AGP Executive Report

Netball Momentum: National senior women’s netball coach Liselle Johnson is calling for stronger national and corporate support after the “Calypso Girls” won gold at the CAC Games, urging investment that can’t always be covered by sport budgets. Public Health Preparedness: The Ministry of Health brought together port health stakeholders to strengthen air and sea border readiness, reviewing standard operating procedures for suspected public health threats. Breastfeeding Support: Breastfeeding Awareness Month was officially launched at Micoud Secondary School, with the Health Ministry stressing that families, employers and communities must back mothers for a healthier start for babies. Food Safety & Agriculture: The Agriculture Ministry debunked a viral “snake in a toilet” claim as false, and also warned about egg shortages, pointing to farmers turning over flocks and the gap created by unregistered producers. Energy Reliability: LUCELEC opened a new machine shop at the Cul De Sac Power Station to reduce maintenance delays and speed up repairs. CPL Cricket Build-Up: Flow launched its Caribbean-wide “We Live For This” campaign for the 2026 CPL, as the Saint Lucia Kings prepare for their first home match against St Kitts and Nevis Patriots. Youth & Education: Saint Lucia Cruise Port awarded full undergraduate scholarships to two students, covering tuition, living costs and airfare for up to four years.

Diplomacy & Youth Exchange: Taiwan’s International Youth Ambassadors include first-time drone operators, with visits planned to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Palau later this month. Cost of Living Pressure: Barbados PM Mia Mottley renewed her call for regional conglomerates to cap profit margins on essentials, pointing to a “Price Compact” model she says can help Caribbean families. Roads & Contracts: Government targets a November award for the Julien R. Hunte Highway rehabilitation after procurement delays, with companies already pre-qualified. Food Security: Agriculture Minister Lisa Jawahir links egg shortages to farmers turning over flocks, while urging unregistered farmers to join support programmes. Health & Families: Health officials marked Breastfeeding Awareness Month, urging families, employers and providers to support mothers. Energy Reliability: LUCELEC opened a new machine shop at Cul De Sac to reduce maintenance delays and improve power reliability. Education Support: The UNI PASS Grant is launched to help put a graduate in every household, alongside calls for graduates to build professional portfolios beyond degrees. Public Safety: Fire Service expands first-aid training and urges caution during emergencies. Sports Spotlight (CPL): Saint Lucia Kings opened CPL 2026 with a nail-biting four-run win over Antigua & Barbuda Falcons at Arnos Vale, powered by Andries Gous’ 82 and Matthew Forde’s final-over control. Commonwealth Games Update: Education Minister Kenson Casimir says Julien Alfred’s decision not to compete was understood, while Michael Joseph reached the finals. Border Health: Saint Lucia strengthens border health defenses at air and sea ports with tighter surveillance and coordination. Accessibility at Cruise Port: Saint Lucia Cruise Port rolls out the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme for discreet support for non-visible disabilities. Culture & Community: Steelpan advocates renew calls for wider access for youth; calypso community remembers “The Mighty Terra” after his passing.

Commonwealth Games Update: Education and Sports Minister Kenson Casimir says he understands why sprinter Julien Alfred skipped Glasgow after her team advised it wasn’t in her best interest, while also questioning how quickly the decision was shared with the Olympic Committee. CPL Cricket: Saint Lucia Kings kicked off CPL 2026 with a nail-biting four-run win over Antigua & Barbuda Falcons at Arnos Vale, powered by Andries Gous’ 82 and a calm final-over finish from Matthew Forde. Volleyball in the Region: ECVA senior championships begin in the British Virgin Islands, with Saint Lucia’s women defending champions after funding uncertainty was resolved in time for a charter flight; the national referees course is also underway. Tourism & Sport Tourism: SLTA signed a multi-year partnership with Arsenal, branding Saint Lucia across Premier League and Women’s Super League activities and supporting an academy hub on island. Public Health at Borders: Health officials are strengthening surveillance and emergency coordination at air and sea ports to better respond to potential public health threats. Politics & Governance: PM Philip Pierre and Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet traded sharp words over SSDF audits ahead of Cabinet. Crime: A 28-year-old man from Micoud was killed in an Anse Ger homicide; police say one person is in custody. Culture: The “Tiwé Listwa” anthology was launched as part of Emancipation events, giving emerging Saint Lucian writers space to tell stories in their own voices.

CPL 2026: Saint Lucia Kings opened their season with a nail-biting four-run win over Antigua & Barbuda Falcons at Arnos Vale, as Andries Gous struck 82 and Matthew Forde held his nerve in the final over. Border Health: Saint Lucia is tightening health defenses at air and sea ports, bringing agencies together to strengthen surveillance and emergency response. Sports Spotlight: Minister Kenson Casimir points to recent medals and performances, including Jady Emmanuel’s Commonwealth Games run and other CAC successes, as the government pushes sports development. Commonwealth Games: Sprinter Michael Joseph reached the finals after tough conditions, while Julien Alfred sat out on technical advice. Governance Clash: PM Philip Pierre and Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet trade barbs over SSDF audits. Crime: A 28-year-old man from Micoud was killed in Anse Ger, with police investigating and one person in custody. Accessibility at Port: Cruise passengers with non-visible disabilities can discreetly request help using the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard. Cancer Care: The Ministry of Health launched Saint Lucia’s National Cancer Registry to improve data and planning. Tourism & Football: SLTA signed a multi-year partnership with Arsenal, with branding and marketing support for Saint Lucia. Youth & Culture: Kids Summerfest returns with a focus on bullying awareness, child safety, and empowerment.

Caribbean Court of Justice Turmoil: Judges at the CCJ in Trinidad have accused court President Winston Anderson of interference, sparking wider concern across the region—especially among countries hesitant to join the appeals court. CPL 2026 Kicks Off in St. Lucia: Andries Gous smashed 82 as Saint Lucia Kings opened with a tense 4-run win over Antigua & Barbuda Falcons, setting the tone for the season. SLTA x Arsenal Boost: The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority signed a multi-year deal with Arsenal, making SLTA the clubs’ official destination partner and pushing Saint Lucia branding in major UK matches plus academy plans. Cancer Care Upgrade: The Ministry of Health launched Saint Lucia’s National Cancer Registry to improve data, surveillance, and evidence-based decisions. Sports Tourism Partnership: Secrets St. Lucia Resort & Spa teamed up with the Saint Lucia Kings, with the resort’s logo set to appear on the team kit. Labour Deal Signed: Soufriere Marine Management Association and the Civil Service Association signed a collective agreement, unlocking wage benefits for workers. Youth Football for Peace: Gros Islet Football League launched the Caribbean Youth Challenge Series to “kick out crime and violence,” running Aug 8–17. Daren Sammy Scholarships: The foundation awarded 30 scholarships for 2026/27, investing EC$68,000 in students across primary, secondary and tertiary levels.

Tourism & Sport Branding: The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority has signed a multi-year partnership with Arsenal, naming SLTA as the Premier League club’s official destination partner for the 2026-27 season and backing an academy hub in Saint Lucia. Health: The Ministry of Health has launched Saint Lucia’s National Cancer Registry with CARPHA, IARC and PAHO support to strengthen cancer surveillance and planning. Cricket & CPL Build-Up: The Saint Lucia Kings open their CPL 2026 campaign against the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons at Arnos Vale, with the Kings also set for an early home match at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground. Community & Youth: Gros Islet’s football league is running the Caribbean Youth Challenge Series (Aug 8-17) to “kick out crime and violence,” while the Peace Corps Eastern Caribbean swore in 25 new volunteers to support early-grade literacy in primary schools. Labour & Rights: Labour officials signed a long-awaited collective agreement between SMMA and the Civil Service Association, unlocking wage benefits for SMMA employees. Education Support: The Daren Sammy Foundation awarded scholarships to 30 Saint Lucian students for 2026/27.

Arsenal x Saint Lucia Tourism: The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority has signed a multi-year partnership with Arsenal, making SLTA the clubs’ official destination partner for the 2026-27 season, with branding at Emirates Stadium, joint marketing, fan engagement, and plans for an academy hub on island. Health Watch: The Ministry of Health has launched Saint Lucia’s National Cancer Registry with CARPHA, IARC and PAHO support to strengthen cancer surveillance, planning, and patient care. CPL Countdown: The Saint Lucia Kings open their CPL 2026 campaign Sunday at Arnos Vale against the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons, with fans set for a closely fought start. Sports for Youth: Gros Islet Football League kicks off the Caribbean Youth Challenge Series (Aug 8-17) to “kick out crime and violence,” giving Under-11, Under-14 and Under-17 teams a safer, regional platform. Education Support: The Daren Sammy Foundation awarded 30 scholarships for 2026/27, investing EC$68,000 in students across primary, secondary and tertiary levels. Local Spotlight: Thirteen tour guides completed a regional sustainable tourism training programme, strengthening skills to protect Saint Lucia’s culture and biodiversity.

Health & Data: Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Health has officially launched the National Cancer Registry, partnering with CARPHA, IARC and PAHO to strengthen cancer surveillance and evidence-based care. Tourism & Cricket: SLTA sealed a promotional marketing deal with Arsenal, featuring former Gunners star Bacary Sagna in destination media and fan events, while Secrets St. Lucia teamed up with the Saint Lucia Kings to boost sports tourism. Labour: Labour officials signed a long-awaited collective agreement between SMMA and the Civil Service Association, unlocking wage benefits for workers effective July 2026. Community Safety: Seventh-day Adventists are calling for action against violence with an “enditnow” march and community programme on August 22 in Vigie and Vieux Fort. Sports & Youth: The CPL kicks off with the Saint Lucia Kings starting their campaign, and the Gros Islet Football League launched a regional youth tournament aimed at “Kick Out Crime and Violence.” Education Support: The Daren Sammy Foundation awarded 30 scholarships for 2026/27, investing EC$68,000 in students across levels. Athletics Spotlight: Jady Emmanuel finished 8th in the U20 women’s 100m at Eugene, after making history as the first Saint Lucian to reach the final.

CAC Games Netball: Saint Lucia made history at the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games with a rare two-medal haul, starting with Luc Chevrier’s sailing silver and then the Piton Sparks netball team winning bronze after beating Barbados 41-34, a landmark first win over the Gems since 2010. Sailing: Chevrier upgraded to silver in men’s ILCA 7 Laser Radial, finishing just behind Puerto Rico for a spot at the 2027 Pan Am Games. CPL SchoolYard: The Republic Bank CPL is rolling out back-to-school activities in Saint Lucia on 17 August, with franchise players, games, and book bags for more than 50 children. Community Football: The Saint Lucia Football Association launched the Caribbean Youth Challenge Series to “kick out crime and violence,” using football to engage youth. Tourism & Skills: Thirteen local tour guides were certified under a regional sustainable tourism programme, training focused on culture, biodiversity, and climate-smart guiding. Public Health: Saint Lucia advanced integrated health surveillance with a new training workshop and updated guidelines to strengthen outbreak reporting and response. Sports Spotlight: Rising track star Jady Emmanuel made history as the first Saint Lucian junior to reach a World U20 100m final, finishing eighth.

CPL SchoolYard Back-to-School: The Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League is rolling out community cricket in St Lucia, with “Back to School” on 17 August at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium—50+ children will get activities, a session with franchise players, and back-to-school book bags. CPL Matchday at Arnos Vale: St Lucia Kings open their CPL 2026 campaign tomorrow, while Trinbago Knight Riders begin title defence tonight against St Kitts and Nevis Patriots at Arnos Vale. Youth football for safer streets: The Caribbean Challenge Series kicks off this weekend in Gros Islet (Aug 8–17), using football to “kick out crime and violence,” with 18 youth teams across three age groups. Peace Corps Eastern Caribbean: A regional hybrid swearing-in in St Vincent and the Grenadines welcomed 25 new volunteers for two-year school-based service across St Lucia, Grenada, Dominica and SVG, focused on early-grade English literacy. Tourism upgrade at Reduit Beach: The Ramp Comfort Station has been handed over after construction, adding washroom access, murals, and nine community-named vending stalls. Health systems boost: Saint Lucia is strengthening outbreak readiness with training on integrated health surveillance guidelines and a new online platform. Sports scholarships: The Daren Sammy Foundation and Republic Bank’s Power to Make A Difference awarded $70,000 in scholarships to student athletes. Diaspora culture: Saint Lucia Day returns to New York for its third year, set for 12 pm–9 pm at Saint Lucia House in Brooklyn.

Reduit Beach Upgrade: The Department of Tourism has handed over the newly finished Ramp Comfort Station to the National Conservation Authority, adding nine community-named vending stalls and murals to boost washroom access and beach services in Gros Islet. Jady Emmanuel Spotlight: Saint Lucia’s 17-year-old sprint star Jady Emmanuel made history by reaching the World Athletics U20 100m final, setting an Under-18 national record (11.28) and finishing eighth in the final. CPL Countdown: The Caribbean Premier League kicks off with a seven-team, 39-match season, with Jamaica Kingsmen joining the mix and broadcast partners confirmed for global viewing—while Saint Lucia Kings are set to be part of the action. Tourism & Skills: Thirteen Saint Lucian tour guides completed a regional sustainable tourism training programme under OECS/EC-STEMS, focused on culture, biodiversity, and climate-smart guiding. Sports for Development: The Saint Lucia Social Development Fund held its first-ever staff Sports Day, and the Saint Lucia Football Association launched a youth challenge series aimed at tackling crime and violence through football. Health Systems: Saint Lucia is rolling out a new interactive online integrated health surveillance platform to speed up outbreak detection and response. EU Golden Passports Warning: The EU has given five Caribbean countries, including Saint Lucia, until June 1, 2028 to phase out citizenship-by-investment programmes or risk losing Schengen visa-free access.

World Athletics U20: Saint Lucia’s Jady Emmanuel made history by becoming the first junior from the island to reach a World U20 track final, finishing eighth in the women’s 100m final in Eugene after strong heat and semi runs. CAC Games Sailing & Track: Kelly-Ann Arrindell won sailing silver and Aaron Charles took bronze as Trinidad and Tobago added medals in Santo Domingo. CPL Countdown (Arnos Vale): The “Biggest Party in Sports” kicks off August 7–9 at Arnos Vale, with St Lucia Kings set to face Antigua & Barbuda Falcons on Sunday; drone shows will light up matchday. Saint Lucia Netball: The Piton Sparks moved into medal position at the CAC Games, beating Bermuda 44-29 to sit third overall. Health: Saint Lucia launched a National Cancer Registry to track cases better, strengthen prevention and improve cancer care. Community & Culture: A police regional summer camp in SVG and Saint Lucia drew 105 young people, while Saint Lucia’s Seventh-day Adventists called for islandwide “End It Now” marches against violence on August 22. Climate Dialogue: Civil society is being urged to help shape Saint Lucia’s climate resilience plan with new community-focused funding and support.

CPL Kickoff in St. Vincent: The 2026 Caribbean Premier League starts Aug. 7, running to Sept. 20, with Jamaica Kingsmen (new franchise) taking on Antigua & Barbuda Falcons at Arnos Vale. Cricket Fan Build-Up: Organisers say a drone show will light up the venue before matches, and the season’s playoffs will be staged at Kensington Oval in Barbados. Saint Lucia in the spotlight: St Lucia Kings are set to face Antigua & Barbuda on Sunday, while local track news notes St Lucia’s Jady Emanuel beating Guyana’s Athaleyha Hinckson in the U20 women’s 100m heat. Culture & community: Saint Lucia’s Sustainable Development Department launched a national dialogue on climate resilience, inviting communities to shape climate action goals. Public safety and jobs: Police and youth partners are running programmes aimed at steering young people away from crime and toward leadership and work skills. Governance update: Felix Finisterre has been appointed Acting Governor-General as Sir Cyril Errol Melchiades Charles demits office. EU pressure on passports: The EU has warned five Eastern Caribbean countries, including Saint Lucia, to phase out citizenship-by-investment schemes by 2028 or risk losing Schengen visa-free access.

EU Schengen Pressure on CBI: The EU has given Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia until June 1, 2028 to phase out citizenship-by-investment programmes or risk losing visa-free Schengen access. Local Governance & Economy: In Castries, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre and SLP officials held a public meeting reviewing five years in office, pointing to higher global oil prices and the strain on households and businesses. Governance Update: Saint Lucia’s Governor-General post has shifted as Sir Cyril Errol Charles demits office and Felix Finisterre takes over as Acting Governor-General from August 1. Workplace Safety: Stakeholders have reviewed Saint Lucia’s draft National Occupational Safety and Health Policy, moving it closer to adoption. Sports & Youth: Team Saint Lucia won the Windward Islands School Games overall title, while the ECVA Senior Volleyball Championships are set for Tortola (Aug 12–16) with Saint Lucia among the teams. Cricket Culture: Flow launched its “We Live For This” campaign to celebrate the Republic Bank CPL and Caribbean cricket passion.

CPL & Cricket Culture: Flow has launched its “We Live For This” campaign across the Caribbean to celebrate the 2026 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League, spotlighting cricket’s passion, music and community pride. Governor-General Update: Sir Cyril Errol Charles has demitted office and Felix Finisterre has been appointed Acting Governor-General effective August 1, 2026. Emancipation Day: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre delivered an Emancipation Day message calling freedom “unfinished” without dignity, justice and a stronger future for Caribbean people. Workplace Safety: Saint Lucia moved closer to adopting its first National Occupational Safety and Health Policy after a stakeholder validation workshop led by the Department of Labour. Sports Spotlight: Team Saint Lucia won the 2026 Windward Islands School Games title, while the VI will host ECVA senior volleyball championships in August with Saint Lucia among the teams. Water & Tourism Pressure: WASCO says households remain the top priority as islandwide water shortages continue. Regional Cricket Loss: The SLNCA mourns the passing of Lennox John, a major Windward Islands cricket administrator.

Acting Governance: Saint Lucia’s Governor-General Sir Cyril Errol Charles demitted office on July 31, and Felix Finisterre was appointed Acting Governor-General from August 1, following Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre’s advice to King Charles III. Emancipation & Reparations: The island launched Emancipation Day observances at Vieux Fort Square, while CARICOM leaders renewed calls for economic freedom and reparatory justice across the region. Water Stress: WASCO says households remain the top priority as islandwide water shortages continue, with limits in place even as some supplies go to tourism. Education & Youth: CXC announced major changes to school-based assessment to address AI challenges, and the police and YDEP partnered to prepare young Saint Lucians for jobs and leadership. Public Safety & Health: A Community Snake Handler Pilot Project is set for Millet to reduce snakebite risk, and St. Jude Hospital’s new dialysis unit in Augier is set to double treatment capacity. Culture & Community: Vieux Fort will host a major alternative motorsports festival, while local groups push support—from a back-to-school drive to a Castries East soup kitchen plan.