Government of Saint Lucia

The following is an audio statement by Director of Consumer Affairs, Mrs. Wendy Frederick . . .

The Ministry of Commerce, Manufacturing, Business Development, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs wishes to inform the general public that Saint Lucia's sugar suppliers have registered some difficulty in meeting the usual demand for the commodity.

Unfavorable weather patterns led to poor crop yields and lower production quality, which resulted in generally low stock levels within the region.

The Department of Consumer Affairs is currently in the process of securing shipments from alternative suppliers with a shipment expected as early as next week (Jan. 22 to 28).

The public is assured that measures have already been put in place to lessen the impact of any future shortages. Until then, consumers are encouraged to carefully manage their personal stock.

In the headlines: The Minister for Agriculture presents an overview of the sector’ s accomplishments and challenges in 2023; and The St. Lucia Bureau of Standards launches an academic course on Quality for Organizational Effectiveness.

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

154th Session of the Executive Board of the World Health Organization Statement on Taiwan’s Participation in the World Health Organization (WHO)

In November 2023, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that threats to health are increasing. No country or institution can address the challenges alone. We need collective and coordinated action. The director-general’s statement underscores the importance of public health stakeholders worldwide, including Taiwan, working together to counter the next health emergency.

Taiwan has proven itself to be a valuable partner. It has supported WHO’s Triple Billion targets and health-related SDGs and contributed to the global fight against communicable and non- communicable diseases (NCDs). Therefore, Saint Lucia calls on the World Health Organization to include Taiwan in all technical meetings, activities, and mechanisms and invite Taiwan to participate in the World Health Assembly as an observer.

Taiwan has always been vigilant in its approach toward NCD prevention and management. It has successfully implemented a range of associated programs, including initiatives focusing on cancer prevention and screening, education and action on tobacco use, and metabolic syndrome diagnosis. For many years, Taiwan has also collaborated with its diplomatic allies and partners around the world to improve the capacity of local primary healthcare and medical services. Among other things, this has involved training physicians and medical workers, establishing and updating medical information systems, creating emergency response systems, and implementing projects that focus on NCD prevention. Taiwan has amply demonstrated that it is ready, willing, and able to work with WHO in strengthening the global network to combat NCDs.

Taiwan is fully committed to realizing UN Sustainable Development Goal 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for people of all ages.

For many years, Taiwan has collaborated with its diplomatic allies and partners around the world to improve the health of women, pregnant women, and newborns. Its long-term projects

have strengthened medical information and care functions at medical institutions and facilitated the training of physicians and medical professionals.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwan’s advanced public health system, well-trained epidemic prevention personnel, and comprehensive, cutting-edge disease surveillance, investigation, and analysis system helped contain and slow the spread of the virus. The comprehensive response model established by Taiwan facilitates advance deployment and early response in the event of an epidemic.

Based on the lessons learned from combating COVID-19 and other communicable diseases, Taiwan recognizes the vital role of sharing genetic sequencing information. In order to implement effective pandemic preparedness and response measures, all stakeholders, including Taiwan, must participate in the global information-sharing network. With its advanced technology and healthcare expertise, Taiwan is eager and able to make a global contribution. We urge World Health Organization (WHO) to include Taiwan in all health emergency-related meetings and mechanisms.

Over seventy (76) years, WHO has worked with the global community to address public health emergencies. However, in today’s ever-evolving landscape, we find ourselves confronting an increasing number of health threats. To effectively tackle these challenges, it is critically important that we foster inclusiveness and promote global cooperation. We urge World Health Assembly (WHA) to include Taiwan in all technical meetings, activities, and mechanisms, as well as invite Taiwan to participate in the WHA as an observer.

In the headlines:The Inland Revenue Department has unveiled significant changes in the filing of income tax returns; and A mushroom workshop is held, targeted at vulnerable young males.

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

In the headlines: A bill is soon to be introduced in Parliament which will radically transform the operational landscape of the local tourism Industry; and The Chief Medical Officer, details the diverse health challenges the nation confronted in 2023.

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

In the headlines: Tourism officials forecast major developments in the tourism sector for the year 2024; and the Early Childhood Services Unit within the Ministry of Education launches a new TV series aimed at strengthening parent-child relationships.

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

In the headlines: The University of Vermont pays a courtesy call to the Minister for Commerce, Hon. Emma Hippolyte; and the OECS Conducts A Successful Tourism Stakeholder Engagement.

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

In today's headlines:

The Ministry of Health Issue a reminder to parents of the latest health guidelines as the new school term begins, and; The Ministry of Equity, initiates the first phase of its Mentorship Programme, under the Crime and Violence Interruption Programme (CVIP).

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

Peter and Company Distribution is playing its part by providing assistance to the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs in their commitment to public health promotion.

The local distribution company donated hand sanitizers to the Ministry, in hopes that the gesture will encourage and renew vigilance following the recent global pandemic.