AGP Executive Report

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.

PAHO/WHO Leadership: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis has assumed the PAHO/WHO Representative role for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries, bringing 25 years of public health experience to help strengthen resilient, equitable, people-centred health systems across the OECS and nearby territories. AI in Services: Digicel says its AI “Ruby” system is already handling a large share of customer-care conversations in Jamaica, boosting 24/7 support while keeping human agents in the loop. Digital Business Push: The Caribbean Development Bank and Barbados’ Small Business Association launched a regional programme to help at least 150 MSMEs across Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines assess digital maturity and adopt practical solutions. Agriculture Research: SALCC Farm trials are testing climate-resilient bell pepper varieties and other crop approaches using greenhouse controls, shade cloth, drip irrigation and biological pest management to help farmers handle climate and disease pressures. Radiation Safety Training: A regional course is building radiation protection and safety capacity for professionals across the Caribbean, aiming to close a long-standing skills gap.

Visa Policy: A New York judge struck down a Trump directive that barred visa approvals for nationals from Haiti, Cuba, and 73 other countries, including Saint Lucia, saying the nationality-based rule exceeded authority. AI & Media Literacy: Grenada and UNESCO convened Caribbean media stakeholders to boost media and information literacy, including how AI should be handled responsibly in newsrooms. AI in Customer Service: Digicel says it is rolling out AI customer-care tools across the Caribbean, reporting hundreds of thousands of AI-assisted conversations in Jamaica while stressing human agents still handle complex cases. Public Health Leadership: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis began her PAHO/WHO role for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, aiming to strengthen resilient health systems across the OECS. Digital Skills for MSMEs: The CDB and SBA Barbados launched a regional push to help at least 150 MSMEs in Saint Lucia and other islands adopt digital solutions and compete globally. Radiation Safety Training: A regional course is training professionals to manage radiation-related risks as ionising technologies expand in healthcare and research. Local Tech & Food Security: SALCC is running climate-resilient bell pepper trials using greenhouse methods and biological pest control to help farmers adapt to disease and climate stress.

Citizenship by Investment warning: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley says “CBI as we know it is dead,” urging Caribbean leaders to cut reliance on CBI cash and speed up economic diversification as EU deadlines and geopolitical pressure tighten. Public safety and justice capacity: Saint Lucia is offering law scholarships for Royal Saint Lucia Police Force officers and boosting the Prosecution Unit under the 2026/27 budget, aiming to strengthen case handling from investigation to prosecution. Climate-smart farming research: SALCC is running greenhouse and field trials on climate-resilient bell peppers using shade cloth, drip irrigation, mulch, and biological pest control to help farmers manage heat and disease. Digital business push: A CDB-backed initiative will support at least 150 MSMEs across Saint Lucia and the region to assess digital maturity and adopt practical tools; a minister also warned Caribbean digital commerce lags North America. Radiation safety training: Professionals across the region are completing a radiation protection course via UWI STAR to improve emergency readiness as ionising tech use grows. Youth health engagement: REACH is inviting 18–24-year-olds in member states (including Saint Lucia) to join a virtual orientation and later training on adolescent health and wellbeing.

Citizenship by Investment shake-up: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley says “CBI as we know it is dead,” warning Caribbean governments to cut over-reliance on CBI cash as the EU pushes a two-year deadline and foreign powers “weaponize” immigration policy. Justice capacity boost: Saint Lucia’s 2026/27 budget backs law scholarships for Royal Saint Lucia Police Force officers and strengthens the prosecution unit to speed fair case handling. Climate-smart farming trials: Sir Arthur Lewis Community College Farm is running greenhouse bell pepper research using shade cloth, drip irrigation, compost tea and biological pest control to help farmers handle heat and disease. Youth health engagement: The REACH Project opens virtual orientation for 18–24-year-olds in St Lucia and other member states, aiming to build leadership and improve adolescent health. Digital business push: CDB and partners launch a regional initiative to help at least 150 MSMEs across Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia and St Vincent adopt digital tools and grow. Radiation safety training: Professionals across the region are completing a radiation protection course via UWI STAR to strengthen emergency readiness as ionising tech expands. Tech in media: The Caribbean Broadcasting Union’s AGM spotlights “Caribbean Media & AI,” focusing on practical AI use in regional newsrooms.

Sports & STEM spotlight: Saint Lucia’s Julien Alfred is set for the women’s 100m at the Diamond League in Silesia, with a stacked field that also includes Sha’Carri Richardson and top sprinters from Jamaica, the US and beyond. Justice capacity-building: Saint Lucia is funding law scholarships for police officers and strengthening its Prosecution Unit under the 2026/2027 Budget, aiming to speed up fair case handling. Climate-smart farming: SALCC’s farm is running greenhouse bell pepper trials using shade cloth, drip irrigation, mulch and biological pest control to help farmers boost yields and resist climate and disease pressures. Youth health engagement: The REACH Project is inviting 18–24-year-olds in St Lucia and other member states to a virtual orientation (8 Sept) and follow-on leadership and adolescent health activities. Digital business push: The CDB and SBA Barbados are backing a regional initiative to help at least 150 MSMEs across Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia and SVG adopt digital tools and build competitiveness. Radiation safety training: Professionals across the region are completing radiation protection and safety training via UWI STAR to strengthen emergency preparedness as ionising technologies expand. Media & AI in the region: The Caribbean Broadcasting Union’s AGM in Guyana (theme: Caribbean Media & AI) focused on practical AI use in newsrooms and broadcast technology upgrades.

Justice & Skills Pipeline: Saint Lucia is funding four law scholarships over two years for Royal Saint Lucia Police Force officers, with recipients entering a five-year bond to serve as prosecutors after studying at The University of the West Indies. Climate-Smart Farming Trials: Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) is running greenhouse and farm trials on climate-resilient bell pepper varieties, using shade cloth, drip irrigation, mulch, and biological pest/disease controls to boost yields and resilience. Youth Health Engagement (REACH): The REACH Project invites 18–24-year-olds in Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia, and St Vincent & the Grenadines to a virtual orientation on 8 September 2026, with pathways into leadership and adolescent health wellbeing activities. Digital Growth for MSMEs: The Caribbean Development Bank and SBA Barbados launched a regional initiative to help at least 150 MSMEs across Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and SVG assess digital maturity, adopt practical tools, and build transformation plans—aimed at stronger competitiveness and market access. Radiation Safety Training: Professionals across the region are completing a radiation protection and safety course via UWI STAR, strengthening emergency preparedness as ionising radiation use expands. Tech in Education (WISTLE): Dominica is set to roll out a four-year, technology-supported lower-secondary curriculum reform (WISTLE) across OECS countries, with grants supporting inclusive learning and life skills/TVET integration. Digital Commerce Gap: A regional push is underway after warnings that Caribbean businesses lag North America in digital transactions, with calls for policy and adoption to move more retail activity online.

Youth Health & Leadership: Saint Lucia youths aged 18–24 can register for a virtual REACH Project orientation on 8 September 2026, aimed at building leadership and improving adolescent health across Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines. Digital MSME Push: The Caribbean Development Bank and Barbados’ Small Business Association launched “Reengineering MSMEs for Growth,” backing at least 150 MSMEs across Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines to assess digital maturity, adopt solutions, and build transformation plans. Radiation Safety Training: A regional programme is training professionals in radiation protection and safety to strengthen healthcare, research, and emergency readiness across the English-speaking Caribbean. Caribbean Media & AI: The Caribbean Broadcasting Union’s AGM in Guyana showcased broadcast tech and AI integration for regional newsrooms. Education Tech Reform (Region): Dominica is rolling out the WISTLE education reform project to modernise lower-secondary learning with a technology-supported, more inclusive curriculum across OECS countries. Crime Prevention Focus: Saint Lucia’s Minister Emma Hippolyte says crime prevention must start with families, schools, mentorship, and youth opportunity—not just policing. CXC Results: Students can now check 2026 CXC May–June results, with Information Technology among top performers.

Digital MSME Boost: The Caribbean Development Bank and the Small Business Association of Barbados launched “Reengineering MSMEs for Growth,” backing at least 150 MSMEs across Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines to assess digital maturity, adopt practical tools, and roll out transformation plans, with inclusion for women-led and underserved firms. Education & Tech for Youth: Dominica is set to launch the four-year WISTLE education reform project, using technology-supported curriculum upgrades for lower-secondary students across the Windward Islands, with about 3,000 learners expected to benefit each year. Radiation Safety Training: A regional course is training professionals in radiation protection and safety, aiming to close a Caribbean skills gap as ionising radiation use grows in healthcare and research. AI in Media: The Caribbean Broadcasting Union’s AGM in Guyana showcased broadcast tech and AI integration for regional newsrooms under the theme “Caribbean Media & AI.” Local Infrastructure Works: Saint Lucia’s Infrastructure Minister Shawn Edward toured Vieux Fort North and Choiseul to plan rehabilitation for key road sections, including Canelles–Vigé and Chu Tigre. Crime Prevention Focus: Minister Emma Hippolyte urged crime prevention to start with families, schools and youth opportunity pathways, not just policing. CXC Results: CXC released 2026 May-June results, highlighting strong performance in several subjects including Information Technology.

Breastfeeding Support in Saint Lucia: A local breastfeeding specialist says the real difference-maker for mothers isn’t just advice—it’s practical support, and she urges people not to judge women who choose formula. Digital MSME Push: The Caribbean Development Bank-backed initiative “Reengineering MSMEs for Growth” will help at least 150 firms across Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines assess digital readiness and adopt solutions, with extra focus on women-led and underserved businesses. Radiation Safety Training: Professionals across the region are in a six-month radiation protection and safety course via UWI STAR, aiming to close a long-standing skills gap for safely managing ionising radiation as healthcare and research use grows. Caribbean Digital Commerce Gap: A minister warns the Caribbean is lagging North America in digital transactions, urging broader policy support so businesses can move beyond traditional retail. AI and School Assessment: CXC is tightening School Based Assessment rules as AI raises academic integrity concerns, pushing schools to rethink how students are evaluated. Taiwan Tech and Diplomacy: Coverage continues around St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Taiwan ties and Taiwan ICDF’s 30-year push into digital transformation and smart technologies, including projects linked to Saint Lucia. Water Loss Reduction: WASCO and JICA are working to cut non-revenue water by about 5% through leak repairs, meter fixes and training local staff.

Digital MSME Boost: The Caribbean Development Bank and Barbados’ Small Business Association launched a regional initiative to help at least 150 MSMEs across Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines adopt digital tools, assess “digital maturity,” and build resilience—especially for women-led and underserved businesses. Radiation Safety Training: A six-month regional post-graduate education course in radiation protection and safety is training 12 professionals to better safeguard countries from radiation-related risks, using a UWI STAR framework and addressing a long-standing skills gap. Caribbean Digital Gap: Senior Minister Kerrie Symmonds warned that only 4–5% of Caribbean business transactions are done digitally versus about 18–19% in the US and 16% in Canada, urging faster policy support for mobile and digital commerce. AI in Education: CXC is tightening School Based Assessment rules as schools respond to AI and academic integrity concerns, pushing a shift toward responsible use. Water Loss Reduction: WASCO is partnering with JICA to cut non-revenue water by 5% through leak repairs, meter fixes and stopping unauthorised use, with a specialist training local teams. Regional Tech for Learning: Dominica is set to launch the WISTLE education reform project, using technology-supported lower-secondary curriculum updates across OECS countries including Saint Lucia. Local Tech & Finance: A Saint Lucia fintech overview highlights how QR payments, online selling and regional digital infrastructure are driving economic modernisation.

Caribbean Media & AI: The Caribbean Broadcasting Union’s 57th AGM in Guyana is spotlighting “Caribbean Media & AI,” with broadcasters and tech vendors discussing how AI is reshaping newsroom workflows and broadcast tools. Fintech & Trading: PrimeXBT rolled out Swap-Free options on PXTrader 2.0, aiming to make overnight holding costs more predictable for crypto and CFD traders. Education Reform: Dominica is set to launch the four-year WISTLE project, a technology-supported lower-secondary curriculum reform that will also run across Saint Lucia and other OECS states. Adolescent Health: REACH launched a webinar series on adolescent sexual and reproductive health, covering mental health, nutrition, stigma reduction, and parent-teen communication. CXC Results: CXC released 2026 May-June results, showing strong gains in several subjects, including Information Technology and Environmental Science, while Mathematics remains a challenge. Water Loss Cuts: WASCO is partnering with Japan’s JICA to reduce non-revenue water by 5% through leak fixing, meter repairs, and stopping unauthorised use. Digital Economy: A local fintech feature highlights how Saint Lucia is building digital payments and online commerce to overcome small-market and geography limits.