Government of Saint Lucia

The Saint Lucia Social Development Fund's STEP programme begins August 3 and runs through August 7, providing employment to more than 3,000 St. Lucians. The first phase focuses on clearing secondary roads, drains, culverts, and water channels to improve road visibility, reduce flooding and mosquito breeding risks, and enhance communities.

The commissioning of the New St. Jude Hospital continues in phases as health officials work to ensure that all safety, staffing, equipment, and operational requirements are met. The facility currently has 471 of the approximately 721 staff members required, with additional recruitment and deployment expected as more services become operational.

From August 1, the Government is covering the full cost of surfactant replacement therapy for premature babies who require the specialized treatment. The initiative aims to reduce the financial burden on parents while expanding maternal and child healthcare under universal health coverage.

The Government of Saint Lucia has begun disbursing its one-off EC$1,000 newborn support grant, fulfilling a commitment made in the 2026–2027 Budget. The initiative is designed to assist families with immediate expenses associated with caring for a newborn, including nutrition, transportation, and essential infant supplies.

In the headlines: A one thousand dollar Newborn Support Grant takes effect and Government to provide free surfactant therapy for premature babies For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

Authorities are urging residents to conserve water and remain prepared as developing El Niño conditions are expected to bring hotter and drier conditions during Saint Lucia’s 2026 wet season. Meteorological officials are forecasting near-normal to below-normal hurricane activity but warn that heavy rainfall and localized flooding can still occur, emphasizing the importance of monitoring weather up...

The Water and Sewerage Company Inc. (WASCO) will undertake rehabilitation works on two valve boxes along the Sir Julian R. Hunte Highway on August 1 and 2. Temporary closures of the southbound lane will be implemented at two locations, with motorists urged to exercise caution, follow traffic-control measures and use alternative routes where possible.

Patients receiving treatment at the newly opened Dialysis Unit at St. Jude Hospital are expressing gratitude for the modern, purpose-built facility. The new unit, which replaces the temporary facility at the George Odlum Stadium, features 15 treatment chairs and provides dialysis services to 45 patients across three daily shifts.

Saint Lucia’s Emancipation Day 2026 celebrations officially begin on August 1 with the ringing of freedom bells, followed by a month-long programme of activities. Events include the Emancipation Day Lecture, tributes to ancestors and historical figures, a book launch, treasure hunt, poetry challenge, Emancipation Markets and the closing La Woz Gwan Fete celebration.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition is launching Saint Lucia’s first population-based cancer registry to provide reliable nationwide data on cancer cases. Officials say the registry will help identify trends, strengthen prevention and screening programmes, improve patient care, support research, and guide the allocation of healthcare resources.

In the headlines: Emancipation celebrations to honour freedom and heritage and Saint Lucia launches population based Cancer registry For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

Saint Lucia is strengthening its national framework to combat money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing, as officials review the findings of the 2025 National Risk Assessment. The exercise is being used to identify vulnerabilities, address deficiencies and prepare the country for the fifth-round mutual evaluation by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF).

The Ministry of External Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation and Diaspora Affairs, in partnership with the OECS Commission, has convened a four-day workshop focused on strengthening technical capacity in trade in services. The training aims to improve policy and regulatory decision-making while helping Saint Lucia become more competitive in regional and international services trade.

The Cultural Development Foundation is using Emancipation Day 2026 to encourage Saint Lucians to reflect on their history and embrace the cultural legacy passed down through generations. This year’s observance focuses on understanding the past and using it to create a pathway for the future, with special emphasis on African cultural influences.

Minister for Health, Wellness and Nutrition Hon. Moses Jn. Baptiste has dismissed reports of an electrical fire at the newly reconstructed St. Jude Hospital. The Minister says neither his ministry nor the relevant authorities, including the Saint Lucia Fire Service and electrical department, have provided any official report confirming such an incident.

St. Jude Hospital has officially opened a new purpose-built dialysis unit equipped with 15 dialysis chairs and the capacity to provide three treatment shifts daily. The facility currently serves 45 patients and is designed to improve the comfort and quality of care for persons requiring dialysis.

Government says it will continue measures to cushion consumers from rising international fuel prices, despite a combined EC$44.9 million impact on public finances since the start of the 2026–2027 financial year. Fuel prices will remain unchanged during the next pricing cycle, while education and early childhood support programmes will also continue.

The commissioning of the Dialysis Unit at the St. Jude Hospital (Augier site) marks a significant milestone in the Government of Saint Lucia's ongoing efforts to strengthen the delivery of healthcare services and also to improve access to dialysis services to residents in the south of the island. The dialysis unit is expected to enhance patient comfort while accessing care in a more modern environ...

In the headlines: Government maintains fuel and LPG support and St. Jude Hospital opens a new Dialysis Unit For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

The Saint Lucia Association of Retired Persons is promoting its "Know Your Country" programme, an initiative that takes retirees on educational tours across communities and historic sites to deepen their appreciation of the island's heritage, culture and history.

The Saint Lucia Association of Retired Persons (SLAP) is celebrating its 41st anniversary while reaffirming its commitment to improving the well-being of citizens aged 50 and over through health initiatives, educational programmes, recreation, community outreach and continued support for active ageing.