AGP Executive Report

Fair Work & Wages: The University of Queensland has signed an enforceable undertaking with Australia’s Fair Work Ombudsman after about $11 million in wage underpayments over nearly a decade, affecting 16,382 staff across its St Lucia, Herston and Dutton Park campuses in Brisbane plus Gatton; the average shortfall was $564, with the biggest individual remedy reaching $41,643, and the university has already repaid more than $9.6 million while remaining payments are required under the deal. Democracy & Tech: Prime Minister Andrew Holness says technology can modernise parliaments, but must stay the servant of democracy—protecting human judgement and the dignity at the heart of representation and public trust. Energy Efficiency in Buildings: Saint Lucia will host a CARICOM meeting (Aug 31–Sep 3) to review and revise the Regional Energy Efficiency Building Code and Minimum Energy Performance Standards, bringing together regional standards bodies, consultants and partners including the World Bank. AI for the Region: The ECCB’s Generative AI and Python Summer Camp ends with a public showcase of chatbot and multimedia projects from Eastern Caribbean Currency Union students, aimed at real business and public-sector challenges. Water Supply Watch: A deep dive into Babonneau’s ongoing water shortages points to the Hill 20 system’s reliance on river intakes and treatment capacity, raising questions about long-term supply-demand balance. Renewables Funding Call: IRENA is inviting renewable project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean for potential support via its Climate Investment Platform and Energy Transition Accelerator Financing, including solar, wind, hydropower and e-mobility. Education Results: Saint Lucia posts its strongest CSEC overall performance in six years, with Mathematics still the biggest problem area as more than half of candidates fail.

Prosthetics & Health Tech: Hope to Walk, a small nonprofit from Blacksburg, is a finalist for the .ORG Impact Award (Health and Healing), with a shot at $50,000—after building nearly 5,000 custom prosthetic legs across 11 countries. Governance & Digital Ethics: Prime Minister Andrew Holness says technology can modernise parliaments, but must stay “the servant of democracy,” protecting human judgement and public trust. Fair Pay Compliance: Australia’s University of Queensland signed an enforceable undertaking after about $11m in wage underpayments affecting 16,382 staff over nearly a decade, including workers at its St Lucia campus. Regional AI Skills: The ECCB’s 2026 Generative AI and Python Summer Camp ends with a public showcase of chatbot and multimedia projects from young innovators across the Eastern Caribbean. Energy Efficiency for Buildings: Saint Lucia hosts a CARICOM meeting (Aug 31–Sep 3) to review and revise the Regional Energy Efficiency Building Code and minimum performance standards. Water & Local Systems: An opinion piece revisits why Babonneau still faces water shortages, pointing to how the Hill 20 system draws from river intakes and springs. Renewables Funding Call: IRENA is inviting renewable project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, including Saint Lucia, for potential financing and de-risking support.

Workplace Rights: Australia’s University of Queensland signed an enforceable undertaking after about $11m in wage underpayments over nearly a decade, affecting 16,382 staff across campuses including St Lucia, with payments already made to most workers. Regional Energy Tech: IRENA is inviting renewable project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, with potential support via its Climate Investment Platform and Energy Transition Accelerator Financing. AI & Coding for ECCU: The ECCB wrapped its Generative AI and Python Summer Camp, with 12 chatbot projects and six multimedia presentations showcased by young innovators from across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union. Health Systems Training: PAHO/WHO and partners ran a simulation-based workshop in Barbados to strengthen severe infection and critical care skills for health professionals from seven Eastern Caribbean countries including Saint Lucia. Local Water & Infrastructure: A deep dive into Babonneau’s water shortages points to how the Hill 20 system draws from river intakes and why outages can still hit despite local water sources. Energy Efficiency Buildings: Saint Lucia will host a CARICOM meeting on updating the Regional Energy Efficiency Building Code and Minimum Energy Performance Standards from Aug 31–Sep 3. Education Results: Saint Lucia posted its strongest CSEC overall performance in six years, but Mathematics remains the biggest challenge with more than half failing.

Labour Compliance: The Fair Work Ombudsman has signed an Enforceable Undertaking with the University of Queensland over about $11m in wage underpayments to 16,382 staff, including interest and superannuation, with payments still due for remaining employees. Energy Efficiency in Buildings: Saint Lucia will host a CARICOM Regional Energy Efficiency Building Code meeting (Aug 31–Sep 3) to review and revise the regional code and Minimum Energy Performance Standards, with support from regional standards bodies and the World Bank. Renewables Financing Call: IRENA is inviting renewable project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean for potential support via its Climate Investment Platform and Energy Transition Accelerator Financing, including solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal and clean transport. Generative AI Showcase: The ECCB will conclude its 2026 Generative AI and Python Summer Camp with a public chatbot and multimedia showcase in St Kitts and Nevis on Aug 28, featuring solutions for banking, credit reporting, ports, social security, taxation, and water services. Health & Critical Care Training: PAHO/WHO, with Ross University and regional experts, trained about 25 health professionals across seven Eastern Caribbean countries on managing severe infections and critical illness, including more practical simulation and point-of-care ultrasound. Water Supply Pressure (Opinion): A local report revisits why Babonneau residents still face water shortages despite available resources, pointing to the Hill 20 system’s intake-and-treatment setup and ongoing supply-demand challenges. Marine Science: A Caribbean-focused piece argues for responsible coral “genetic rescue” and regional sharing of heat-resilient corals to build climate-resilient reefs. Education Results: Saint Lucia posted its strongest CSEC overall performance in six years, but Mathematics remains the biggest problem with more than half of candidates failing.

AI in Customer Service: Digicel says its Ruby AI system is handling 55% of customer-care interactions in Jamaica, supporting more than 535,000 conversations while still augmenting human agents. Energy Efficiency for Buildings: Saint Lucia hosts a CARICOM Regional Energy Efficiency Building Code meeting from Aug 31 to Sept 3, aiming to update regional standards and minimum energy performance rules for buildings. Renewables Funding Call: IRENA is inviting renewable project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean for possible support via its Climate Investment Platform and Energy Transition Accelerator Financing. Generative AI Skills in the ECCU: The ECCB is wrapping up its 2026 Generative AI and Python Summer Camp with a public showcase of chatbot and multimedia projects from young innovators across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union. Health Capacity Training: PAHO/WHO and partners trained clinicians from seven Eastern Caribbean countries on managing severe infections and critical illness, including respiratory epidemics and pandemic response. Water Supply Pressure in Babonneau: A report explains how Babonneau’s Hill 20 water system relies on river intake structures feeding a treatment plant, as residents continue to face outages. Local Governance: Vieux-Fort’s new mayor, Rhyesa Joseph, pledges a “new era” of community-led municipal governance with respect for workers and local identity. Education Results: Saint Lucia posts its strongest CSEC performance in six years, but Mathematics remains the biggest challenge with more than half of candidates failing.

Energy & Buildings: Saint Lucia will host a CARICOM Regional Energy Efficiency Building Code (CREEBC) meeting from Aug 31–Sep 3, aiming to review and update regional building energy rules and Minimum Energy Performance Standards with support from regional bodies, the World Bank, and standards experts. AI for Services: Digicel says its AI “Ruby” system is already handling 55% of customer-care interactions in Jamaica, supporting faster 24/7 responses while keeping humans in the loop. Public Health Leadership: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis has taken up her PAHO/WHO role for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, bringing 25 years of experience to strengthen resilient, equitable health systems. Regional Health Training: PAHO/WHO and partners trained about 25 clinicians across seven Eastern Caribbean countries on severe infections and critical care, including more practical simulation and point-of-care ultrasound. Water & Infrastructure: Babonneau residents continue to face outages despite local water sources; reporting points to the Hill 20 system’s river intake setup and long-term supply-demand challenges. Education: Saint Lucia posted its strongest CSEC results in six years, with a 78.93% overall pass rate, but Mathematics remains the biggest problem with more than half failing. Renewables Finance: IRENA is inviting renewable project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean for potential support through its Climate Investment Platform and financing accelerator. AI Skills in ECCU: ECCB’s Generative AI and Python Summer Camp ends with a public showcase of chatbot and multimedia projects built to tackle real ECCU business and public-sector challenges. Agriculture: FAO launched a coconut and soursop training mission in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to boost production skills and resilient marketing partnerships. Tech Policy & Governance: CARICOM media and information literacy stakeholders met with UNESCO and regional partners to strengthen digital inclusion and AI ethics discussions.

Energy & Buildings: Saint Lucia will host a CARICOM Regional Energy Efficiency Building Code meeting (Aug 31–Sep 3) to review and revise building energy standards and Minimum Energy Performance Standards, bringing regional standards bodies, the World Bank and engineering experts to align local construction with higher efficiency targets. Water Security: A new look at Babonneau’s water shortages points to the Hill 20 Water Supply System’s reliance on river intakes feeding a treatment plant, while outages have disrupted supply since late April/early May. Renewables Finance: IRENA is inviting renewable energy project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean for possible support through its Climate Investment Platform and Energy Transition Accelerator Financing. AI in the ECCU: The ECCB’s 2026 Generative AI and Python Summer Camp ends with a public showcase in St Kitts on Aug 28, featuring chatbot and multimedia projects built for real ECCU business and public-sector needs. Health Training: PAHO/WHO, with Ross University and regional experts, trained about 25 clinicians across seven Eastern Caribbean countries on critical care for severe infections and pandemic response. Education Results: Saint Lucia posted its strongest CSEC overall performance in six years, but Mathematics remains the biggest challenge with more than half failing. Tech Rollout: Digicel says it’s expanding AI customer-care support across the Caribbean, starting with its Ruby system in Jamaica. Medicinal Cannabis Tech: Saint Kitts and Nevis is deploying a seed-to-sale tracking system that records financial transactions alongside plants and batches, built to meet licensing and anti-money laundering requirements.

Water & Infrastructure: Babonneau residents are still facing weeks-long outages despite local rivers and springs; reporting points to the Hill 20 Water Supply System drawing from the Marquis River and Babonneau tributary, while smaller areas rely on localised spring and mini-reservoir setups. Renewables & Energy Policy: IRENA is calling for renewable energy project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, with possible support via its Climate Investment Platform and Energy Transition Accelerator Financing. AI for Public Services: The ECCB is wrapping up its 2026 Generative AI and Python Summer Camp in St Kitts and Nevis, with 12 chatbot projects and multimedia demos aimed at banking, credit reporting, ports, social security, taxation, and water/sewerage. Health Capacity: PAHO/WHO and partners trained about 25 health professionals across seven Eastern Caribbean countries on critical care for severe infections and pandemic preparedness. Buildings Efficiency: Saint Lucia will host a CARICOM meeting on updating the Regional Energy Efficiency Building Code and Minimum Energy Performance Standards from Aug 31–Sept 3. Marine Science: A new push argues Caribbean coral restoration must be shared regionally and done responsibly to build heat-resilient reefs as living reef architecture declines. Education Results: Saint Lucia posted its strongest CSEC overall performance in six years, but Maths remains the biggest challenge with more than half failing. Regional Connectivity: CTU says high intra-Caricom roaming charges still persist despite a 2022 push to cut fees by up to 70% or more.

Renewables Finance Push: IRENA is inviting renewable energy developers across Central America and the Caribbean—including Saint Lucia—to submit proposals that could unlock support via its Climate Investment Platform and Energy Transition Accelerator Financing, covering solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, bioenergy, e-mobility and green industrialization. AI Skills for ECCU: The ECCB wrapped its 2026 Generative AI and Python Summer Camp with a public showcase of 12 chatbot projects and six multimedia presentations, aimed at solving real business and public-sector challenges across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union. Health & Critical Care Training: PAHO/WHO, with Ross University and regional experts, trained about 25 clinicians from seven Eastern Caribbean countries on severe infections and critical illness, including stronger simulation and point-of-care ultrasound. Energy Efficiency Buildings: Saint Lucia will host a CARICOM meeting (Aug 31–Sep 3) to review and revise the Regional Energy Efficiency Building Code and minimum energy performance standards. Local Tech & Research: SALCC’s farm is running climate-resilient crop trials (including bell peppers) using greenhouse and climate-smart practices to help farmers handle heat and disease pressures. Caribbean Corals: A new call highlights sharing heat-resilient coral stocks across regional nurseries—carefully—to build climate-resilient reefs. Regional Connectivity: CTU says high intra-Caricom roaming charges still persist despite a 2022 push to cut fees by up to 70% or more.

AI & Skills in the ECCU: The ECCB wrapped up its 2026 Generative AI and Python Summer Camp with a public chatbot and multimedia showcase in St Kitts and Nevis on 28 Aug, where students presented solutions for banking, credit reporting, electricity, ports, social security, taxation and water services. Energy Efficiency for Buildings: Saint Lucia will host a CARICOM Regional Energy Efficiency Building Code meeting (31 Aug–3 Sep) to review and update regional standards and minimum energy performance rules for public and commercial buildings. Health Capacity Boost: PAHO/WHO and partners trained about 25 health professionals across seven Eastern Caribbean countries on managing severe infections and critical illness, including stronger simulation and point-of-care ultrasound skills. Local Governance: Vieux-Fort’s new mayor, Rhyesa Joseph, was sworn in with promises of a “new era” focused on community-led development and better respect for municipal workers. Education Results: Saint Lucia posted its strongest CSEC performance in six years, but Mathematics remains the biggest challenge, with more than half of candidates failing. Agriculture Research: SALCC’s farm is running climate- and disease-focused crop trials, including protected bell pepper variety testing using climate-smart practices and biological pest control.

Education & Skills: Saint Lucia logged its strongest CSEC results in six years, with an overall pass rate of 78.93%—but Mathematics remains the weak spot, with more than half of candidates failing. Public Health Training: PAHO/WHO and partners trained about 25 health professionals across seven Eastern Caribbean countries to better manage severe infections and critical illness, including through simulation and point-of-care ultrasound. Energy Efficiency (Buildings): Saint Lucia will host a CARICOM meeting (Aug 31–Sep 3) to review and revise the Regional Energy Efficiency Building Code and minimum energy performance standards. Local Governance: Vieux-Fort’s new mayor, Rhyesa Joseph, promised a “new era” focused on community-led development and valuing workers. Agriculture & Climate Resilience: SALCC’s farm is running applied crop trials (including climate-smart bell pepper research) to help farmers boost productivity and withstand pests and climate stress. Digital Growth for MSMEs: CDB and partners launched a regional push to help at least 150 MSMEs across Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia and SVG adopt digital tools and build competitiveness.

Education & Skills: Saint Lucia posted its strongest overall CSEC results in six years, with a 78.93% pass rate (above the regional 72.18%). Gains came with a clear warning sign: more than half of candidates failed Mathematics, even as several other subjects hit very high pass rates. Health Systems Training: PAHO/WHO and partners trained about 25 health professionals across seven Eastern Caribbean countries to manage severe infections and critical illness, using simulation and practical skills, including point-of-care ultrasound. Energy Efficiency in Buildings: Saint Lucia will host a CARICOM meeting (Aug 31–Sep 3) to review and update the Regional Energy Efficiency Building Code and minimum performance standards. Local Governance: Vieux-Fort’s new mayor, Rhyesa Joseph, pledged a “new era” focused on community-led development and better respect for municipal workers. Agriculture & Research: SALCC is running climate-smart crop trials (including bell peppers) to help farmers boost productivity and resist climate and disease pressures. Tech & Business: A regional push led by the Caribbean Development Bank will support at least 150 MSMEs across the Eastern Caribbean to adopt digital tools and improve competitiveness.

CARICOM Energy Efficiency: Saint Lucia will host a CARICOM Regional Energy Efficiency Building Code meeting (Aug 31–Sep 3) to review and revise building energy rules and Minimum Energy Performance Standards, bringing together regional standards bodies, the World Bank, and engineering experts. Climate Tech for Reefs: A new push for Caribbean coral survival highlights “assisted gene flow” and the need for careful regional coral sharing between nurseries to build heat-resilient reefs without spreading disease. Digital Business Boost: The Caribbean Development Bank and Barbados’ Small Business Association launch a digital transformation push for at least 150 MSMEs across the region, including Saint Lucia, to improve digital maturity and competitiveness. Local Governance: Vieux-Fort’s new mayor, Rhyesa Joseph, promises a “new era” focused on community-led development and valuing municipal workers. Public Health Leadership: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis assumes the PAHO/WHO role for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, tasked with strengthening equitable health systems. AI in Customer Care: Digicel says its AI assistant is handling a growing share of customer queries in Jamaica as it plans wider rollout across the Caribbean. Agriculture Training: FAO begins a coconut and soursop training mission in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (Aug 24–31) to build production and marketing skills. STEM in Farming: SALCC’s farm trials use climate-smart methods and research designs to test bell pepper varieties for yield and resilience under local conditions.

Energy Efficiency in Buildings: Saint Lucia will host a CARICOM Regional Energy Efficiency Building Code (CREEBC) meeting at the Harbor Club from Aug 31–Sept 3, bringing engineers, standards bodies and partners to review and update regional building energy rules and minimum performance standards. Agriculture Training: The UN FAO has launched a coconut and soursop training mission in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (Aug 24–31, 2026), focusing on nursery work, soil nutrition, pest control and field rehabilitation to boost yields and resilience. Public Health Leadership: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis has assumed the PAHO/WHO role for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, tasked with strengthening equitable health systems across the OECS and wider region. Digital Growth for MSMEs: The Caribbean Development Bank and SBA Barbados are rolling out a digital transformation push for at least 150 MSMEs across Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia and St Vincent & the Grenadines, with support for digital maturity and practical solutions. AI in Customer Service: Digicel says its AI “Ruby” system is already handling a large share of customer-care conversations in Jamaica, aiming to expand the approach across the Caribbean. Local Governance: Vieux-Fort’s new mayor, Rhyesa Joseph, was sworn in with a promise of a “new era” that puts community-led development and worker respect at the centre.

Regional Telecom Policy: CTU Secretary-General Rodney Taylor says CARICOM roaming charges still feel too high, despite the 2022 St George’s Declaration aiming to cut intra-regional mobile roaming fees by up to 70% so people can “roam like you’re at home” across islands including St Lucia. AI in Customer Service: Digicel says its AI assistant “Ruby” is already handling a large share of customer care conversations in Jamaica, boosting support speed while keeping human agents in the loop. Health Leadership: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis has started as PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, tasked with strengthening resilient, equitable health systems across the OECS and beyond. Medicinal Cannabis Tech & Compliance: Saint Kitts and Nevis is rolling out a seed-to-sale tracking system (GrowerIQ) that records financial transactions alongside plants and batches from licensing onward, tied to anti-money laundering rules. Media & AI Literacy: UNESCO-backed regional workshops are bringing Caribbean media stakeholders together to advance media and information literacy, including how AI affects journalism. Digital Skills for MSMEs: CDB and the Small Business Association of Barbados launched a regional push to help at least 150 MSMEs (including St Lucia) adopt digital tools and build global competitiveness. Youth Health Engagement: The REACH Project is inviting 18–24-year-olds in select member states (including St Lucia) to register for virtual orientation and later youth leadership and training activities.

AI in Customer Service: Digicel says its AI “Ruby” system is already handling 55% of customer-care interactions in Jamaica, supporting agents rather than replacing them. Health Leadership: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis has started as PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, tasked with strengthening resilient, equitable health systems across the region. Medicinal Cannabis Tech & Compliance: St. Kitts and Nevis is rolling out a seed-to-sale tracking system (GrowerIQ) that records financial transactions alongside plants and batches, built into licensing rules and linked to anti-money laundering duties. Digital Skills for MSMEs: The Caribbean Development Bank and Barbados’ Small Business Association launched a regional push to help at least 150 MSMEs in St. Lucia and other islands adopt digital tools and boost competitiveness. Youth Health Engagement: St. Lucia and other eligible member states can register for REACH Project virtual orientation and upcoming webinars focused on adolescent wellbeing and stigma reduction. Justice & Training: Saint Lucia’s police scholarship plan will fund four officers for law studies at UWI, with a bond to return as prosecutors. Agriculture Research: SALCC Farm trials are testing climate-resilient bell pepper varieties using greenhouse and climate-smart practices to help local farmers manage heat and disease risks. Policy Pressure on CBI: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley says “CBI as we know it is dead,” urging faster diversification as external pressure mounts to phase out investment migration schemes.