AGP Executive Report

CARICOM in Castries: Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew is in Saint Lucia for the 51st Regular Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government (July 5–8, Gros Islet), with leaders set to focus on economic development, food security, climate resilience, regional security, integration and trade. Tourism demand wobble (UK/Europe): New Caribbean Tourism Organization data show Saint Lucia is seeing a sharp dip in European arrivals—down 15.9% year-on-year in Q1—while UK visitor numbers also fell 21% in the first quarter, with air-route cuts blamed. Community-led tourism push: OECS held a Community-Based Tourism workshop in Saint Lucia (June 9–11) to help member states build policies that put local communities at the center of tourism benefits. Local tourism training: Saint Lucia’s next hospitality talent is graduating—F&B Epic Academy’s first cohort completed specialized food and beverage and hospitality service training. Wellness spotlight: TheLifeCo Well-being Saint Lucia hosted media for International Yoga Day, showcasing its wellness programs and integrative care approach. Sports on home soil: Saint Lucia sends athletes to the ANOCES Championships in St Kitts & Nevis, including sprint hurdler Khailan Vitalis and throwers Joy Edward and Naya Jules. Diplomatic tourism link: Romania opened its first Honorary Consulate in Saint Lucia (Tet Rouge Resort, Choiseul) to strengthen ties for tourism and trade.

CARICOM in Castries: Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew is in St. Lucia for the 51st Regular Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government (July 5–8), with the chairmanship transition to Philip J. Pierre now underway. Tourism outlook: New Caribbean Tourism Organization data show St. Lucia down 15.9% in European stayover arrivals in Q1, with UK route cuts blamed for the slowdown. Wellness spotlight: TheLifeCo Well-being Saint Lucia hosted media for International Yoga Day, showcasing its holistic programs and licensed medical team. Local tourism training: F&B Epic Academy graduates completed seven weeks of hospitality service training, feeding into higher visitor standards. Community tourism push: OECS held a June 9–11 workshop in St. Lucia to strengthen community-based tourism policies, backed by the EU’s 11th EDF. Sports: Saint Lucia sends a small team to the ANOCES Athletics Championships in St. Kitts & Nevis (July 4–5), including hurdler Khailan Vitalis and top throwers Joy Edward and Naya Jules. Diplomacy: Romania opened its first honorary consulate in St. Lucia at Tet Rouge Resort.

CARICOM Summit in Castries: Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew is in St. Lucia for the 51st Regular Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government (July 5–8), marking the handover of the CARICOM chair to PM Philip J. Pierre, with talks focused on economic development, food security, climate resilience, regional security and integration. Tourism Headwinds from Europe: New CTO figures show St. Lucia logged a steep first-quarter drop in European stayover arrivals, with UK visitor numbers down 21% and Europe overall down 15.9% year-on-year, linked to recent air-route cuts. Community Tourism Push: OECS held a June 9–11 workshop in St. Lucia to strengthen community-based tourism policies, backed by the EU’s 11th EDF, aiming to keep more tourism benefits in local communities. Diplomatic Move: Romania opened its first honorary consulate in St. Lucia at Tet Rouge Resort in Choiseul to boost tourism and trade ties. Sports Spotlight: St. Lucia sends a small team to the ANOCES Athletics Championships in St. Kitts & Nevis (July 4–5), including hurdler Khailan Vitalis and throwers Joy Edward and Naya Jules. Local Market Plan: Cheapside’s farmers’ market transformation proposal has split vendors—some want a more organised, year-round draw, others worry it won’t work if sellers prefer operating outdoors.

UK demand cools for St. Lucia: New Caribbean Tourism Organization data show a 21% drop in UK visitors in Q1 and a 15.9% fall in European stayover arrivals—the steepest in the region—linked to recent air-route cuts. Sports spotlight: St. Lucia will send six athletes to the ANOCES Athletics Championships in St. Kitts & Nevis (July 4–5), with sprint hurdler Khailan Vitalis and throwers Joy Edward and Naya Jules among the medal hopes. Tourism skills pipeline: The F&B Epic Academy graduates from seven weeks of hospitality training, adding new talent to St. Lucia’s visitor-facing workforce. Regional tourism strategy: OECS is pushing community-based tourism after a June workshop in St. Lucia, backed by the EU’s 11th EDF RIGHT programme, with local communities positioned as primary beneficiaries. Diplomacy for travel and trade: Romania opens its first Honorary Consulate in St. Lucia at Tet Rouge Resort, aiming to strengthen tourism and business ties. Local market plans: Vendors weigh in on a proposal to reorganize Cheapside into a more structured, year-round attraction. Weather note: Morning frost and cold conditions are forecast locally, while damaging-wave warnings are issued for KwaZulu-Natal.

Women’s Travel Access: Kiwitaxi rolled out its “Women Driving Women” private-transfer option across 25 countries, letting solo female travelers book a female driver at no extra cost—aimed at matching the way women increasingly make travel decisions. Beach Access Watch: Jamaica’s fight over public access to privatised beaches heads to court, with locals, vendors and fishers challenging restrictions that keep them off coastlines unless they pay. Visa-Free Planning: A new guide breaks down where Indian passport holders can travel visa-free, with rankings shifting as countries revise visa rules. Tourism Talent Pipeline: Saint Lucia’s future tourism leaders impressed at the 30th National Tourism Public Speaking Competition, while the F&B Epic Academy graduated its first hospitality cohort after seven weeks of training. Regional Tourism Strategy: OECS is pushing community-based tourism as a growth engine, running a capacity-building workshop in Saint Lucia to help communities become primary beneficiaries. Local Safety Focus: Soufriere’s police and stakeholders formed a working group to tackle crime and violence with practical, coordinated solutions. Travel Business & Culture: BRDRS is expanding its Africa-Caribbean traveler “super app” (including visa help and eSIM) with St. Lucia among its active markets. Water Woes: A fresh report highlights St. Lucia’s ongoing water supply crisis and how it’s affecting daily life.

OECS Community-Based Tourism Push: Tourism officials from across the OECS met in Saint Lucia (June 9–11) to move community-based tourism from “assessment to action,” backed by the EU’s RIGHT programme—aiming to put local communities at the centre of visitor experiences and keep tourism dollars in-country. Soufrière Safety Working Group: The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force launched a multi-stakeholder working group in Soufrière after community walkthroughs and talks with tourism and civil society groups, targeting practical solutions to crime and violence. Soufrière Carnival Spotlight: Tamis Modeste was crowned Soufrière Carnival Queen 2026, with the pageant celebrating local talent and community sponsors ahead of the July 26 finale. St. Lucia Sports on the Move: Saint Lucia’s Aquatics Federation is sending an eight-member team to the PanAm Swimming Championships in Colombia (July 8–12), including CARIFTA standouts and Olympian Mikaili Charlemagne. Travel Disruption Watch: LIAT Air passengers reported hours-long delays and poor communication on routes affecting Saint Lucia and St. Kitts, with calls for better updates and basic support during disruptions. Local Business Support: A Small Enterprise Development Unit outreach in Micoud boosted awareness of grants, loans, and partner support for MSMEs, including tourism-focused agencies. Water Woes in Focus: A new report highlights Saint Lucia’s long-running intermittent water supply crisis, with residents still struggling despite major investment.

CARICOM Leadership Turnover: St. Lucia’s PM Philip J. Pierre officially took over the CARICOM chairmanship on July 1, pledging to make regional decisions feel more directly in everyday life—linking integration to easier travel, food security and more economic opportunities. Soufriere Carnival Spotlight: Tamis Modeste was crowned Soufriere Carnival Queen 2026 at the June 27 pageant, with strong community and sponsor support across the event. Local Safety Push for Tourism: The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force launched a multi-stakeholder working group to tackle crime and violence in Soufriere, bringing together police, ministries, tourism stakeholders and community groups. Sports & Travel Energy: Saint Lucia’s bridge team brought home multiple titles at the OECS Bridge Championships in Dominica, with the Fort Young Hotel hosting the action. Industry & Visitor Experience: LIAT passengers reported hours-long delays and poor communication on routes affecting St. Kitts and St. Lucia, with calls for better updates and basic support during disruptions. Resort Leadership: Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences named Almando Rigby as General Manager, tasking him with strengthening operations and guest experience.

OECS Bridge Championships: Saint Lucia’s bridge team brought home six podium finishes, including three wins, at the 36th annual OECS Bridge Championships in Dominica, dominating pairs events and taking top spots in both pairs categories. Citizenship by Investment scrutiny: A new academic study questions whether Caribbean CBI vetting assurances match what banks see after passports are granted, raising fresh concerns for the region’s programmes. Gender equality training: The OECS Commission launched a three-part Gender Mainstreaming Staff Training Series to strengthen gender-responsive programme design and evaluation across member states. Ebola preparedness: St. Lucia’s Ministry of Health says it’s strengthening national Ebola Virus Disease plans as WHO monitors the DRC and Uganda outbreak. Soufriere Carnival: Tamis Modeste was crowned Soufriere Carnival Queen 2026, with pageant awards spanning costume, talent, interviews and more. Honeymoon safety ranking: Aruba topped a 2026 “safest honeymooners” Caribbean list, while Saint Lucia landed 10th in the “low” safety category. Soufriere security push: The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force formed a multi-stakeholder working group to tackle crime and violence in Soufriere, starting with community walkthroughs. LIAT disruption: LIAT passengers reported hours-long delays, poor communication and lack of meals during flight disruptions affecting St. Kitts and onward travel to Saint Lucia and Trinidad & Tobago. Tourism business support: A Small Enterprise Development outreach in Micoud highlighted grant and loan options for MSMEs, with one-on-one consultations and partner agency support. Windjammer Landing leadership: Almando Rigby was appointed General Manager at Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences in St. Lucia, effective June 15.

Water Woes: The Guardian reports St. Lucia’s long-running intermittent water supply crisis has flared again, leaving thousands struggling with hygiene and food prep despite major funding, including World Bank support. Soufriere Safety Push: The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force has formed a multi-stakeholder working group to tackle crime and violence in Soufriere, with community walkthroughs already underway. LIAT Disruption Fallout: Passengers flying via LIAT from St. Kitts to St. Lucia and Trinidad complained of 5+ hour delays, poor updates, and no meals or refreshments. Tourism Operations Pressure: Tourism Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire urged public sector departments to improve responsiveness on tourism committee work, warning delays cost businesses “time and money.” Sea Moss & Mangrove Care: Stakeholders in Savannes Bay are moving to upgrade sea moss farming standards and launch marine debris removal using sustainable raft systems. Public Beach Park: Mount Pimard opens to the public after modern renovation, adding a new recreation-and-tourism space for locals and visitors. Weather Advisory: Saharan dust is reducing air quality; health officials advise vulnerable groups to limit exposure and protect airways. Resort Leadership: Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences appoints Almando Rigby as General Manager. Culture & Sport: Soufriere Carnival Queen 2026 crowned Tamis Modeste; Saint Lucia also sends an eight-member aquatics team to Pan Am in Colombia. Author Spotlight: Kishma Serieux launches “St. Lucia’s Island Life,” focusing on everyday island stories and people.

Carnival & Community: Tamis Modeste of Saint Lucia Daily Post was crowned Soufriere Carnival Queen 2026 at the Soufriere Mini Stadium, with sponsors including Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort and Feel Good Tours. Safety & Tourism Security: The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force launched a multi-stakeholder working group to tackle crime and violence in Soufriere, following community walkthroughs and meetings with tourism and community partners. Air Travel Frustration: LIAT passengers travelling via St. Kitts to Trinidad and Tobago and St. Lucia reported hours-long delays, poor communication, and lack of meals or refreshments—sparking outrage around festival plans and work disruptions. Small Business Push: A World MSME Day support drive in Micoud drew strong interest, pairing business registration with one-on-one help from BELfund, the Youth Economy Agency, and the Bank of Saint Lucia. Sports for St. Lucia: Team Saint Lucia is set for the Pan Am Aquatics Swimming Championships in Colombia, sending an eight-member squad including CARIFTA champions and Olympian Mikaili Charlemagne. Resort Leadership: Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences appointed Almando Rigby as General Manager, effective June 15, 2026. Public Beach Upgrade: Mount Pimard Public Beach Park opened at Reduit Beach, with officials also addressing local vendor concerns tied to the redevelopment. Health Advisory: Saint Lucia issued a Saharan dust advisory, warning of hazy conditions and air-quality risks, especially for people with asthma and COPD.

Road Safety & Accountability: A Barbados inquest heard a pensioner was crushed by a speeding lorry in a port area, but the driver escaped prosecution because the incident wasn’t on a public road—another reminder of how legal technicalities can shape outcomes. Sandals Jamaica Update: Sandals shared details of refreshed food and beverage concepts rolling out across Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Caribbean Cay and Sandals South Coast, with a stronger focus on local ingredients and island storytelling. All-Inclusives Q&A: Trade tips tackled the most common questions travellers ask about all-inclusives—how to judge value, what to expect, and how higher-end perks can justify the price. St. Lucia Resort Leadership: Turks and Caicos hotel executive Almando Rigby was appointed GM at Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences, effective June 15, overseeing 145 staff and key departments. Local Tourism Operations: Tourism Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire pushed public sector departments to improve urgency and attendance on tourism committees, warning delays cost the private sector “time is money.” Sea Moss & Marine Cleanup: Stakeholders moved to upgrade Saint Lucia’s sea moss industry, including debris removal and sustainable raft systems in Savannes Bay and nearby areas. Weather Advisory: Saint Lucia issued a Saharan dust advisory, urging vulnerable residents to limit outdoor exposure and protect airways as haze reduces air quality. Mount Pimard Public Beach Park: Mount Pimard opened to the public after modern renovation, with officials also addressing vendor concerns around the changes.

Windjammer Landing Leadership: Turks and Caicos hotel executive Almando Rigby was appointed General Manager at St. Lucia’s Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences, taking over June 15, with oversight of 145 staff and key guest-facing divisions. Public Beach Upgrade: Mount Pimard Public Beach Park officially opened, adding improved amenities and renewed focus on public access alongside tourism benefits for locals. Tourism Operations Push: Tourism Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire urged public sector departments to show more urgency and better representation on tourism committee boards, warning delays cost the private sector “time and money.” Sea Moss Revival: Stakeholders moved to upgrade St. Lucia’s sea moss industry, including plans tied to marine debris removal and sustainable raft systems in Savannes Bay to support farmers and protect the mangrove environment. Saharan Dust Advisory: Meteorological and health officials issued guidance as Saharan dust reduces air quality, advising vulnerable residents to limit outdoor exposure and use protective masks if needed. Sargassum “Blue Gold” Idea: A Trinidad-based group pitched turning sargassum into fertiliser and other agricultural products, building on St. Lucia-region efforts to collect the seaweed. Caribbean Wellness Trend: Jamaica’s JACANA launched a Caribbean Wellness Platform, bundling farm-grown botanicals, plant medicines, nature experiences, and apothecary retail under one brand. OECS Regional Governance: Antigua and Barbuda PM Gaston Browne took over OECS Authority chairmanship, setting priorities around integration, climate resilience, and regional economic self-reliance.

Tourism & Public Sector Efficiency: Tourism Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire urged public departments to move faster and improve urgency after Tourism Advisory Committee meetings were delayed for lack of quorum, warning that “time is money” for the private sector. Sea Moss Upgrade: Stakeholders in St. Lucia are pushing new standards for the sea moss industry, including plans for marine debris removal and sustainable raft systems at Savannes Bay, Boriel Beach and Bois Chadon to revive livelihoods and protect the mangrove setting. Public Beach Access: Mount Pimard Public Beach Park has opened after modern renovation, with officials also addressing ongoing vendor concerns around demolition and compensation. Saharan Dust Health Advisory: Meteorological and health officials issued guidance as a dense Saharan dust plume brings hazy conditions and reduced air quality, advising vulnerable residents to limit outdoor exposure and use masks if needed. Industry Partnerships: The Tourism Authority’s changes are set to pave the way for an Arsenal partnership, while the minister defended the deal as a strategic boost to St. Lucia’s global profile. Water Scarcity Watch: With intermittent supply still affecting households, experts warn climate-driven extremes could keep stressing St. Lucia’s water system even as the rainy season begins. Caribbean Wellness Brand: JACANA launched a Caribbean Wellness Platform, aiming to grow wellness tourism across the region with farm-based experiences and botanical products.

Arsenal Tourism Push: Saint Lucia Tourism Authority has been named Arsenal’s official destination partner for 2026-27, with branding at Emirates Stadium and joint marketing aimed at boosting key UK tourism markets. Public Beach Upgrade: Mount Pimard Public Beach Park has opened after modern renovations, with officials also addressing ongoing vendor concerns tied to the redevelopment. Sea Moss Revival: Stakeholders are moving to upgrade Saint Lucia’s sea moss industry, including removing abandoned farm materials and launching marine debris removal plus sustainable raft systems in Savannes Bay and nearby areas. Tourism Operations Pressure: Tourism Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire urged public sector departments to improve urgency and attendance on tourism boards, warning delays are costing the private sector “time is money.” Health & Air Quality Alert: A Saharan dust advisory is in effect, bringing hazy conditions and reduced air quality—especially risky for asthma, COPD and other respiratory issues. Weather for Visitors: Public Service Week 2026 also highlighted a push for more efficient, accountable service delivery across government.

Mount Pimard Public Beach Park: Saint Lucia’s popular waterfront spot officially opens after modern renovations, with officials also addressing lingering public concerns around vendor demolition and compensation. Tourism Operations Push: Tourism Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire urged public sector departments to show more urgency on tourism committee work, warning that delays cost businesses “time and money.” Sea Moss Upgrade Plan: Stakeholders move to revive Saint Lucia’s sea moss industry at Savannes Bay, including marine debris removal and sustainable raft systems to support farmers and protect the mangrove environment. Saharan Dust Advisory: The Meteorological Services issued guidance as hazy Saharan dust reduces air quality, urging people with asthma, COPD, allergies and other respiratory issues to limit outdoor exposure and protect airways. Public Service Week 2026: Minister Stephenson King called for a culture of efficiency, accountability and people-centered service delivery as the government marked Public Service Week. Tourism x Arsenal Deal: Arsenal announced a multi-year partnership with the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority as its official destination partner, aiming to boost international visibility, especially in the UK. Water Worries for Visitors & Locals: Reports highlight ongoing water-supply strain across the island, with families and the hospitality sector feeling the impact as rainfall patterns remain uncertain. Safety Alert for Drivers: A local report flags dangerous road conditions, including aftermarket high-power LED headlights, calling for stronger enforcement and clearer rules. Caribbean Wellness Brand: JACANA launched a Caribbean wellness platform linking botanical personal care, plant medicines and nature-based experiences, positioning the brand for wellness travel growth.

Tourism Operations Push: Tourism Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire urged public sector departments to speed up tourism committee work, warning that delays and missed quorums cost businesses “time is money.” Sea Moss Upgrade: Stakeholders moved to revive Saint Lucia’s sea moss sector at Savannes Bay, including marine debris removal and sustainable raft systems to help farmers and protect mangrove aesthetics. Air Quality Advisory: Meteorological Services issued a Saharan dust advisory, urging vulnerable residents to limit outdoor exposure and use masks to reduce irritation and breathing risks. Public Service Week: Public Service Week 2026 wrapped with calls for efficiency, accountability, and people-centered service delivery across government. Industry Coordination: The Tourism Advisory Committee met with key partners to tackle major tourism challenges and align next steps for the sector. Agriculture Training: Taiwan Technical Mission hosted a guava grafting workshop to boost farmer skills and improve crop resilience. Arsenal Tourism Deal: Arsenal announced a multi-year partnership with the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority as an official destination partner, targeting key international markets like the UK. Water Woes in Focus: A report highlighted ongoing water scarcity pressures, while separate projects supported farmers with rehabilitated irrigation and filtration upgrades. Travel Buzz: JACANA launched a Caribbean wellness platform, and Aman at Sea opened bookings for Amangati’s first Caribbean season (Nov 2027–Jan 2028).