Saint Lucia Magazine (August 12th 2026)

[music] >> Hello and welcome to Saint Lucia magazine, your weekly round up of the nation's top stories in education, the economy, infrastructure, agriculture, and more. I am your host, Nivard Auguste. In this edition, a newborn grants program provides financial support to new mothers and Reduit Beach is upgraded with new facilities for vendors and visitors. >> [music] >> The government's newborn grants program is now in effect, providing eligible mothers with a one-time EC $1,000 payment to help meet the immediate cost of caring for a new baby. Verchilia Auguste tells us more. >> The government's newborn grants program, first introduced in April 2026, officially took effect on August 1st, 2026. It delivers on a commitment announced by Prime Minister Honorable Philip J. Pierre during the 2026-2027 budget. >> All mothers of registered newborn babies will receive a one-time grant of EC $1,000 effective August 1st, 2026. We will review parental leave provisions following childbirth to better support families. >> The program provides a one-time EC $1,000 grant to mothers of eligible registered newborns, helping families meet the immediate costs of caring for a new baby. When announcing the initiative in April, Prime Minister Pierre said the grant was designed to give children a healthier start in life while easing the financial burden on families. >> Under the program, mothers of eligible registered newborns will receive a one-time grant of 1,000 EC dollars. To qualify, the child must be born on or after August 1st, 2026, and the birth must be registered within 6 months of the child's date of birth. Both requirements must be met. The newborn grant is intended to help mothers meet some of the immediate expenses associated with caring for a baby. It also encourages timely registration, which gives every child a legal identity and is necessary for accessing public services and obtaining official documents. The program forms part of the government of St. Lucia's efforts to provide practical support to families at the important stage of their child's lives. >> Fully funded under the national social protection budget, the newborn grants program is one of several initiatives aimed at strengthening support for families and improving outcomes for children from the earliest stages of life. Reporting for the government information service, Virgil Eudovic. >> The government has unveiled new vending booths and a comfort lounge on the ramp at Reduit Beach, aimed at improving the visitor experience while creating a better environment for local vendors. Harris Desly Payot. >> Following the opening of the Mount Pimard Beach Park, the government of St. Lucia has officially unveiled the Reduit vending booths and comfort lounge, further enhancing public beach facilities while creating a safer, more welcoming, and well-maintained space for vendors, residents, and visitors. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Donnalyn Eudovic, said the initiative forms part of the government's ongoing commitment to destination management. She noted that the upgraded facilities will enhance the beach environment for residents and visitors, while providing vendors with a professional and well-equipped space to conduct business. >> Today, for this facility, we are taking another important step towards providing them with a more organized, dignified, and attractive environment for which they should conduct their business. The development we opened today continues the path and the progress for improvement. It also reflects our broader efforts at improving and ensuring fundamental efforts at destination management. Our international advertising may encourage a visitor to choose St. Lucia, but it's the quality of the actual experience on the ground that determines whether the promise of our brand is fulfilled. >> Parliamentary representative for Gros Islet, Honorable Kenson Casimir, said the new facilities represents another milestone in the ongoing transition of the constituency's tourism infrastructure. He noted that the investment in public amenities are helping to improve the area's appeal, while supporting both the local community and the visitor experience. >> Finally have that after so many years. I must say let's give the Ministry of Tourism a resounding round of applause for making sure that all of its promises are delivered. And I mean, it is not just for us locals, tourists would have had some horror stories that you probably would never have heard about. And we know from today that this is a thing of the past. So, as parliamentary representative, I want to say that I'm I'm very, very, very grateful for the work the Ministry of Tourism has put in Gros Islet. >> Officials say the upgraded facilities represents a long-term investment in the public infrastructure, supporting local entrepreneurship while reinforcing St. Lucia's reputation as a welcoming and well-maintained destination. For the Government Information Service, I am Deslie Poyotte. >> Prime Minister Honorable Philip J. Pierre is calling on Caribbean nations to advance the unfinished work of emancipation. The Prime Minister highlighted the need for economic freedom and expanded opportunities for young people in his emancipation day message. Deslie Poyotte tells us more. >> In his emancipation day message, Prime Minister Honorable Philip J. Pierre says the work of emancipation continues through economic freedom, creating opportunities for citizens, supporting entrepreneurship and the local producers, and placing young people at the center of Caribbean development. >> My brothers and my sisters, the work of emancipation continues. Political freedom alone is not enough. Our people deserve economic freedom. They deserve opportunity. They deserve ownership. They deserve prosperity. We must build economies where Caribbean people are creating wealth, not merely consuming it, where our young people see opportunity at home, where our entrepreneurs can succeed, where our farmers, fishers, and manufacturers are valued, where hard work is rewarded with dignity. That is the Caribbean we must build. >> Prime Minister Pierre says this vision also depends on investing in the next generation, strengthening local production and advancing food and energy security to create a more resilient Caribbean. For the Government Information Service, I am Deslie Poyotte. >> Still to come, the economic contributions of women vendors are spotlighted, and Governor General Sir Errol Charles to meet the office. Stay with us. >> The Department of Equity, Social Justice, Gender, and Older Persons informs the public that approximately 1,200 households enrolled in the Public Assistance Program PAP have had their payments suspended. The suspension follows the failure of representatives [music] from these households to participate in two consecutive review exercises conducted by the Welfare Unit during the 2025 to 2026 [music] review period. The Department emphasizes that the Public Assistance Program remains available to eligible households that comply with the program's requirements and review [music] processes. Affected persons seeking clarification or additional information [music] are encouraged to contact the Department via WhatsApp at 712-2399 or 724-8957 or visit the Welfare Office in their community. The Department of Equity, Social [music] Justice, Gender, and Older Persons thanks the public for its cooperation and understanding. >> Welcome back. An Emancipation lecturer is calling for greater recognition of women vendors, arguing that their contributions to the country's economy have been largely overlooked. >> The role of women vendors in Saint Lucia's economy could soon become the focus of a new historical research. Historian Louise Mathurin-Scherer revealed that she has already developed a research proposal examining micro-enterprise with special attention to women vendors. >> And um I actually have a proposal sitting in a in a folder and it's focused on micro-enterprise with special attention paid to vendors, women vendors. And I I I believe we have not done the research, I have not found the avenue to to push forward with that research, but I honestly believe that they are one of the the groups within our um economy that are overlooked. >> Mathurin-Scherer said understanding the experiences of vendors and small entrepreneurs could help shape better public policy while recognizing the contribution to national development. >> That's understanding the history, understanding the the the data affects policy. I think it will affect how it will change how we we treat um persons um within our >> She hopes the research will eventually provide greater recognition for grassroots entrepreneurs whose work has long supported local communities. Reporting for the Government Information Service, I am Nebal Auguste. >> Saint Lucia has launched a national cancer registry aimed at improving data collection and treatments. Onika Macquain has the details. >> The Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Nutrition has officially launched Saint Lucia's National Cancer Registry, a landmark initiative aimed at strengthening the nation's response to cancer through improved data collection, surveillance, and evidence-based decision-making. The cancer registry has been established through the collaboration of the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Nutrition with key regional and international partners, including the Caribbean Public Health Agency CARPHA, the International Agency for Research on Cancer IARC, Caribbean Cancer Registry Hub, and the Pan American Health Organization PAHO. In her opening address, Dr. Michelle Francois spoke to the importance of cancer surveillance and a national cancer registry, outlining how reliable data serves as the foundation of an effective national response to the burden of cancer. >> Every cancer case reported contributes to a clearer understanding of the burden of cancer, strengthens our ability to plan effective prevention and control strategies, and provides the evidence needed to improve patient care and health outcomes across our island. So, as we officially launch this registry, let us recognize that this is not the beginning of our journey, but an important milestone in in an ongoing process. Together, we are strengthening the foundation for evidence-based cancer prevention and control, ensuring that the information we collect today will shape policies, better services, and better outcomes for future generations. >> Underscoring the urgency of the initiative, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sharon Belmar-George pointed to cancer having a long-standing position as the country's leading cause of death. >> Malignant neoplasms has been the number one cause of mortality for the past 16 years. Not a statistic that we should accept lightly. It is a matter that demands our urgent and sustained attention because without accurate, comprehensive, and timely data, we're really fighting this battle blindfolded. So, the registry will ensure that we have the evidence to back our programs, and also to allocate our resources strategically and effectively towards the reduction of morbidity and mortality secondary to cancers. >> Chatoya Bobb, Senior Technical Officer at CARPHA, spoke to the meaning behind the launch, adding that CARPHA has carried out a full assessment of St. Lucia's cancer registration systems. >> Today, you are not launching a cancer registry. You are launching a promise, a promise to St. Lucians that every diagnosis will count, every case will teach you something, and every data set will inform a better decision, and every decision will bring you closer to saving lives. >> Celebrating the occasion, Minister for Health, Wellness, and Nutrition, the Honorable Moses Jn Baptiste, welcomed the cancer registry as a foundation for stronger health policy. >> Today marks a major step forward. A population-based cancer registry, as we've heard before, will provide reliable data. We need to focus on trends, strengthen prevention and screening, improve patient care, support research, and ensure that our resources are directed where they are needed most. This theme, data for action, building a stronger response to cancer, reflects our belief that quality data is the foundation of better health policies and better health outcomes, not just for cancer research and response to cancer, but throughout the health system. >> The launch ceremony concluded with a panel discussion titled building a strong national cancer registry, opportunities, challenges, and the way forward. Panelists discussed the importance of creating and maintaining a national cancer registry and how the information it collects can be used to improve cancer prevention, treatment, and health care planning in St. Lucia. From the communications unit of the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Nutrition, I am Onika McCoy. >> St. Lucia welcomes a new acting Governor General. Kendal Eugene tells us more. >> Governor General His Excellency Sir Cyril Errol Charles demitted the office of the Governor General on July 31st, 2026, just shy of 5 years of service. Sir Errol Charles became the acting Governor General in November of 2021 and was subsequently appointed to the post in November of 2024. >> Sir Errol was appointed acting Governor General and sworn in on November 11th, 2021, following the departure of Sir Neville Cenac, who demitted office on October 31st, 2021. His Majesty King Charles III, acting on advice of Prime Minister Pierre, subsequently appointed him Governor General of St. Lucia with effect from November 1st, 2024. Throughout his tenure, he discharged the responsibilities of the office of the Governor General with dignity, steadiness, and respect for the country's constitutional traditions. Prime Minister Honorable Philip J. Pierre, on behalf of the government and people of St. Lucia, expresses profound gratitude to Sir Errol for his service. >> His Excellency Mr. Felix Finisterre is currently the acting Governor General of St. Lucia. His appointment took effect on August 1st, 2026. >> His Majesty King Charles III, acting on advice of Prime Minister Honorable Philip J. Pierre, appointed His Excellency Mr. Felix Finisterre as acting Governor General of St. Lucia with effect from August 1st, 2026. Mr. Finisterre has given decades of service to St. Lucia in education, community development, sustainable tourism, public administration, and regional development. He began his professional career in education, teaching for 18 years at every level of St. Lucia's education system. After completing his university studies in the United Kingdom, he returned home and lectured at the former St. Lucia Teachers College, now Sir Arthur Lewis Community College. Mr. Finisterre is widely recognized for his pioneering work in community-based development and sustainable tourism. He played a leading role in establishing the Soufriere Regional Development Foundation and developing the Sulphur Springs as one of St. Lucia's leading tourism attractions. Mr. Finisterre was recently presented with a Gemini's Award in recognition of his contribution to tourism development, particularly in community-based tourism, heritage conservation, and sustainable destination management. Prime Minister Pierre congratulates His Excellency, Mr. Felix Finisterre, on his appointment and wishes him every success as he carries out the responsibilities of acting Governor General. >> Failure of acting Governor General, His Excellency, Mr. Felix Finisterre, also formerly served as the Minister for Communications, Works, Transport, and Public Utilities from 2000 to 2005. The Government of St. Lucia looks forward to working with Mr. Felix Finisterre in service to the people of St. Lucia. Reporting for the Government Information Service, I am Kendal Eugene. >> Coming up next, St. Lucia strengthens its position in the global services sector. We'll be right back. >> [music] [music] [singing] [music] [singing] [music] >> This message is brought to you by the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Nutrition in collaboration with the Caribbean Development Bank and the Inter-Development Bank. >> Welcome back. St. Lucia has strengthened its capacity to compete in the regional and international services sector via a workshop on trade in services. Destiny Poitier tells us more. >> Drawing representatives from the public and private sectors, as well as civil society, the workshop will equip participants with technical training for greater efficiency in trade in services. It's being spearheaded by the Ministry of External Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation, and Diaspora Affairs in partnership with the OECS. EPA coordinator at the Ministry of External Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation, and Diaspora Affairs, Ms. Lisa Louis has stressed the importance of technical expertise in executing trade in services. >> The objective is not simply to enhance technical knowledge. Rather, it is to equip equip all of you with practical tools to strengthen policy formulation, improve regulatory decision-making, support services sector development, and position St. Lucia to derive greater benefits from regional and international trade agreements. Ultimately, stronger services policies translate into stronger businesses, more competitive industries, quality employment, increased investment, and greater opportunities for sustainable and inclusive national development. >> The OECS Commission is supporting the training and describes it as an invaluable for small island economies. >> Services industries are no longer simply conduits to economic growth. They must become the principal drivers of productivity, investment, innovation, competitiveness, and resilience. Around the world, we we all know that economies are no longer competing solely on what they manufacture or produce. They are increasingly competing on the sophistication of their services industries, the quality of their institutions, the agility of their domestic policies and regulations, the innovation of their businesses, and the skills of their people. >> Topics to be covered at the workshop include trade in services in the OECS and CARICOM regional integration framework, as well as trade in services regulatory reform. For the Government Information Service, I am Desly Poyotte. >> The Government Information Service and the Embassy of the Republic of China Taiwan have launched the second season of Fun Mandarin. Here again is Desly Poyotte. >> The Government Information Service in partnership with the Embassy of the Republic of China Taiwan has officially launched the second season of Fun Mandarin, a program designed to make learning Mandarin engaging and accessible. Officials highlighted the initiative as more than a language course, describing it as an opportunity to strengthen cultural understanding, deepen ties between Saint Lucia and the Taiwan, and promote lifelong learning through education. Taiwan's Ambassador to Saint Lucia, Her Excellency Nicole Sue, says the series is designed to be accessible to a wide audience, combining interactive lessons with cultural experiences that go beyond the classroom, explaining that viewers can expect a practical and immersive approach to language learning. >> Each episode of this program, you would learn practical technique uh technique conversation uh using our everyday life uh examples, such as self-introduction, greetings, asking for direction, uh ordering food, uh taking public transportation, as well as even shopping. So, whether you are a student, a parent, a teacher, professional, or are just simply curious about learning the language, this program is for you. In addition to learning the language during the program, Andres will lead you to discover Taiwan's local custom and habits, food and beverages, transportation, and everyday life. We hope this program will facilitate not only the Mandarin learning, but also having the opportunity and a glimpse of the Taiwanese culture and our people. >> Mandarin teacher Andres G says the television series was developed in response to growing public interest, giving viewers an accessible way to learn the language with programs now reaching secondary schools, tertiary institutions, and public service. >> Adult Mandarin education is primarily implemented through three institutions. The Ministry of Public Service, the Royal Saint Lucian Police Force, and Sir Arthur Lewis Community College. Learners include government government officers, administrative and technical personnels, members of the Royal Saint Lucian Police Force, for and tertiary level students. Most courses focus on general Mandarin for everyday communication, including practical language for common, social, and daily life situations. Despite these efforts, we frequently hear from members of the wider public who also wish to learn Mandarin. This strong public interest inspired the creation of the television program Found Mandarin, giving more people the opportunity to learn at the time and pace convenient for them. And this is the original purpose of fun Mandarin. >> Ji says the new season uses practical real-life scenarios to help viewers build confidence in speaking Mandarin while introducing Taiwan's culture, tradition, and everyday life. He added that the program aims to strengthen cultural exchange and deepen the friendship between St. Lucia and the Taiwan. For the Government Information Service, I am Deslie Payotte. >> Government agencies are stepping up efforts to prevent snake bites with a snake handling project that will be piloted in Millet. Sherver Marius reports. >> Government agencies and national partners have strengthened collaboration on snake bite prevention, environmental management, and public safety through a multi-agency planning meeting held at the Forestry Conference Room. The meeting advanced preparations for the community snake handlers pilot project, including a community cleanup action scheduled for 11th of August, 2026, at the Tet Chemei Community Centre in Millet. Convened by the Division of Forestry and Land Resource Development, the meeting brought together representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Security, the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Nutrition, the St. Lucia National Trust, and other stakeholders to coordinate responsibilities and finalize plans. Permanent Secretary in the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Security, Bradley Centage, emphasized the importance of coordinated action across agencies. >> The success of this initiative depends on effective collaboration across government and with our communities. The Forestry Division will provide technical leadership and program coordination, while our partner ministries and agencies will contribute according to their respective mandates and areas of expertise. Agriculture of extension, environmental health, the Ministry of Health, solid waste, the the ministry responsible for social transformation, local government um all have an important part to play in the rollout of these programs. >> Conservation officer at the St. Lucia National Trust, Melina Mori, emphasized the critical need for greater public awareness and education about the island's snake species. >> A lot of public awareness needs to be done regarding the snake species in St. Lucia. A lot of people are not able to identify. Now, many people may say, "If I see a snake, I'm not going to look to see what type it is. I will just look to kill." But, sometimes trying to kill a snake may be may be more detrimental to you as an individual. So, I think again, public awareness is very critical um on knowing our different snake species in St. Lucia. >> Senior medical officer within the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Nutrition, Dr. Delphina Vernor, reminded the public that prompt medical treatment is critical following a venomous snake bite. >> The Ministry of Health wants the public to know that the definitive treatment for snake bite from a venomous snake such as the fer-de-lance that we have in St. Lucia is the administration of antivenom. However, antivenom use comes with specific measures that need to be taken to ensure that it is done safely. For this reason, we in St. Lucia administer antivenom only at our secondary and tertiary care facilities, which are our hospitals, the St. Jude Hospital and the OKU Hospital at Millennium Heights Medical Complex, as well as the Tapion Hospital. Giving antivenom in those facilities ensures that you have the supporting services that may become necessary during the administration process. Persons may develop severe allergic reactions, which can result in death. As a result, you need to have your ICU support. You need to have your specialists. You need to have all of the resuscitation medications. There are many things that you need. You need lab services. These components are only available at our hospitals. >> Senior Environmental Health Officer, Glenda Etienne-Cephas, highlighted the importance of environmental sanitation in reducing snake habitats. >> One of the things we understand is that, for example, rats, um, the increasing of the presence of rats is what would possibly attract the snakes into a particular area. And from a vector control standpoint, we are going to bring our expertise to the ground, to the millet area, so that we can provide that level of assistance from an environmental health standpoint. >> The initiative forms part of government's broader commitment to protecting public health, conserving biodiversity, and enhancing community resilience through coordinated evidence-based interventions. From the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Security, Chefroy Marius. >> And with that, we wrap up this edition of Saint Lucia magazine. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to this production, the National Television Network, the GIS team, and the communications officers across government ministries. Thank you for watching NTN Channel 122 and following the official social media platforms of the Government of Saint Lucia. I am Neval Auguste. Until next time, stay informed, stay engaged as we continue tracking Saint Lucia's progress. >> Saint Lucia is home. >> [music]