AGP Executive Report

Climate risks to children: A UNICEF-commissioned child-centred climate analysis warns that in the Eastern Caribbean there may be “no safe zone” for children, with more than a third already exposed to at least three climate hazards and projections rising to over nine in 10 by mid-century. Youth voice in climate policy: Saint Lucian youth advocate Kezia St Brice says young people must be involved from the start with real influence, not token participation. Policy gaps on child impacts: A UNICEF study finds climate plans across the region lack child-specific indicators and measurable targets, making it hard to track whether investments benefit children. Water and school resilience: Saint Lucia is moving to protect students in water-stressed areas with plans for water tanks and solar pumps for at least 20 schools, while a John Compton Dam raw water pipeline upgrade aims to cut leaks and interruptions. Diplomacy: The U.S. has nominated Kimberly Greenwood as ambassador to Barbados and concurrently to St. Lucia and other Eastern Caribbean states, pending Senate confirmation. Crime update: Police confirmed the body found along the Millennium Highway is Merrisa Auguste, who died by strangulation; two people are in custody. Sports/football: SLFA named Miran Louis as its new technical director starting September 1.

Disaster-ready Media: Twenty-four Caribbean journalists from eight countries trained in Saint Lucia on ethical, child-sensitive reporting during disasters, led by CDEMA with UNICEF support. Climate on the Ground: Saint Lucia’s Agriculture Minister Lisa Jawahir says climate change is already hitting farming, fisheries and water, while UNICEF’s child-centred climate study warns there’s “no safe zone” for Eastern Caribbean children and drought could last longer each year. School Heat Relief: NEMO directors urged a rethink of traditional school uniform rules to help students cope with extreme heat without costly air-conditioning. Water Fixes: WASCO launched a John Compton Dam raw water pipeline replacement to cut leaks and interruptions, and a separate plan targets water support for 20 schools in water-stressed areas. Crime Update: Police confirmed the body found on the Millennium Highway is Merrisa Auguste, with a post-mortem citing strangulation; two people are in custody, and police also warned the public against sharing unverified missing-person claims. Politics & Deportations: PM Philip Pierre defended Saint Lucia’s third-country deportees deal as the “best” outcome after tough talks with the US. Local Life & Culture: A Saint Lucia Showcase International brought 100 tourism delegates to the island, while ECCO announced over EC$1.7m in music royalties and a boxing donation boosted young fighters’ training gear.

SLFA Football: Miran Louis has been named Saint Lucia Football Association technical director, taking over from Cyril “Ces” Podd on September 1 to lead technical programmes for players, coaches, referees and staff. Police Investigation: Police confirm the body found along the Millennium Highway is Merrisa Auguste, with an autopsy concluding death by strangulation; two people are in custody as the Major Crimes Unit continues the probe. Public Safety Warning: RSLPF urges the public to stop sharing unverified claims about missing people or alleged kidnappings, saying false posts are causing panic and complicating investigations. Climate & Food Security: Agriculture Minister Lisa Jawahir says climate change is already hitting what farmers can grow, water availability, fisheries and the affordability of nutritious food. Regional Health: CARPHA wrapped a CariPHLN workshop in Barbados aimed at strengthening lab networking, surveillance and coordinated responses across the Caribbean, with Saint Lucia among participants. Infrastructure Support: Saint Lucia is among four Eastern Caribbean countries gaining access to the new RIISE facility to speed up climate-resilient infrastructure delivery. Creative Economy: The Creative Economy Grant Fund is now rolling out after a long wait, with over 1,000 applications received and an added $1 million to expand funding. Community & Sports: Netball World Cup qualifier plans face funding pressure as the national team withdraws, with calls for more private sector support.

Public Health: CARPHA wrapped up its 11th CariPHLN workshop in Bridgetown, bringing 26 lab directors (including from Saint Lucia) together to strengthen disease detection, surveillance, diagnostic coordination, and data-sharing across the region. Climate & Food Security: Agriculture Minister Lisa Jawahir says climate change is already hitting Saint Lucia’s farming, fisheries, and water supply—raising risks to nutritious food affordability. Missing Persons & Police Update: DNA has confirmed remains found at Pigeon Point Beach in 2024 are those of Schneik Phillip; meanwhile police are urging the public to stop sharing unverified missing-person and kidnapping claims. Crime Investigation: Police say two people are in custody in the Merissa Auguste case, after a body was found near the Millennium Highway and a post-mortem reported strangulation. US Diplomacy: Trump nominated Kimberly Greenwood as U.S. ambassador to Barbados, with concurrent envoy duties covering Saint Lucia and several Eastern Caribbean states. Energy Costs: Saint Lucia announced higher petroleum product prices, including cooking gas increases. Infrastructure Support: Saint Lucia can now request help through the new RIISE facility to push climate-resilient projects past implementation bottlenecks. Local Economy & Culture: The Creative Economy Grant Fund has started after a long wait, with over 1,000 applications received. Sports: Netball officials say more private-sector support is needed after the team’s withdrawal from a key qualifier.

CARPHA & Health Security: CARPHA’s CariPHLN workshop in Bridgetown brought lab directors and public health teams together to strengthen regional lab preparedness and faster detection of health threats. Netball Funding Push: Youth & Sports Minister Kenson Casimir backed Netball Saint Lucia’s call for more private-sector sponsorship as the team faces costs for the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 qualifier. Climate-Resilient Infrastructure Support: Saint Lucia is among four Eastern Caribbean countries now able to request help through the new RIISE facility to clear bottlenecks and speed up climate-resilient projects. Creative Economy Grants Restart: The Creative Economy Grant Fund is finally rolling out after a year-long wait, with over 1,000 applications received and extra funding added after demand outpaced the original budget. Fuel & LPG Prices Up: From Sept 14, gasoline and diesel rose to EC$17.25 per imperial gallon, and LPG jumped—100-lb cylinder from EC$288.50 to EC$314.88—while subsidies continue to cushion some costs. Crime Update: Two men from Jacmel, Anse La Raye were charged with the murder of Julius Charles, who died after being shot in June. Legal Tension in Politics: Sarah Flood-Beaubrun says she may pursue legal action against Castries Central MP Richard Frederick over comments made on his TV programme. Sports Spotlight: Julien Alfred says she’ll focus on fixing inconsistent starts ahead of 2027 after a strong season at the Ultimate Championships.

Regional Infrastructure & Climate Resilience: Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines can now tap the new RIISE Facility, which has started operations to speed up climate-resilient infrastructure delivery by tackling implementation bottlenecks. Fuel & Cost of Living: Saint Lucia’s cooking gas prices rose again after the government’s September 14 petroleum price adjustment—100lb LPG now costs $314.88, up $26.38. Sports—Athletics: Saint Lucian Olympic champion Julien Alfred took silver in the women’s 100m at the World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest, while Kenneth Bednarek won the men’s 100m. Sports—Netball: St. Lucia’s “Piton Sparks” have withdrawn from next month’s Netball World Cup qualifiers in Barbados due to financial constraints. Local Governance—Road Safety: Gros Islet MP Kenson Casimir says communities are demanding speed bumps as traffic and reckless driving concerns grow, calling for a broader road-safety discussion. International—U.S. Diplomacy: President Donald Trump nominated Kimberly Greenwood (wife of “God Bless the USA” singer Lee Greenwood) as U.S. ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, including St. Lucia, pending Senate approval. Tech—Apple Services: In 100+ countries (including several Caribbean states), Apple is bundling Apple TV and Apple Arcade into iCloud+ at no extra charge.

Petroleum Prices Hit Home: Saint Lucia’s government adjusted retail fuel and LPG prices effective Sept. 14 for the three-week period to Oct. 4, citing the updated market pass-through mechanism—gasoline and diesel rise from EC$16.75 to EC$17.25 per imperial gallon, while LPG climbs too: 20-lb from $34 to $36, 22-lb from $38 to $40, and 100-lb from $288.50 to $314.88 (bulk LPG from $2.76 to $3.02 per pound). Netball Funding Crunch: The Saint Lucia national netball team withdraws from the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 Qualifier Americas in Barbados (Oct. 19-26) due to financial constraints, despite recent success. Regional Diplomacy Watch: U.S. President Donald Trump nominated Kimberly Greenwood—wife of “God Bless the USA” singer Lee Greenwood—as ambassador to Barbados and, without extra compensation, as top envoy to St. Lucia and several Eastern Caribbean states (pending Senate confirmation). Health Leadership Boost: PAHO and UWI completed a postgraduate health policy and systems programme, training 11 professionals across eight countries including Saint Lucia. Sports—Chess & Football: Saint Lucia sends an 11-member chess team to the 46th Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan (Sept. 16-27). In football, Vieux Fort South stay top in Tier 1 after a 1-0 win over Soufriere.

Diplomacy: U.S. President Donald Trump nominated Kimberly Greenwood—wife of “God Bless the USA” singer Lee Greenwood—as ambassador to Barbados and, without extra pay, top envoy to St. Lucia and several Eastern Caribbean states; the nomination now goes to the Senate. Energy & Cost of Living: St. Lucia announced higher retail prices for gasoline, diesel and LPG starting Sept. 14, citing international oil moves under its market pass-through system, while kerosene stays unchanged and subsidies continue to cushion consumers through Oct. 4. Public Safety: Police said DNA testing will confirm whether a decomposed body found near the Millennium Highway is missing woman Merrisa Auguste; one person is in custody. Gender Violence: Gender Affairs Minister Emma Hippolyte called for renewed national action after the discovery of a young woman’s body, urging renewed commitment and community-level solutions to violence against women. Sports: Netball Saint Lucia withdrew from next month’s World Cup Qualifier in Barbados due to funding shortfalls; in football, Vieux Fort South stayed top in the semi-pro league with a 1-0 win over Soufriere. Chess & Cricket: Saint Lucia’s 11-player chess team heads to the Olympiad in Uzbekistan; and in domestic cricket, Babonneau topped Group A in the SLNC Super 50 after strong wins.

Energy & Cost of Living: The government has announced increased prices for petroleum products, a move expected to feed into everyday transport and goods costs. Local Governance: Soufrière/Fond St Jacques has a new mayor—Yasha Troubetzkoy (Jade Mountain CEO)—sworn in to lead the constituency council for the next two years. Public Safety & Community: The Saint Lucia Fire Service sounded sirens islandwide to mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11, paying tribute to victims. Heat Preparedness in Schools: Schools across Saint Lucia are adjusting routines during intense heat—relaxing rules so students can drink water in class, encouraging early reporting of heat distress, and using shade and ventilation where full air-conditioning isn’t feasible. Tourism & Culture: Saint Lucia Tourism brought Toronto’s Best Dressed event to the Piton Lounge with Saint Lucia-themed cocktails and décor. International Spotlight: Saint Lucian athletics champion Julien Alfred finished second in the women’s 100m at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest, behind Melissa Jefferson-Wooden. Sports (CPL): Barbados Tridents secured a playoff spot with a last-ball win over Jamaica Kingsmen; St Lucia Kings missed out after a tough finish to their campaign. Crime Update: Police say DNA testing will determine whether a decomposed body found near the Millennium Highway is that of missing woman Merrisa Auguste, with one person in custody.

Missing Person Investigation: Police say DNA testing will confirm whether a decomposed body found near the Millennium Highway is that of missing Boguis resident Merrisa Auguste; one person is in custody and a post-mortem is set for Monday. Political Oversight: Castries Central MP Richard Frederick backed Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre’s decision to extend his administrative leave indefinitely, citing the ongoing review into the Saint Lucia Social Development Fund. 9/11 Commemoration: The Fire Service sounded islandwide sirens to mark the 25th anniversary of September 11. Heatwave School Adjustments: Schools across Saint Lucia are relaxing rules so students can drink water during class, report heat distress symptoms, and use shade and ventilation as officials say full campus air-conditioning is not financially feasible. Youth Development Push: I.D.E.A.S. for Boys and Men launched the Raising Sons Building A Nation Project, offering mentorship and psychosocial support for underserved boys aged 11–16. Regional Cricket Move: Windward Islands Volcanoes will relocate primary operations to St. Lucia’s Daren Sammy Cricket Ground from October 1, aiming to strengthen local player pathways. Track & Field Spotlight: In Budapest, St. Lucia’s Julien Alfred finished second in the women’s 100m behind Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, while Audrey Werro won the women’s 800m and Kenny Bednarek won the men’s 100m.

CPL Playoff Push: Barbados Tridents beat Jamaica Kingsmen by two wickets at Kensington Oval, sealing their playoffs spot and setting up an Eliminator rematch with Kingsmen; St Lucia Kings missed out after a tough run. Track & Field Spotlight: In Budapest, St Lucia’s Julien Alfred finished second in the women’s 100m at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship, while Audrey Werro won the 800m and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden took the 100m title. Cricket Home Base: Windward Islands Volcanoes will relocate their primary operations to the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in St Lucia from Oct 1, with a three-year residency aimed at boosting local player development. Finance & Markets: ECSE welcomed Sheppard Investment Services (St Lucia) and National Investment Corporation (Dominica) as new licensed broker-dealers, expanding access to Eastern Caribbean securities trading. Labour Law Review: St Lucia has started a comprehensive review of its Labour Act, with stakeholder consultations and public input planned as the law is modernised. Public Safety & Accountability: PM Dickon Mitchell publicly criticised a major construction contractor over long delays on state projects, while opposition figures renewed calls for an audit of the St Jude Hospital reconstruction. Environment Watch: Local commentary flags rising litter and improper waste disposal as a threat to St Lucia’s tourism appeal and public health.

World Athletics Ultimate Championship (Budapest): Melissa Jefferson-Wooden won the women’s 100m in a world-leading 10.62, edging St. Lucia’s Olympic champion Julien Alfred (10.74), while Switzerland’s Audrey Werro took the women’s 800m and Kenny Bednarek upset Oblique Seville to win the men’s 100m (9.85). ECSE Markets: The Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange welcomed Sheppard Investment Services Limited and National Investment Corporation as new licensed member broker-dealers, expanding access to the Eastern Caribbean securities market. Cricket (St. Lucia): The Windward Islands Volcanoes franchise is relocating its base to the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in Gros Islet from October 1 for three years, aiming to boost local player development and training pathways. Local Governance & Labour: The Department of Labour has started a comprehensive review of Saint Lucia’s Labour Act, with stakeholder consultations underway and public input planned as amendments are drafted. Mental Health: The Ministry of Health is stepping up suicide prevention efforts for World Suicide Prevention Day, urging people to start “lifesaving Conversations.” Environment & Tourism: Advocates are raising alarms about littering and improper waste disposal, warning it’s damaging St. Lucia’s natural beauty and tourism appeal.

Windward Islands Volcanoes Move: The franchise is relocating to Saint Lucia and will be based at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground from October 1, 2026, with the MOU signed between the Department of Youth Development and Sports and the Windward Islands Cricket Board, and home matches planned for at least three years. Labour Act Overhaul: The Labour, Co-operatives and Consumer Affairs Department has started a full review of Saint Lucia’s Labour Act to modernise protections and update rules, with consultations already underway and more planned with key stakeholders and the public. Mental Health Push: Ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day (Sept. 10), the Health Ministry and Mental Health Director Dr Naomie Jn Baptiste urged open conversations and highlighted free community counselling and referral pathways. Public Health Surveillance Upgrade: CARPHA is supporting Saint Lucia to roll out a Regional Integrated Early Warning Surveillance System (RIEWSS) to help officials spot and respond to health threats faster. Youth Opportunity: The OECS Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship Programme opens for applications Sept. 10–20, offering training and certifications across advanced tech fields for citizens in OECS states including Saint Lucia. Community & Environment: Concerns over litter and dumping are being raised as a threat to natural beauty and tourism, while schools are adjusting routines to keep students hydrated in hot weather. Accountability in Health: UWP leader Allen Chastanet is calling for an audit of the St Jude Hospital reconstruction, arguing past spending and commissioning issues need scrutiny. CPL Cricket: Imran Tahir’s five-wicket haul helped Guyana Amazon Warriors beat the St Lucia Kings by four wickets, keeping playoff hopes alive.

Mental Health & Suicide Prevention: Saint Lucia is stepping up suicide prevention ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day (Sept. 10), with free community counselling options and a push to “change the narrative” by talking openly and offering support. Public Health Preparedness: CARPHA is helping Saint Lucia roll out a new regional digital early-warning surveillance system to spot and respond to health threats faster. Cricket Development: The Windward Islands Volcanoes franchise is relocating to the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in Saint Lucia for the next three years, starting Oct. 1, with a boost expected for local training pathways. Youth Football: Young Piton Boys are set to travel to Azerbaijan for the inaugural FIFA U15 Boys World Cup & Festival (Oct. 22–31), with FIFA covering flights and accommodation. OECS Skills: Applications open Sept. 10 for the OECS Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship (CARDTP/UWI Global Campus), running to Sept. 20. Education in Heat: Schools are adjusting routines to keep students safe in hot weather, including easier access to drinking water during class. Sports Spotlight: Imran Tahir, 47, credited his son for motivating him after becoming the oldest player to take a five-wicket haul in T20 cricket. Tourism & Travel: Explora Journeys announced its 2026–27 Caribbean season, with Saint Lucia listed among destination stops.

CPL Spotlight: Veteran spinner Imran Tahir, 47, made history in the Caribbean Premier League by becoming the oldest man to take a five-wicket haul in men’s T20 cricket, finishing with 5/17 as Guyana Amazon Warriors beat the St. Lucia Kings by four wickets at Providence; Tahir said his son’s constant “Daddy, one more year” push is what keeps him going, while Bangladesh debutant Mehidy Hasan Miraz added 3/13 to help set up the win. Local Cricket Move: Windward Islands Volcanoes will relocate to Saint Lucia from October 1, operating from the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground for at least three years, with a memorandum of understanding signed between St. Lucia’s youth and sports department and the Windward Islands Cricket Board. Trade & Cost Pressure: CARICOM’s private sector group warns Panama Canal restrictions tied to El Niño could expose US$8–10 billion in regional imports to higher landed costs and thinner inventories into 2027. OECS Skills Boost: OECS opens applications for its 2026 Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship (10–20 Sept), offering training across areas like AI, cybersecurity, cloud, data analytics, and digital marketing for eligible citizens including St. Lucians.

CPL Playoff Blow for St. Lucia Kings: Guyana Amazon Warriors ended St. Lucia Kings’ group stage with a 4-wicket win at Providence, bowling the Kings out for 119 before chasing 122/6; Imran Tahir led the collapse with a record 5/17 at age 47, while CPL debutant Mehidy Hasan Miraz took 3/13 and Quentin Sampson powered the chase with 37* off 11. OECS Skills Push: OECS opens applications Sept. 10–20 for its 2026 Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship Programme, with training in areas like AI, cybersecurity, cloud, data analytics, fintech, and UX/UI for eligible citizens including Saint Lucia. Sovereign Wealth Fund Milestone: Saint Lucia’s Sovereign Wealth Fund received its first CIP profit installment, with PM Philip J. Pierre citing it as a response to critics. Local Sports (Football): Soufrière surged with a 5-1 win over Gros Islet, and Vieux Fort North edged Mabouya Valley 3-2 in midweek SPFL action. Employment Update: St. Lucia’s unemployment rate fell to 10.1% in Q2, down from 12.1% in Q1 and 13.4% a year earlier. Regional Governance: OECS leaders plan a high-level mission to Brussels to discuss EU moves affecting CBI/visa-free access.