Creating The Best Business Environment - Our Saint Lucia

Issue 12 | 22 Sept, 2018

Building Resilience

OUR SAINT LUCIA www.govt.lc

Bi-monthly Progress Report from the Government of Saint Lucia

Commerce & Industry Creating the Best Business Environment

CONTENTS

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Increasing Exports to the US

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Small Businesses Get Help

Keep the Breadfruits Coming

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Commerce PS Gives an Update

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Consumer Rights

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Ministers on the Move

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Creating an Enabling Environment for Business to Flourish

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he Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Enterprise Development and Consumer Affairs has as its mission statement; to actively promote and facilitate in close collaboration with the Private Sector, the establishment of a dynamic investment and trading environment, which anticipates changes in the global circumstances, whilst strengthening and enhancing the productive capacities and competitiveness of Industry and Commerce, encouraging good business practices and promoting consumer interest. The Minister in that Ministry is Hon. Bradley Felix who spoke to us this week.

Q: What do you see as one of the most impactful policies recently implemented by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Enterprise Development and Consumer Affairs?

Minister Felix: The introduction of a policy that will affect the service industry. We have identified four service sectors: ICT, Creative Industries, Health and Wellness and Professional Services, as areas we can offer incentives and assistance. In the past, what we have seen is tourism really getting the brunt of incentives and also to a certain extent agriculture and manufacturing. But what we have recognized is that the services sector actually makes up the greater part of employment in the country and we felt that it was time that some attention be put in these sectors by way of establishing a policy to provide much need incentives and interventions to those sectors.

Q: From a manufacturers perspective any recent interventions that you can speak of?

Minister Felix: Certainly! Most recently along with the other Lesser Developed Countries in the region we were able to get Article 164 extended. This is a measure that protects what we refer to as sensitive goods produced in Saint Lucia from the importation of similar goods from the More Developed Countries. So going into 2019 we now have a basket of goods that will be protected under Article 164.

Hon. Bradly Felix, Minister responsible for Commerce, Industry, Enterprise Development and Consumer Affairs Q: What initiatives are being pursued by the Ministry to ensure we remain competitive in a global market?

Minister Felix: One of the areas we are aware that is lacking is the greater use of technology to make manufacturing more competitive and so just this week we have been in discussion with the Japanese to provide some assistance in that area.

We are also aware that we do have a deficiency when it comes to certain technical skills in particular and so we are trying to create a platform for training in the various sectors so that not only can our workforce become more marketable but that there is greater scope for entrepreneurship among our workforce.

Q: We recognize that there is a thrust by the Ministry towards entrepreneurship particularly among young people, how much a part of your mandate is this?

Minister Felix: Look, we recognize that Government can never provide all the jobs nor can the private sector. What we have been doing is exciting

and interesting our young people along with our various partners and agencies like Export Saint Lucia, SEDU, The Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce and others. So for example this year we partnered with the Chamber for the “Get in The Ring” competition and we will do so again next year. There is also the Incubator Program with Invest Saint Lucia that we fully support and of course with SEDU we continue to provide all the necessary support for small and micro businesses.

So yes, this is definitely a major part of our mandate.

Q: What are your overall goals for the sector?

Minister Felix: We would just like to build a Saint Lucia where both our services and goods are always at a global level and that we can not only cater to the needs of our fellow Saint Lucians but also export those goods and services on a larger scale. We would also like to provide the enabling environment whereby it becomes an option for our people whether they seek employment or become employers and entrepreneurs and having a skilled and productive workforce second to none.

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VAT Deferral Benefits Manufacturers Big and Small!

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uring the 2017 budget debate, Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet alluded to the cries from the manufacturing sector, who had been complaining about the burden from VAT on imported raw materials used in their production processes.

According to the Prime Minister; “in addition to the reduction in VAT from 15 to 12.5 percent, which went into effect from February 1 this year (2017), government had designed a VAT deferral system to minimize the impact of the VAT obligations faced by manufacturers.”

“This system will eliminate the VAT payments on imports of raw materials and no such payment is required subsequently to the extent that the manufacturer is allowed to claim the full input VAT,” he further explained.

For instance a manufacturer, who has VAT payable on imports of $20,000, will be allowed to clear the goods with no payment of this VAT. If the manufacturer is entitled to claim 100% of inputs for that month, there will be no cash VAT payment on that transaction.

In May of this year, following the installation of a new executive of the Saint Lucia Manufacturers Association, Prime Minister Allen Chastanet again expressed Government’s intention to give more support to the manufacturing sector and strengthen the role of advocacy groups like the SMA through the introduction of more sustainable financing mechanisms.

During the occasion, Immediate Past President Richard Du Boulay of CPJ (St. Lucia) Ltd. and Executive Director Paula James also discussed the introduction of the deferred VAT system of importation which both saw as a major legislative win for the group. They were also in agreement, that the measure had already been instrumental in decreasing the hurdles of manufacturing in a largely import-based economy like Saint Lucia’s.

Speaking to Our Saint Lucia this week, Marguerite Desir, newly elected President of the St Lucia Manufacturers Association touted the introduction of the deferred VAT system of raw material importation at the ports, as one of the best things to have happened for manufacturers in a long time.

“This measure has helped us in many ways, particularly in allowing us greater flexibility when it comes to our cash flow, allowing us to have more purchasing power and quicker access to our goods and raw material,” says Desir who is also the Senior Vice President of Harris Paints Saint Lucia.

“It means now that manufacturers can become a lot more efficient and competitive as the measure allows us to reduce on our overall cost of production, creating a situation where we can not only deliver to our customers a lot more quickly, but in some cases pass on some savings to them as well,” she added.

Marguerite Desir, newly elected President of the St Lucia Manufacturer's Association

manufacturers, with some feeling the positive impact almost immediately and others over the course of time. “It has also benefitted smaller businesses too, where very often the issue of cash flow can place much pressure during import. And so with the VAT deferral in operation these businesses do not have to worry about this anymore,” the SMA President says.

According to Desir, the new legislation has been extremely beneficial to all

“This measure has helped us in many ways, particularly in allowing us greater flexibility when it comes to our cash flow, allowing us to have more purchasing power and quicker access to our goods and raw material.” ---Marguerite Desir, President of the St Lucia Manufacturers Association

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Preparing to Export to the USA

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n July 12, 2018 Export Saint Lucia hosted an “EXPORTING TO THE USA” workshop at the Finance Administrative Centre.

meet the requirements needed to enter the US market. Furthermore, even fewer can meet the marketing revenues needed to sustain market entry.

The workshop was based on the premise that the food retail industry comprises foods sold at retailers such as grocery stores, mass merchandisers, drug stores, convenience stores and foodservice facilities. As such total retail and food service sales in the United States amounted to about 5.32 trillion U.S. dollars in 2015.

The workshop was specific to the food and beverage sector with an aim to providing participants with an overview on trends in the US grocery industry and what it would take for a product to qualify for entry into this market. Participants benefited from one-on-one sessions with industry experts from the USA in areas such as packaging and labeling and other product specifications tailored for US market entry.

The American retail landscape is characterized by leading food retailers such as Walmart, Kroger and Costco. Walmart (excluding Walmart International and Sam's Club) generated net sales amounting to 307.83 billion U.S. dollars in 2017 and operated 4,672 stores nationwide.

While geographically close, Saint Lucia’s exports to the United States have remained low. The major exporters are in condiments and fresh agricultural produce. Very few Saint Lucian exporters

The workshop took the format of an open forum panel discussion and Business to Business meeting featuring three expert panelists namely Tim Bascombe - owner and CEO of World Foods Connections; Jonathan Havens – Lawyer and expert on the FDA and USDA, Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) compliance; Emory Dabney – owner of Toro Imports, a import and export distribution company operating in the USA.

Saint Lucia is looking to improve exports to the United States

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USA TO SAINT LUCIA:

KEEP THE BREADFRUITS COMING!

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erineau’s Exports, a Saint Lucian exporter with guidance and assistance from Export Saint Lucia (TEPA) successfully exported a test shipment of breadfruit to Miami, Florida in the U.S. on August 28, 2018.

This success is directly attributed to a workshop held in July of this year.

Export Saint Lucia hosted an “EXPORTING TO THE USA” workshop at the Finance Administrative Centre in Castries. This workshop took the format of an open forum panel discussion and Business to Business meeting featuring three expert panelists namely; Tim Bascombe - Owner and CEO of World Foods Connections; Jonathan Havens – Lawyer and expert on the FDA and USDA, Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) compliance; Emory Dabney – owner of Toro Imports, an import and export distribution company operating in the USA. Participants benefited from one-on-one sessions with industry experts in areas such as packaging, labeling and other product specifications tailored for US market entry.

Over the last few years it has been recognized that the demands for produce has grown significantly in foreign markets and this latest success is also testament to the MOU signed between Export Saint Lucia and the Department of Agriculture. The efforts of Export Saint Lucia, coupled with the tenacity of a local exporter and the interest and persistence of a United Sates buyer has reaped dividends of this workshop in quick time.

Mr. Emory Dabney of Toro imports during the last week of August received 500Kg of breadfruit from Saint Lucia, a much coveted fruit in the USA. This test shipment has passed with flying colours much to the delight of all involved especially Export Saint Lucia and the local exporter Perineau’s Exports.

Mr. Dabney said: “Thank you to the Trade Export and Promotion Agency of Saint Lucia TEPA, for a job well done in the first shipment of breadfruit from Saint Lucia to the US. It was a huge success, the buyers want more, the shipment went better than expected. I’m going to ship as much as I can until you guys run out of it. Everyone here was very happy; I’ve been getting phone calls all day about more.”

Following this test Mr. Dabney remarked that there is certainly room and potential for imports of much larger quantities, as there is no shortage of demand. “Keep it coming Saint Lucia!” The buyer has already expressed interest in purchasing an even larger shipment of breadfruit from the exporter as early as the second week in September.”

Perineau’s Exports has expressed tremendous thanks towards Export Saint Lucia for the various avenues of help that have been derived as a result of the partnership. The company revealed that prior to the Services offered by Export Saint Lucia the business which started in 1992 experienced a number of challenges before it could even get off the ground.

Officials of Export Saint Lucia (TEPA) reiterated the agency’s commitment to the expansion of exports in markets such as the US, as it continues to chart a course with its mandate to increase the aggregate volume and quality of exports coming from Saint Lucia.

“It was a huge success, the buyers want more, the shipment went better than expected. I’m going to ship as much as I can until you guys run out of it.

Everyone here was very happy; I’ve been getting phone calls all day about more.”

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From SEDU to Small Business Development Center

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In November of 2014 with the assistance of the Organization of American States (OAS) and the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) the Ministry of Commerce, Business Development, Investment and Consumer Affairs launched the Small Business Development Centre here in Saint Lucia, in collaboration with the Organization of American States (OAS) and the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA).

The business center model falls –of the Small Enterprise Development Unit (SEDU) which is mandated by law to provide micro and small businesses with the technical framework that will help grow those businesses in order to build economic impact.

It is well known that micro and small enterprises (MSEs) have the potential to create and expand employment opportunities, develop entrepreneurial skills, enhance market opportunities, and engage in export promotion and import substitution. Therefore, recognizing the important role that the MSE sector plays in contributing to the social and economic development of the country, SEDU or the SBDC, was established. SEDU was first funded by contributions from the Government of Saint Lucia (GOSL), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Labour Organization (ILO). Today the operations of the Department are fully financed by the Government of Saint Lucia.

The Small Business Development Centre (SBDC) which is now used interchangeably to refer to SEDU, is now a fully operational department within what is now the Department of Commerce, International Trade, Investment, Enterprise Development and Consumer Affairs. It is accessible to all Saint Lucians requiring guidance and assistance into getting into a small or micro business on their own.

It is envisaged that the SBDC will offer a more holistic approach to the development of the Micro and Small Enterprise (MSE) sector in Saint Lucia, with the core mission being to help businesses become globally competitive by providing long term consulting, training, financing and market research solutions that create real economic impact. As part of its mandate, the SBDC is responsible for establishing a register for Small Businesses, providing relief for Small Businesses and establishing reporting by Small Businesses.

The SBDC offers Saint Lucian entrepreneurs expert knowledge and experience in a range of fields related to business development. The SBDC is part of a network of business support organizations/partners which include BELFund, Environmental Health Department, Ministry of Physical Development, Monroe College, National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC), National Research and Development Foundation (NRDF), National Skills Development Centre (NSDC), Saint Lucia Bureau of Standards (SLBS), Saint Lucia Development Bank (SLDB), Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC), Export Saint Lucia and University of the West Indies (UWI) Open Campus.

SBDC- How Do We Help?

• Business Name Registration • Bank Account/NIC/ Tax code • Duty Free Concessions • Entrepreneurial Training • Management Advisory Services • Market and Product Development • Investment promotion and facilitation • Exhibitions • Marketing Plans and Market Research • Standards Promotion • Product Development

• Improved access to finance • Business Plan Development assistance • Financial Record Keeping Systems • Market exposure • Quality standardization • Labelling • Human resource development • Access to local markets • Access to regional markets through SBDC networks

What is a Micro business?

• Any (legal) business that employs a maximum of five persons • Business should have an asset base not exceeding EC$75,000 • Its revenue or annual turnover is not more than EC$100,000 What is a Small business?

• Maximum employment of 50 persons • Asset base should not exceed EC$500,000 • Revenue not more than EC$1,000,000 annually What is a Micro business?

• Any (legal) business that employs a maximum of five persons • Business should have an asset base not exceeding EC$75,000 • Its revenue or annual turnover is not more than EC$100,000

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Major Accomplishments Clients Assisted: Since launching the SBDC and the SBDC Network in 2014, the Small Enterprise Development Unit (SEDU) has recorded steady growth in the number of aspiring and existing micro and small entrepreneurs being assisted by the Unit annually. For example, 2017/2018 showed a 22.3% increase over the previous year (980 clients compared to 798 in 2016/2017).

Formalization of Businesses One of the areas of focus of the SBDC is to shrink the informal sector, which according to the 2009 Private Sector Baseline Survey, comprised 46% of micro and small enterprises (MSEs). This would support the statistics that many small business owners do not maintain proper records. To have a bank account solely for business transactions, the entrepreneur must have a registered business name or an incorporated business. Therefore the SBDC aggressively promotes the registration of businesses, and facilitates the process by preparing the necessary paperwork which the clients submit to the Registry of Companies. The result, a continuous increase in the number of business owners who register their businesses. Thus, in 2017/2018 the figure rose by 23% compared to the previous year (785 compared to 638 in 2016/2017).

Entrepreneurial Development: a) Entrepreneurial Development Training: • Monthly Workshop for our Pre-venture Clients Every month the Unit hosts the Business Start-Up Essentials Workshop aimed at sensitizing new clients who are in the planning phase, about how to start and manage a business. b) Business Month: During Business Month (November), SEDU organizes a number activities, which includes the annual MSME Finance Symposium.

An average of 80 local entrepreneurs improve their financial literacy yearly and have the opportunity to meet with potential investors and financing agencies, since inception in 2015.

Market and Product Development: In order to increase the awareness of local brands and enhance competitiveness the SBDC affords clients exposure at exhibitions and tradeshows, and facilitating product tasting. Toward this end, the SBDC held its 2nd Annual Client Valentine’s Day Showcase in February and is preparing for the Annual Saint Lucia – Taiwan Tradeshow scheduled for 23rd – 25th November 2018.

National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Policy: Through the assistance of the Organization of American States (OAS) the Department of Commerce is developing an MSME Policy for Saint Lucia within the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) framework. The final draft of the policy is currently under stakeholder review. The policy is expected to be ratified before March 2019.

Strategic Alliances

• Baywalk Shopping Mall and Invest Saint Lucia The SBDC has negotiated successfully with Baywalk Shopping Mall and Invest Saint Lucia to organize expos or showcases for SBDC clients with innovative and creative products.

Collaboration in the past was on an ad hoc basis, but the new arrangements will result in regular scheduling of the activities. Most will coincide with national events such as Jounen Kwéyòl, Business Month and Independence. This followed an impressive client promotion on March 31st, 2018 at Baywalk Shopping Mall.

• SLHTA – SEDU/SBDC partnered with the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA) to open its membership to SBDC Clients at a concessionary rate in 2016. In addition, SBDC clients get the opportunity to display their products at the SLHTA Trade Show, which is hosted during their Annual General Meetings.

• SLBS – SBDC’s Quality and Standards Promotion Officer assists the Saint Lucia Bureau of Standards on the Technical Committees.

• TEPA - SEDU and the Export Saint Lucia (formerly known as TEPA – Trade Export Promotion Agency) continued to work together in developing local MSMEs, in particular with regard to the formulation of the National Export Strategy (NES). Export Saint Lucia shares the NeoSerra Database with the SBDC. • SBFIC – under its agreement with the German Savings Banks Foundation for International Cooperation (SBFIC) to promote financial literacy the SBDC hosted a four (4) day Business Plan Development Workshop for its clients and other MSE owners from 10th July to 7th August 2018.

• The Chamber of Commerce (New SBDC Network Partner) – by September 2018 the Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce, a key stakeholder of the SBDC, will become an official member of the SBDC Network. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) is being developed. This will bring the number of partners to fourteen (14). It is important to note that over the years the SBDC has been assisting with The Chamber with (i) the Junior Achievement Programme.

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Creating a Globally Competitive Co • On Engaging the Manufacturing Sector “We work with the Saint Lucia Bureau of Standards, in having our manufacturers become ISO certified and meeting certain benchmarks and standards. We also facilitate various trade shows and overseas engagements, one of the most recent being a trade mission to Taiwan in 2017 where we invited some of the manufacturers, so that they were able to meet with possible partners and suppliers of raw material. They were also able to visit various production plants to see first-hand how new technology was being implemented.

We also assist with product development and design, as we seek to engage with various manufacturers, to examine what they can do better or differently and to see what interventions that can be undertaken”.

PS Titus Preville provides an update on the work of the Ministry

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he story of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Enterprise Development and Consumer Affairs is an intricate one and is key to facilitating the engine of growth in the economy. The Ministry enables a cluster of Departments and Agencies that includes the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Export Saint Lucia, Invest Saint Lucia, The Saint Lucia Bureau of Standards and the Department of Consumer Affairs. Permanent Secretary Titus Preville gives us a snapshot of some of the areas under the Ministry’s mandate.

• On the Ministry’s overall policy direction: “In terms of the policy thrust, the Ministry understands that its role is to see how we can create a private sector that is first of all globally competitive. We see ourselves as also helping to build entrepreneurship, because that is part of the objective of growth.

Then we have the reduction of unemployment, creating a greater tax base for Government to finance its various projects and programs and of course building that balance of payment. So how does the Ministry interface with the private sector to get it to play that role? We do so by ensuring we have entrepreneurial programs, business incubators, our Small Business Development Center, training programs to build competitive businesses and giving them incentives and helping them improve standards. We also work with them by helping them penetrate export markets through Export Saint Lucia. We also ensure that we have an export strategy which we have recently reviewed and is about to roll out”.

• On the perception that Government gives preferential treatment to foreign investment: “There is no policy in Government or for that matter the Department of Commerce, which treats foreigners in any preferential manner. Whatever is available to a foreign investor, under the Fiscal Incentives Act, which is what we are responsible for as a Ministry, applies to industry, be it local or foreign.

We also have a Micro and Small Enterprise Act, which in fact is geared towards the micro and small business, so if anything, there is a regime that is focused primarily on local small businesses. In addition to that, there is the Trade License Act, a regime which we use in conjunction with Government policy, to determine what foreign investors and investments we allow and which ones we do not allow. This is because there are areas reserved for Saint Lucians (and CARICOM), and so we do not allow the entry of any industry that may pose an unnecessary level of competition or where we believe that Saint Lucians have the capacity to operate.

It is also important to note that we are currently reviewing our Fiscal Incentives Act, which would again give greater incentives to the private sector. Coordinating the ease of doing business reforms is also important for us, which would make it easier to get a start-up off the ground and generally conduct business in Saint Lucia”.

• On Consumer Affairs and Consumer Protection: “The consumer is very much a part of what we do and through

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PS speaks on role of Ministry

can Republic and Cuba. The core functions of the Directorate of the department of Consumer Affairs, we seek to educate and CARIFORUM include managing and coordinating relations protect the consumer. As far as the Consumer Protection Act, this was passed but not enforced, since there are certain areas between the Caribbean States which are signatory to the under review, with the view to strengthening the Act. And so Cotonou Agreement; programming and managing the implethis is one of our priority areas. But I must say that the area of mentation of regional resources made available to the Caribbean Region by the European Union (EU) through the European Consumer Affairs is one we take seriously so much so that we Development Fund; coordinating the implementation of the are moving the Unit to its own premisCARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA); es next month, showing Governmanaging CARIFORUM-EU Political Dialogue and promoting ment’s commitment to ensurIntra-CARIFORUM Cooperation. The ing greater attention is given to consumer Council of Ministers of CARIFOconcerns as well as offer“There is no policy in Government or for that matter the RUM is the highest decision-making body of this grouping. ing the working officers Department of Commerce, which treats foreigners in any better working conditions preferential manner. Whatever is available to a foreign In June Honourable Bradly Felix in which customers and met with Director General of consumers can interface”. investor, under the Fiscal Incentives Act, which is what we the CARIFORUM Directorate are responsible for as a Ministry, applies to industry, be it • On Investment: Mr. Percival Marie to discuss local or foreign.” issues which will require focused attention during “Another part of what we do is Saint Lucia’s ChairmanInvestment. We have developed an ship. Among the issues discussed were Governance of CARIFOinvestment strategy that has a number of components and part RUM; BREXIT; the ACP-EU Post Cotonou Relations; Status of EPA of that strategy involves reviewing how we processes an invesImplementation; CARIFORUM-EU Development Cooperation tor, putting updated information on our Website, making applyand the Future of the ACP. ing for a Trade License easier and reviewing some of the legislation. Of course the main agency dealing with investment is Director General Marie indicated that Saint Lucia will have to Invest Saint Lucia and with them we examine the regimes we provide political and technical leadership in those areas in order have in place to encourage investors. Again we look at our “Ease of Doing Business,” indicators, what are our areas of to have optimal and fruitful outcomes for the region. Minister Felix added that, “Saint Lucia is ready to serve and provide the weakness and strengths. It is for this reason the Ministry has undertaken the role of spearheading the ease of doing business much needed direction and support to the region in fulfilling the goals and objectives of CARIFORUM and realizing the benefits task force headed by the Minister. It is our hope that there will be much improvement due to some of the interventions that of the trade agreements to which the region is signatory.” the Ministry has undertaken”.

SAINT LUCIA TAKES UP CHAIRMANSHIP OF CARIFORUM As of July 1st, 2018, Saint Lucia took up Chairmanship of the Caribbean Forum of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (CARIFORUM) for one year until June 30th, 2019.

Minister with responsibility for Commerce, International Trade, Investment, Enterprise Development and Consumer Affairs – Honourable Bradly Felix, in his capacity as Minister for International Trade is now Chairman of the Council of Ministers of CARIFORUM. Established in the early 1990s, participating states of CARIFORUM include the fifteen CARICOM member states, the Domini-

Director General Marie with Minister Hon Bradly Felix Minister for Commerce.

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Saint Lucian Artist Tastes Success

Ron Henry, The Serenade

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Ron Henry says his partnership with Export Saint Lucia has opened doors.

xport Saint Lucia (TEPA) is expressing immense congratulations to Visual Artist, Ron Henry for his recent participation and success in the Union of Saint Lucia Overseas Association (USLOA) 18th Biennial Convention hosted at the High Commission of Saint Lucia in London on Sunday July 22nd, 2018.

Henry who hails from the community of Choiseul, is a long time visual artist specializing in the painting of realism pieces. He gave an account of his exploits since partnering with Export Saint Lucia (TEPA).

“From last year I had my first international show at the Burton Agnes Hall, that’s in Yorkshire England. This year my last two shows were at the High Commission, Saint Lucia’s High Commission in the UK, the first show was an exhibition and the second one was an auction and the great part about it, is that I sold all my pieces.” Henry went on to indicate “in total I submitted ten pieces, and the nine which were on sale got sold, so in the end my mission there was successful.”

contacts, so we have been working hand in hand over the past few years which I am very grateful for. They’re helping out in finding the locations like the Burton Agnes Hall and the High Commission of Saint Lucia which corresponds nicely with the niche my work pertains to, which has a lot to do with the Caribbean setting, because my work has a lot of Saint Lucian culture and Caribbean culture involved in there.” Henry went on to say “Even though I promote my work via social media, it might take a long time to reach the right eyes and the right people with the powers to make such auctions and exhibitions happen. With them they had the contacts already; they just had to plan things out making things much simpler for me.”

Henry says he looks forward to the continued blossoming relationship with Export Saint Lucia (TEPA) as he continues to work on his art studio and expanding his horizons.

Henry also explained his creative process and the amount of work that goes into every piece. “For my artwork I take a lot of time sketching out my paintings and ideas, then take them to the models letting them know how to dress, sometimes I create miniature models so I can create that piece and make sure that I have the lighting correct. I work a story with all what you see, so even though my style of work is realism there’s a lot more meaning and story beyond the skill.”

He says the partnership with Export Saint Lucia (TEPA) has opened doors of opportunity for him and his artwork. The High Commission of Saint Lucia in London is equally responsible for Henry’s success, in providing the outlet, for artists to showcase their talent.

Henry expressed that he knows all too well the various challenges that those involved in the arts on the island are likely to experience, and the agency has streamlined the processes needed for him to realize his aspirations. “We have been working together for the last three years or maybe even more. They also aided me with foreign art exhibitions and

Ron Henry, The Mechanic

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No Exchange No Refund?

What Every Consumer Needs to Know

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or many businesses, the sign “No Exchange, No Refund” serves as a legitimate reason not to honour a consumer complaint about a defective product or shoddy service.

This seemingly disadvantageous sign has sparked numerous calls and complaints from consumers, all of them begging the questions, “is this right? Can a business place have a “no exchange no refund policy?”

To put it simply, this sign carries no weight. A business place should not have a ‘No Refund No Exchange’ policy as it is in direct contravention with sections 102-106 of the Consumer Protection Act No. 9 of 2016. In fact, these signs should not be used to determine whether or not a consumer receives a refund or exchange for a defective good; whether these goods are on sale, gift items or even second-hand or repossessed goods.

It is important to note however, that a business place does not have to provide a refund or an exchange to a consumer who changes his or her mind about a product, or found the item elsewhere at a cheaper price. Consumers must be cautious and always compare prices and product quality before making a purchase.

A consumer only has the right to redress, once he or she has a legitimate complaint, that is, if the good is defective, described inaccurately or misleadingly or if the good fails to provide the benefit and uninterrupted enjoyments for which it was intended.

A consumer who has a legitimate complaint is entitled to one of the four forms of redress, that is, a refund, an exchange, repair or credit note. However, when seeking redress, the consumer must always return to the place of purchase first and this must be done within reasonable time after the problem is discovered. If the matter is not amicably resolved, then the consumer can contact the Consumer Affairs Division, 4th Floor, Heraldine Rock Building, Waterfront, Castries or call 468-4224/31.

Consumers need to understand that while every consumer has rights, with these rights always come responsibilities and so the call is made for every consumer to act responsibly – ask questions, read labels, instructions and warnings, examine goods thoroughly before making a purchase and of course always ensure that you receive your receipt.

Consumers the power is in your hand –take charge.

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b o y s t r a i n i n g c e n t r e pa rt o f small business development workshop

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arlier this year, the Small Enterprise Development Unit (SEDU) within the Department of Commerce, International Trade, Investment, Enterprise Development and Consumer Affairs hosted a Small Business Development Workshop for the wards of the St. Lucia Boys Training Centre. The workshop took place in the Conference Room of the Department of Commerce, Heraldine Rock Building, Waterfront, Castries.

The aim of the workshop was to provide fifteen boys at the Training Centre with the necessary knowledge and skills to start and manage their own businesses. It also sought to foster an entrepreneurial culture amongst the youth, so that they would be more inclined to channel their ideas into viable businesses.

To further encourage the young men, a few of SEDU’s successful male clients, namely; Paulinus Herman of Wire World, David Alexander of Alex’s Shaved Ice and Treats and James Adjodha and Jesse Evans of Wavemaker Photography were invited to the workshop to provide them with first-hand experience on how they started their businesses, their challenges and their success stories.

Averting an Oil Crisis!

With a decision taken recently by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to shut down the Petrotrin oil refinery, concerns have been looming over the ability of suppliers in the region to adequately fulfill demands. Trinidad & Tobago is the largest supplier of refined oil and oil products to the region, including Saint Lucia.

In light of this, Minister for Commerce, Industry, Enterprise Development and Consumer Affairs Hon. Bradley Felix this week confirmed that Government had written to CARICOM for a provisional waiver of the Common External Tariff (CET) to the two fuel distribution companies Sol and Rubis, in order that they may purchase fuel outside of the Caribbean.

Minister Felix has noted that implementing the waiver of the CET will help to avoid the increase of fuel prices.

“This was something that was a source of concern for our distributors here in Saint Lucia and we knew we had to move swiftly to avert any crisis that would have occurred due to the shortfall in supply from Trinidad. This move will give the distribution companies the leverage to import from other territories such as Puerto Rico for example, and so we do not think that there will be any shortage of fuel in the near future,” the Minister said.

Building Resilience

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08 13

MINISTERS ON THE MOVE Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet with the CEO of Carnival Cruise Corporation Mr. Arnold Donald and a high level delegation at Moule A Chique , where there is a panoramic view of the Vieux Fort Bay. This meeting advanced plans for the construction of the new Cruise Terminal at IL Pirata.

UNESCO has approved just over EC $180, 000 the equivalent of some USD $67, 000 for three (3) local developmental projects under the UNESCO Programme, 2018-2019. Minister Gale T. Rigobert hands over cheque for Cultural Development Foundation which received US $22, 000 to Strengthen local capacities to Safeguard Saint Lucia's Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Tourism Minister Hon. Dominic Fedee with Jermaine Defoe, Daren Sammy and Sanovik Destang promoting our inspiring island at Saint Lucia Showcase UK 2018.

As school opened Minister and MP Hon. Ezechiel Joseph visited schools in the constituency of Babonneau.

14

22 Sept 2018

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At a glance...

AGRICULTURE

Getting some know how in improving watermelon production

The Ministry of Agriculture and the Taiwan technical Mission jointly held a watermelon production workshop in Micoud on 6th September, 2018. More than 50 farmers and extension officers attended the workshop. Trainees were taught the know-how of watermelon production to improve their production both in quality and quantity.

The Watermelon Production Workshop is part of the on-going “Fruit and Vegetable Demonstration and Extension Project Phase Two”. To date, the bilateral cooperation project between Taiwan and Saint Lucia had conducted 600 field technical advisory services, provided 20,000 seedlings, and trained over 2,000 farmers, steadily fulfilling the goal of improving local farmers’ competitiveness and revenue. The mission will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Agriculture to further enhance the capability of local farmers.

TOURISM

SLTA HOSTS FIRST MICE FAMILIARIZATION TRIP

Fourteen M.I.C.E buyers from the US were on the island for a four-day trip visiting hotels and attractions on behalf of their clients. The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority hosted the “Meetings Incentive and Corporate Events” (MICE) group for the first familiarization trip of its kind here, from September 6th – 10th, 2018.In exploring the niche, the SLTA contracted Connect, an Atlanta based company, to help select the buyers who matched the SLTA’s criteria. Each buyer represents a unique group seeking a destination with venues matching their client’s interests for 2019 and 2020. The intention is for the buyers to organize more than one group trip per year, which will demand accommodation for upwards of 30 people for each event.

U.S. Embassy Announces Interview Waiver Process for Qualifying Visa Renewals in Saint Lucia

TRAVEL

As part of the United States Government’s continuing efforts to improve customer service and streamline the visa process, the U.S. Embassy is pleased to announce the implementation of interview visa waivers in Saint Lucia for qualified applicants wishing to renew their U.S. visas, effective September 10, 2018.

Saint Lucian passport holders, with the exception of beneficiaries of the citizen by investment programs, may qualify for a visa renewal interview waiver if their previous visa expired within the past twelve months and they are applying for the same visa category as their previous visa.

Students who wish to renew their visas, and who satisfy the aforementioned requirements may qualify for interview waiver if they are applying to continue attendance at the same institution, or will continue the same major course of study at a different institution.

TRADE

Animation Boot Camp!

Export Saint Lucia in collaboration with St. Lucia Coalition of Service Industries (SLCSI) and Caribbean Export Development Agency (CEDA) hosted an Animation Boot Camp from August 13 to August 17 2018. Animation is a multibillion dollar industry that spreads across many sectors: education, gaming, visual effects, merchandising and television programming.

The workshop enabled 20 export-ready and emerging animators from across the Caribbean to receive training from producers of ‘Toon Boom.’ Toon Boom is the industry’s premier storyboarding and animation software for animation studios and media publishers.

Building Resilience

Connect With Us Office of the Prime Minister -www.facebook.com/opmsaintlucia -www.instagram.com/opmsaintlucia Allen Chastanet -www.facebook.com/allenmchastanet -www.twitter.com/allenmchastanet Lenard "Spider" Montoute -www.facebook.com/lenardspidermontoute Ezechiel Joseph -www.facebook.com/ezechieljoseph758 Sarah Flood Beaubrun -www.facebook.com/sarahfloodbeaubrun758 Guy Joseph -www.facebook.com/guyejoseph Stephenson King www.facebook.com/stephensonking Mary Isaac -www.facebook.com/maryisaacslu Fortuna Belrose -www.facebook.com/fortunabelrose758 Dominic Fedee -www.facebook.com/dominic.fedee Herod Stanislas -www.facebook.com/herodstanislas Bradly Felix -www.facebook.com/bradlyfelix758 Dr Gale T C Rigobert -www.facebook.com/drgalerigobert758 Edmund Estephane -www.facebook.com/edmundestephane758

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08 15

Did You Know...

What is article 164?

At the 35th meeting of the Council on Trade and Economic Development (COTED), it was agreed that the CARICOM Less Developed Countries (LDCs), would be able to impose a higher rate of import duty on imports from CARICOM More Developed Countries (MDCs) and from extra-regional sources, on a selected list of goods, until 2018. This imposition is done in accordance with Article 164 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, which addresses promotion of industrial development. At a recent COTED meeting in June of this year the LDCs (including Saint Lucia, were granted an extension for the imposition of Article 164. The duration will in most cases be for ten years with a few items protected for 5 years.

Basket of Goods to be protected 1. Curry Powder 2. Wheat or Meslin Flour 3. Pasta 4. Aerated Waters 5. Other Waters 6. Aerated Beverages 7. Malt 8. Beer 9. Stout 10. Prepared Poultry Feed 11. Prepared complete cattle feed 12. Prepared complete pig feed 13. Other prepared complete animal feed 14. Oxygen

15. Carbon Dioxide 16. Acetylene 17. Paint and Varnishes 18. Candles of paraffin wax 19. Solar water heaters 20. Chairs and other seats with wooden frames 21. Upholstered 22. Wooden furniture of a kind used in offices 23. Wooden furniture of a kind used in kitchens 24. Wooden furniture of a kind used in the bedroom 25. Other furniture of wood and upholstered fabric