Government Of Saint Lucia

In the headlines this week: ☑️ Five Caribbean Nations team up to develop geothermal energy. ☑️ The 64th Annual Antigua Charter Yacht Show brings together some of the world's most iconic luxury vessels and leading players in the global yachting industry. ☑️ The OECS has successfully completed its mission to Caribbean Innovation Days.

Thirteen healthcare professionals recently graduated and became certified rapid HIV and syphilis testers following a ceremony hosted by the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition. This certification of healthcare professionals marks a significant milestone in Saint Lucia's national response to HIV/AIDS and the prevention of congenital syphilis. The newly certified testers are nurses, community health aides, and community liaison officers, all of whom are now equipped to deliver accurate, confidential, and compassionate HIV and syphilis testing services across the island.The graduation ceremony brought together healthcare practitioners, partners, and Ministry officials to recognize the successful completion of an intensive training and certification programme. The Ministry of Health is confident that this initiative will play a part in ensuring that the ministry has the capacity to respond to HIV and syphilis through early detection, timely intervention, and patient-centered care.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition, through the National Early Warning System (EWS) for new and emerging drug threats, urging citizens and visitors to exercise extreme caution regarding the use of illicit substances. Illicit substances are substances that are manufactured, sold, processed or used illegally or in a manner not intended for legitimate medical purposes. Recent intelligence has resulted in the Saint Lucia Forensic Science Laboratory testing and providing confirmation of 3,4 Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, referred to as MDMA in country. It is more commonly called molly, ecstasy or crystals. It is a controlled substance with known risks to human health. It is a recreational drug often used in social, night-life and party settings.  

A new chapter of leadership is underway at the Ministry of Education, Youth Development, Sports and Digital Transformation, as Honourable Kenson Casimir officially assumed duties today as Minister, alongside Minister in the Ministry of Education, Honourable Danny Butcher, who has responsibility for Early Childhood, Continuing and Special Education, and Digital Transformation. The first day was marked by strategic engagement, staff dialogue, and a clear signal of renewed direction and purpose.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs recently collaborated with several key development partners to officially  launch a national training initiative for healthcare providers with the aim of strengthening adolescent healthcare in Saint Lucia. The training session brought together a wide cross-section of medical professionals who are committed to improving service delivery for the nation's youth. At the training, focus was placed on the implementation of National Standards for Quality Healthcare Services for Adolescents which is designed to ensure that young people across the island receive care that is safe, confidential, evidence-based, and responsive to their unique needs. The training sessions were hosted in collaboration with UN Women, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the Build Back Equal Project. The training session took place at the Ministry of Infrastructure's Conference Room in Union.

In a vibrant effort to bridge cultural connections through cuisine, the Taiwan Technical Mission partnered with the National Skills Development Centre (NSDC) to offer specialized culinary training in authentic Taiwanese cooking. 

As the festive season approaches and demand for fresh meat increases, the Environmental Health Division of the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, hosted a series of meetings and training sessions aimed at strengthening food safety standards and supporting local butchers to ensure the safe and lawful handling of meat for consumers.  

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs is closely monitoring the increasing influenza activity in several regions worldwide and continues to strengthen public health interventions geared towards reducing local transmission and safeguarding public health. Among the circulating respiratory viruses globally, influenza has been primarily linked to the recent increases in cases and hospitalizations, particularly Influenza A (H3N2). This subtype has been detected in Saint Lucia both in 2025 and in previous years. To date, we have not recorded cases of H3N2 sub-clave K. As we navigate the current flu season, which extends from October to March, and in response to the global increase in circulation of influenza A H3N2 sub clave K, the Ministry of Health is reintroducing two key initiatives: the circulation of protocols for the management of individuals infected with respiratory viruses and the procurement of face masks for distribution across various sectors.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs has undertaken a creative and powerful strategy to bring awareness about HIV to the population through the hosting of a bingo competition. The bingo competition included the participation of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Tourism. Also, the Ministry of Health took the opportunity to collaborate and engage artist Arthur Allain to be part of disseminating information about HIV and fostering dialogue among people in an effort to prevent the spread of HIV. The Ministry of Agriculture was crowned the champions of the “Winning with Awareness” HIV bingo competition. The Ministry of Health came in second and the Ministry of Tourism took third place.

In the headlines this week: ☑️ OECS Trade Finance Workshop targets systemic barriers to SMEs accessing finance to grow their businesses ☑️ OECS Commission extends deadline for the OECS Student Census

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs wants to ensure that during this festive season that people are very vigilant when purchasing, preparing and consuming foods in an effort to mitigate foodborne illnesses. Therefore the Ministry of Health takes the opportunity to remind the general public of some of the necessary precautions to protect themselves, family, friends and loved ones against possible food-borne illnesses. Some of the critical guidelines for persons to follow to keep food safe for human consumption include: never purchase canned foods which are unlabeled, dented, rusted or blown and large quantities of foods with short shelf life or close to being expired; avoid purchasing any meats that have not been inspected and passed; Avoid keeping food in the temperature danger zone between 4oC and 60oC where food poisoning bacteria grow best; cook foods properly and refrigerate leftovers immediately after the meal (as soon as it stops steaming), to name a few. 

In a ceremony, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs was officially handed a mobile dental clinic from the Rotary Club of St. Lucia, which is expected to meet the dental treatment needs of youth across various primary schools. A fully equipped, air conditioned mobile dental unit was provided to offer high-quality dental services of early dental screenings, preventive treatment and oral health education to children. The mobile dental clinic was made possible through the Rotary Club of St. Lucia and several local sponsors which include Massy Stores, Lucelec and M&C Drugstore. The mobile dental clinic, valued at EC $300,000 will stand as a beacon of hope for closing the gap in expanding dental health services to children. 

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs informs the public that during the festive season, there will be ongoing access to Primary Health Care services to communities across the island on an adjusted schedule. All Community Wellness Centres will be closed on Christmas & Boxing Day – December 25 & 26, 2025; and New Year's Day & Holiday – January 1 & 2, 2026. For Emergency Services, the Betty Wells Urban Polyclinic, Gros Islet Polyclinic, Dennery Hospital, and Soufriere Hospital will continue to operate as normal for urgent and emergency medical care. The Gros Islet Polyclinic, Betty Wells Urban Polyclinic and Dennery Hospital will open daily until midnight. The Soufriere Hospital will be open 24 hours. The Ministry of Health kindly advises the public to plan ahead for prescription refills and routine services and to access emergency services when necessary.

In the headlines: The 39th graduation ceremony at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College showcases the achievements of a record-breaking class. and; the CARICOM Election Observation Mission has praised the Saint Lucia's 2025 general elections as peaceful, transparent, and well-organized. For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

In the headlines: Saint Lucians are gearing up for another moment of national significance as the newly elected government prepares for its official swearing in ceremony this Friday., and; with the new parliament set to meet on Tuesday, December 16th, the future of two key positions, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, sparks curiosity. For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

In the headlines: Saint Lucia's Disabilities Community demonstrates support for government's inclusion policies, and; Saint Lucia's streets are set to sparkle on December 12th as the Festival of Light expands its route, giving the public more chances to join the celebration. For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

The National Skills Development Centre has opened a new centre in the west coast village of Anse La Raye, focusing on creatives in the Anse La Raye and Canaries communities.

Saint Lucia's agricultural sector is poised for renewed growth as the Government of Saint Lucia, through the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development, continues to advance its bilateral partnership with the Government of Indonesia. The two countries reaffirmed this commitment during a high-level meeting held in Castries, where both delegations reviewed progress made and outlined a shared vision for expanding collaboration in priority agricultural areas. The meeting reviewed earlier field assessments conducted by the Indonesian delegation, which identified opportunities to modernize coconut processing, upgrade equipment, and increase acreage of varieties suitable for oil production. The roadmap also outlines areas for future collaboration, including the processing of mangoes, breadfruit, and other priority fruits beginning in 2026.

Saint Lucia has charted a new course in sustainable agriculture through a strategic partnership with Zamorano University in Honduras and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The initiative, led by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development, focuses on building local expertise in biological pest control, empowering officers and technicians to reproduce and apply natural enemies of pests. This shift toward eco-friendly solutions aims to help farmers reduce chemical dependence while strengthening national food security and environmental resilience.

In the headlines: Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre announces the key pillars of his second term plan, and; Saint Lucia's leader calls for a national reset and positive change. For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

The Ministry of Education is advancing its commitment to building a future-ready education system, starting from the earliest years of learning. The Early Childhood Services Unit has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative: The development of a STREAM-based curriculum for Early Childhood Education in Saint Lucia. This approach integrates Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics, aimed at nurturing well-rounded, innovative and curious young learners.

In the headlines: With congratulations pouring in from near and far, Prime Minister Hon. Philip J.Pierre was sworn in on Friday, ushering in a new term of national leadership and; Saint Lucia hosts a sage apprenticeship review to boost skills training. For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

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The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs in collaboration with the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) recently hosted a nutrition workshop with focus on "Nutrition Standards for Schools Meals." The workshop brought together key stakeholders involved in school feeding programmes and early childhood nutrition, all with a unified goal of strengthening national nutrition standards for foods provided or sold within schools and early childhood care settings. From this workshop, participants are expected to receive guidance, practical tools and learn the model policies to be adopted which will help with protecting and enhancing the children's nutrition. 

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.

As the festive season quickly approaches, the Environmental Health Division within the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs wants to ensure that the both butchers and consumers are reminded of the safety guidelines of the purchase and sale of meat. In an effort to protect the health of people, butchers are encouraged to comply with national regulations and ensure proper meat handling standards. Some of the food safety guidelines for butchers and helpers are but not limited to: registering and receiving a butcher permit from the Environmental Health Division; obtaining an antemortem certification, butcher's license and valid health certificates; ensure proper hand hygiene; portable lighting and adequate lighting; ensure slaughter and inspection areas well maintained and selling meats that have been inspected, passed and stamped by the Environmental Health Division. Meanwhile, consumers are asked to prevent food borne illnesses by following guidelines such as: purchasing meats from approved butchers with permits or certificates of wholesome; ensure the meat is inspected and stamped by the Environmental Health Division.