AGP Executive Report

Climate & Youth: A UNICEF-commissioned study says young people across the Eastern Caribbean want green jobs, but are held back by gaps in information, training, and access to opportunities—highlighting how climate action depends on better pathways for youth. Coastal Resilience: Saint Lucia has launched a Coral Reef Response System, training brigades to assess damage, support recovery, and speed up post-storm funding, as part of a regional push to strengthen reef resilience and risk financing. Disaster Planning Tools: The island also received a new Shore Sight coastal climate risk decision-support system to guide infrastructure and planning against sea-level rise, erosion, storm surges, and flooding. Marine Livelihoods: Savannes Bay is set to get an EC$215,000 boost for marine debris removal and sustainable seamoss raft systems, aiming to restore degraded coastal areas while improving conditions for seamoss farmers and fishers. Regional Tourism Push: During Caribbean Week 2026 in New York, Saint Lucia’s tourism authority is strengthening global visibility and partnerships under the “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences” theme. Green Economy Education: Youth across the region are also being spotlighted in green economy awareness efforts, with calls to close the knowledge gap between climate initiatives and what young people can actually access.

Coastal Climate Planning: Saint Lucia has received a new Shore Sight coastal climate risk tool to guide infrastructure and disaster planning, using mapping and climate data to tackle sea-level rise, erosion, storm surge and flooding. Marine Restoration & Livelihoods: Savannes Bay got an EC$215,000 (about US$80,000) boost for marine debris removal and sustainable seamoss raft systems, aiming to clean roughly 10 hectares of sea and support seamoss farmers with eco-friendly rafts. Climate Finance Push: The government launched an Adaptation Investment Pitch and Matchmaking policy to connect local sectors with international climate funds and turn National Adaptation Plan priorities into investable projects. Regional Sargassum Response: OECS partners met in Dominica under the SARSEA project to coordinate practical, ecosystem-based sargassum management for coastal resilience and biodiversity. Green Economy Awareness: A UNICEF-commissioned study found youth in Barbados lag behind regional peers on awareness of green and circular economy opportunities—highlighting a need to better package climate information for young people. Clean Energy for Fisheries: The STAR-Fish project is scaling clean energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries, including renewable cold storage and support for low-carbon certification. Health & Diagnostics: CariGenetics Saint Lucia and Lab Services partnered to expand access to genetic testing and advanced cancer diagnostics across Saint Lucia and the OECS. Fuel Costs: Gas and diesel prices at local pumps rose to $16.75, linked to higher global crude prices. Tourism & Sustainability: A CTO showcase named the Virgin Islands champions with a “Green & Blue Economy Tourism Hub” concept linking marine restoration to tourism revenue for conservation.

Coastal Climate Planning: Saint Lucia has received a new coastal climate risk assessment and decision-support system to guide sea-level rise, erosion, storm surges, flooding, and safer infrastructure planning. Marine Restoration & Livelihoods: A new Savannes Bay project will remove marine debris over 10 hectares and deploy eco-friendly raft systems to support seamoss farmers, backed by EC$215,000 from the French Development Agency. Climate Finance Push: The government is rolling out an Adaptation Investment Pitch and Matchmaking policy to connect local sectors with international climate funds for National Adaptation Plan projects. Clean Energy for Fisheries: The STAR-Fish programme is scaling clean energy interventions across Caribbean fisheries, including low-carbon cold-chain support and pathways to low-carbon certification, with Saint Lucia among participating countries. Tourism With a Green & Blue Lens: During Caribbean Week in New York, the CTO Nex-Gen showcase highlighted a “Caribbean Green & Blue Economy Tourism Hub” concept aimed at linking marine restoration with sustainable tourism. Tobacco & Vaping Warning: Ahead of World No Tobacco Day, health officials say vaping and nicotine products are rising among youth, prompting a new education campaign.

Coastal Climate Planning: Saint Lucia has received a new coastal climate risk assessment and decision-support system to guide infrastructure and disaster planning as sea-level rise, erosion, storm surges and flooding intensify. Marine Restoration & Seamoss Livelihoods: A new USD $80,000 (EC$215,000) Savannes Bay project will remove marine debris across 10 hectares and deploy 20 eco-friendly raft systems to support seamoss farmers and reduce future waste. Climate Finance Push: The government is moving to fund its National Adaptation Plan through an Adaptation Investment Pitch and Matchmaking event, linking local project developers with international climate funds. Regional Climate Coordination: OECS partners are advancing sargassum management and coastal resilience through SARSEA workshops, aiming for coordinated responses across the Caribbean. Clean Energy for Fisheries: The STAR-Fish project is scaling clean energy solutions for Caribbean fisheries and aquaculture, including cold-chain improvements and support for low-carbon certification. Health & Nicotine Prevention: Saint Lucia is renewing its drive against tobacco use among youth, citing rising vaping and nicotine product uptake. Tourism & Culture: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 is bringing tourism leaders together under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” with a push toward more regenerative, cultural travel. Cruise Dress Rules: Travel guidance highlights that some destinations restrict swimwear in public areas, urging visitors to research local customs before disembarking. Marine Wildlife Talk: A local radio segment discussed recent fer-de-lance pit viper sightings and whether claims near homes are exaggerated.**

Coastal Resilience: Saint Lucia has received a new coastal climate risk tool, the Shore Sight Decision-Support System, to guide planning, infrastructure and disaster readiness as sea-level rise, erosion and storm surges intensify. Marine Restoration & Livelihoods: Savannes Bay gets an EC$215,000 AFD-backed boost for marine debris removal and eco-friendly seamoss raft systems, aiming to clean about 10 hectares of sea and support safer, more sustainable seamoss farming. Climate Finance Push: The government launched an Adaptation Investment Pitch and Matchmaking event to connect local sectors with international climate funds for National Adaptation Plan projects. Clean Energy for Fisheries: The STAR-Fish project is scaling clean energy solutions for Caribbean fisheries, including cold storage and low-carbon certification support, with Saint Lucia among participating countries. Health & Capacity: CariGenetics Saint Lucia and Lab Services announced a partnership to expand access to genetic testing and advanced cancer diagnostics across Saint Lucia and the OECS. Tourism Policy Talk: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 brought regional tourism leaders together under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” as the sector shifts toward cultural and regenerative travel. Fuel Costs: Gas and diesel prices at St. Lucia pumps rise to $16.75, linked to global crude increases. Community & Education: Principals report rising vandalism and parent harassment in schools, calling for urgent action.

Marine Restoration & Seamoss Livelihoods: St. Lucia launched a USD $80,000 (EC$215,000) Savannes Bay project to remove marine debris over 10 hectares and deploy 20 sustainable raft systems, aiming to protect ecosystems and support seamoss farmers. Climate Adaptation Finance: The government hosted a Climate Change Adaptation Investment Pitch and Matchmaking event to turn National Adaptation Plan priorities into fundable projects, linking local sectors with international climate money. Health & Diagnostics: CariGenetics Saint Lucia and Lab Services announced a partnership to expand access to genetic testing and advanced cancer diagnostics across Saint Lucia and the OECS. Energy Costs: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre announced a 75-cent increase in gas and diesel at local pumps to $16.75, citing higher global crude prices while keeping LPG and kerosene subsidies in place. Education Safety: School leaders are calling for urgent action after reports of vandalism and parent harassment targeting administrators and educators. Tourism & Sustainability: A new St. Lucia travel show highlights “beyond the resort” tourism, spotlighting community-led access around Gros Piton as a way to protect culture and reduce the leak of tourism dollars. Regional Environment Cooperation: OECS partners advanced coordinated sargassum management and coastal resilience planning through a SARSEA workshop in Dominica.

Fuel Costs & Household Impact: St. Lucia’s Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre announced a 75-cent jump in gas and diesel prices to $16.75 at the pumps, tied to higher global crude costs, while LPG and kerosene remain protected through subsidies. Marine Restoration & Livelihoods: A new USD $80,000 Savannes Bay project will remove marine debris and deploy sustainable raft systems to support seamoss farming and coastal recovery. Climate Finance Push: Saint Lucia hosted a Climate Change Adaptation Investment Pitch and Matchmaking event to turn National Adaptation Plan priorities into fundable projects across sectors like tourism, infrastructure, and education. Coastal Resilience & Sargassum: OECS partners met in Dominica under the SARSEA programme to coordinate practical responses to sargassum impacts, with a focus on biodiversity and coastal resilience. Clean Energy for Fisheries: The STAR-Fish project is scaling clean energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries, including renewable cold storage and support for low-carbon certification. Health & Youth Protection: On World No Tobacco Day, Saint Lucia stepped up efforts against youth vaping and nicotine use, citing survey findings and renewed public education. Biodiversity & Wildlife Talk: A local biologist discussed fer-de-lance pit viper sightings near homes, separating public concern from what’s being reported. Education Safety: School leaders warned of rising vandalism and parent harassment, calling for urgent action to restore safety and respect in classrooms.

Clean Energy for Fisheries: Canada-funded STAR-Fish is stepping up clean energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries and aquaculture, including renewable tech and cold storage to strengthen the cold chain and support low-carbon certification. Regional Justice Access: The OHADAC–CARO Centre and OECS will launch training on arbitration and ADR across the Eastern Caribbean, aiming for a more predictable and accessible legal environment for businesses and investors. Sargassum & Coastal Resilience: SARSEA is pushing coordinated regional action to manage sargassum impacts, with a focus on coastal resilience and biodiversity conservation across OECS states. Energy Transition Planning: A data-driven look at Saint Lucia’s renewable push highlights targets for 2030 and the planning framework guiding investment and emissions cuts. Youth & Tobacco/Nicotine: Saint Lucia is intensifying efforts to curb youth tobacco use, citing rising vaping and nicotine product uptake and launching public education ahead of World No Tobacco Day. Community & Environment: Regional consultations and workshops are also moving forward on climate adaptation and greenhouse gas data work, including support for better emissions reporting in agriculture. Education Safety: School leaders are calling for urgent action after reports of vandalism and parent harassment targeting administrators and educators. Cycling for a Greener Future: World Bicycle Day 2026 promotes cycling as an affordable, eco-friendly transport option.

Caribbean Week in New York 2026: Tourism leaders and ministers from across the region, including Saint Lucia, are meeting in Manhattan under the theme “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” aiming to boost resilience, connectivity and a unified regional voice as global competition intensifies. Climate & coastal resilience: OECS partners held a SARSEA workshop in Dominica to strengthen regional cooperation on sargassum management and coastal resilience, with biodiversity and practical solutions at the centre. Local climate action: Saint Lucia is hosting a Climate Change Adaptation Investment Pitch and Matchmaking Summit to turn adaptation plans into funded projects that protect key sectors. Health & youth tobacco: Saint Lucia is stepping up efforts ahead of World No Tobacco Day, warning that vaping and nicotine products are rising among young people even as cigarette smoking declines. Water & everyday resilience: A community-focused piece highlights ongoing water reliability concerns, arguing that access to safe water can’t be treated like a seasonal issue. Wildlife concern: A Saint Lucian biologist discussed recent fer-de-lance pit viper sightings near homes, separating fact from exaggeration.

Climate Adaptation Push: Saint Lucia is hosting a three-day Climate Change Adaptation Investment Pitch and Matchmaking Summit to turn resilience plans into funded projects for key sectors. Sargassum & Coastal Resilience: In Dominica, a SARSEA workshop brought OECS partners together to strengthen regional cooperation on sargassum management and protect biodiversity and coastlines. Youth Nicotine Crackdown: Ahead of World No Tobacco Day, Saint Lucia renewed efforts to curb youth tobacco use, pointing to rising vaping and nicotine product uptake. Community Environmental Governance: Grenada-based groups WE ACT and Future Builders raised concerns over industrial development at Woodford, calling for stronger planning law enforcement and better community consultation. Blue Economy Funding: OECS launched a second call for proposals under the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme, targeting fisheries, coastal tourism and waste management value chain groups with grants up to US$150,000. Waste & Climate Youth Work: Good Humans 268 Inc. continued its climate and waste management advocacy, representing Antigua and Barbuda at major international environment and youth forums.

Wildlife & Safety: A biologist told Helen FM that recent reports of fer-de-lance pit viper sightings near homes may be exaggerated, offering historical context on the species and what residents should know. Youth Health: Saint Lucia marked World No Tobacco Day with a renewed push against youth tobacco use, citing rising vaping and nicotine device use even as cigarette smoking declines. Climate Resilience: A three-day Climate Change Adaptation Investment Pitch and Matchmaking Summit is underway to turn adaptation plans into funded projects that protect key sectors. Water & Daily Life: A local commentary highlights ongoing water reliability problems, arguing access to safe water should not be treated like a seasonal luxury. Blue Economy Funding: OECS launched the second call for proposals under its Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme, targeting value chain groups in fisheries, coastal tourism and waste management. Regional Aviation: Commentary says Caribbean regional travel is being rebuilt around emerging hubs, with a new LIAT 2020–Air Caraïbes interline agreement taking effect June 1. Conservation & Community: Take Over Tent (TOT) marked its 45th anniversary, stressing that calypso is “not for a season.”

Youth Tobacco & Vaping Push: Saint Lucia marks World No Tobacco Day with a new drive targeting young people as officials cite a rise in vapes and nicotine products, alongside ongoing secondhand smoke exposure. Climate Adaptation Pitching: A three-day Climate Change Adaptation Investment Pitch and Matchmaking Summit is underway to turn adaptation plans into funded projects that protect key sectors and build resilience. Greenhouse Gas Data Work: Taiwan’s technical mission joined a National Greenhouse Gas Inventory Validation Workshop in Micoud, supporting better crop-emissions data collection under regional climate-smart agriculture efforts. Water & Community Reality Check: A local commentary highlights how unreliable household water supply still affects families islandwide, calling for water to be treated as a year-round necessity, not a seasonal promise. Blue Economy Funding Call: OECS launched a second call for proposals under its Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme, backing value chain groups in fisheries, coastal tourism and waste management. Health Access via Recycling: A humanitarian eyewear donation—made from recycled frames—was handed over to support visually impaired and vulnerable Saint Lucians. Tourism Youth Showcase: Students from Saint Lucia advance to the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase finals in New York, with proposals judged on sustainability and investment readiness.

Climate Adaptation Push: Saint Lucia is hosting a three-day Climate Change Adaptation Investment Pitch and Matchmaking Summit to turn adaptation plans into funded projects that protect key sectors and boost resilience. Weather Watch: A South African Weather Service update warns of morning fog patches that could cut visibility in parts of the region, alongside shifting coastal winds—an early reminder to plan for changing conditions. Blue Economy Funding: OECS has opened a second call for proposals under the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme (Window 2), targeting value chain groups in fisheries, coastal tourism and waste management, with grants of USD $100,000–$150,000. Regional Aviation Realignment: Commentary highlights a reshaping of Caribbean connectivity as carriers cut routes, liquidate, and pivot around emerging hubs—an issue that directly affects trade, tourism and access. Community Support With a Green Angle: A humanitarian eyewear donation in Saint Lucia repurposes recycled frames, linking recycling and community outreach to improve access to vision care.

Climate Adaptation Push: Saint Lucia’s Climate Change Adaptation Investment Pitch and Matchmaking Summit is underway, bringing agencies, partners and investors together to turn adaptation plans into funded projects that protect key sectors. Regional Health Security: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS are convening a workshop in Saint Lucia to improve access to safe, quality-assured medicines and health technologies across the Eastern Caribbean, including a new technical working group. Blue Economy Funding: OECS has launched the second call for proposals under Window 2 of the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme, targeting value chain groups in fisheries, coastal tourism and waste management with grants of US$100,000–US$150,000. Hurricane Preparedness: Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) will host a Hurricane Preparedness Summit June 1, focusing on coordinated readiness, response logistics and recovery planning across the region. Local Environment & Resilience Finance: The Centrale Bank van Curaçao and Sint Maarten warns climate change threatens economic stability and urges stronger national adaptation plans. Water & Daily Resilience: A local commentary highlights ongoing water reliability concerns, arguing water access shouldn’t be seasonal or political. Security Spotlight: Reggae icon Taj Weekes says masked intruders unlawfully entered his property, kicking his dogs and brandishing a gun—raising concerns about safety in remote communities.

Climate Resilience in Action: Saint Lucia’s Climate Change Adaptation Investment Pitch and Matchmaking Summit is underway, bringing agencies and partners together to fund projects that strengthen resilience and protect key sectors. Blue Economy Funding: The OECS Commission has launched the second call for proposals under Window 2 of the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme, targeting value chain groups in fisheries, coastal tourism and waste management with grants of US$100,000–US$150,000. Health Security: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS are convening a regional workshop in Saint Lucia to improve access to safe, effective medicines and health technologies, including a new technical working group to coordinate procurement and supply. Disaster Preparedness: GEM will host a Hurricane Preparedness Summit focused on coordinated readiness and recovery planning across the region as storm risks rise. Water & Community Reality: A local commentary highlights water insecurity and calls for reliable access from taps, not seasonal promises. Regional Health Monitoring: CARPHA says it has strengthened Ebola border vigilance and early-warning systems as the outbreak situation evolves.

Climate Adaptation Action: Saint Lucia’s Climate Change Adaptation Investment Pitch and Matchmaking Summit is underway, pushing adaptation plans into funded projects to strengthen resilience across key sectors. Blue Economy Funding: OECS launched the second call for proposals under the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme (Window 2), targeting value chain groups in fisheries, coastal tourism and waste management with grants of US$100,000–US$150,000. Health & Medicines Access: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS convene a joint planning workshop in Saint Lucia to improve access to safe, quality-assured medicines and health technologies, including pooled procurement and stronger supply systems. Disaster Preparedness: GEM will host a Hurricane Preparedness Summit June 1 to align regional disaster readiness, response logistics and recovery planning amid warnings of more intense storms. Regional Health Security: CARPHA reports strengthened Ebola screening and monitoring across the Caribbean, including St. Lucia, while keeping the current risk assessed as low. Tourism Youth Innovation: Students from Saint Lucia advanced to the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s 2026 Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase finals in New York, with proposals judged on innovation and sustainability.