AGP Executive Report

Water Security: Saint Lucia faces heightened drought risk as rainfall stays below average and temperatures remain high. Reservoirs are at record lows despite the wet season, with forecasters warning that recent showers may not ease concerns before the dry season. Tourism and Animal Welfare: A new HelpAWS puppy café at Anse Mamin beach pairs refreshments with a chance to meet rescued dogs available for adoption. Education: The government is costing upgrades to make schools accessible to students with disabilities, while Education Minister Kenson Casimir says plans for classroom AI should support learning, not encourage dependence on technology. Youth Innovation: Saint Lucian students are representing the island at the FIRST Global robotics challenge in South Korea with a robot they designed and built. Public Services: WASCO has launched online bill payment, letting customers check balances and view bills, with accounts updated immediately after payment. History and Culture: The National Trust is highlighting the Brigand Wars, including the deportation of more than 2,000 prisoners to Britain after the 1796 conflict.

CCJ in Saint Lucia: The Caribbean Court of Justice opened its 2026–27 judicial year with its first itinerant sitting on the island. Eastern Caribbean Chief Justice Margaret Price Findlay urged courts to engage with communities while protecting judicial independence. Weather: Heavy rain and thunderstorms earlier this week caused flooding in parts of Saint Lucia, including Castries and the south; residents in flood- and landslide-prone areas were urged to stay alert. Education and AI: Minister Kenson Casimir says the government is preparing a legal framework for AI in schools, stressing it should support learning, not replace students’ effort. Blue Economy Funding: Saint Lucian businesses in fisheries, marine tourism and waste management will get a final chance to apply for OECS matching grants, with the call launching October 30. Local Innovation: Saint Lucian students travelled to South Korea for the FIRST Global robotics challenge, presenting a robot they designed with local company Orbtronics. Food Security: Agriculture Minister Lisa Jawahir says Saint Lucia must grow more of its own food, backing investment in local production, climate-resilient farming and stronger markets.

Regional Justice: The Caribbean Court of Justice opened its first itinerant sitting in Saint Lucia, launching its 2026–27 judicial year. Eastern Caribbean Chief Justice Margaret Price Findlay urged the court to engage with communities while protecting its independence. Public Services: WASCO customers can now pay bills online, check balances and view past statements, with payments reflected immediately. Weather: Heavy rain and thunderstorms brought flooding to parts of Saint Lucia; residents in flood- and landslide-prone areas were urged to stay alert. Education: The Ministry is costing upgrades to make schools more accessible to students with disabilities, including ramps. Food Security: Agriculture Minister Lisa Jawahir says Saint Lucia must boost local production, strengthen markets and adopt climate-resilient farming to feed itself. Innovation: Saint Lucian students represented the island at the FIRST Global robotics challenge in South Korea with a robot they built for the competition. Economic Outlook: The World Bank forecasts 1.1% growth for Saint Lucia in 2026, following a 0.6% contraction last year.

Weather: Heavy rain and thunderstorms brought flooding to parts of Saint Lucia, including Castries and the south. Forecasters warned of further showers, gusty winds and rough seas, urging caution in flood- and landslide-prone areas. Regional Justice: The Caribbean Court of Justice is holding its first Saint Lucia sittings on October 7 and 8, hearing three cases from Saint Lucia, Guyana and Belize. Economic Outlook: The World Bank forecasts 1.1% growth for Saint Lucia in 2026, after an estimated 0.6% contraction last year, citing high energy and transport costs among pressures on tourism-dependent economies. Tourism: Cruise-season upgrades to Castries’ waterfront will not be ready for the coming season, Tourism Minister Ernest Hilaire says, pointing to delays in getting materials. Food Security: The government is calling for more climate-resilient local farming, stronger markets and less food waste, with World Food Day events planned for October 18. Child Protection: Girls of A Feather has launched a campaign promoting free, confidential support for children affected by abuse or neglect; official figures recorded 204 sexual-offence reports in 2024, including 151 involving children.

Severe Weather: Heavy rain and thunderstorms caused flooding in parts of Saint Lucia, with residents and motorists in flood-prone areas urged to stay alert as showers and rough seas continue. Food Security: Agriculture Minister Lisa Jawahir says the country must boost local production, climate-resilient farming and markets for farmers and fishers to strengthen its ability to feed itself. Child Protection: Girls of A Feather has launched a campaign promoting support for children affected by abuse; official figures recorded 204 sexual-offence reports in 2024, including 151 involving children. Regional Justice: The Caribbean Court of Justice has begun its first Saint Lucia sittings, hearing cases from Saint Lucia, Guyana and Belize on October 7 and 8. Economic Outlook: The World Bank forecasts Saint Lucia’s economy will grow 1.1% in 2026, after an estimated 0.6% contraction last year. Tourism: Cruise-season upgrades to Castries’ waterfront will not be finished in time, Tourism Minister Ernest Hilaire says, citing delays in getting materials to the island. CARICOM: Janet Caroo has been formally accredited as Saint Lucia’s ambassador to the regional bloc, with a pledge to make integration deliver tangible benefits.

CARICOM Diplomacy: Dr. Janet Caroo has been formally accredited as Saint Lucia’s new ambassador to CARICOM, presenting her Letter of Credence to Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett as the island chairs the bloc and pushes for “deliverables” from regional integration. Economy Watch: The World Bank projects Saint Lucia’s growth at 1.1% for 2026, after a 0.6% contraction in 2025, while flagging energy and transport costs as key pressures for tourism-dependent economies. Cruise Tourism Update: Saint Lucia’s cruise season is nearing, but Castries waterfront upgrades won’t be finished in time; Tourism Minister Dr Ernest Hilaire says the big improvements are likely for next season due to supply delays. Justice on the Move: The Caribbean Court of Justice will hold its first travelling sittings in Saint Lucia on Oct. 7–8, with public livestream access and matters from Saint Lucia, Guyana and Belize. Energy Development: Geothermal exploration is now ongoing in Saltibus, Fond St Jacques and Belle Plaine, with consultations underway and some relocation already completed. Regional Corrections Training: Two EU- and UNDP-backed projects are combining to train correctional, probation and parole staff across 10 countries, including Saint Lucia, from Sept–Nov 2026. Road Safety Reminder: GK Insurance EC is urging safer driving this Thanksgiving weekend, warning against speeding, distractions and driving after alcohol.

Cruise Tourism Update: Tourism Minister Dr Ernest Hilaire says the new Castries waterfront upgrades won’t be finished for the start of the 2026/2027 cruise season, with work continuing during the season due to supply-chain delays. Regional Justice: The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) will hold travelling sittings in Saint Lucia for the first time in its 21-year history on Oct. 7–8, with public livestream access and cases from Saint Lucia, Guyana and Belize. Economy Watch: The World Bank projects Saint Lucia’s growth at 1.1% for 2026, after a 0.6% contraction in 2025, citing moderate post-pandemic recovery and high energy/transport costs. Sports & Community: The Sandals Foundation’s Island Challenge Jamaica has hit its £100,000 target for Falmouth Hospital paediatric and neonatal care. Energy Progress: Geothermal exploration is now ongoing in Saltibus, Fond St Jacques and Belle Plaine, with displacement handled and next steps moving toward civil works and drilling preparations. Youth & Culture: Kwéyòl Heritage Month launched with a call that “Kwéyòl-la Sé Sa Nou Tout,” naming host communities for Jounen Kwéyòl Day.

Caribbean Court of Justice: Saint Lucia will host the CCJ’s travelling sittings for the first time in its 21-year history, with hearings set for Tuesday Oct. 7 and Wednesday Oct. 8, 2026, marking the opening of the 2026/2027 judicial year and allowing the public to watch the Court in action via livestream. Geothermal Push: The government says geothermal exploration is now ongoing in Saltibus, Fond St Jacques and Belle Plaine, with consultations held and two families displaced as replacement homes are built, as the project moves toward drilling and civil works. Youth Policy Drive: Education and Youth Minister Kenson Casimir is pushing for faster, results-focused implementation of the National Youth Policy and Action Plan 2025–2030, starting with inter-agency coordination and monitoring frameworks. Road Safety for Thanksgiving: GK Insurance EC is urging motorists to avoid speeding, distracted driving and driving after alcohol as the holiday period brings heavier traffic. Kwéyòl Heritage Month: Saint Lucia launched Kwéyòl Heritage Month with community host celebrations under the theme “Kwéyòl-la Sé Sa Nou Tout,” spotlighting language, culture and youth participation. Cannabis Industry Planning: The Regulated Substances Authority announces a Cannabis Banking & Financial Integrity Summit on Oct. 29, focused on compliance, traceability and risk management for a viable regulated cannabis sector.

Caribbean Court of Justice: The CCJ will hold its first-ever travelling sittings in Saint Lucia on Tuesday, Oct. 7 and Wednesday, Oct. 8, hearing matters from Saint Lucia, Guyana and Belize, with livestream access for the public. Tourism & regional ties: CMEx will honour Caribbean hotelier Josef Forstmayr at its Leadership Awards in Miami on Dec. 6, while a separate report highlights how airlift and airline network decisions can leave some travellers—like those from Manchester—without convenient Caribbean routes. Infrastructure & energy: EllaLink has launched its Caribbean Gateway initiative, moving from design to committed investment for a fibre optic cable linking French Guiana to Martinique/Guadeloupe and branches to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, targeted for service by end-2029. Local development: Saint Lucia’s geothermal exploration is now ongoing in Saltibus, Fond St Jacques and Belle Plaine, with relocation already underway and bidding nearing completion. Public services & safety: Water truckers transporting water for resale must now obtain a licence from NURC, and GKIEC is urging motorists to drive carefully this Thanksgiving weekend. Culture & health: Saint Lucia launched Kwéyòl Heritage Month with community host selections, and marked World No Alcohol Day under “Alcohol and Me.”

Caribbean Connectivity: EllaLink officially launched its EllaLink Caribbean Gateway initiative, moving from design to committed investment for a fibre optic submarine cable linking Cayenne to Martinique and Guadeloupe, with western service to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire—targeted for service by end-2029. Tourism & Hospitality: Bay Gardens Resorts is spotlighting its new five-star Sapphire Sands Villas on Reduit Beach, a small, nine-villa property with butler service and a new Korean-Caribbean dining concept. Energy Push: Saint Lucia’s geothermal exploration is now ongoing in Saltibus, Fond St Jacques and Belle Plaine, with relocation already underway and next steps including civil works and well-pad preparation. Sports & Community: The SLFA Under-12 District League semi-finals are set for today at the Technical Centre in Grande Rivière, Dennery, while youth football and women’s football initiatives continue to build pathways for young players. Governance & Justice: The Caribbean Court of Justice will hold itinerant sittings in Saint Lucia from Tuesday 7 to Wednesday 8 October, with the full bench hearing matters originating from Saint Lucia, Guyana and Belize. Public Safety & Regulation: Water truckers transporting water for resale must obtain a licence from NURC under new regulations, and motorists are being urged to drive safely this Thanksgiving weekend. Culture & Health: Kwéyòl Heritage Month kicked off with “Kwéyòl-la Sé Sa Nou Tout,” and Saint Lucia marked World No Alcohol Day under “Alcohol and Me.”

Tourism & Hospitality: Bay Gardens Resorts is spotlighting its new five-star, villa-style property Sapphire Sands Villas on Reduit Beach, with just nine beachfront villas (27 keys), butler service, a waterfront spa and a new Korean-Caribbean restaurant. Sports Infrastructure: The new netball stadium in Waterford, St Michael is about 90% complete and could be used ahead of the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 Americas Regional Qualifier (Oct 19–26), with tournament games at Garfield Sobers Gymnasium. Energy & Jobs: Saint Lucia’s geothermal exploration is now ongoing in Saltibus, Fond St Jacques and Belle Plaine, with consultations held and two families displaced as replacement homes are built; bidding for next steps is nearing completion. Road Safety: GK Insurance EC is urging motorists to drive carefully this Thanksgiving weekend, warning against speeding, distracted driving, dangerous overtaking and driving after alcohol. Youth & Culture: Kwéyòl Heritage Month launched at Laborie Market under “Kwéyòl-la Sé Sa Nou Tout,” with host communities named for Jounen Kwéyòl Day (Oct 25). Community & Justice: The Caribbean Court of Justice will hold itinerant sittings in Saint Lucia from Oct 7–8, hearing matters originating from Saint Lucia, Guyana and Belize. Business & Regulation: Water truckers transporting water for resale must obtain a licence from the National Utilities Regulatory Commission under new regulations.

Local Governance & Public Health: Saint Lucia marked World No Alcohol Day 2026 with the theme “Alcohol and Me,” urging people to reflect on drinking habits and warning signs like blackouts, aggression, and driving under the influence. Youth Policy: Minister Kenson Casimir pushed for faster, results-focused rollout of the National Youth Policy and Action Plan 2025–2030, starting with an inter-agency coordinating committee meeting. Culture & Language: Kwéyòl Heritage Month was launched at Laborie Market under “Kwéyòl-la Sé Sa Nou Tout,” with host communities named for Jounen Kwéyòl Day. Road Safety: GK Insurance EC urged motorists to drive carefully this Thanksgiving weekend, warning against speeding, distracted driving, dangerous overtaking, and alcohol-impaired driving. Regulated Cannabis: The Regulated Substances Authority announced a Cannabis Banking & Financial Integrity Summit on Oct. 29 to discuss compliance, traceability, and risk management for a viable cannabis industry. Business & Services: Water truckers transporting water for resale must now obtain a licence from NURC under new regulations covering safety, insurance, and road safety. Justice: The Caribbean Court of Justice will hold historic itinerant sittings in Saint Lucia on Oct. 7–8 to commemorate the opening of the judicial year 2026/2027. Sports (Youth): Under-12 soccer semi-finals are set for today at the Technical Centre in Grande Rivière, Dennery. International Spotlight: A Saint Lucian connection made headlines as former Dallas officer Amber Guyger was granted parole after serving seven years for the killing of Botham Jean.

UNFPA & Local Media: UNFPA says gender-based violence, child marriage, incest and adolescent pregnancy are still under-reported, urging Saint Lucia’s media to adopt survivor-centred, human-focused coverage. Kwéyòl Heritage Month: The Folk Research Centre launched Kwéyòl Heritage Month with the theme “Kwéyòl-la Sé Sa Nou Tout,” naming host communities La Caye (Dennery), Vieux Fort South and La Clery (Castries North). Health & Safety: World No Alcohol Day marked Oct. 2 with a “Alcohol and Me” message from the Ministry of Health, while GK Insurance EC urged safer driving this Thanksgiving weekend. Youth Policy Push: Education Minister Kenson Casimir called for faster, results-driven rollout of the National Youth Policy and Action Plan 2025–2030. Older Persons Observed: Saint Lucia marked the International Day of Older Persons with renewed focus on dignity, care and support programmes. Road Rules for Water Truckers: NURC says water trucking for resale now requires licensing, with health, safety and business standards. Justice in Focus: The CCJ will hold historic itinerant court sittings in Saint Lucia on Oct. 7–8. Sports & Community: SLFA Under-12 semi-finals are set for today at the Technical Centre in Grande Rivière, Dennery. Cannabis Banking Summit: RSA announces a Cannabis Banking & Financial Integrity Summit for Oct. 29 on compliance and traceability for a viable industry. Tourism & Business: Stakeholders are urged to turn ease-of-doing-business review recommendations into action, as winter airlift plans and cruise tourism developments continue to shape the season.

Water & Regulation: Water truckers who transport water for resale in Saint Lucia must now obtain a licence from the National Utilities Regulatory Commission (NURC), under new rules covering safety, liability insurance, road safety and business management. Business Climate: Stakeholders are being urged to turn recommendations from Saint Lucia’s ease-of-doing-business review into real, on-the-ground action to make it easier to operate and grow. Winter Airlift Debate: Former tourism minister Senator Dominic Fedee has played down the impact of winter airlift plans, arguing the added flights may not solve Saint Lucia’s wider connectivity needs. Judicial Access: The Caribbean Court of Justice will hold historic itinerant sittings in Saint Lucia on Tuesday 7 to Wednesday 8 October, with a full seven-member bench hearing matters originating from Saint Lucia, Guyana and Belize. Cruise Port Update: Saint Lucia’s cruise season is set to begin with key Castries waterfront upgrades still unfinished, with Tourism Minister Dr Ernest Hilaire citing supply and materials challenges. Tourism Numbers: For Nov 2026–Mar 2027, Saint Lucia expects 295,244 airlift seats, up 7.3% year-on-year, including major US and Canadian increases. Culture & Language: Kwéyòl Heritage Month 2026 was launched in Laborie, calling on Saint Lucians to embrace the language as part of identity, with main events hosted across Dennery, Vieux Fort South and Castries North. Sports (Girls Football): The Saint Lucia Football Association is pushing girls’ football forward through festivals, training and a national consultation on a women’s football strategic plan with FIFA. EU Citizenship-by-Investment Pressure: The EU has warned Saint Lucia (along with four other Caribbean states) to end citizenship-by-investment programmes by 2028 or risk losing visa-free access for citizens.

Caribbean Court of Justice: The CCJ will hold historic itinerant court sittings in Saint Lucia from Tuesday 7 to Wednesday 8 October, with the full seven-member bench hearing three matters originating from Saint Lucia, Guyana and Belize—marking the first time the island hosts the travelling sittings since joining the CCJ’s appellate jurisdiction in 2023. Citizenship-by-investment: The EU has told Saint Lucia and four other Caribbean states to end citizenship-by-investment by 2028 or risk losing visa-free access for their citizens, putting the popular passport route into fresh uncertainty. Kwéyòl Heritage Month: Kwéyòl Heritage Month 2026 was launched in Laborie under the theme “Kwéyòl-la Sé Sa Nou Tout,” with key host communities including La Caye, Dennery; Vieux Fort South; and La Clery, Castries North. Tourism & cruise: Saint Lucia is preparing for a winter airlift boost—295,244 seats expected for Nov 2026–Mar 2027 (+7.3% year-on-year)—but cruise port upgrades in Castries will spill into next season as redevelopment work continues. Clean energy for women: The Caribbean Development Bank launched a US$500,000 initiative to support women-led businesses developing clean energy solutions across the region, including St. Lucia, through 2026–2028. Sports & culture: Saint Lucian Kyvon Edwin won Best Fiction Short at the Trinidad+Tobago Film Festival, and the SLFA is pushing girls’ football with festivals, consultations and FIFA-backed planning.

Tourism & Airlift: Saint Lucia is projecting a 7.3% jump in winter scheduled airline seats, targeting 295,244 seats from Nov 2026 to Mar 2027, with growth flagged for the US, Canada and the UK and more frequency on key routes. Cruise Port Update: The Castries waterfront upgrades tied to the cruise season won’t be fully ready this year, with Tourism Minister Ernest Hilaire pointing to ongoing supply and delivery delays—expecting a bigger push next season. EU Citizenship Pressure: Eastern Caribbean governments selling golden passports face an EU deadline: stop by 2028 or risk losing visa-free access, with St. Lucia’s PM Phillip Pierre saying the EU is not open to major changes. Kwéyòl Heritage Month: Kwéyòl Heritage Month 2026 was launched in Laborie, calling on Saint Lucians to embrace the language as part of identity, with host communities named across the island. Road Safety: Police report 18 fatal crashes so far this year, surpassing last year’s total, as calls grow for stiffer penalties for reckless driving. Sports (Football): St Lucia bounced back in Concacaf Nations League action, beating Bermuda 5-2. Culture & Community: A girls’ football push continues with SLFA initiatives, including festivals and planning for a women’s football strategy with FIFA support.