Government of Saint Lucia

GOVERNMENT NOTEBOOK (Aug. 22, 2023)

In today's headlines: Ministry of Health stresses safe hygiene practices amidst a surge in gastroenteritis cases, and the Caribbean Digital Transformation Project has opened up a world of opportunities for people living with blindness and low vision.

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

In today’s headlines: A cohort from Saint Lucia will receive training in Chronic Disease Prevention and Control; and government provides an update on the Millennium Highway Reconstruction Project.

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

The recently-concluded second workshop for the development of wastewater guidelines in Saint Lucia, marked a notable advancement in the overarching initiative to elevate wastewater management practices on the island.

The project is expected to not only enhance local wastewater practices but also serve as a model for similar initiatives, promoting the well-being of communities and the environment.

For details, visit: https://www.govt.lc/news/wrma-and-gefs-crew-project-partner-on-sustainable-wastewater-practices

In a significant move to aid the recovery efforts of farmers following the impact of Hurricane Brett, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Rural Development has partnered with the National Fair Trade Organization (NFTO) to provide more than $400,000 of vital input subsidies to banana and plantain farmers. 

Through the newly-established subsidy program, both banana and plantain farmers will receive essential supplies including, two 50kg bags of fertilizer per acre and two litres of nematicide per acre. 

For complete details, visit: https://www.govt.lc/news/government-partners-with-nfto-to-provide-agriculture-subsidies

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development, in collaboration with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and the Taiwan Technical Mission have launched the visionary project "Where Women Bloom: Supporting Sustainable Livelihoods for Women and Youth through Capacity Building and Inclusivity in the Mushroom Industry."

As part of the “Where Women Bloom” Project, twenty-five beneficiaries received comprehensive training in small-scale mushroom production, enhancing their capabilities and paving the way for economic independence and self-sufficiency.

For details, visit: https://www.govt.lc/news/where-women-bloom-project-empowers-women-in-agriculture

In today’s headlines: the Department of Finance has stated that the Health and Security Levy is not a value added tax; and Saint Lucia’s event-based surveillance system is being considered for replication in other Caribbean countries.

A world of opportunities has opened up for persons living with blindness and low vision. The Caribbean Digital Transformation Project in partnership with the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College and the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council has launched the first cohort of a two-week digital training programme in collaboration with the St. Lucia Blind Welfare Association.  

For details, visit: https://www.govt.lc/news/cardtp-commences-digital-literacy-training-for-blind-low-vision-children

As the lead agency on the National Homeless Response Committee, the Social Transformation Division of the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment, on August 4, 2023, convened a special meeting of stakeholders to evaluate current procedures, perceived weaknesses, and chart the way forward for improvements in the system.  

In today’s headlines: The Psychological Support and Resources Project is launched; and The National Homeless Committee reviews operations and procedures.

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

Saint Lucia continues to record confirmed cases of COVID-19 despite a generally low testing rate. Currently the dominant variant of COVID-19 in Saint Lucia is an omicron sub-variant called XBB.1.5. Over the last three weeks, we note increased numbers of persons with respiratory illness presenting at both public and private health facilities.

Subsequent to a statement released on July 15 regarding a surge in the number of cases of gastroenteritis, the Ministry of Health continues to record increases. In the weeks post Carnival (July 23 – Aug. 5) a significant increase in cases of gastroenteritis was noted. A 71 percent increase in cases was recorded.

For complete details, visit: https://www.govt.lc/news/covid-19-and-gastroenteritis-update