AGP Executive Report

CARICOM & Local Governance: CARICOM’s 19th Road Run/Walk is set for Sunday, July 5 in Gros Islet, with categories from an Elite 10K to 5K run/walk (including persons with disabilities), and it’s tied to the lead-up to CARICOM’s 51st Heads of Government meeting chaired by St. Lucia PM Philip J. Pierre. Public Health & Borders: Saint Lucia is stepping up Ebola preparedness by reactivating enhanced travel-history screening at ports using APIS risk-based flags, updating national response plans, and building closer-to-home lab testing capacity. Crime & Justice: With firearms linked to most homicides this year, PM Philip J. Pierre says St. Lucia already has tough gun laws, pointing to severe penalties under the Firearms Act and the Criminal Code. Environment & Enforcement: A legislative review under the Waterways Flowing Clean Project is getting a major funding boost to strengthen environmental laws and enforcement for polluted waterways. Church & Administration: Pope Leo XIV accepted Bishop Clyde Harvey’s resignation, appointing Castries Archbishop Gabriel Malzaire as Apostolic Administrator during the transition. Community & Inclusion: HAPA launches a sensory-friendly autism inclusion push for Carnival, including a July 11 social and an inclusive Kiddies Carnival band march. Sports & Culture: Blackheart/SLFA knockout football is down to semifinals in La Clery, Gros Islet, Vieux Fort South and Soufriere, while Junior Lucian Carnival’s National Schools Panorama was won by Leon Hess Comprehensive.

Health & Regional Cooperation: Guyana’s Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony says Martinique is willing to supply radioactive nuclear drugs for certain cancers, with St. Lucia resident Alyson Chester praising the affordability of tests and treatment. Social Inclusion: HAPA launched a sensory-friendly carnival plan for autistic children, including a July 11 Carnival Social at Serenity Park and a Kiddies Carnival march with the Spectrum Warriors band. Tourism Politics: UWP senator Dominic Fedee pushes back on claims of “booming” tourism arrivals, arguing the minister’s celebration is premature given 2025 declines and cruise drops. Crime & Public Safety: Police report coordinated operations leading to multiple cannabis arrests and charges, plus a separate case where a British national was fined $15,000 after a rifle was seized at Vieux Fort. Environment & Resilience: Saint Lucia unveiled a Coral Reef Response System to speed damage assessment and recovery after storms, tied to regional reef insurance and preparedness efforts. Regional Governance: CARICOM’s 51st Heads of Government meeting is set for Gros Islet, 5–8 July, chaired by Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre. Youth & Climate Jobs: A UNICEF-commissioned study says young people in the Eastern Caribbean—especially in Barbados and St. Lucia—lag in awareness of green and circular economy opportunities.

CARICOM in Castries: Saint Lucia will host the 51st CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Gros Islet from 5–8 July, with Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre chairing from 1 July; the opening ceremony is set for 5 July at Sandals St Lucia and will be streamed live. Crime & policing: RSLPF joint operations across Wilton’s Yard, Belair and Dierre Fort led to multiple arrests and cannabis seizures, plus charges tied to an armed robbery in Castries. Tourism politics: The UWP’s Dominic Fedee pushes back on claims of a tourism “boom,” arguing the minister’s arrival figures are premature given 2025 declines. Climate resilience: Saint Lucia launched a Coral Reef Response System with trained brigades, rapid damage assessment and post-storm recovery financing support. Governance & legacy: Tributes continue for former Governor General Sir Neville Cenac, whose death has reignited debate over his political legacy. Youth & green jobs: A UNICEF-commissioned study says young people in the Eastern Caribbean want green opportunities, but lack information, training and access—especially in St Lucia and Barbados. Regional finance: Commentary on the “cost of money” in the ECCU highlights how high lending rates shape growth decisions.

CARICOM on the move: Saint Lucia will host the 51st CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Gros Islet from 5–8 July, chaired by Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, with an opening ceremony at Sandals St Lucia and a hybrid closing press conference. Regional governance spotlight: Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index puts Haiti at the bottom of the Caribbean table, while Barbados, The Bahamas and St Vincent and the Grenadines rank higher. Local politics and legacy: The government announced a state funeral for former Governor General Sir Neville Cenac, who died June 2, following consultations with his family. Tourism debate: UWP senator Dominic Fedee says the government’s “booming” tourism narrative is premature, pointing to 2025 declines and cruise drops. Crime and policing: RSLPF joint operations in Castries communities led to arrests and charges tied to cannabis cultivation/possession and an armed robbery link; a separate case saw a British national fined $15,000 after a rifle was seized at Vieux Fort. Climate resilience push: Saint Lucia launched a Coral Reef Response System to speed damage assessment and recovery, tied to regional reef insurance and hurricane preparedness efforts. Health and justice systems: PAHO and Eastern Caribbean partners advanced plans for tier-based lab networks to strengthen disease surveillance and outbreak response.

Governance Watch: Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index puts Haiti at the bottom of the Caribbean table, while Barbados, The Bahamas and St. Vincent and the Grenadines rank among the region’s stronger performers. Regional Diplomacy: CARICOM Heads of Government will meet in Gros Islet, St. Lucia, from 5–8 July, with Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre chairing from 1 July and an opening ceremony at Sandals St. Lucia. Judicial Leadership: Her Ladyship Madam Margaret Price Findlay has been appointed 14th Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, effective April 9, 2026. Public Safety: Police carried out joint operations in Wilton’s Yard, Belair and Dierre Fort, seizing suspected cannabis and plants and charging multiple suspects; a separate Vieux Fort port case led to a $15,000 fine for a British national over an unlicensed rifle. Tourism Politics: The UWP’s Dominic Fedee says the government’s “booming” tourism claims are premature, pointing to 2025 declines and warning against a victory lap. Climate & Resilience: St. Lucia launched a Coral Reef Response System to speed damage assessment and recovery after storms, tied to regional reef insurance and preparedness efforts. CARICOM Economy: A new look at the “cost of money” in the ECCU highlights how high lending rates shape growth decisions across the currency union.

Regional diplomacy: CARICOM Heads of Government will meet in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, from 5–8 July 2026, with Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre chairing from 1 July; the opening ceremony is set for 4:00 pm ECT at Sandals Saint Lucia and will be streamed live, followed by business sessions and a hybrid closing press conference. Public safety: Joint police operations across Wilton’s Yard, Belair and Dierre Fort led to arrests tied to suspected cannabis cultivation and possession, plus charges connected to an armed robbery in Castries. Environment & resilience: Saint Lucia launched a Coral Reef Response System to speed up reef damage assessment and recovery after storms, linking trained brigades with regional reef insurance and preparedness support. Tourism politics: UWP senator Dominic Fedee says the government’s “booming” tourism narrative is premature, arguing Saint Lucia is still lagging regional recovery and pointing to declines in 2025 arrivals. Judicial leadership: Her Ladyship Madam Margaret Price Findlay was appointed Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court effective April 9, 2026. National mourning: Saint Lucia announced a state funeral for former Governor General Sir Neville Cenac, who died June 2 at 86.

CARICOM on St. Lucia’s doorstep: Heads of Government will meet in Gros Islet from 5–8 July 2026, with Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre chairing from 1 July; the opening ceremony is set for 4:00 pm ECT at Sandals St Lucia and will be streamed live. Climate jobs and youth access: A UNICEF-commissioned study says young people across the Eastern Caribbean want to work in the green and circular economy, but lack information, training, and reachable opportunities. Coastal protection upgrade: Saint Lucia has launched a Coral Reef Response System to speed damage assessment, recovery support, and post-storm financing, tied to regional reef resilience and risk financing. Public safety operations: Joint police action led to arrests and charges after searches in Wilton’s Yard, Belair, and Dierre Fort, with suspected cannabis seized; a separate Vieux Fort port operation also resulted in a $15,000 fine for a rifle offences plea. Tourism politics: UWP’s Dominic Fedee says the tourism “booming” narrative is premature, pointing to 2025 declines and warning against a victory lap. State funeral for Sir Neville Cenac: Government announced a state funeral for former Governor General Sir Neville Cenac, who died June 2 at 86.

CARICOM Summit in Gros Islet: CARICOM Heads of Government will meet in Saint Lucia from 5–8 July 2026, with Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre taking the rotating chair on 1 July; the opening ceremony is set for 5 July at Sandals Saint Lucia and will be streamed live, followed by business sessions and a hybrid closing press conference on 8 July. Fuel Prices and Transport Fares: Prime Minister Pierre says gasoline and diesel at the pumps will rise to $16.75 (up 75 cents), citing global crude pressure; the National Council on Public Transport is calling for an automatic, formula-based fare adjustment tied to fuel changes. Judicial Leadership: King Charles III has appointed Madam Margaret Price Findlay as Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, effective 9 April 2026. State Funeral for Sir Neville Cenac: Saint Lucia will hold a state funeral for former Governor-General Sir Neville Cenac, who died at 86. Crime Update: Police report Saint Lucia is averaging about one homicide every four days, with firearms behind most killings. Climate and Coastal Planning: Saint Lucia has received a new coastal climate risk tool to guide infrastructure and disaster planning, and launched an adaptation financing pitch to match local projects with climate funds. Tourism Numbers: SLTA reports April 2026 delivered record stay-over arrivals, with growth across key markets.

Eastern Caribbean Justice: King Charles III has appointed Saint Lucian jurist Her Ladyship Madam Margaret Price Findlay as the 14th Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, effective April 9, 2026—an OECS-wide leadership shift aimed at strengthening access to justice and the rule of law. State Affairs: Saint Lucia’s former Governor-General Sir Neville Cenac has died at 86; the government says he will receive a state funeral, with his political legacy and party switch in 1987 still a major talking point. Fuel, Fares, and Cost of Living: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre announced a 75-cent jump in gas and diesel to $16.75 per imperial gallon; the National Council on Public Transport wants an automatic fare-adjustment formula, while the taxi sector moves to close ranks after resignations and pushes for a functioning permit system. Public Safety: Police report a homicide rate of about one every four days, with firearms behind most killings, alongside ongoing operations that net cannabis seizures and arrests. Climate & Coastal Resilience: Saint Lucia received a new coastal climate risk tool to guide planning and disaster readiness, and launched a Savannes Bay marine restoration project to remove debris and support seamoss farmers. Regional Governance: Minister Emma Hippolyte was elected to the OAS Inter-American Commission of Women executive committee for a second consecutive term.

State Funeral for Sir Neville Cenac: Saint Lucia’s former Governor-General and Foreign Minister, Sir Neville Cenac, died at 86 and will receive a state funeral, with his political switch in 1987 still remembered as one of the island’s most controversial moments. Fuel Prices Spark Political Fight: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre says gas and diesel now cost $16.75 after global oil pressures, while UWP figure Dominic Fedee accuses the government of failing to deliver enough relief as subsidies and taxes come under scrutiny. Judicial and Regional Legal Pressure: A CCJ judge says most CARICOM states still won’t accept the court as final appeal, while ECSC has appointed Margaret Price-Findlay as Chief Justice—another leadership shift for the region’s justice system. Crime and Public Safety: Police report Saint Lucia is averaging a homicide about every four days, even as “serious” crime is said to be down; separate operations also net cannabis and arrests. Climate and Coastal Protection: Government has rolled out a new coastal climate risk tool to guide disaster planning, and launched a Savannes Bay marine restoration project supporting seamoss farmers. Tourism on the Rise: April stay-over arrivals hit a record 40,752 (+8.5%), as Caribbean Week in New York brings ministers together to push the next phase of growth.

Fuel Prices & Cost of Living: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre says gas and diesel at the pumps will rise to $16.75, blaming global crude pressure while pointing to continued LPG subsidies—sparking fresh political heat as UWP-linked Dominic Fedee argues consumers are carrying the burden. Public Safety & Crime Debate: Pierre rejects opposition claims that his crime strategy is failing, as police report homicides remain high—about one every four days—despite progress on investigations and gun seizures. Judicial & Regional Governance: A CCJ judge says most CARICOM states haven’t accepted the court as their final appeal, while Saint Lucia’s legal leadership also moves forward with the appointment and swearing-in of Chief Justice Margaret Price Findlay. Climate & Coastal Resilience: Saint Lucia rolls out a new coastal climate risk tool to guide disaster planning, and launches an $80,000 marine restoration and seamoss-support project for Savannes Bay. Tourism & International Spotlight: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 brings regional tourism ministers together as Saint Lucia posts its strongest April stay-over numbers on record, alongside ongoing talks on how to keep visitors spending beyond the resort. Transport & Local Economy: Taxi leadership moves to close ranks amid Uber competition, with plans for a local permit system and a new app to improve regulation and transparency. Health & Youth: World No Tobacco Day coverage highlights the vaping threat to young people, as schools also face rising vandalism and parent harassment concerns. Politics & Legacy: Government announces a state funeral for former Governor-General Sir Neville Cenac, whose party switch in 1987 remains one of the most debated moments in modern St. Lucian politics.

Fuel Prices & Politics: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre says Saint Lucians will now pay more at the pumps, with gas and diesel rising to $16.75, while the UWP’s Dominic Fedee accuses the government of failing to give enough relief as global oil pressures drive costs. Public Safety & Crime: Police report Saint Lucia is averaging a homicide every four days, with illegal guns behind most killings, even as “serious” crime is said to be down; meanwhile, officers carried out major operations that netted cannabis, arrests, and seizures. Transport Fallout: The NCOPT is calling for a clear, automatic fare formula tied to fuel changes, and the National Taxi Union is moving to close ranks amid resignations and Uber competition, including plans for a taxi permit system by September. Tourism & Jobs: The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority says April delivered the island’s strongest stay-over month on record, with 40,752 visitors and growth across key markets. Climate & Coastal Livelihoods: A new Savannes Bay project is launching with EC$215,000 to remove marine debris and support seamoss farmers with sustainable raft systems. Regional Governance & Law: Minister Emma Hippolyte was elected to the OAS Inter-American Commission of Women executive committee, and Margaret Price Findlay was appointed Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court. Community & Culture: Dugard Combined and Ave Maria Girls’ Primary won Calypso and Soca crowns at the national primary schools competition, with the secondary finals set for June 5 in Castries.

Fuel Prices & Cost of Living: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre says gasoline now costs EC$16.75 per imperial gallon after global crude rose to US$100.72, while kerosene and LPG stay unchanged thanks to continued subsidies. Crime & Public Safety: Pierre pushed back hard on UWP criticism, insisting his “holistic” crime strategy is working and rejecting claims his policies are fuelling violence. Energy Transition & Climate Finance: Saint Lucia hosted an Adaptation Investment Pitch and Matchmaking event to turn National Adaptation Plan priorities into bankable projects for international climate funds. Tourism Watch: The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority reports April 2026 delivered the island’s strongest April stay-over numbers on record, with growth across key markets. Marine Livelihoods: A USD $80,000 marine restoration and sustainable seamoss farming initiative launched at Savannes Bay, backed by AFD funding. Law Enforcement: Police carried out major operations across central and southern areas, seizing cannabis and issuing tickets, alongside a Vieux Fort seaport search. Regional Governance: Minister Emma Hippolyte was elected to the OAS Inter-American Commission of Women executive committee for a second consecutive term. Education & Schools: Principals warn of rising vandalism and parent harassment, calling for urgent action to restore respect in schools.

Tourism Boom: Saint Lucia logged its strongest April ever for stay-over arrivals, up 8.5% year-on-year to 40,752 visitors, with gains from the US, Caribbean, and Canada. Energy & Cost of Living: Gasoline and diesel prices rise to EC$16.75 per imperial gallon, while kerosene moves to EC$10.41; the government points to subsidies and global oil pressures. Crime Politics: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre rejects opposition claims linking his policies to violent crime, saying the focus is enforcement, prevention, and community solutions. Fuel Relief Fight: UWP candidate Dominic Fedee attacks the government’s fuel price increases, arguing tax revenues should have delivered more relief as officials defend subsidies and global volatility. Education Safety: School principals warn of vandalism and parent harassment, calling for urgent action to restore respect and protect educators. Regional Justice Leadership: Margaret Price Findlay is appointed Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, effective April 9, 2026. Regional Economic Justice: OECS and the OHADAC-CARO Centre will launch training on arbitration and ADR to strengthen access to economic justice across the Eastern Caribbean. Local Infrastructure: Gros Islet road works are nearing completion, including the Norbert–Vieux Secrieux bypass and the Reduit–Mongiraud link road. Public Safety Prep: Pierre urges Saint Lucians to prepare for hurricane season now, including water harvesting and emergency planning. Youth & Governance: A Youth Parliament leader outlines a restructuring strategy aimed at strengthening youth participation and organisational capacity across the region.

Caribbean Week in New York: Caribbean tourism ministers and commissioners opened Caribbean Week 2026 in Manhattan under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” with Saint Lucia among the expected regional participants as leaders push for stronger connectivity and a unified Caribbean tourism voice. Aviation Connectivity: Air Caraïbes and LIAT launched an interline single-ticket deal to connect Caribbean islands to Paris-Orly with through-checked baggage, effective June 1—aimed at making Europe access easier for residents and visitors. Fuel Prices in St. Lucia: Saint Lucians began paying more at the pump as gasoline and diesel rose to EC$16.75 per imperial gallon and kerosene to EC$10.41, with the government citing global oil pressures and continuing LPG subsidies to soften the impact. Hurricane Season Prep: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre urged households to prepare now for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, including water harvesting, emergency plans, and home safety steps, warning against complacency. Judicial Leadership: The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court appointed Margaret Price Findlay as Chief Justice, effective April 9, reinforcing regional rule-of-law leadership. Youth Crime Plan: Government launched consultations for the EC$2.5m Catalyst Project to reduce youth crime through prevention, psychosocial support, family-strengthening, and after-school programmes. Community Health Access: Canaries Wellness Centre closed June 1–12 for upgrades, with primary care shifted to Anse La Raye and free transport plus clinic schedules announced. Sports & Culture: Cricket West Indies ran a high-performance fast bowling assessment camp in Antigua, while Lucian Carnival’s Soca Monarch quarterfinalists were selected from 80 entries.

Fuel Prices Up: Prime Minister Phillip J. Pierre says Saint Lucians will pay more from June 1 as gasoline and diesel rise from $16.00 to $16.75 per imperial gallon, and kerosene from $9.66 to $10.41, citing a 5.5% jump in global oil prices tied to Iran–US tensions and Strait of Hormuz disruptions—while LPG stays unchanged due to subsidies. Hurricane Season Prep: Pierre also urged residents to start preparing now for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, including harvesting water, making family plans, and following NEMO guidance. Judicial Leadership: Margaret Price Findlay has been appointed the 14th Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, effective April 9. Crime and Courts: Police report 35 homicides in the first five months of 2026, with gun violence driving the spike; meanwhile, Primus Toussaint has been charged with the murder of Joy St Omer, and police say foul play was ruled out in the death of Talia Norma Hippolyte, ruled suicide. Community and Services: Canaries Wellness Centre closes for upgrades for two weeks, with primary care shifted to Anse La Raye. Regional Environment: OECS partners met in Dominica under SARSEA to strengthen coordinated sargassum management and coastal resilience. Youth Crime Plan: Government launched consultations for the $2.5m Catalyst Project aimed at reducing youth crime and violence through prevention and social support.