AGP Executive Report

Ferry Costs: FRS Express des Îles will add a temporary €5 one-way surcharge from November 1 on international ferry routes serving Saint Lucia and other Eastern Caribbean islands, citing rising fuel prices. Public Safety: Homicides fell 16% to 52 through October 20, but burglaries rose 5% to 394 and fatal road collisions also increased. Tourism: Coconut Bay has completed a $14 million renovation of its 250 guest rooms, with another $4 million invested in restaurant, entertainment and fitness upgrades. Taiwan Visit: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre met President Lai Ching-te during a state visit, discussing food security, smart agriculture, scholarships and professional training. Regional Cooperation: Saint Lucian fisheries representatives joined a regional discussion on managing fish-attracting devices to support sustainable fishing and fishers’ livelihoods.

Taiwan Visit: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre is seeking deeper cooperation with Taiwan, including more scholarships and support for agriculture, renewable energy and climate challenges. President Lai Ching-te pledged continued partnership. Hewanorra Upgrade: NH International has secured the US$243 million airport redevelopment contract, with the company saying Saint Lucian workers, materials and services will be its first priority. Climate Resilience: Saint Lucia is among five countries set to benefit from a US$44 million regional project to strengthen coastal resilience. Citizenship by Investment: The EU has set a June 2028 deadline for five Eastern Caribbean nations, including Saint Lucia, to transition away from their investor-citizenship programmes or risk losing visa-free access to Europe. Fuel Prices: Government has kept fuel prices unchanged through November 15.

Taiwan Visit: Prime Minister Philip Pierre says Saint Lucia hopes to deepen cooperation with Taiwan, expand student scholarships and work together on climate resilience, agriculture and renewable energy. Airport Redevelopment: NH International’s EC$666 million Hewanorra project could create opportunities for Saint Lucian workers and suppliers, as well as manufacturers across the region. Citizenship by Investment: The EU has set a June 2028 deadline for five Eastern Caribbean countries, including Saint Lucia, to transition away from their investment-citizenship programmes or risk losing visa-free access to Europe. Climate Resilience: Saint Lucia is among five countries set to benefit from a US$44 million regional project to strengthen coastal protection. Netball: Saint Lucia fell 62–35 to Trinidad and Tobago in the World Cup qualifiers; the Calypso Girls finished unbeaten and secured their place at the 2027 tournament. Youth and Culture: Six young Saint Lucian filmmakers began developing short films about climate and environmental issues during a residency at Balenbouche Estate.

Taiwan Visit: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre says he wants to deepen ties with Taiwan, expand scholarships and build cooperation in housing, food security, youth opportunities and climate resilience. Airport Redevelopment: NH International has signed a US$243 million contract to build a new Hewanorra terminal and related facilities, with the company pledging to prioritize Saint Lucian workers and suppliers. Coastal Resilience: A US$44 million regional climate project will support Saint Lucia and four other countries, including community-led adaptation grants for vulnerable coastal areas. Cost of Living: Fuel and cooking-gas prices remain unchanged through November 15, with subsidies helping hold gasoline and diesel at $17.25 per imperial gallon. Water and Regulation: WASCO says water quality remains compliant with WHO standards despite supply pressures, while ECTEL held a Castries workshop to strengthen telecommunications regulation. Netball: Saint Lucia’s team lost 62–35 to the unbeaten Trinidad and Tobago Calypso Girls in the Americas World Cup qualifiers. Public Safety: A man was killed and a minor injured in a shooting in Morne Du Don.

Airport Redevelopment: NH International has secured the US$243 million Hewanorra project, including a new three-storey terminal and airside facilities. Taiwan Visit: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre is seeking cooperation on housing, food security and youth opportunities during talks in Taiwan. Fuel Prices: Gasoline and diesel remain at $17.25 per imperial gallon through November 15, with kerosene and cooking gas prices also unchanged. Climate Resilience: Saint Lucia is among five countries set to benefit from a US$44 million regional project supporting coastal communities, including through locally led grants. UN Vote: Saint Lucia was marked absent from the General Assembly vote calling for an end to the US embargo on Cuba; the resolution passed 130-17, with 25 abstentions. Netball: Saint Lucia lost 62-35 to the unbeaten Trinidad and Tobago Calypso Girls in the Americas qualifiers; St Vincent and the Grenadines secured the other World Cup place. Creole Heritage: Jounen Kwéyòl celebrations have wrapped up, while cultural groups from French Guiana and Guadeloupe are visiting Saint Lucia.

Taiwan Visit: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre is in Taiwan seeking cooperation on housing, food security, education and opportunities for young people. He also highlighted a US$20 million loan for Saint Lucia housing. Airport Development: NH International won the US$243 million Hewanorra redevelopment contract, covering a new three-storey terminal and airside facilities. Cost of Living: Fuel prices remain unchanged through November 15, with gasoline and diesel at $17.25 per imperial gallon as subsidies cushion consumers. Culture: Jounen Kwéyòl celebrations wrapped up across the island, while International Creole Day puts young people and the Kwéyòl language at the centre of today’s programme. Water Supply: WASCO says water quality remains fully compliant with WHO standards despite supply pressures linked to El Niño, and urges customers to store water safely. Tourism: Coconut Bay reopened after an $18 million upgrade, converting all 250 rooms into junior suites and adding property improvements.

Taiwan Visit: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre is in Taiwan for his fourth official visit, with talks focused on housing, food security, education and opportunities for young people. He highlighted a US$20 million Taiwan-backed loan for housing development. Carnival: Queens Faith Edward and Nyaley Lewis will represent Saint Lucia at regional pageants in Dominica and St Maarten in 2027. Netball: Saint Lucia narrowly missed out on World Cup qualification after falling 55–53 to SVG in overtime; the Piton Sparks finished sixth, with two wins in seven matches. Cost of Living: Government subsidies keep gasoline and diesel at $17.25 a gallon through November 15, while cooking gas assistance continues. Public Safety: A 44-year-old man was killed and a girl injured in a shooting in Morne Du Don; police are investigating. Culture: Unpredictable won the 2026 Chanté Kwéyòl competition with “Mwen ni an Wév.”

Taiwan Visit: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre arrived in Taiwan for a five-day official visit. Talks are expected to cover healthcare, high-tech development, climate resilience and economic sustainability. Fuel Costs: Government subsidies will keep gasoline and diesel at $17.25 per gallon through November 15. The government is also discussing possible relief measures with LUCELEC as electricity costs strain households and businesses. Netball: Saint Lucia’s Piton Sparks finished sixth in the Americas qualifiers and missed out on a World Cup place after losing 55–53 in overtime to SVG. Trinidad and Tobago and SVG secured the region’s two spots for Sydney 2027. Public Safety: A 44-year-old man was killed and a girl injured in a shooting in Morne Du Don, Castries. Police are investigating. Education and Culture: Twenty-two Blanchard Combined School pupils have published a 260-page anthology of their writing and illustrations. Unpredictable won this year’s Chanté Kwéyòl competition with “Mwen ni an Wév.”

Fuel Costs: Government subsidies are keeping gasoline and diesel at $17.25 per gallon through November 15, while talks with LUCELEC explore ways to ease pressure from high electricity bills, including payment plans and pausing disconnections. Airport Expansion: NH International has signed a US$243 million contract to build a new Hewanorra terminal, with completion targeted for late 2029. Health: Saint Lucia and India have signed an agreement to improve access to affordable medicines and strengthen medicine quality. Culture: Reginald Antoine, known as Unpredictable, won the 2026 Chanté Kwéyòl contest with “Mwen ni an Wév.” Netball: Saint Lucia lost 62–35 to unbeaten Trinidad and Tobago in the Americas qualifiers; the top two teams advance to the 2027 World Cup. Higher Education: Monroe University celebrated 318 graduates at its Castries-campus commencement, including students from across the Caribbean.

Airport Expansion: Saint Lucia’s Hewanorra upgrade has a US$243 million contract, covering a new passenger terminal and airside works. The project is expected to finish by late 2029 while the existing terminal remains open. Health: A new agreement with India could speed access to affordable medicines by allowing Saint Lucia to accept Indian quality standards and manufacturer certificates. Regional Citizenship Programmes: Antigua and Barbuda is likely to suspend its investment citizenship programme by November 12 to retain visa-free access to Europe. Saint Lucia is among the countries facing EU pressure, but its government’s position was not reported. Netball: Saint Lucia lost 62–35 to unbeaten Trinidad and Tobago in the Americas World Cup qualifiers, leaving its bid for a place at next year’s finals under pressure. Taiwan Visit: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre is in Taiwan through November 1 for talks on shared development priorities and closer cooperation.

Taiwan Visit: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre is on an official state visit to Taiwan through November 1, with talks planned on shared development priorities. Ernest Hilaire and Shawn Edward will serve as acting prime minister during his absence. Hewanorra Expansion: NH International has signed a US$243 million contract to build a new passenger terminal, with completion targeted for late 2029. The existing terminal will remain open during construction. Netball Qualifiers: Saint Lucia’s Gems lost 62–35 to unbeaten Trinidad and Tobago in the Americas World Cup qualifiers. The top two teams advance to next year’s World Cup in Sydney. Affordable Medicines: A new agreement with India will let Saint Lucia accept Indian medicine standards and manufacturer certificates, potentially reducing costs and speeding access to generic drugs. Airport Probe: Police say more than ten people have been questioned over a burglary at Hewanorra’s Customs and Excise office, where a vault and pistol were reported missing. Christmas Barrels: Duty, VAT and levy exemptions run from November 1 to February 28, with a limit of two qualifying barrels per household and EC$3,000 in eligible goods per barrel.

Airport Expansion: NH International has won a US$243 million contract to build a new Hewanorra terminal, with completion targeted for late 2029. The project will add five boarding gates and expand passenger facilities. Cuba Embargo: Former Prime Minister Kenny Anthony joined nine former Caribbean leaders urging countries to back a UN resolution calling for an end to the US embargo on Cuba. Netball: Saint Lucia’s Calypso Girls lost 62–35 to unbeaten Trinidad and Tobago in the Americas World Cup qualifiers. Affordable Medicines: Saint Lucia and India signed an agreement to recognise Indian medicine standards, a move expected to reduce testing costs and widen access to lower-cost medicines. Airport Burglary: Police say more than 10 people have been questioned after a vault and pistol were stolen from the Hewanorra customs office. Christmas Barrels: Concessions run from November 1 to February 28, covering up to two barrels per household, with a EC$3,000 value limit per barrel; electronics are excluded. Caribbean Talent: Saint Lucia’s Blossom Joseph is among 10 finalists for the Haynes Smith Miss Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant in St. Kitts on December 30.

Affordable Medicines: Saint Lucia and India signed an agreement recognizing Indian medicine standards, which could cut duplicate testing and help bring lower-cost generic medicines to the island. Airport Burglary: Police are investigating the theft of a vault and pistol from Hewanorra’s Customs office; more than 10 people have been questioned. Healthcare: Saint Lucian-trained cardiologist Lestin Celestin could fill a major gap in heart care, as public hospitals lack the specialist facilities needed for interventional procedures. Banking Reform: Parliament has approved reforms providing free basic accounts and establishing a financial dispute resolution commission. Netball: Saint Lucia let an eight-goal lead slip to lose 42-40 to Barbados in the Americas World Cup qualifiers. Christmas Relief: Barrel concessions run from November 1 to February 28, with duty, VAT and levy waived on qualifying goods. The limit is two barrels per household, valued at up to EC$3,000 each; electronics are excluded. Environment: A UN programme reported 137 projects, more than 13,000 people trained and over EC$28 million invested in Saint Lucia since 2012.

Banking Reform: Saint Lucia has passed legislation providing free basic bank accounts and establishing a Financial Dispute Resolution Commission. Airport Investigation: Police have interviewed more than 10 people and carried out searches after a vault and pistol were stolen from the Customs office at Hewanorra International Airport. Netball: Saint Lucia’s women lost 42–40 to Barbados in the Americas World Cup qualifiers after leading by eight goals going into the final quarter. Healthcare: Cardiologist Lestin Celestin has trained in interventional cardiology, potentially filling a major gap in local heart care, though public hospitals lack the specialist catheterisation units needed to provide the service. Christmas Concessions: From November 1, households can import up to two qualifying barrels, each valued at no more than EC$3,000, without VAT or customs duties; electronics are excluded. Regional Affairs: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre defended the UN-backed security force for Haiti, saying the crisis demands urgent action. Environment: Saint Lucia is among 11 Caribbean countries with a new assessment of e-waste generation and management, intended to guide national policy and investment.

Healthcare: Saint Lucian cardiologist Lestin Celestin has completed specialist training in interventional cardiology, a service largely unavailable through the island’s public hospitals. He could help address a major gap in local heart care. Netball: Saint Lucia fell 42–40 to Barbados in the World Cup qualifiers after leading by eight goals going into the final quarter; Barbados scored 15 to Saint Lucia’s five in the closing period. Environment: Saint Lucia is among 11 Caribbean countries with a new national assessment of e-waste, intended to guide policy, collection and treatment. Airport Investigation: More than 10 people have been interviewed over a burglary at Hewanorra International Airport in which a vault and pistol were reported missing. Christmas Concessions: From November 1, qualifying goods in up to two barrels per household will receive tax and duty relief, with a value limit of EC$3,000 per barrel; electronics are excluded. Regional Affairs: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has defended the UN-backed security force for Haiti, saying the worsening crisis calls for urgent action.

Airport Probe: More than 10 people have been questioned over a burglary at Hewanorra International Airport’s Customs office, where a vault and pistol were reported missing. Police say searches are continuing. Christmas Relief: Barrel concessions take effect November 1 and run through February 2027, waiving VAT and customs duty on eligible goods. Households may claim up to two barrels, each valued at no more than EC$3,000; electronics are excluded. Healthcare: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre paid tribute to brothers Dr. Peter St. Rose and Dr. Richardson St. Rose, specialist physicians whose decades of service helped shape Saint Lucia’s health system. Netball: Saint Lucia’s team suffered a narrow 42-40 defeat to Barbados after leading by eight goals into the final quarter of the World Cup qualifier. Culture: Dennery Segment artiste Umpa has earned a Billboard spotlight, bringing international attention to Saint Lucia’s homegrown sound. Caribbean Heritage: A plaque commemorating about 2,500 African Caribbean prisoners brought to Britain in 1796—including people captured in Saint Lucia—was reported stolen from Portchester Castle. A fundraiser has been launched to replace it. Regional Affairs: Pierre defended the UN-backed security force for Haiti, saying the country is “bleeding” and needs urgent help.