Government of Saint Lucia

The Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs provides guidance in relation to the water-related emergency declared by the Water and Sewerage Company Inc. on Tuesday 14th May, 2024 to reduce the possible associated health risks, potential impacts, and provide essential safety measures to mitigate adverse effects.

As Saint Lucia prepares to host the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup in June 2024 and Carnival 2024 with its associated activities and shows, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs would like to remind the general public of precautionary measures when engaging in sexual activities.

According to the World Health Organisation, more than 1 million sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are acquired everyday worldwide, the majority of which have no signs nor symptoms. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that are spread mainly by sexual contact. STIs are caused by some bacteria, viruses or parasites. A sexually transmitted infection may pass from person to person in blood, semen or vaginal and other bodily fluids. Sometimes sexually transmitted infections are spread in ways other than sexual contact, for example STIs can spread to infants during pregnancy or childbirth. STIs can also be spread through blood transfusions or shared needles.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B and C do exist in Saint Lucia. As we attend parties, fetes and shows, we are likely to engage in activities outside of our comfort zone, especially after consuming alcohol. The Ministry of Health cautions the public against being easily influenced or persuaded by peer pressure and music.

It is your basic human right to protect yourself against Sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies. You can do so by:

-                 A- Abstaining

-                 B- Be faithful, have one sexual partner

-                 C- Condom use - when used correctly and consistently condoms offer one of the most effective methods of protection against STIs including HIV and

unwanted pregnancies.

Condoms obtained from any of our public health facilities are available to the public free of charge. This includes all Community Wellness Centres around the island, as well as the Infectious Diseases Unit at the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs.

If you believe you may have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection or that you may have a sexually transmitted infection, you can access testing and care services through the Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinics at the Ciceron and Vieux Fort Wellness Centres. In addition, you can access assessment services through the medical clinics at your local wellness centre, or if you prefer, you should visit your private doctor. Sexual health is as important as heart health, mental health, skin health and oral health. Always be prepared and be safe.

For further information, please call the Infectious Diseases Unit at 468-5343

In the headlines: Saint Lucia launches an Innovative Story Map and SMART Tourism Project and; WASCO issues water conservation measures amidst a water emergency declaration.

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

Over 30 legal practitioners participated in a virtual stakeholder engagement on the Insolvency Bill, which is scheduled for a second reading in Parliament in the coming months. In preparation for its passage, the NCPC has commenced a public sensitization drive to educate all stakeholders on the benefits and provisions of the legislation.

In the headlines: CARPHA works towards combatting mosquito born illnesses and; The Baking sector takes a leap into the future.

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

The vibrant town of Gros Islet is set to come alive with celebrations as the Gros Islet Reunion 2024 Committee, in collaboration with the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment and the Folk Research Centre (FRC), present ‘Listwa Gwozilay’.

This gathering aims to document and celebrate the rich cultural history of the northern town, offering locals and overseas residents a unique opportunity to connect with their roots and share cherished memories.

David Moise, Social Transformation Officer for Gros-Islet, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, "In July 2024, we are welcoming both local and overseas residents of Gros-Islet to the town. We will be hosting a Gros Islet reunion in 2024, and one of the activities that I have a keen interest in; the 'Listwa Gwozilay'. The intention is to try documenting the history of the Gros Islet Town, to hear how things happened a long time ago, how people lived, and what they were engaged in, especially the economic activities, to have this documented."

"Listwa Gwozilay" is an opportunity for older generations to reminisce and serves as a learning platform for the youth and a stimulating point of discussion for the diaspora community.

Attendees can expect a dynamic agenda featuring screenings of insightful interviews, engaging panel discussions, and an open forum for community dialogue. Additionally, live entertainment will be provided, adding to the festive atmosphere of the evening.

“It is an activity for not only our older folks but the youth as well. We also see this as an opportunity for those in the diaspora to relive some of the memories they left behind,” noted Moise.

As part of the ongoing efforts to preserve, share, and celebrate the cultural heritage of Gros Islet, the "Listwa Gwozilay" event promises to be a memorable occasion for all who attend.

The event is scheduled for Tuesday, July 23rd, 2024, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Monchy Human Resource Centre.

The Department of Sustainable Development initiates Saint Lucia’s transition to eco-friendly fire-fighting alternatives with a 1,050 gallon donation of fluoride-free foam to the Saint Lucia Fire Service. Used to fight flammable liquid fires, it replaces aqueous film forming foams (AFFF) which contain PFASs (short for per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances).

PFASs have earned the moniker “forever chemicals” because they can persist in our environment without breaking down for tens of thousands of years. They are toxic and bioaccumulate, causing serious health problems in people, plants and animals.

Permanent Secretary in the the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Anita Montoute pledges continued support to the Fire Service in this phase-out effort, “This moment is not just about the quantity of foam being handed over. It represents a tangible demonstration of our ongoing efforts to innovate and prioritize safety without compromising our environmental stewardship. While today's contribution is a commendable step forward, we acknowledge that it's just the beginning. The foams provided are a fraction of what is required for comprehensive fire protection, especially in critical zones such as airports and industrial facilities. This awareness motivates us to continue our efforts and collaborate with your Department and other partners, to ensure that Saint Lucia can fully transition away from harmful foams in the very near future.”

An appreciative Acting Divisional Officer at the Fire Service, Jermaine William hopes that this gesture is the beginning of a long term relationship with the Department of Sustainable Development to improve conditions for firefighters, “We are grateful that we have gotten to this point so that we can start our transition as a Department. We will not only stop with the firefighting foam, and not stop with George FL Charles [Airport] only, but we will continue until we basically transition our international airport, which is in the south and all the fire stations around Saint Lucia. From there, we will continue to lean on the Ministry of Sustainable Development to change our fire kit which does contain PFASs.”

The donation also includes special containers to collect the rinse water from the cleanout of the aqueous film forming foam from the fire service’s tanks, hydrants and piping works before the fluoride free alternative is added. The containers will then be shipped abroad for appropriate disposal.

The official hand over was held in a brief ceremony on Wednesday, 15th May 2024 at the George F.L. Charles Airport. Funding for these resources is made possible through the GEF 5558 Project entitled “Development and Implementation of a Sustainable Management Mechanism for Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in the Caribbean” executed by the Basel Convention Regional Centre for Training and Technology Transfer for the Caribbean.

In the headlines: The Government of Saint Lucia and the private sector discuss efforts, aimed at improving the business landscape and; a new Digital Development Centre opens in Laborie.

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

Veteran Sports Inc. has made a monetary contribution to Faces of Cancer Saint Lucia. This comes after a successful collaboration between the organization and the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs for Kick for a Cure 2023.

For the Ministry of Health, this act of philanthropy provided an opportunity to reach individuals on the community level to conduct health education exercises.

A yearly mathematics Camp is said to be registering success in addressing the perennial problem experienced by many students on the island in passing Mathematics, especially at the secondary CSEC level. The enlightening development came at the launch of the 2024 edition of Camp organized by theSir Arthur Lewis Community College.