AGP Executive Report

Carnival Safety: As Lucian Carnival heads into the July 20–21 street parade in Castries, the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force reports improved crime trends and stepped-up operations, including 39 illegal firearms recovered between Jan 1 and July 10, while urging revelers to stay alert. Tourism Link-Up: Global Ports Holding is pushing closer cruise-to-land partnerships to spread visitor spending into local culture and businesses, a timely message as Saint Lucia’s tourism season ramps up. Food & Climate Resilience: The Zero Hunger Trust Fund has launched an EU-backed regional initiative, “Cultivating Futures,” using 10 schools in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, Grenada and Dominica to strengthen food security, nutrition, education and climate resilience over 18 months. Sargassum Response: OECS delegates are drawing on Martinique and Guadeloupe strategies to tackle sargassum, aiming to cut environmental impacts and explore turning seaweed into economic value. Climate Outlook: CariCOF warns El Niño is intensifying, with hotter, more humid conditions, drought risks in parts of the Lesser Antilles, and a continued risk of flooding from heavy rains. Pesticide Use Concern: New FAO-based rankings place Saint Lucia sixth globally for pesticide use intensity, highlighting potential public and environmental health risks. CBI Pressure: EU demands to end Citizenship by Investment schemes by 2028 are driving regional coordination, with Saint Lucia among the countries preparing for talks in Brussels.

Food Security & Climate Resilience: The Zero Hunger Trust Fund has launched “Cultivating Futures – Empowering Youths for a Food Secure Region,” an EU-funded, 18-month push using 10 regional schools in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia, Grenada and Dominica to strengthen sustainable food systems, nutrition, education and climate resilience. Regional Tax Cooperation: CARICOM tax administrators and revenue experts are set to meet in Georgetown, Guyana (27–31 July) for COTA’s General Assembly and Technical Conference, focused on future-ready, data-driven and AI-enabled tax administration. Blue Economy Support: OECS has extended the deadline for Window 2 of its regional MSME matching grants programme to July 24, backing Blue Economy value-chain groups, including women-led enterprises. Marine & Coastal Health: OECS delegates are also sharing sargassum management strategies after a French territories mission, aiming to reduce impacts and explore turning seaweed into economic opportunities. Climate Outlook: CariCOF warns El Niño is strengthening, with hotter conditions, drought risks in parts of the Lesser Antilles, and a continued risk of flooding from heavy rainfall during the 2026 wet season. Health & Environment Risk: New FAO-linked reporting ranks Saint Lucia sixth globally for pesticide use intensity, raising concerns about long-term environmental and public health impacts.

Climate & Disaster Risk: CariCOF warns El Niño is strengthening, with hotter, more humid conditions, heatwaves, slower drought recovery in parts of the Lesser Antilles, and a continued risk of flooding from heavy rain through the 2026 wet season. Sargassum Response: OECS delegates are drawing on Martinique and Guadeloupe know-how to improve sargassum collection and management across member states, with EU support and a push to turn seaweed into blue-economy products. Food Security & Resilience: A new regional initiative, “Cultivating Futures,” is set to launch using 10 schools as a hub to tackle food security, nutrition, education and climate resilience in St. Lucia, Dominica, Grenada and St. Vincent. Agriculture Innovation: Grenada’s C-SAC has been named a global finalist in the FAO’s 2026 AgriInno Challenge for its climate-smart approach to rewarding smallholders for ecological stewardship. Pesticide Use Spotlight: FAO-linked data ranks Saint Lucia sixth globally for pesticide use intensity, raising public and environmental health concerns. Local Opportunity: OECS extended the deadline for Blue Economy MSME matching grants (Window 2) to July 24, giving women-led value chain groups more time to apply. Tourism & Safety: The U.S. upgraded its Saint Lucia travel advisory to Level 2, citing violent crime risks for residents and visitors, including incidents at tourist resorts.

Blue Economy Support: OECS extends the deadline for Window 2 of its Matching Grants Programme for MSMEs in the Blue Economy, now due Friday, July 24, 2026, giving more time for women-led and value-chain groups across Grenada, Saint Lucia and St Vincent & the Grenadines to apply. Sargassum Solutions: OECS delegates build on a Martinique/Guadeloupe study tour to sharpen regional sargassum management, focusing on coordinated collection and turning seaweed into economic value. Climate Risk Watch: CariCOF warns El Niño is strengthening, with hotter, more intense humid conditions, drought risks in parts of the Lesser Antilles, and ongoing flood risk during the 2026 wet season. Water Security Upgrade: WASCO reports major progress on the Patience water supply redevelopment project in Mon Repos, aiming for a more reliable, climate-resilient treatment and distribution system by September 2026. Food & Resilience for Youth: A regional “Cultivating Futures” initiative is set for launch, using 10 regional schools to tackle food security, nutrition, education and climate resilience across St Vincent & the Grenadines, St Lucia, Grenada and Dominica. Pesticide Use Spotlight: FAO-linked data ranks Saint Lucia sixth globally for pesticide use intensity, raising concerns about potential public and environmental health impacts. Local Agriculture Innovation: Saint Lucia opens its first dragon fruit nursery in Union, Castries, to boost climate-smart, high-value planting material for farmers and the hotel sector.

Climate Risk Watch: CariCOF says strengthening El Niño plus warmer Caribbean Sea temperatures could mean more intense heat, slower drought recovery in parts of the Lesser Antilles, and a higher risk of flooding from heavy rain later in 2026. Blue Economy & Coastal Health: OECS delegates are using lessons from Martinique and Guadeloupe to step up sargassum management across member states, with EU-backed support and a push to turn seaweed into economic value. Water Security: WASCO’s Patience water supply upgrade (US$2m) is progressing in Mon Repos, with treatment plant shipment underway and a September 2026 completion target for more reliable, climate-resilient water. Food & Nutrition Resilience: A regional “Cultivating Futures” initiative launches tomorrow via 10 schools in St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada and Dominica, funded by the EU-CaN programme to boost food security, nutrition, education and climate resilience. Agriculture Adaptation: Saint Lucia opened its first dragon fruit nursery in Union, Castries, aiming to expand high-value, climate-tolerant planting material for farmers and hotels. Safety & Travel: The U.S. upgraded its Saint Lucia advisory to Level 2, citing crime risks including violent incidents affecting visitors.

Pesticides & Health: New FAO-linked rankings put Saint Lucia 6th globally for pesticide use intensity, at 27.6kg per hectare of cropland, raising fresh concerns about long-term public and environmental harm. Climate Action Push: CARICOM leaders are launching an 18-month push to turn climate pledges into real, job-creating projects by matching investors with climate-smart initiatives. Food Security & Resilience: The EU-funded “Cultivating Futures” initiative is set for a regional launch in Saint Lucia, using 10 schools to tackle food security, nutrition, education and climate resilience. Sargassum Solutions: OECS is adapting strategies from Martinique and Guadeloupe after a study tour to improve how the region collects, manages and potentially turns sargassum into economic opportunities. Water Upgrade (Local): WASCO’s Patience water supply redevelopment is nearing key milestones, with treatment plant delivery expected soon and completion targeted for September 2026. CBI vs EU Pressure: Eastern Caribbean CBI states agree to coordinate a high-level Brussels mission and defend reforms as the EU presses for a phase-out by June 2028. Regional Connectivity: CARICOM and private sector leaders back a pilot ferry service to improve air and maritime affordability and reduce travel costs. Safety Advisory (Travel): The U.S. upgraded its Saint Lucia advisory to Level 2, citing violent crime risks that can affect visitors even at resorts.

UN Diplomacy: CARICOM threw its full support behind Guyana’s Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett for UN Secretary-General, backing her as a rules-based governance choice amid climate and security shocks. Regional Security: PM Roosevelt Skerrit urged a coordinated Caribbean “collective shield,” saying policing alone can’t handle cross-border threats like cyberattacks and climate disasters. EU & CBI Pressure: Eastern Caribbean leaders met in Roseau to respond to EU concerns over Citizenship by Investment, agreeing on a united front and a high-level Brussels mission while stressing reforms, integrity, and the need to protect climate resilience and other development gains. Affordability & Connectivity: CARICOM and private sector leaders agreed to move from talks to action on lowering costs, including plans for a pilot ferry service to improve air and maritime links. Tourism & Environment: Soufrière ranked second happiest destination worldwide, highlighting the Pitons and rainforest setting; meanwhile, a dragon fruit nursery in Union aims to diversify agriculture with climate-friendly planting material. Water & Resilience: WASCO reported progress on the Patience upgrade project to improve water access in Mon Repos and nearby communities. Safety for Visitors: The U.S. raised Saint Lucia’s travel advisory to Level 2 over violent crime risks, urging extra precautions in tourist areas. Youth & Community: CIBC Caribbean honoured seven Saint Lucian students for leadership and service beyond the classroom, and Sandals Foundation opened up to US$80,000 in grants for community projects.

CARICOM Governance Push: Dr. Terrance Drew urged CARICOM to modernize governance and better implement community decisions as he handed the rotating chair to Saint Lucia’s PM Philip J. Pierre at the 51st CARICOM summit. Youth & Community Recognition: CIBC Caribbean honoured seven Saint Lucian secondary students for leadership, service, resilience and character, including environmental advocates and STEM enthusiasts. Local Climate & Waste Education: Saint Lucia educators completed an eco-curriculum training to help students tackle island risks, including practical climate and waste solutions. Water Security Upgrade: WASCO and the Caribbean Development Fund are progressing the Patience water supply redevelopment in Mon Repos, with treatment plant delivery expected soon and completion targeted for September 2026. Agriculture for Climate Resilience: Saint Lucia opened its first dragon fruit nursery in Union, Castries, under the Seven Crops Project, aiming to diversify crops and support farmers and hotels with locally grown produce. Safety for Visitors: The U.S. State Department raised Saint Lucia’s travel advisory to Level 2, citing violent crime risks that can affect tourists and resort guests. Regional Air Connectivity: Antigua and Barbuda PM Gaston Browne renewed calls for an OECS airline, pointing to frequent flight delays that disrupt regional travel. CBI Under EU Pressure: Eastern Caribbean leaders agreed to coordinate a high-level Brussels mission and defend CBI reforms while responding to EU demands to phase out programmes by June 2028.

Water Security Upgrade: A US$2m Patience water supply redevelopment project is progressing in Mon Repos and nearby communities, with the intake and civil works largely done and the treatment plant due from Europe in mid-July, targeting completion in September 2026. Climate-Smart Farming: Saint Lucia opened its first dragon fruit nursery in Union, Castries, under the Seven Crops Project, aiming to boost non-traditional crop production that can better handle climate pressures and meet hotel demand. Regional Affordability Push: CARICOM leaders and the private sector agreed practical steps to cut the cost of living, including lower intra-regional trade and transport costs, more import diversification, and plans for a regional ferry service. EU Pressure on CBI: Eastern Caribbean leaders met in Roseau to coordinate a response to the EU’s push to phase out Citizenship by Investment programmes by June 2028, including a high-level Brussels mission. Tourism Safety Alert: The U.S. State Department raised its Saint Lucia travel advisory to Level 2 over crime risks, warning violent incidents can occur even near tourist resorts. Labour Compliance Drive: Saint Lucia’s Department of Labour held an engagement with private security providers to improve compliance with labour laws and reduce recurring wage and termination complaints.

Water Security Upgrade: WASCO says a US$2m Patience water supply redevelopment in Mon Repos and nearby communities is advancing, with the intake finished, pumping station ~75% complete, and the treatment plant due to arrive from Europe in early July—targeting completion in September 2026. Regional Affordability Push: CARICOM leaders and private sector partners agreed on steps to cut household costs, including lowering intra-regional cargo costs, removing trade barriers, diversifying imports, boosting tourism linkages, and fast-tracking a regional ferry service. EU Pressure on CBI: Eastern Caribbean leaders met in Roseau to respond to the EU’s call to phase out Citizenship by Investment by June 2028, pledging security and transparency reforms and agreeing to a coordinated high-level Brussels mission. Labour Compliance Drive: Saint Lucia’s Department of Labour held an engagement with private security providers to improve compliance with labour laws after recurring complaints on wages, conditions, and terminations. Local Climate Education: Saint Lucia educators completed an eco-curriculum training aimed at helping schools tackle local climate and waste risks. Sports Spotlight: Saint Lucia won bronze in the ECVA U20 men’s beach volleyball championship. Tourism & Nature: A feature highlights Pigeon Island in St. Lucia as a quieter alternative to more crowded beaches. Retail Update: Massy Stores’ Castries Waterfront location will close from Aug 1 for about three months for renovations.

Retail Upgrades: Massy Stores’ Castries Waterfront location will temporarily close from Saturday, August 1, 2026 for about three months of renovations to improve layout and customer experience. Climate & Schools: Saint Lucia educators complete an eco-curriculum training aimed at helping students tackle local climate and waste risks with practical solutions. CARICOM & Cost of Living: CARICOM leaders and the private sector agree on affordability steps, including lowering import and cargo costs, removing trade barriers, and pushing a regional ferry plan to cut transport expenses. CBI Under EU Pressure: Eastern Caribbean governments meet in Dominica to respond to the EU’s revised visa suspension mechanism tied to Citizenship by Investment, agreeing to send a high-level delegation to Brussels and stress reforms and oversight. Regional Finance Stability: ECCB Monetary Council chairmanship passes to Dominica’s Dr. Irving McIntyre as leaders focus on safeguarding the EC dollar and cushioning external shocks. Tourism & Nature: A spotlight on Jade Mountain’s nature-first luxury model highlights St. Lucia’s Pitons setting and farm-to-plate approach. Travel Safety Alert: The U.S. State Department raises Saint Lucia to Level 2 “increased caution” over violent crime risks affecting visitors. CARICOM Expansion: Martinique officially joins CARICOM as an associate member, gaining the right to attend official meetings after a long accession process. Labour Compliance: Saint Lucia’s Department of Labour engages private security providers to improve compliance with labour laws and reduce recurring workplace complaints.

Climate & Waste Education: Saint Lucia educators complete a four-day eco-curriculum training, equipping 22 teachers from 12 secondary schools to help students tackle local climate and waste challenges with practical solutions. CBI & EU Pressure: Eastern Caribbean leaders meet in Dominica to respond to the EU’s revised visa suspension mechanism tied to Citizenship by Investment, warning any transition must protect financing for climate resilience, healthcare and infrastructure while pointing to stronger due diligence and a regional CBI regulatory authority. Regional Affordability Push: CARICOM leaders and private sector partners agree on measures to cut household costs, including lowering import and cargo expenses, removing trade barriers, diversifying imports, and accelerating renewable energy and a regional ferry plan. Tourism Safety Alert: The U.S. State Department raises Saint Lucia to “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” over violent crime risk, advising visitors to avoid flashy displays, stay alert for scams, and not walk alone at night. Regional Integration Milestone: Martinique officially joins CARICOM as an associate member, taking its seat for the first time after a decade-long process.

ECCB Leadership: Dominica’s Dr. Irving McIntyre has taken over as chair of the ECCB Monetary Council, pledging to protect the financial well-being of the ECCU’s 650,000-plus people amid economic and geopolitical uncertainty. CARICOM Expansion: Martinique has officially joined CARICOM as the seventh associate member after a decade-long process, gaining the right to attend CARICOM meetings and summits. Affordability Push: CARICOM and the private sector agreed on measures to ease cost-of-living pressure, including lowering import and freight costs, removing trade barriers, and fast-tracking a regional ferry plan. EU Pressure on CBI: OECS leaders met in Dominica to respond to the EU’s call to phase out Citizenship by Investment by 2028, agreeing to send a high-level delegation to Brussels. Tourist Safety Warning: The U.S. State Department raised Saint Lucia to Level 2 “increased caution” over violent crime risks, urging visitors to stay alert and avoid risky behavior. Labour Compliance: Saint Lucia’s Department of Labour engaged private security providers to improve compliance with labour laws and reduce recurring workplace complaints. Regional Aid: CARICOM states sent 88 containers of relief supplies to earthquake-hit Venezuela, including food, medical items, and heavy equipment.

Travel Safety: The U.S. State Department raised Saint Lucia to “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution,” citing violent crime risks including armed robbery, assault, burglary and rape, plus slower police response; it advises visitors to avoid flashy valuables, don’t walk alone at night or on beaches, and watch for scams and drink-tampering. Cost of Living & Transport: CARICOM leaders and the private sector agreed affordability steps after the 51st CARICOM summit in Saint Lucia, including cutting import costs, reducing intra-regional cargo and logistics expenses, diversifying imports, and pushing a regional ferry plan. EU Pressure on CBI: OECS leaders met in Dominica and agreed to coordinate a response to the EU’s concerns over Citizenship by Investment, including a high-level mission to Brussels, arguing CBI funds climate resilience and disaster recovery. Climate Resilience & Energy: CARICOM discussions highlighted the need to stabilize energy costs via expanded renewables, with leaders stressing that imported fossil fuels keep the region vulnerable to price shocks. Regional Solidarity After Disasters: Guyana and CARICOM partners sent an 88-container relief fleet to earthquake-ravaged Venezuela, with Saint Lucia among contributing states.

OECS & EU CBI Pressure: OECS heads met in Dominica to review the European Union’s latest Citizenship by Investment demands, warning any changes could hit economic resilience and long-term prosperity, including funding for climate resilience and disaster recovery. CARICOM Affordability Push: CARICOM leaders and private sector partners agreed on practical steps to ease cost of living, including cutting intra-regional trade barriers, lowering transport and logistics costs, diversifying imports, and accelerating renewable energy and a regional ferry service. Brussels Mission on CBI: Eastern Caribbean CBI states also agreed to send a high-level delegation to Brussels to engage EU officials and address concerns tied to visa-free access. Reparations Turns Practical: A regional forum alongside CARICOM’s meeting framed reparatory justice as a development and policy agenda, with a completed socioeconomic reparatory justice report presented to the Government of Saint Lucia. Labour Compliance in Security Sector: Saint Lucia’s Department of Labour held talks with private security providers to improve compliance with the Labour Act and reduce recurring complaints over wages, overtime, and termination practices. Regional Disaster Aid: CARICOM allies dispatched an 88-container relief shipment to earthquake-hit Venezuela, including food, medical supplies, and heavy equipment—one more sign of regional solidarity.

Affordability Push: CARICOM, the OECS Business Council and private-sector groups met in Saint Lucia to agree practical steps to cut the cost of living, including lowering intra-regional trade barriers, easing transport and logistics costs, diversifying imports, and tackling how the IMO net-zero rules could hit small island states. CARICOM Summit Focus: Leaders wrapped up the 51st CARICOM Heads meeting in Gros Islet with plans to protect consumers, reduce freight and fuel import costs, expand renewable energy, and fast-track an affordable regional ferry to strengthen trade and food security. CBI Under EU Pressure: Eastern Caribbean leaders agreed on a coordinated response to the EU’s concerns about Citizenship by Investment, including stronger due diligence and a high-level mission to Brussels—while debate continues over the financial risk if CBI is phased out. Regional Solidarity for Climate Disaster: Guyana and CARICOM partners sent 88 containers of relief supplies to earthquake-hit Venezuela, with Saint Lucia among the contributing states. Tourism & Nature Spotlight: St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ tourism surge and Dominica’s Secret Bay ranking highlight the region’s rainforest-and-coast appeal, while a Star Clippers offer spotlights Grenadines and Tobago Cays excursions. People, Security, and Travel Warnings: U.S. travel advisories were updated for Saint Lucia and Turks and Caicos due to rising crime concerns.