Government of Saint Lucia

The Barbados-based Maria Holder Memorial Trust has donated one wheelchair-accessible vehicle to the Ministry of Education to assist special needs children of the Dennery Childhood Development Center. 

In today's headlines:

The Caribbean Business Enabling Environment Reform project comes to Saint Lucia and; The St. Lucian Government has made an impassioned plea to businesses to honour zero rated vat products.

For more government developments visit: www.govt.lc

Saint Lucia is the chosen destination for yet another Medical Mission. The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs welcomed the Montero Medical Mission on its inaugural visit to the island on the weekend.  

Globally, Cancer is a leading cause of death in children and adolescents. On a national level between 2019 and 2022 we have diagnosed 9 cases of childhood cancer in country. The most common types diagnosed being leukaemia and lymphomas. Unlike cancer in adults, the vast majority of childhood cancers do not have a known cause. Current data suggests a genetic predisposition in about 10% of the cases.

Unfortunately, the likelihood of surviving a diagnosis of childhood cancer depends on the country in which the child lives: in high-income more developed countries, more than 80% of children with cancer are cured, but in many low income less developed countries less than 30% are cured. The lower survival rates are due to reduced capacity of the healthcare system which leads to delays in diagnosis, inaccessible or expensive therapy, non- compliance to treatment, death from toxicity (side effects), and relapse.

Although very few cancers in children are caused by environmental or lifestyle factors, it is important to ensure optimal health in all children to improve their chances of survival. This includes healthy diets, regular exercise, full vaccination schedules and ensuring a safe low stress environment at home, school and in our communities. Cancer prevention efforts in children should also focus on behaviours that will prevent the child from developing preventable cancer as an adult.

When identified early, cancer is more likely to respond to effective treatment and result in a greater probability of survival, less suffering, and often less expensive and less intensive treatment. It is important that parents and family members recognize the symptoms of childhood cancers. Childhood cancer is associated with a range of warning symptoms, such as fever, severe and persistent headaches, bone pain and weight loss, that can be detected by families and by trained primary health-care providers.

One of the most effective strategies to reduce the burden of cancer in children and improve outcomes is to focus on a prompt, correct diagnosis followed by effective, evidence-based therapy with tailored supportive care. This includes accurate and timely clinical evaluations, diagnosis, and staging and access to prompt care. Improving access to childhood cancer care, including to essential medicines and technologies, is highly cost effective, feasible and can improve survival in all settings. The Ministry continues to collaborate with external agencies Sick Kids and the French Health authorities to strengthen diagnosis and treatment.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs observes Childhood Cancer Day on Friday September 22nd to educate families, raise awareness and provide support to our children who are affected. Share our health messages and wear yellow or gold clothing on Friday September 22nd in solidarity with our children and families affected.

For more information, contact the Bureau of Health Education at telephone number468-5349 or 468-5342.

The Saint Lucia Sports Academy has honoured two of its students for their exemplary performances and achievements locally and regionally in their various sporting disciplines.

In the headlines: the Minister for Sustainable Development delivers a World Ozone Day Address to the nation, and farmers enhanced their skills with a Dragon Fruit Training and Cultivation Workshop.

For more government developments visit: www.govt.lc

As Saint Lucia’s food security remains at the forefront, the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) Sustainable Agriculture in the Caribbean Project has officially handed over a range of pest and disease management equipment to the Extension Services Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Rural Development.

In the headlines: Youth parliamentarians sharpen their skills for the upcoming Youth Parliament, and the Government of Saint Lucia implements another post-COVID-19 Income Support Plan.

For more government developments, visit: www.govt.lc

Hon. Shawn Edward, Minister for Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology and Vocational Training, delivers an address on the occasion of World Ozone Day.

Watch via: NTN channel 122, youtube.com/SaintLuciaGovernment, facebook.com/SaintLuciaGovernment

In today's headlines:

Creole classes will soon be introduced to the school curriculum; and the Department of Consumer Affairs continues efforts to educate the public on the rights of the consumer.

For more government developments, visit: www.govt.lc