Caribbean partners to strengthen Citizenship by Investment programmes while maintaining constructive dialogue with the European Union and protecting the region's development interests.

In the headlines: Prime Minister Hon. Phillip J. Pierre issues a statement on regional CBI talks with the European Union and CCJ President pays a courtesy call on the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

The Saint Lucia Social Development Fund signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Bordelais Correctional Facility, Sir Arthur Lewis Community College and the Centre for Adolescent Renewal and Education to improve housing assistance, reduce construction costs and expand skills training in the construction sector.

Cabinet has approved the construction of a permanent drag racing facility in Vieux Fort while plans continue for a motocross venue in Cul de Sac, strengthening Government's commitment to expanding opportunities for alternative sporting disciplines.

The Ministry of Home Affairs congratulated Correctional Officer Shaqelle “Kaiso Cop” Charlery on capturing the 2026 Intercommercial Calypso title, celebrating her outstanding musical talent and dedication to public service.

Saint Lucia Carnival 2026 produced a weekend of record-breaking performances, new champions and closely contested competitions, including historic victories in the Groovy Soca Monarch, National Calypso Monarch, Panorama, Solo Pan and Intercommercial Calypso competitions.

Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre encouraged Cadet Corps members to embrace discipline, resilience, leadership and strong moral character, urging them to serve as positive role models capable of creating meaningful change within their communities.

In the headlines: Prime Minister Hon. Phillip J. Pierre highlights character and service at Cadet Corps ceremony and historic results take center stage at St. Lucia Carnival 2026 For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

Saint Lucia is one step closer to making more informed, evidence-based decisions on issues ranging from health and education to technology, mental health and gender equality. The country's latest Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, known as MICS 7, is now entering its final validation stage, with officials describing the data as one of the most comprehensive social datasets ever collected in Saint Lucia.

Saint Lucian consumers are expected to benefit from continued savings on essential food items following Government's approval of an extension of the waiver of customs service charge through May 31, 2028, and customs import duties through June 30, 2027 on select price-controlled food products and zero rated Value Added Tax (VAT) on building materials through June 30, 2027. More info: https://www.govt.lc/news/consumers-set-for-continued-savings-as-government-extends-food-relief-measures-to-2028

Approximately 100 secondary and tertiary students have begun this year's Government Summer Employment Programme, gaining valuable workplace experience, practical skills and career development opportunities across the public service.

Government is expanding investment in fisheries through improved landing sites, modern processing facilities, cold storage and new technologies to boost food security, support fisherfolk and grow fish exports.

Agriculture Minister Hon. Lisa Jawahir says the future of the banana industry lies in modernization, diversification and improved export standards to build a more resilient and competitive agricultural sector.

The Ministry of Agriculture is placing agri-processing at the heart of its Green Revolution strategy, aiming to add value to local produce, reduce food imports, create jobs and strengthen Saint Lucia's food security.

CARICOM Heads of Government concluded their 51st Regular Meeting with a renewed commitment to tackling the region's high cost of living through trade reform, renewable energy investments and strengthened regional cooperation.

The ECCB Monetary Council reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening oversight of Citizenship by Investment Programmes while engaging the European Union on proposed visa policy changes and safeguarding a vital source of revenue for member states.

Saint Lucia's Olympic champion Julien Alfred delivered another sensational performance, clocking a personal best of 21.51 seconds to win the women's 200 metres at the Monaco Diamond League, recording the third-fastest time in history.

ECCB Governor Timothy Antoine says the EC dollar continues to be one of the region's greatest achievements, with strong financial performance and a renewed focus on building resilience, economic transformation and sustainable prosperity.

The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank has introduced a redesigned family of EC banknotes and coins featuring distinguished Caribbean nation builders in place of the British monarch, celebrating the region's shared identity while preserving the EC dollar's trusted legacy.

In the headlines: The ECCB unveils new EC bank notes honouring Caribbean icons and Julien Alfred blazes through a historic 200m victory in Monaco For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

In the headlines: CARICOM leaders advance regional solutions to tackle costs of living and greater enthesis placed on Agro -processing For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

The Central Statistical Office, the Department of Equity, and UNICEF successfully wrapped up a three-day workshop reviewing preliminary data from the 7th round of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS-7). The survey tracks internationally comparable data on the health, education, and well-being of local women and children to guide future policy decisions.

Saint Lucia's Resilient Renewable Energy Infrastructure Investment Facility has built dedicated scholarships and apprenticeships directly into its program. Public Utilities Minister Hon. Stephenson King highlights this as a direct effort to increase female participation in the energy sector and build a skilled workforce for the green transition.

During the 51st regular meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in Saint Lucia, Prime Minister and CARICOM Chairman Hon. Philip J. Pierre signed an agreement officially instating French Guiana as an associate member, hailing it as a major step forward for regional integration.

The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Agriculture have launched joint discussions to better align schooling, vocational training, and lifelong learning with Saint Lucia's "10 Pillars of the Green Revolution Agenda." The initiative has already secured a commitment for scholarships from IICA (Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture).

The Ministry of Education met with teachers and CXC officials to assess the Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA) program alongside Saint Lucia's new curriculum. The focus is on standardizing student competence across the region, addressing classroom challenges, and easing student transitions between Caribbean education systems.

In the headlines: French Guiana becomes CARICOM's 8th associate member and education stakeholders review CPEA implementation ahead of the new school year For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

At the CARICOM Reparations Forum, the Executive Director of the DBRP argues that true reparations must be viewed as a blueprint for sustainable development and systemic change rather than a mere financial payout.

Delivering his farewell remarks at the 51st Heads of Government Meeting, Hon. Dr. Terence Drew expresses optimism for the Caribbean's future, stressing that respectful dialogue among member states has reinforced regional integration.

Following a request from Trinidad and Tobago, CARICOM agrees to secure an advisory opinion from the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) regarding the Secretary General's reappointment process, maintaining the status quo in the interim.