AGP Executive Report

CCJ Leadership Row: Saint Lucia’s PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says she hopes the Caribbean Court of Justice “sorts them selves out soon” amid allegations of “panel fixing” and improper influence, but she declined to say whether her government trusts the court to fairly decide the Carla Barnett reappointment dispute. Regional Trade Policy: The OECS Commission, with UN partners UNCTAD and ECLAC, wrapped up an evidence-based push to close trade-in-services data gaps, using TiSSTAT to help member states plan export strategies. Renewables Push: Minister Keithson Charles proposed zero-rating VAT for solar panels, batteries, inverters and installation for five years to cut costs and reduce reliance on imported oil. Climate Weather Watch: A tropical disturbance is bringing flash-flood watches and storm-like conditions across parts of the Lesser Antilles, with heavy rain, gusty winds and mudslide risk flagged for islands including St. Lucia. Agriculture Under Heat: St. Lucia farmers explored new methods, including hydroponics, as rising heat and other pressures challenge traditional production. Child Protection Plan: OECS and UNICEF unveiled a Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032, aiming for safer, supported and empowered children across the sub-region.

Renewable Energy Push: Saint Lucia’s Minister Keithson Charles says the island must speed up renewables and proposed zero-rating VAT on solar panels, batteries, inverters, and installation for five years to cut costs and reduce dependence on imported oil. Storm Watch: Meteorologists are tracking a new tropical wave expected to bring showers and gusty winds across the Lesser Antilles, including St. Lucia, with localized heavy rain and elevated seas possible even if it’s unlikely to become a named storm. Disaster-Ready Schools: OECS, with UNICEF support, wrapped up a climate resilience project upgrading disaster-resilient school infrastructure and emergency readiness in indigenous communities, including Atkinson Primary School in Dominica and Sandy Bay Government School in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Public Health Preparedness: Saint Lucia’s Environmental Health Division trained port health stakeholders to strengthen how agencies prevent, detect, communicate, and respond to public health threats at air and sea entry points. Wildlife Safety Reminder: The Agriculture Ministry debunked a viral claim about a venomous snake found in a toilet in Dennery, urging people to verify before sharing and to contact Forestry Wildlife Officers if they spot snakes. Regional Child Policy: OECS unveiled its Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032, built with input from children and families and aimed at protecting every child across the sub-region.

Tropical Weather Watch: Meteorologists are tracking a new “big blob” tropical wave expected to reach the eastern Caribbean late Monday into Tuesday, with St. Lucia among the likely affected islands. Forecasters say it may bring broken showers and localized heavy rain (about 50–75 mm in spots) plus elevated seas, while the system is expected to weaken and is unlikely to become a major tropical threat. Renewables Push: Minister Keithson Charles says Saint Lucia is moving to speed up renewable energy adoption, proposing a “revolutionary” five-year VAT zero-rate on solar panels, batteries, inverters and installation services to cut costs and reduce dependence on imported oil. Disaster-Ready Schools: OECS, with UNICEF support, has wrapped a climate resilience project strengthening disaster-resilient school infrastructure and emergency readiness in indigenous communities, including Atkinson Primary School (Dominica) and Sandy Bay Government School (St. Vincent and the Grenadines). Public Health at Ports: Saint Lucia’s Environmental Health Division trained port health stakeholders to improve how agencies prevent, detect, communicate and respond to public health threats at air and sea entry points. Snake Risk Reminder: The Agriculture Ministry debunked a viral claim about a venomous snake found in a toilet, urging residents to verify reports and contact Forestry Wildlife Officers instead of handling snakes themselves.

Weather Watch: A new tropical wave is expected to reach the eastern Caribbean late Monday into Tuesday, bringing showers and gusty seas, with localized rain totals around 50–75mm and marine impacts reported as high as 7–12 feet; forecasters say it’s unlikely to become a major tropical threat, but conditions could still be rough for St. Lucia. Renewables Push: Minister Keithson Charles says Saint Lucia is moving to cut the cost of solar by proposing a five-year VAT zero-rate on solar panels, batteries, inverters and installation—aimed at reducing reliance on imported oil and easing electricity bills. Disaster-Ready Schools: OECS and New Zealand-backed work under the climate resilience push strengthened disaster preparedness at Atkinson Primary (Dominica) and Sandy Bay Government School (St Vincent and the Grenadines), including drainage upgrades and emergency power and communications. Public Health at Ports: The Ministry of Health hosted port health stakeholder training to improve how agencies prevent, detect, communicate and respond to public health threats at air and sea entry points. Wildlife Safety: The Agriculture Ministry debunked a viral claim about a venomous snake found in a toilet in Aux Lyon, Dennery, urging residents to contact Forestry Wildlife Officers instead of sharing unverified posts.

Climate & Disaster Readiness: A tropical disturbance moving through the Lesser Antilles is prompting flood alerts and flash-flood watches across the region, with heavy rain, gusty winds and a mudslide risk flagged for places including St. Lucia. Renewable Energy Policy: Minister Keithson Charles says St. Lucia is pushing faster clean power adoption, proposing a “revolutionary” VAT zero-rate for solar panels, batteries, inverters and installation services for the next five years. Child Protection & Social Policy: The OECS, with UNICEF support, unveiled the OECS Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032, built on a whole-of-the-child approach and aimed at safer, supported outcomes for every child. Public Health at Ports: Health officials trained port stakeholders on port health procedures to better prevent, detect and respond to public health threats at air and sea entry points. Governance & Justice: CCJ President Winston Anderson rejected claims of “panel fixing” and improper influence, responding to reports of internal tensions at the court. Wildlife & Misinformation: The Agriculture Ministry debunked a viral claim about a venomous snake found in a toilet in Aux Lyon, Dennery, urging residents to verify before sharing.

Renewable Energy Push: Minister Keithson Charles says Saint Lucia wants faster renewable adoption and proposed a “revolutionary” five-year VAT zero-rate on solar panels, batteries, inverters, and installation to cut bills and reduce reliance on imported oil. Flood Watch for the Region: A tropical wave is triggering flash flood watches and alerts across the Lesser Antilles, with heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds expected into Saturday—St. Lucia is among the islands told to prepare for stormy, flood-prone conditions. OECS Child Policy Launch: The OECS, with UNICEF support, unveiled a Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032 in Saint Lucia, built from input by children and parents and aimed at protecting and empowering every child by 2032. Public Health at Ports: Saint Lucia’s Environmental Health Division trained port health stakeholders to strengthen how the island prevents, detects, communicates, and responds to health threats at air and sea entry points. Skills for Climate-Ready Futures: CARICOM’s push for stronger TVET is echoed locally, with Saint Lucia’s TVET centres highlighted as part of the drive to equip young people with practical skills for a changing economy. Wildlife Safety Reminder: The Agriculture Ministry debunked a viral “snake in toilet” claim, urging residents to contact Forestry Wildlife Officers instead of sharing unverified sightings.

Storm Watch: A strong tropical disturbance (“big blob of rain”) is expected to bring heavy rain and gusty winds across the southeastern Caribbean tonight into Saturday, with St. Lucia among the areas at risk for tropical-storm-like conditions, possible flooding, and mudslide concerns in mountainous spots. Disaster-Ready Schools: OECS and New Zealand-backed work to strengthen disaster-resilient schools in Indigenous communities has wrapped up, including upgrades at Atkinson Primary in Dominica and Sandy Bay Government School in St. Vincent and the Grenadines—aimed at keeping schools safer and able to support communities during hurricanes and extreme weather. Child Protection Planning: OECS unveiled a regional child policy and strategic plan for 2026–2032 in St. Lucia, using a “whole-of-the-child” approach to protect, include, and support children across health, education, justice, and social services. Public Health at Ports: Saint Lucia’s Environmental Health Division hosted port health stakeholder training to improve how agencies prevent, detect, communicate, and respond to public health threats at air and sea entry points. Snake Rumour Correction: The Agriculture Ministry debunked a viral claim about a venomous snake found in a toilet in Aux Lyon, Dennery, urging residents to verify before sharing and to contact wildlife officers for real sightings. Youth & Skills: CARICOM’s push for stronger TVET is echoed locally, with calls for more investment in skills training and employment opportunities for young Saint Lucians as climate change reshapes the future.

Hurricane Season Watch: Officials say the Atlantic season may look quiet, but residents should keep preparations in place as systems are still being monitored. Storm Monitoring: NEMA is tracking a low-pressure system in the mid-Atlantic (Invest 92L) that could strengthen toward the Eastern Caribbean, with uncertainty on the exact path. Climate-Ready Schools: OECS and partners upgraded Atkinson Primary in the Kalinago Territory with drainage, hurricane protection doors, and backup power to help schools serve as safer community shelters during disasters. Public Health at Ports: The Ministry of Health ran port health training to strengthen how agencies prevent, detect, communicate, and respond to public health threats at air and sea entry points. Snake Risk Alert: The Agriculture Ministry debunked a viral “snake in toilet” claim, urging people to contact Forestry Wildlife Officers and not spread unverified sightings. Breastfeeding Support: Breastfeeding Awareness Month opened with a push for stronger support for mothers and babies, framed as a sustainable start in life. Skills for a Changing Economy: CARICOM’s education push highlights TVET, with Saint Lucia’s TVET centres cited as part of the regional drive for practical training and youth employment. Accessibility for Cruise Visitors: Saint Lucia Cruise Port is rolling out the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme so passengers with non-visible disabilities can discreetly request extra support.

Hurricane Preparedness: Meteorological officials say the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season may be starting quietly, but Saint Lucians should keep preparations in place and stay alert as systems are monitored across the region. Climate-Ready Schools: The OECS Climate Resilience push helped Atkinson Primary School in Dominica with drainage upgrades, hurricane-protection doors, and emergency communications and power support—so schools can keep serving communities during disasters. Storm Monitoring: NEMA in St. Kitts and Nevis is tracking Invest 92L in the mid-Atlantic, warning that conditions could become favorable for development as it nears the Eastern Caribbean, with uncertainty on the exact path. Snake Risk Check: Saint Lucia’s Agriculture Ministry debunked a viral claim about a venomous snake found in a toilet in Aux Lyon, Dennery, and reminded residents to contact Forestry Wildlife Officers instead of handling snakes themselves. Port Health Readiness: The Health Ministry trained port stakeholders to strengthen how agencies prevent, detect, communicate, and respond to public health threats at air and sea entry points. Sustainable Start in Life: Breastfeeding Awareness Month opened at Micoud Secondary School, with calls for stronger support for mothers and babies through community and workplace backing. Youth Skills for a Climate Future: Youth advocate John Tench urged more investment in skills training and employment opportunities for young Saint Lucians as climate change reshapes the future. Adolescent Health Across the Region: The REACH Project marked International Youth Day with webinars and support for adolescent health in Saint Lucia and other Caribbean states.

Climate Resilience in Schools: Atkinson Primary in the Kalinago Territory (Dominica) received upgrades under an OECS Climate Resilience effort, including a new 100-foot drainage system for chronic flooding, hurricane-protection doors, and emergency communications plus solar lighting and backup power to keep schools and community shelters running during disasters. Storm Monitoring: NEMA and St. Kitts Meteorological Services are tracking Invest 92L in the mid-Atlantic, warning that it could strengthen into a tropical depression within 2–3 days, with conditions and exact path still uncertain. Public Health at Ports: Saint Lucia’s Environmental Health Division trained port stakeholders on port health procedures, strengthening how agencies prevent, detect, communicate, and respond to public health threats at air and sea entry points. Snake Risk Warning: The Agriculture Ministry debunked a viral claim about a venomous snake found in a toilet in Aux Lyon, Dennery, urging residents to verify before sharing and to contact Forestry Wildlife Officers if they encounter snakes. Sustainable Tourism Skills: Thirteen Saint Lucian tour guides completed a regional OECS training focused on biodiversity, climate change, and sustainable guiding, supporting better protection of the island’s natural and cultural heritage.

Storm Readiness: NEMA is monitoring Invest 92L in the mid-Atlantic, warning St. Kitts and the Eastern Caribbean that it could strengthen into a tropical depression by this weekend, though the exact track is still uncertain. Public Health at Ports: Saint Lucia’s Environmental Health Division ran port health stakeholder training with Customs, ports authorities and Immigration to strengthen how the island prevents, detects, communicates and responds to health threats at air and sea entry points. Snake Rumour Check: The Agriculture Ministry says a viral “venomous snake in a toilet” video circulating online is false and not from Saint Lucia, urging people to verify before sharing and to call Forestry Wildlife Officers if they spot snakes. Breastfeeding Support: Breastfeeding Awareness Month opened at Micoud Secondary School, with officials stressing that successful breastfeeding needs support from families, healthcare workers, employers and policy makers. Sustainable Tourism Skills: Thirteen tour guides completed a regional sustainable terrestrial and marine ecosystems training, covering biodiversity, climate change and sustainable tourism practices. Accessibility for Cruise Visitors: Saint Lucia Cruise Port is rolling out the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme so passengers with non-visible disabilities can discreetly request extra help. Youth & Climate Future: A youth advocate called for more investment in skills training and jobs for young Saint Lucians as climate change reshapes their future. Tourism Spotlight: The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority signed a multi-year partnership with Arsenal to boost the island’s profile in key markets like the UK.

Storm Preparedness: NEMA is tracking Invest 92L, a low-pressure system in the mid-Atlantic that could become a tropical depression within 2–3 days and reach the Eastern Caribbean by this weekend, though there’s no watch or warning yet for St. Kitts and Nevis. Public Health at Ports: Saint Lucia hosted port health stakeholder training to strengthen how agencies prevent, detect, communicate, and respond to public health threats at air and sea entry points. Snake Misinformation Warning: The Agriculture Ministry says a viral “snake in the toilet” claim circulating online is false and not recorded in Saint Lucia, urging residents to verify before sharing and to contact Forestry Wildlife Officers if they spot a snake. Hidden Disabilities Access: Saint Lucia Cruise Port is rolling out the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme so travellers with non-visible disabilities can discreetly signal they may need extra support. Sustainable Tourism Skills: Thirteen tour guides were certified under a regional sustainable tourism training programme, with a focus on Saint Lucia’s biodiversity, climate change, and responsible guiding. Youth Health Focus: The REACH Project marked International Youth Day with webinars and support for adolescent health across the Caribbean, including Saint Lucia.

Climate Action (Community-Led): Saint Lucia’s Sustainable Development Department has launched a national dialogue on climate resilience, asking communities to help shape the country’s climate action goals. Climate Policy (Civil Society Role): Civil society groups are being urged to lead Saint Lucia’s climate action with new funding and technical support. Biodiversity & Wildlife (Tourism with a Purpose): A new “Small Six Safari” experience is bringing visitors into contact with Saint Lucia’s endemic species while supporting conservation. Sustainable Tourism (Training for Guides): Thirteen tour guides completed a regional sustainable tourism training programme focused on biodiversity, climate change and responsible guiding. Health & Data (Cancer Registry): Saint Lucia officially launched a National Cancer Registry to strengthen cancer surveillance and improve prevention and care planning. Accessibility at Sea: Saint Lucia Cruise Port rolled out the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme so passengers with non-visible disabilities can discreetly request extra support. EU Pressure (Citizenship-by-Investment): The EU has set a deadline for five Eastern Caribbean countries, including Saint Lucia, to phase out citizenship-by-investment schemes or risk losing Schengen visa access.

Climate Action Push: Saint Lucia’s Sustainable Development Department has launched a national dialogue on climate resilience, inviting communities to shape the island’s climate action goals. Biodiversity & Tourism: A new “Small Six Safari” is bringing tourists into Saint Lucia’s non-sand habitats to spot endemic species and support conservation. Health Data Upgrade: Saint Lucia officially launched a National Cancer Registry to strengthen cancer surveillance and guide prevention and care using national data. Hidden Disabilities Access: Saint Lucia Cruise Port is rolling out the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme so passengers with non-visible disabilities can discreetly request extra support. Sustainable Skills for Guides: Thirteen tour guides were certified under a regional sustainable terrestrial and marine ecosystems training programme, focused on biodiversity, climate change and better guiding. EU Pressure on CBI: The EU has set a deadline of June 1, 2028 for Saint Lucia and four other Eastern Caribbean states to phase out citizenship-by-investment programmes or risk losing Schengen visa-free access. Workplace Safety: Saint Lucia moved closer to its first National Occupational Safety and Health Policy after a stakeholder validation workshop.

Climate Action Push: Saint Lucia’s Sustainable Development Department has launched a national dialogue on climate resilience, inviting communities to shape the country’s climate action goals. Community-Led Conservation: A regional sustainable tourism training programme has certified 13 Saint Lucian tour guides, with a strong focus on biodiversity, climate change, and sustainable tourism practices. Health + Environment Link: Saint Lucia advanced integrated health surveillance with a five-day workshop for health and environmental health officers, strengthening reporting and response using new guidelines under a One Health approach. Biodiversity Tourism: Saint Lucia is promoting conservation through tourism with “Small Six Safari,” designed to get visitors closer to endemic species while supporting protection efforts. Local Wildlife Protection: How holidaymakers are helping save Saint Lucia’s unique endemic wildlife highlights growing public involvement in conservation. EU Pressure on Mobility Schemes: The EU has given five Caribbean countries, including Saint Lucia, until 2028 to phase out citizenship-by-investment programmes or risk losing Schengen visa access. Hidden Disabilities Access: Saint Lucia Cruise Port is rolling out the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme so passengers with non-visible disabilities can discreetly request support during the 2026/2027 cruise season.

Climate Resilience Dialogue: Saint Lucia’s Sustainable Development Department has launched a national conversation on climate resilience, asking communities to help shape the country’s climate action goals. Biodiversity & Tourism: A new “Small Six Safari” is putting Saint Lucia’s endemic wildlife and non-sand habitats in the spotlight, using guided tours to support conservation while giving visitors a deeper nature experience. Sustainable Tourism Skills: Thirteen Saint Lucian tour guides have completed a regional sustainable tourism training programme, with lessons covering biodiversity, climate change, and sustainable guiding practices. Wildlife Protection on the Ground: A community snake handler pilot project in Millet is being rolled out to reduce snakebites, alongside calls for science-based approaches in the pesticide debate. Health Data for Action: Saint Lucia has officially launched its National Cancer Registry to strengthen cancer surveillance and improve prevention and care planning using national data. EU Pressure on Citizenship Schemes: The EU has set a deadline of June 1, 2028 for Saint Lucia and four other Caribbean states to phase out citizenship-by-investment programmes or risk losing Schengen visa-free access. One Health Surveillance: PAHO/WHO supported a five-day workshop to strengthen Saint Lucia’s integrated health surveillance guidelines, improving reporting and response across health and environmental sectors.