Government of Saint Lucia

In the headlines: Julian Alfred wins the women's 100 meter dash at the Oslo Diamond League, and Saint Lucia highlights social justice and workers rights at an ILO conference. For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

The Ministry of Health convened health sector leaders, Heads of Departments, and administrators from both hospitals and polyclinics across Saint Lucia to assess readiness ahead of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season

In the headlines: Government extends tax amnesty program through 2027, and the Central Statistical Office introduces drone technology. For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

The National Integrated Planning and Programming Unit (NIPP) is leading a new initiative aimed at strengthening Saint Lucia’s climate resilience through citizen science and environmental monitoring. Under the SALUT Project, weather stations will be installed in schools across the island, allowing students and communities to contribute directly to climate data collection while helping policymakers better understand local environmental conditions.

In the headlines: Junior Carnival showcases outstanding young talent, and Semi-finalists announced for 2026 Groovy and Power Soka Monarch Competition.  For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition is closely monitoring the ongoing Ebola Virus Disease outbreak. While no cases have been detected in Saint Lucia or the wider Caribbean region, the risk of importation through travel remains as the region is highly connected through international travel. As a precautionary measure to safeguard the health and well-being of all citizens and to prevent the introduction of Ebola Virus Disease into the country, the Government of Saint Lucia is issuing a travel advisory

In the headlines: Julian Alfred scores gold at the 2026 Wonder League 200m, and Saint Lucia boasts highest April stay-over arrivals on record. For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

Saint Lucia is taking steps to strengthen the production, management, and use of official statistics as the country prepares to revise its Medium-Term Development Strategy and develop a National Development Plan. Stakeholders from across government participated in a National Statistical System Symposium aimed at improving coordination, data quality, and the use of evidence in decision-making.

The Central Statistical Office has introduced new technology to improve the accuracy of national surveys and statistical data collection. The agency has begun integrating drone technology into its mapping operations to ensure field officers have the most up-to-date information when conducting household surveys across the island. Officials are assuring the public that the drones will be used strictly for statistical purposes and not for surveillance.

In the headlines: The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season officially commences, and government maintains LPG subsidies amid fuel price increase. For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre explains that the authority to approve water rate adjustments rests with the National Utilities Regulatory Commission (NURC), not the central government.

During a National Youth Parliament sitting, youth leaders discuss the Caribbean's 10-point plan for reparations and how colonial exploitation shaped contemporary economic dependence on tourism.

A delegation from the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Commerce visits Saint Lucia for a three-day mission aimed at boosting trade, investment, and local partnerships.

Students from the TVET School of Sustainable Agriculture and Culinary Arts present fresh produce to the Prime Minister, highlighting the importance of vocational training and food security.

In the headlines: The Government of Saint Lucia, World Bank and CDB review Development Projects, and a new Health Campaign Targets Youth Amidst Vaping and Smoking Threats.  For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) recently hosted a stakeholder consultation on establishing tier-based laboratory networks aligned with International Health Regulations (IHR) and Universal Health (UH). With the development of the framework for the establishment of the tier-based laboratory networks, it is expected that there will be an enhancement of disease surveillance, outbreak detection and response across the Eastern Caribbean. Saint Lucia, Grenada and St. Vincent & the Grenadines were the countries participating in the stakeholder consultation.

Encouraging signs are being exhibited by students for their understanding of the rudiments of mathematics. Officials and the general audience attending the annual grade five Mathematics competition came away feeling the participants displayed a high command of the subject. 

In observance of World Hypertension Day and Salt Awareness Month, the Nutrition Unit within the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition in collaboration with the Capacity Building Project for Prevention and Control of Metabolic Chronic Diseases in Saint Lucia recently held an activity at the Laborie Wellness Centre under the theme, "Better Eating for Healthy Living." The activity targeted chronic disease patients in the community of Laborie with focus on educating them on practical ways to reduce salt and sugar consumption while preparing flavorful and balanced meals.

In the headlines: TVET students present home-grown produce to Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre and the Trinidad and Tobago trade mission explores new business opportunities in Saint Lucia. For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

Bringing training to communities is currently the main objective of the National Enrichment and Learning Unit (NELU) . The latest district to benefit from this initiative is Vieux Fort South

In the headlines: The Prime Minister urges caution on calls for capital punishment, and a new Chief Justice has been sworn in.  For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

On May 17, 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the ongoing Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak affecting the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, a Public Health Emergency of international Concern (PHEIC) under the International Health Regulations (2005). The current Ebola outbreak is concentrated in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (Ituri, Nord-Kivu, and Sud-Kivu provinces) and Uganda, particularly in Kampala. There are no cases of the Ebola Virus Disease in the Caribbean region. The current risk of this disease to the Caribbean is assessed by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) as low. However, given that the introduction of the disease to the Caribbean region can happen through travel associated with importation and the region’s high connectivity through international travel, it is important that the national surveillance system is strengthened.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition, through the Substance Abuse Advisory Council Secretariat (SAACS), joins the global community in observing World No Tobacco Day 2026 under a renewed national call to protect our citizens, especially our youth, from the harmful effects of tobacco and emerging nicotine products. As Saint Lucia faces growing concerns surrounding vaping, electronic cigarettes, and heated tobacco products among young people, the Ministry is intensifying efforts through a comprehensive public education and awareness campaign aimed at “Unmasking the Appeal” of tobacco and nicotine products. Guided by findings from the 2025 Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS), this campaign seeks to educate, empower, and encourage healthier choices while exposing the dangers hidden behind attractive flavours, colourful packaging, and misleading marketing tactics.

🗞️ The latest edition of OECS Newslink is here! Get caught up on the major stories making headlines across the OECS today: 🔹 Second Call for the UBEC Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme is now open 🔹 The OECS 45th Anniversary Celebrations are officially underway 🔹 OECS GEOBUILD advances global geothermal partnerships 🔹 OECS Root and Tuber Crop Symposium charts plans to reclaim food sovereignty Stay informed on the issues shaping our region. 🌎 #OECSNewslink #OECS #OECS45

Officials from the World Bank, the Caribbean Development Bank, and the Government of Saint Lucia have concluded a week-long review of major development projects currently under implementation on the island. The joint exercise examined project performance, implementation challenges, and opportunities to accelerate delivery so citizens can benefit more quickly from critical investments in health, infrastructure, education, and social development.