Government of Saint Lucia

Proposed amendments to the Banking Act 2015 are expected to provide legal backing for new guidelines governing how banks respond to fraud and scam incidents. The Office for Financial Conduct is also developing a Bank Smart Campaign to improve digital and financial literacy, helping consumers protect personal information, recognize scams and understand their rights and responsibilities.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Security is reminding the public that the 2026–2027 lobster fishing season is open until February 28, 2027. Strict regulations prohibit the possession, sale or purchase of undersized, egg-bearing or molting lobsters, with violators facing fines of up to EC$5,000.

Saint Lucian sprinter Jady Emmanuel has set a new national women’s 100-metre record of 11.28 seconds and made history by becoming the first Saint Lucian female athlete to reach a final at a global under-20 championship. Her performance has been hailed as another sign of the growing potential of Saint Lucia’s young athletes.

Government parliamentarians have unanimously approved the removal of VAT on photovoltaic systems. The measure is intended to reduce electricity costs for households and businesses, particularly micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, while encouraging renewable energy investment, creating opportunities in the sector and strengthening Saint Lucia’s tourism competitiveness.

The Government of Saint Lucia is advancing legislation to introduce a structured framework for plea bargaining, aimed at improving the efficiency of the criminal justice system. The initiative comes alongside progress in reducing the court backlog, with at least 48 indictable matters disposed of through the backlog court, including cases that had remained unresolved for decades.

In the headlines: Plea Bargaining Bill to strengthen Saint Lucia's criminal justice system and solar energy gets tax relief For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

Saint Lucia joined countries around the world in celebrating World Steel Pan Day on August 11, recognizing the instrument's cultural, historical and social significance. The Cultural Development Foundation highlighted steel pan's origins in Trinidad and Tobago and its role as a symbol of resilience, creativity and cultural expression. The public, particularly young people, is encouraged to support...

The Taiwan Technical Mission in Saint Lucia is encouraging consumers to incorporate white eggplant into their diets as part of efforts to diversify local food options and strengthen food security. An initiative at Massy Stores Sunnyacres introduced three varieties of white eggplant through food tastings and recipe demonstrations. The varieties offer benefits such as higher yields, resilience in dr...

Proposed amendments to the Banking Act across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union will provide a legal framework for the Office for Financial Conduct, which will serve as a consumer regulator for banking services. The office will handle complaints, enforce codes of conduct and help customers seek resolution and redress, with its services available free of charge. Saint Lucia is expected to update...

For the first time, school cooks, cleaners and security guards will receive their salaries during the month of August. The Education Ministry says the payment, scheduled for the end of August alongside civil servants' salaries, will provide greater financial stability for these workers and their families during a period that was traditionally unpaid.

The Government of Saint Lucia has proposed a five-year VAT zero-rating on a wide range of solar energy equipment, including solar panels, mounts, inverters, deep-cycle batteries, cables and control devices. The measure, effective from August 2, 2026 to August 1, 2031, is intended to make renewable energy more affordable, reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, and lower the cost of living and do...

In the headlines: Government is zero-rates solar equipment for five years and school support staff to receive August salaries for first time For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

The Dental Services Unit within the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition is partnering with summer camps to provide oral health screenings and basic dental treatments such as cleanings and fillings to children and teens, via the mobile dental bus.

Staff at Comfort Bay Senior Citizens’ Home are gaining practical skills to safely manage challenging situations and respond effectively to residents while maintaining a compassionate, respectful and supportive care environment.

Consultations on the proposed Office for Financial Conduct have highlighted concerns about access to banking, debt collection practices, collateral, and the treatment of non-governmental organizations. The ECCB says the new regulator will strengthen consumer protection, address financial exclusion and online scams, and establish standards for banking practices.

Saint Lucia and the United States have agreed on procedures governing the transfer of third-country nationals to Saint Lucia, with no more than 10 individuals expected per quarter. The agreement excludes unaccompanied minors, Saint Lucian nationals, and individuals with known criminal records, except for U.S. immigration violations. The government is also seeking financial support from the United...

The Saint Lucia Social Development Fund has partnered with M&C Home Depot and Sunbilt Ltd. to provide doors and windows to six families under its Housing Assistance Program. The initiative is helping vulnerable households improve or complete their homes, with additional partnerships and handovers expected as the programme expands.

The Saint Lucia Social Development Fund (SSDF) is making progress in bringing its financial statements up to date. The current Board of Directors has worked with auditors to complete outstanding audits, while addressing challenges in obtaining supporting documentation. The SSDF aims to finalize all outstanding statements by the end of 2026.

In the headlines: Prime Minister Hon Philip J Pierre makes a statement on SSDF Audits and Saint Lucia and the US finalize third country transfer procedures For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc