Government Of Saint Lucia

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

In the headlines: The Saint Lucia government reduces airport service charge by 50% for regional travel, and; more than 50 firefighters are now deployed in fire stations island-wide. For details on these developments and more, visit: www.govt.lc

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs is urging the public to take precautionary measures as thick concentrations of Saharan dust continue to blanket the island, posing heightened health risks, especially for persons with pre-existing respiratory conditions. According to the Saint Lucia Meteorological Services, the latest weather reports dated May 27, 2025, confirm the presence of dense Saharan dust plumes in the atmosphere. These dry and hazy conditions often lead to an increase in respiratory complaints including dry cough, sneezing, nasal irritation, throat discomfort, and allergic reactions.

In the headlines: Caribbean health officials are monitoring a new strain of the COVID-19 virus. and ;the Commonwealth Caribbean Association of Integrity Commissions convened for the 11th annual conference in Saint Lucia. For details on these developments and more, visit: www.govt.lc

The upcoming island-wide Business Development Services Information Session. The Information Sessions are an initiative of the Unleashing the Blue Economy of the Caribbean (UBEC). 

Today on World Environment Day, we join the global call to action under the theme “Beat Plastic Pollution.” This year's focus highlights a critical and growing threat to both environmental and public health, the pervasive presence of plastic waste in our ecosystems, our communities, and our bodies. Plastic pollution is more than just a litter problem. It is a serious public health concern. Microplastics have been found in drinking water, food chains, and even human tissue. The production and improper disposal of plastics contribute to air and water pollution (clog drainage systems), harm marine life and create ideal breeding grounds for disease vectors. In Saint Lucia and across the region, we must strengthen our collective resolve to reduce plastic dependence, enhance waste management systems and promote sustainable alternatives. Legislation, education, innovation, and behavioral change all have vital roles to play in this mission.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs joins the rest of the Caribbean in commemorating Caribbean Nutrition Day on June 1st and launching the observance of Nutrition Awareness Month under the theme “Healthy Eating, Active Living: Sustainable Diets for a Healthier Caribbean.” This regional initiative highlights the urgent need for individuals, families, schools, workplaces, and communities to adopt habits that improve personal health and protect the environment. With non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and climate-related challenges on the rise, the Ministry emphasizes that now more than ever, sustainable food choices and physical activity must become part of our national lifestyle.

In a bold step to strengthen national emergency preparedness and gender-based violence (GBV) response, Saint Lucia hosted a pivotal two-day training workshop on May 26 and 27, 2025, at the Harbor Club in Rodney Bay. The Gender-Based Violence in Emergencies (GBViE) training brought together key representatives from government agencies, civil society, and healthcare institutions. The event was co-convened by UNFPA, UN Women, and the Government of Saint Lucia, in collaboration with the Caribbean Development Bank. The workshop aimed to build national capacity on Gender Equality, Social Inclusion, and Gender-Based Violence, particularly in the context of emergencies and climate-related disasters. A key milestone of the training was the official validation of Saint Lucia's Clinical Management of Rape Protocol signaling a significant improvement in coordinated survivor support services.

A community hub in Soufriere is now back in action, revitalized and reimagined. With support from the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), the Soufriere Innovation and Development Centre has reopened its doors, offering a modern, tech-forward space aimed at empowering youth, entrepreneurs, and the wider community.

In the headlines: The Soufriere Innovation and Development Centre has reopened and; Caribbean Nutrition Day is observed with a call for healthier lifestyle choices. For details on these developments and more, visit: www.govt.lc

In the headlines: World No Tobacco Day exposes tools used to trap nicotine users, and; 22 farmers graduate in the use of artificial intelligence. For details on these developments and more, visit: www.govt.lc

In the headlines: The Ministry of Commerce commits to supplying essential services to the public and; the public have been alerted to the risks of the Saharan dust. For details on these developments and more, visit: www.govt.lc

In the headlines: Mental Health Month highlights the importance of mental well-being and a Saint Lucia and the World Food Programme agreement to strengthen technical assistance for disaster response. For details on these developments and more, visit: www.govt.lc

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs successfully hosted its annual Pre-Atlantic Hurricane Season Preparedness Meeting on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. The session convened department heads and key representatives from health institutions across the island to evaluate national readiness for the 2025–2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season. The interactive forum allowed stakeholders to share updates on their disaster preparedness plans, address potential risks, and identify gaps in the health sector's emergency response framework. Read more: https://www.govt.lc/news/ministry-of-health-strengthens-preparedness-ahead-of-2025-hurricane-season Watch video news report: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wxh3FRhQ0A8 Listen to podcast: https://pod.co/government-of-saint-lucia/ministry-of-health-strengthens-preparedness-ahead-of-2025-hurricane-season

In the headlines: Caribbean education leaders agree to prioritize school security, and; the Department of Probation and Parole unveils a strategic plan for greater efficiency. For details on these developments and more, visit: www.govt.lc

In the headlines: Saint Lucia recognized as a top trending destination and; Dennery Hospital trains staff in customer relations. For details on these developments and more, visit: www.govt.lc

In the headlines: The Minister for Agriculture discusses plans for Sargassum relief, and; Grand Riviere Dennery welcomes a Digital Development Center. For details on these developments and more, visit: www.govt.lc

Education Ministers and key regional stakeholders recently gathered for the Fourth Caribbean Ministerial Forum on School Safety, reaffirming their commitment to the Caribbean Safe School Initiative (CSSI).   Saint Lucia officially assumed chairmanship of the Caribbean Safe School Initiative (CSSI), following the successful hosting of this year's event. 

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs continues to demonstrate its commitment to high-quality healthcare by prioritizing staff development and service excellence across all facilities. Most recently, Dennery Hospital successfully concluded a Customer Satisfaction Training Workshop aimed at improving patient care through enhanced service delivery. The training, an initiative of the Performance-Based Financing (PBF) Project, brought together hospital staff and medical professionals in a hands-on, interactive setting designed to strengthen interpersonal communication, responsiveness to patient needs, and the overall patient experience.

In the headlines: The government discusses increased investments being made in the business processing outsourcing sector and; the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs acknowledges World Hypertension Day For details on these developments and more, visit: www.govt.lc

In the headlines: The Tourism Minister gives his observation on the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival and Reading Month is observed and; all are encouraged to pick up a book. For details on these developments and more, visit: www.govt.lc

In observance of World Hypertension Day on May 17, 2025, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs joined the global community in raising awareness of hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, which continues to be a major contributor to premature deaths both globally and in Saint Lucia.   This year's global theme, “Measure your blood pressure accurately, control it, live longer,” reinforces the Ministry's ongoing efforts to promote better health practices. Accurate measurement using clinically validated monitors and proper technique remains a cornerstone of early diagnosis and sustained management. According to national health statistics, an estimated 2 out of 5 Saint Lucian adults aged 18 to 69 years, or approximately 40 percent, are affected by hypertension. Even more concerning is that fewer than 1 in 5 persons with hypertension in Saint Lucia have their blood pressure under control.

In the headlines: The Ministry of Health reviews its disaster management plan, and the Minister for Tourism, Hon. Dr. Ernest Hilaire expresses satisfaction for the recently-concluded Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival. For details on these developments and more, visit: www.govt.lc

In observance of World Hypertension Day on May 17, 2025, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs joined the global community in raising awareness of hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, which continues to be a major contributor to premature deaths both globally and in Saint Lucia. This year's global theme, “Measure your blood pressure accurately, control it, live longer,” reinforces the Ministry's ongoing efforts to promote better health practices. Read more: https://www.govt.lc/news/ministry-of-health-observes-world-hypertension-day-2025

In a strategic effort to enhance Saint Lucia's health emergency preparedness and response capacity, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs, in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), embarked on a comprehensive review of its National Multi-Hazard Health Sector Disaster Management Plan. This initiative formed part of a five-day workshop aimed at reinforcing national resilience against public health emergencies and natural disasters. The workshop brought together key stakeholders in health and disaster management to strengthen existing frameworks and to develop an updated Pandemic Preparedness Plan that integrated lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and other emergencies.

The Millennium Heights Medical Complex (MHMC) is taking strategic steps to elevate healthcare safety and quality in Saint Lucia following its active participation in the 7th Global Ministerial Summit on Patient Safety, held at the Asian Development Bank Headquarters in Manila, Philippines.   Themed “Weaving Strengths for the Future of Patient Safety throughout the Healthcare Continuum,” the summit brought together ministers of health, senior healthcare professionals, and international experts to discuss best practices and future priorities for the implementation of the Global Patient Safety Action Plan 2021 - 2030.

In the headlines: Saint Lucia signs an agreement to strengthen its disaster response capacity and; the U.S.Embassy advises against traveling to the United States to give birth. For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

In the headlines: Saint Lucia Customs prepares for delayed impact of United States trade tariffs and Prime Minister Hon. Philip J.  Pierre explains government's support for the island's nurses. For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

Saint Lucia is expected to feel the delayed economic impact of US tariffs in the coming months. According to the Customs and Excise Department, although local prices remain relatively stable for now, the effects are inevitable. Read more: https://www.govt.lc/news/customs-and-excise-department-prepares-for-delayed-impact-of-us-tariffs

In the headlines: Saint Lucia hosts the fourth Caribbean Ministerial Forum on School Safety, which starts today and; the Ministry of Agriculture responds to the influx of Sargassum on the west coast. For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

In the headlines: The 34th Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival ends - a special edition recap. For details on these developments and more, visit www.govt.lc

May, is annually recognized as a month dedicated to amplifying the power and importance of reading.  This year, Reading Month will be observed under a theme selected to bridge gaps in connection, and inspire nationals to pick up a book and become immersed in its story.

In the headlines: The Ministry of Education raises concern over a bullying incident at school and; the Ministry of Agriculture hosts a conference on a new farm insurance initiative. For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) remain a persistent public health challenge in Saint Lucia, exacerbated by socio-economic vulnerabilities, limited public awareness, and insufficient engagement across key sectors. While efforts exist within individual ministries, a coordinated, culturally relevant, and community-driven approach is lacking. CARPHA, in collaboration with national stakeholders, has initiated a Public Education Campaign (PEC) using a realistic framework to explore what works, for whom, and under what conditions. A recent scoping mission revealed critical gaps and opportunities in VBD prevention, including: • Inadequate digital communication and M&E systems • Limited integration of VBD content in school curricula • Socioeconomic barriers to behaviour change • Underutilization of religious and tourism sector platforms Objective To reduce the incidence of VBDs in Saint Lucia by launching a multisectoral public education campaign that fosters sustained behavioural change through targeted training, community engagement, and digital innovation.

In the headlines: The Ministry of Health continues its campaign against chronic diseases and; Saint Lucian midwives honoured for their critical role in health care delivery. For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc