Government of Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia's Ministry of Education recently hosted the newly elected executive of the National Principals Association (NPA) for strategic dialogue aimed at addressing key issues within the education sector.

This first meeting has been described by representatives of both entities as a reflection of their commitment to collaboration.

In the headlines: Construction work to commence on three new hotels following the signing of a lease agreement, and the Minister for Health calls for prioritizing the safety of health care workers.

As part of its ongoing efforts to raise awareness and educate the public about the dangers of vector-borne diseases, particularly dengue fever, the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs recently held a Vector Awareness Roadshow in Micoud. This initiative led by the Environmental Health Department, represents a proactive key component of the Ministry's strategy to engage communities in the fight against dengue, with a special focus on reducing the spread of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the primary carrier of the virus.

The Roadshow featured demonstrations of preventative breeding methods, the distribution of effective insect repellents and larvicide, and discussions on how communities can contribute to reducing mosquito breeding grounds.

https://www.govt.lc/news/ministry-of-health-s-vector-awareness-roadshow-takes-aim-at-dengue-fever-in-micoud

In the headlines: The Prime Minister announces the creation of a T-20 Semi-Pro Cricket League, and the Ministry of Health promotes wellness among older persons.

For details on these developments and more, visit www.govt.lc

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Department of Fisheries hosted a training session on fish salting under the Coastfish project to strengthen the sustainable use and management of coastal fisheries resources across six CARICOM countries.

In a lively celebration of culinary diversity, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Rural Development recently hosted an international food festival in honor of World Food Day 2024. The event featured creative dishes and fostered important discussions about nutrition, food security, and fighting hunger.

In the headlines: An HIV and Syphilis Rapid Test Training Workshop aims to ensure more accessible testing services, and Saint Lucia looks forward to a record-breaking cruise season.

For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

A compost processing shed was unveiled as part of the Saint Lucia Solid Waste Management Authority's joint initiative with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Rural Development and the Taiwan Technical Mission to improve the efficiency of the production-distribution supply chain of fruit and vegetables.

https://www.govt.lc/news/taiwan-technical-mission-sponsors-compost-processing-shed-at-deglos-sanitary-landfill

In the headlines: The Ministry of Health promotes oral dental hygiene, and the Saint Lucia Bureau of Standards joins the rest of the world in the observance of World Standards Day 2024.

For details on these developments and more, visit www.govt.lc

Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika viruses are transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes and are currently circulating in the Caribbean. Early symptoms of these illnesses include fever, headaches, and flu-like body ache

Chikungunya has an incubation period of 3–7 days and causes joint pain and morning stiffness, often accompanied by a maculopapular rash. Severe cases may lead to brain inflammation, heart and lung failure, kidney failure, or death, especially in older adults or those with chronic conditions.

Zika’s incubation period is 2–14 days and can cause fever, an itchy rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis. It is linked to Guillain-Barré syndrome and, in pregnant women, can cause congenital microcephaly and fetal loss.