AGP Executive Report

Roseau River Sand Harvesting: North Leeward MP Kishore Shallow calls the proposed Roseau sand and aggregate project a “golden opportunity” to fix long-neglected roads, bridges and jobs, but residents are pushing back over environmental harm—especially to fisheries. ESIA Scrutiny: Environmental consultant Reynold Murray says the biggest risk is damage to fisheries and admits key gaps, including no full biodiversity inventory, while arguing the assessment should be treated as a living document. Quarry Concerns in Richmond: Shallow also says quarry operations in Richmond may be reviewed, with plans to examine alternatives that could stop quarrying amid community objections about environmental impacts. Climate Financing Push: Saint Lucia hosted a climate adaptation pitch-and-match event to turn National Adaptation Plan priorities into “investment-ready” projects and connect them with international funding partners. Hurricane Season Readiness: Health authorities are stepping up public awareness and emergency preparedness ahead of the 2026 hurricane season, even as forecasts suggest a potentially less active year. Clean Energy for Fisheries: CRFM’s STAR-Fish project is ramping up renewable energy support for fisheries and aquaculture, including cold storage and low-carbon certification efforts. Blue Economy Funding: OECS invites Blue Economy MSMEs to virtual info sessions for Window 2 matching grants, targeting fisheries, marine tourism and waste management. Water & Sewer Upgrades: WASCO is improving Castries sewerage reliability with new pumps and ongoing network maintenance to reduce overflow risks and protect public health. World Oceans Day (OECS): OECS highlights Blue Economy priorities—fisheries, marine tourism and waste management—as marine pollution, habitat loss and overfishing intensify under climate change. Tourism Media Partnership: CTO and TEMPO Networks expand collaboration to boost Caribbean tourism storytelling through digital, social and broadcast coverage.

Transport Reform Watch: PM Philip J. Pierre weighs Caribbean Development Bank-backed bus reforms, warning that “technocrat” plans may spark public pushback if political realities aren’t handled carefully. Cruise Growth & Ports: Global Ports Holding moves toward exclusive talks to modernize St. Vincent’s cruise port, signaling bigger ships and more shore excursions across the Southern Caribbean. Climate Finance Push: Saint Lucia hosted a climate adaptation pitch-and-match event to turn National Adaptation Plan priorities into “investment-ready” projects for tourism, infrastructure, and spatial planning. Hurricane Season Readiness: Health authorities step up public awareness and emergency planning for 2026, even as forecasts suggest a quieter season. Blue Economy Focus: OECS marks World Oceans Day by stressing ocean pollution, habitat loss, and overfishing—and points to fisheries, coastal tourism, and waste management work under the Blue Economy agenda. Local Environment Tensions: Richmond quarry operations in Roseau River Valley face renewed scrutiny, with officials saying alternatives may be explored amid community concerns about environmental impacts. Water & Sewer Upgrades: WASCO intensifies Castries sewer maintenance and commissions new pumps to reduce overflows and improve reliability. Wildlife & Poaching Awareness: Saint Lucian sand artist Innocent Zungu creates a rhinoceros sculpture to spotlight rhino poaching and conservation urgency.

Climate Financing Push: Saint Lucia hosted a climate adaptation investment pitch and matchmaking event to turn National Adaptation Plan priorities into “investment-ready” projects and connect them with international funders. Hurricane Readiness: Health authorities are stepping up public awareness and emergency planning for the 2026 hurricane season, even as forecasts suggest a quieter year. Water & Wastewater Upgrades: WASCO is improving Castries sewerage reliability with new pumps and maintenance after disruptions, aiming to cut overflow risks and protect public health. Quarry Concerns: The tourism minister says Richmond quarry operations may be reviewed, with plans to examine alternatives after community worries about environmental impacts and future development. Fisheries Clean Energy: CRFM is scaling up clean energy work for fisheries and aquaculture, including renewable options and cold-chain improvements across several Caribbean countries including Saint Lucia. Blue Economy Support: OECS is inviting Blue Economy MSMEs and value-chain groups to virtual info sessions for Window 2 matching grants, targeting fisheries, marine tourism, and waste management. Sand ESIA Debate: A consultant defending Roseau sand harvesting says the biggest risk is damage to fisheries, while acknowledging gaps like no full biodiversity plant inventory. World Oceans Day Focus: OECS highlights marine pollution, habitat loss, and overfishing pressures, pointing to Blue Economy plans for fisheries, coastal tourism, and waste management. Wellness Tourism Spotlight: TheLifeCo’s new clinically guided wellness resort in Rodney Bay opens with ocean-view spa facilities and mental reset retreats. Youth & Climate Justice: A Saint Lucian reggae artist released an animated “Climate Justice” video for World Environment Day, using culture to push climate equity.

Climate Finance Push: Saint Lucia hosted a Climate Change Adaptation Investment Pitch and Matchmaking event to turn National Adaptation Plan priorities into “investment-ready” projects and connect local agencies with international funding partners. Waterways Protection: A new legislative review under the Waterways Flowing Clean Project is getting a major boost, aiming to strengthen environmental laws and enforcement to better protect rivers, watersheds and ecosystems. Hurricane Readiness: With the 2026 hurricane season approaching, Saint Lucia is stepping up public awareness, emergency response systems, drills and updated disaster plans, even as forecasts suggest a less active season. Blue Economy Funding: OECS is inviting Blue Economy MSMEs and value chain groups in fisheries, marine tourism and waste management to join virtual information sessions for Window 2 grant opportunities. Fisheries Risk Debate: A consultant leading the Roseau sand ESIA says the biggest concern is potential damage to fisheries, while residents question whether baseline biodiversity work was complete. Regional Ocean Focus: World Oceans Day coverage highlights OECS efforts to shift toward a more sustainable Blue Economy, tackling pollution, habitat loss and overfishing. Clean Energy for Fisheries: CRFM is ramping up clean energy interventions under the STAR-Fish project, supporting low-carbon solutions for fisheries and aquaculture across participating countries including Saint Lucia. Local Infrastructure: WASCO is upgrading Castries’ sewerage network with new pumps and maintenance after disruptions, aiming to reduce overflows and protect public health.

Climate Finance & Resilience: Saint Lucia hosted a Climate Change Adaptation Investment Pitch and Matchmaking event to turn National Adaptation Plan priorities into “investment-ready” projects, linking tourism, education, infrastructure and spatial planning with international funding partners. Hurricane Readiness: The government says it’s stepping up public awareness, emergency response systems, and updated disaster plans for the 2026 hurricane season, even as forecasts suggest a quieter year. Water Protection Push: A new legislative review under the Waterways Flowing Clean Project aims to strengthen environmental laws and enforcement to better protect rivers, watersheds and ecosystems. Coral Reef Action: Saint Lucia is strengthening efforts to protect coral reefs through training and collaboration, including a Coral Reef Risk Response initiative. Local Environmental Concerns: Richmond quarry operations in Roseau River Valley may face review after community objections, with the minister citing possible negative impacts on future development. Fisheries Clean Energy: CRFM is ramping up clean energy support for fisheries and aquaculture under the STAR-Fish project, including renewable tech and cold-chain improvements across participating countries including Saint Lucia. Blue Economy Support: OECS invites Blue Economy value chain groups to virtual info sessions for Window 2 grant opportunities, with funding aimed at fisheries, marine tourism and waste management.

World Oceans Day (OECS Blue Economy): On World Oceans Day, the OECS is pushing a “Blue Economy” shift to protect fisheries, marine tourism and tackle waste, warning that marine pollution, habitat loss and overfishing—made worse by climate change—are threatening the region’s ocean-based livelihoods. Blue Economy Funding Call: The OECS Commission is inviting Blue Economy MSMEs to two virtual info sessions for Window 2 of the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme, with grants of US$100,000–US$150,000 for fisheries, marine tourism and waste management value chain groups. Coral Reef Protection: Saint Lucia is strengthening efforts to protect coral reefs through training and collaboration, including a coral reef risk response push. Hurricane Season Readiness: Saint Lucia is stepping up public awareness and emergency preparedness for the 2026 hurricane season, with health system contingency planning urged by PAHO. Water & Sewer Upgrades: WASCO is upgrading Castries sewerage works, installing new pumps and responding to recent disruptions to reduce overflow risks and protect public health. Sand and Fisheries Concern: A consultant defending Roseau sand harvesting says the biggest risk is damage to fisheries, while admitting gaps like no full biodiversity plant inventory. Tax Amnesty Extended: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre says Saint Lucia’s tax amnesty runs until end of 2027, waiving interest and penalties on eligible taxes up to Dec 2025. Paediatrics Ward Makeover: Bank of Saint Lucia has completed a child-friendly paediatrics ward rehabilitation at Millennium Heights, including a new mural and upgrades to support young patients.

Healthcare & Community Care: Bank of Saint Lucia has unveiled the completed, child-friendly Paediatrics Ward at Millennium Heights Medical Centre, finishing a EC$75,000 rehabilitation with a new mural and upgrades like play space, reception improvements, mold remediation, air conditioning, and medical equipment. Coastal & Fisheries Concerns: Environmental consultant Reynold Murray, defending the Roseau sand and aggregate ESIA, says the biggest risk is potential harm to fisheries and urged a structured partnership with fishers, while admitting gaps such as no full biodiversity inventory. Blue Economy Funding: The OECS is inviting Blue Economy MSMEs from St. Lucia, Grenada, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines to join virtual information sessions for the second call under Window 2 of the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme. Hurricane Readiness: Saint Lucia is stepping up public awareness and emergency preparedness for the 2026 hurricane season, with health system contingency planning and drills backed by PAHO guidance. Water & Sewer Reliability: WASCO is upgrading Castries’ sewerage network, commissioning new pumps and intensifying maintenance after a Jeremie Street disruption to reduce overflow risk and protect public health. Pollution Law Boost: A new legislative review under the Waterways Flowing Clean Project is launched to strengthen environmental enforcement and protect Saint Lucia’s rivers and watersheds. Climate Justice Through Culture: Saint Lucian reggae artist Taj Weekes released an animated “Climate Justice” video for World Environment Day, spotlighting climate vulnerability and calling for greater global equity.

Child Health & Community Support: Bank of Saint Lucia helped refurbish the Millennium Heights Medical Complex paediatric ward with an EC$75,000 project, creating a more colourful, child-friendly healing space for patients and families. Cruise Infrastructure & Local Economy: St. Vincent and the Grenadines signed an MOU with Global Ports Holding to modernise Kingstown Cruise Port under a 30-year, phased plan worth about EC$225m–EC$250m, with phase one targeting up to EC$75m for terminal upgrades and better shore excursions. Disaster Readiness: Saint Lucia is stepping up preparations for the 2026 hurricane season, boosting public awareness, emergency response systems, infrastructure resilience, and coordination with regional partners like PAHO. Water & Sanitation Upgrades: WASCO is upgrading Castries’ sewerage network after a disruption on Jeremie Street, commissioning new pumps to improve reliability and reduce overflow risk. Environmental Governance Funding: A legislative review under the Waterways Flowing Clean Project is getting a major boost to strengthen laws and enforcement protecting rivers, watersheds and ecosystems. Climate Justice Through Culture: Saint Lucian reggae artist Taj Weekes released an animated “Climate Justice” video for World Environment Day, spotlighting climate vulnerability and calling for greater global climate equity.

Hurricane Readiness: Saint Lucia is stepping up preparations for the 2026 hurricane season, with public awareness drives, updated disaster plans, community drills, and closer coordination with regional partners like PAHO. Water & Sanitation Upgrade: WASCO is improving sewerage service in Castries’ city centre, installing new pumps and expanding maintenance after a disruption on Jeremie Street to reduce overflows and protect public health. Coral Protection: The island has launched a Coral Reef Response System, training brigades for rapid damage assessment and recovery, backed by reef resilience and risk-financing support. Polluted Waterways Funding: A new funding boost is set to strengthen environmental laws and enforcement under the Waterways Flowing Clean Project. Green Jobs Gap: A UNICEF-commissioned study finds young people in Barbados, Dominica, St Lucia and Antigua and Barbuda want green opportunities, but lack clear information, training, and access. Climate Justice in Culture: Saint Lucian reggae artist Taj Weekes released an animated “Climate Justice” video for World Environment Day, pushing climate equity through Caribbean storytelling. Tax Relief: The government extended its tax amnesty to end-2027, waiving interest and penalties on eligible taxes up to December 2025.

Waterways Protection Funding: Saint Lucia gets a major boost for a legislative review under the Waterways Flowing Clean Project, aiming to strengthen environmental laws and enforcement to better protect rivers, watersheds, and ecosystems. Coral Reef Preparedness: The island launches a Coral Reef Response System, training brigades to assess storm damage, support recovery, and trigger faster reef insurance-linked funding after hurricanes. Climate Justice Through Culture: Saint Lucian reggae artist Taj Weekes releases an animated “Climate Justice” video for World Environment Day, spotlighting how climate change hits Small Island States hardest and calling for global climate equity. Youth and the Green Economy: A UNICEF-commissioned study finds young people in Barbados, Dominica, St Lucia, and Antigua and Barbuda want green jobs, but lack clear information, training, and accessible opportunities. Tourism and Environment Planning: Saint Lucia unveils a new climate risk tool to guide coastal protection and disaster planning, while regional tourism groups push smarter regulation for short-term rentals. Regional Resilience Warning: Economists at the Caribbean Development Bank warn small islands, including Saint Lucia, are highly exposed to global shocks and need urgent resilience action.

Coastal Protection Upgrade: Saint Lucia has received a new coastal climate risk assessment and decision-support system (“Shore Sight”) to guide planning on sea-level rise, erosion, storm surges, and flooding. Reef Resilience in Action: The island also launched a Coral Reef Response System, training brigades to assess damage and speed up recovery, backed by reef insurance and rapid-response planning under a regional hurricane resilience effort. Waterways Enforcement Boost: A new legislative review under the Waterways Flowing Clean Project is getting major funding to strengthen environmental laws and enforcement for polluted rivers and watersheds. Youth & the Green Economy: A UNICEF-commissioned study says young people in the Eastern Caribbean—including St Lucia—want green jobs, but lack clear information, training, and access to opportunities. Marine Livelihoods & Pollution Cleanup: Savannes Bay is getting about USD $80,000 for marine debris removal and sustainable raft systems tied to seamoss farming, aiming to restore coastal areas and support local incomes. Regional Pressure on Small Islands: Economists warn global crises are leaving small Caribbean states, including St Lucia, highly exposed—raising the urgency for resilience planning. Tourism Governance Debate: The UWP questions claims that Saint Lucia’s tourism is “booming,” arguing recovery is uneven and recovery beyond pre-COVID levels is still lagging.

Coral Reef Protection: Saint Lucia has launched a Coral Reef Response System, training brigades to assess damage, support recovery, and mobilize funds fast after storms—linked to a regional reef insurance and preparedness effort. Coastal Climate Planning: The island also received a new Shore Sight coastal climate risk tool to guide infrastructure and disaster planning for sea-level rise, erosion, storm surges, and flooding. Marine Livelihoods: A new Savannes Bay project will remove marine debris over 10 hectares and deploy sustainable raft systems to support seamoss farmers, with about EC$215,000 (USD$80,000) from the French Development Agency via the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund. Climate Finance Push: Saint Lucia held an Adaptation Investment Pitch and Matchmaking event to connect local sectors with international climate funds for National Adaptation Plan projects. Youth & Green Jobs: A UNICEF-commissioned study says young people in the Eastern Caribbean, including St Lucia, want green careers but lack clear information, training, and accessible opportunities. Tourism Debate: The UWP questioned claims that Saint Lucia’s tourism is “booming,” urging caution given uneven recovery and recent arrival trends.

Climate & Youth Skills: A UNICEF-commissioned study presented at UN House finds young people in Barbados, Dominica, St Lucia and Antigua and Barbuda are eager to help on climate change, but many lack clear information, training and access to green and circular economy opportunities. Coastal Resilience: Saint Lucia has received a new Shore Sight coastal climate risk assessment and decision-support system to guide planning and infrastructure against sea-level rise, erosion, storm surges and flooding. Reef Protection & Risk Financing: The island launched a Coral Reef Response System with trained brigades to assess damage, support recovery and speed up funding after storms, linked to a regional reef insurance and preparedness effort. Marine Livelihoods: Savannes Bay is getting EC$215,000 (about US$80,000) for marine debris removal and sustainable seamoss raft systems, aiming to restore coastal areas and support farmers. Climate Finance Push: Saint Lucia hosted an Adaptation Investment Pitch and Matchmaking event to connect local sectors with international climate funds for National Adaptation Plan projects. Tourism Policy Watch: The UWP questioned “booming” tourism claims, urging caution and noting cruise and total arrivals fell in 2025. Tourism & Sustainability Ideas: Saint Lucia showcased its tourism partnerships at Caribbean Week in New York under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences.”

Coastal Climate Planning: Saint Lucia received a new coastal climate risk assessment and decision-support system, the Shore Sight tool, to guide infrastructure and disaster preparedness for sea-level rise, erosion and storm impacts. Reef Protection With Fast Response: The island launched a Coral Reef Response System with trained brigades and rapid recovery funding, tied to regional reef insurance and hurricane preparedness. Marine Livelihoods & Waste Cuts: A USD $80,000 project backed by AFD/CBF will remove marine debris in Savannes Bay and deploy sustainable raft systems to support seamoss farmers and reduce future waste. Climate Finance Push: Saint Lucia hosted an Adaptation Investment Pitch and Matchmaking event to connect local sectors with international climate funds for National Adaptation Plan projects. Youth in the Green Economy: A UNICEF-commissioned study says young people across the Eastern Caribbean want green jobs, but lack information, training and access—highlighting a gap in how opportunities are communicated. Tourism in the Spotlight: Saint Lucia showcased at Caribbean Week in New York, while the UWP questioned “booming” arrival claims as recovery remains uneven. Regional Mobility Challenge: A Caribbean Development Bank briefing framed traffic congestion as a development, public health and climate issue.

Coastal Climate Planning: Saint Lucia has received a new coastal climate risk assessment and decision-support system to guide infrastructure and disaster preparedness, helping the island plan for sea-level rise, coastal erosion, storm surges and flooding. Reef Protection & Risk Financing: The government launched a Coral Reef Response System with trained brigades to assess damage, support recovery and mobilize funds fast after storms, linked to a regional reef resilience and reef insurance effort. Marine Livelihoods: A new USD $80,000 (EC$215,000) Savannes Bay project will remove marine debris and deploy sustainable raft systems to support seamoss farmers while cutting future marine waste. Youth & Climate Jobs: A UNICEF-commissioned study says young people across the Eastern Caribbean want green careers, but lack information, training and reachable opportunities—highlighting a gap in how climate and circular economy options are communicated. Tourism Accountability: UWP’s Dominic Fedee questions claims that Saint Lucia’s tourism is “booming,” warning that recovery is still incomplete and urging caution over arrival figures. Regional Tourism Push: Saint Lucia’s Tourism Authority is in New York for Caribbean Week 2026 to strengthen partnerships and global visibility.

Coastal Climate Planning: Saint Lucia has received a new coastal climate risk assessment and decision-support system (Shore Sight) to guide infrastructure and disaster preparedness for sea-level rise, erosion, storm surges and flooding. Reef Protection & Rapid Response: The island launched a Coral Reef Response System with trained brigades to assess damage, support recovery and speed up reef insurance-linked funding after storms, as part of a wider regional reef resilience and risk financing effort. Marine Livelihoods: Savannes Bay is getting an EC$215,000 (about US$80,000) marine debris removal and sustainable seamoss raft systems project to clean around 10 hectares of sea and help farmers cut future marine waste. Climate Finance Push: Saint Lucia hosted a National Adaptation Plan adaptation investment pitch and matchmaking event to connect local sectors with international climate funds and turn NAP priorities into bankable projects. Youth & Green Jobs: A UNICEF-commissioned study says young people across the Eastern Caribbean want green and circular economy careers, but lack information, training and accessible opportunities—findings presented around World Environment Day. Tourism Policy Watch: The CTO’s Caribbean Week in New York spotlighted “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” while local voices questioned whether Saint Lucia’s tourism “booming” narrative is complete without broader stakeholder context.