Building Resilience - Our Saint Lucia

Issue 05 | 9 June, 2018

Building Resilience

OUR SAINT LUCIA www.govt.lc

Bi-monthly Progress Report from the Government of Saint Lucia

ONWARD AND UPWARD Focus on two years of advancements for Saint Lucia

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WE ARE JUST GETTING STARTED

CONTENTS

In this issue of “Our Saint Lucia” we focus on just a snapshot of some of the achievements of Government of the Saint Lucia over the past two years. We have seen improvements in our tourism and agriculture industry. We have also seen extensive work in infrastructure. As we review some of those we must also recognize the reduction in unemployment figures and the improvements in our economy and this is only the beginning. Throughout this issue you will find information on Government’s efforts in a range of areas.

Building a Better Education System Delivering on the top five

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Justice and Security a priority

6 Happening in the Health Sector

7 Investments Achieved and in the Pipeline

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Work completed around Saint Lucia

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Introduction of computer coding and robotics in schools: The Computer Coding and Robotics pilot, an initiative intended to foster positive behavioral change in students through their engagement in both computer coding and robotics was launched in March, 2018. With funding and technical support by USAID, through the Community, Family and Youth Resilience (CFYR) Programme, the innovative undertaking was born according to facilitators out of the need to modernize the school curriculum.

Dennery Infant School: With financing form the World Bank, from the International Development Association and the Climate Investment Fund, the Dennery Infant School benefited from timely renovations under the Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project (DVRP). December 8th 2017 marked the official handover ceremony for the freshly reconstructed facility.

Progress Made in Rehabilitation of Schools: ‘Building back better’ has been a priority for government, particularly where schools are concerned. In his 2018-2019 budget presentation Prime Minister Allen Chastanet noted, “When we came into office two years ago we found an alarming state of decay in most of our school buildings and a moribund curriculum unsuited to the demands of a service economy.”

Thus, the government set about to correct those deficiencies in several ways. In addition to sprucing up physical structures, rehabilitation plans for schools include a modernized approach to teaching and learning, as well as technology rich curriculums.

Model Safe Schools Programme: School and student safety and security has remained a priority for this administration, particularly with the launch of the Model Safe Schools Programme, that offers tools to assess the level of safety of schools. The programme which focuses on risk reduction was launched by the Department of Education, Innovation and Gender Relations in collaboration with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) with financing from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). Complementing this initiative was a targeted training session for school security officers, meant to boost their ability to maintain security and enforce regulations at schools across the island.

Launch of #EducateSaintLucia: Unveiled by the Department of Education, Innovation and Gender Relations, the #EducateSaintLucia initiative highlights eight fundamental pillars as the foundation for the project. These include the ACT initiative, 1st Generation Initiative, Knapsack Drive, Lifelong Learning, Vocational Qualification, Volunteerism and Apprenticeship, Career Readiness and Innovation. The project aims to improve the quality, accessibility and affordability of education for Saint Lucians.

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SupporttotoAgriculture Agriculture Bearing Support BearingFruit Fruit

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chains in London, France and other areas. With extension officers working closely with farmers and other industry stakeholders, the Ministry of Agriculture says thus far, progress in the industry is encouraging.

PPP with a Saint Lucian-Taiwanese Company for Agro-processing Producing chocolates, juice and pulp from local ingredients daily, Paradise Foods is a food processing company jointly started by Saint Lucia and Taiwanese businessmen. Notably, it is the Taiwan Ambassador H.E. Douglas Shen and first-ever private sector business Agriculture Minister Hon. Ezechiel Joseph sign agreement venture between the two countries. With the development of value-added agricultural More Farmers products (including chocolate, ice cream and fruit juice), the facility anticipates the production of dried With a focus on creating opportunities for generating income fruits. Products will be available at duty-free shops in Pointe Seraphine as and employment in rural areas by expanding and diversifying well as local supermarkets and gas stations. production, the government has placed focus on identifying farmers to be producers of crops that are grown using greenhouse technology. The move aims to reduce the seasonality of these crops.

Double the Budget for Agriculture Selected farmers will be contracted with local hotels for the constant supply of fresh produce. This incentive as well as other training opportuRecognizing the importance of agriculture, particularly for creating nities and benefits are expected to increase farming labour moving employment, the government has significantly increased the island’s forward. agricultural budget. The government’s investment in agriculture will continue with total expenditure under the Department of Agriculture budgeted at $47.92 million, of which $$26.8 million will be capital expenIncreased Banana Production diture.

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Bananas have for decades been one of Saint Lucia’s primary exports.

News that the industry was making a come-back, with production at an all time high in 2017 was an encouraging note for the sector that has over the years been fraught with challenges. With the assistance of 10.3 million euro from the European Union, the Agricultural Transformation Programme of the Banana Accompanying Measures (BAM) project which commenced in May 2013 is expected to conclude during the 2018/19 financial year. According to the island’s prime minister, this initiative seeks to improve the revenue generating potential of the rural sector and its contribution to economic growth. The aim is to increase productivity in the agricultural sector through entrepreneurship, innovative and technology-oriented approaches, agri-enterprise development, and quality standards and certification. The allocation for 2018/2019 is $3.0 million.

Increased Banana Exports With the provision of fertiliser at fifty percent of the cost and other assistance provided to local farmers, the government hopes to sustain the increase in banana production on island. This is necessary to meet the demand for windward island bananas from major supermarket

Commencement of Agricultural Transformation Project Aiming to bring about a dynamic shift to the agricultural industry, the government of Saint Lucia has embarked on a project bent on transforming the sector. One of the components of initiative dubbed, the Agricultural Transformation Project, is the implementation of a three-year Banana Rehabilitation Program for which EC$13.8 million has been allocated in the 2017 Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure. Thus far, Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Ezechiel Joseph says feedback for the project has been positive.

Insurance and Pensions for Farmers The project aims to get farmers registered with the Caribbean Risk Insurance Facility Segregated Portfolio Company or CCRIF SPC. The project also intends to sensitize farmers on the benefits of having a pension plan with the NIC, according to facilitators, “this is so when they get to a ripe old age when they can no longer farm they, like all of us, will be entitled to a pension.” The initiative has been welcomed by local farmers.

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Immediate Remedies for Saint Lucia

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he Government of Saint Lucia implemented the following measures to ease the burdens on the taxpayers of Saint Lucia as follows: VAT Reduction from 15% to $12.5% Introduced at a relative high for the Eastern Caribbean (15 percent), promises of reducing the Value Added Tax were part of campaign promises made by the United Workers Party Government. As early as the first budget upon being elected, the UWP administration sought to reduce VAT from 15 % to 12.5 %. The move was made according to Prime Minister Allen Chastanet with full confidence in the people and businesses of Saint Lucia to create economic activity required to get things back on track quickly – something Chastanet says has thus far exceeded expectations.

Amnesty on Outstanding Hospital Bills As related by the island’s prime minister, an amnesty targeting unpaid hospital bills in particular was absolutely necessary to help solve health care problems in the medium and long term. An amnesty proposed in 2016 targeted pensioners who earned less than $1000 per month, dialysis patients and citizens on the poverty list who were all eligible to receive financial assistance for healthcare. This move came ahead of plans by the government to utilize the resources of a National Health Insurance Fund to finance health care.

Increased Funding for School Feeding and Transportation Program Threatening protest action in 2015 if school subsidies were not increased, the school feeding and transportation programs were top priority once the UWP administration came into office in 2016. Starting off by expanding the program to more schools on the island and later, doubling the subsidy for the school feeding program as well as bus subsidies, plans are underway to mobilize resources to further extend the scope of both programs in the near future.

Reduction in vehicle license fees Two bills presented to Parliament in 2006 addressed the reduction in vehicle license fees, and the amnesty period for unpaid medical bills.

The vehicle licensing bill in particular, addressed the proposed 50 percent reduction in vehicle license fees. The bill which was passed in Parliament saw the realization of license fees for all classes of vehicles on the island.

Amnesty on Personal Property Tax Taxpayers benefited from a two-year amnesty for all tax categories administered by the Inland Revenue Department as part of far reaching efforts by the government of Saint Lucia. Between October 1, 2016 and February 28, 2018, taxpayers with arrears were encouraged to contact the Inland Revenue Department to take advantage of the amnesty which was applicable to all arrears up to income year 2014 for property tax and arrears up to income year 2015 for other tax types. Further, the government of Saint Lucia passed an amendment to allow residential property owners to benefit from a three-year exemption on Land and House Tax for the years 2017, 2018 and 2019.

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Economy on the Rise

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Economic Growth 2016 aint Lucia recorded economic growth at a rate of 0.09% in 2016. This was a direct consequence of growth of the construction, manufacturing, agricultural, wholesale and retail, and financial services sectors. This increased domestic economic activity allowed for more participation in the labour force, and a resulting reduction of unemployment. The increase in economic growth triggered the reduction of the unemployment rate from 24.1% in 2015, to 21.6% in 2016. In addition, St. Lucia’s fiscal deficit shifted from 100.9 million in 2015/2016, to 67.8 million in 2016/2017.

Economic Growth 2017 Economic growth in 2017 was recorded at a notable rate of 2.5%. This was largely due to the strong recovery of the tourism sector following the effects of Tropical Storm Matthew in late 2016. Increased activity in the construction, wholesale & retail and manufacturing sectors also positively affected other smaller sectors, which in turn had a positive impact on the economy. In contrast, the agricultural sector did not perform as well, given the damage dealt by Tropical Storm Matthew. Continued investment was seen as necessary for continuous, and steady economic growth.

Reduced Unemployment Unemployment has been steadily decreasing since 2016. In 2014, the unemployment rate was recorded at 24.4%. By the end of 2016, it tabled at 21.3%, and as of 2017, declined to 20.2%. Economic growth coupled with the expansion of various sectors has created more employment opportunities across St. Lucia. The opening of The Habor Club created openings in both the tourism and construction markets. The OJO Labs Call Center in Vieux Fort has also created employment in the south. With numerous hotel developments on the way, a continued decrease in the unemployment rate is expected.

Medium Term Debt Management Strategy Great emphasis has been placed on reducing debt, as it continues to grow as a consequence from past budgets. There is a need to ensure that debt remains at a controllable rate. It is difficult to implement many fiscal policies to spur economic growth and thus ensure the sustainability of the country’s economy. The Medium Term Debt Management Strategy was developed as a means of reducing various costs. The MTDS will reduce various risks that would eventually create more debt and will create an environment that encourages investors.

Increased Competiveness of CIP Several changes were made to the country’s CIP initiative in order to increase competiveness. Upon examination, it was noticed that other Caribbean countries held more favourable CIP packages. The amendments to St. Lucia’s package included excluding the US$3 million dollar net worth and the 500 annual applicant cap. As of January 2017, applicants are no longer obligated to take the Oath of Allegiance in person at the necessary office. The cost for individual applicants was also reduced from US$200,000 to US$100,000. These changes will make the country more attractive to foreign investors, and increase the likelihood of foreign investments.

Deferral of VAT on Manufacturer Imports Prior to the implementation of the VAT deferral on manufacturer imports, many manufacturers faced unnecessary financial strain as the VAT on imported raw materials created a cash flow issue. To remedy this, VAT payments on the imports of raw materials needed in the manufacturing process have been eliminated. There are also no subsequent payments to be made by the manufacturer. This is beneficial to manufacturers as they no longer have to source funds to pay off VAT through loans or overdrafts. Deferring VAT payments on manufacturer imports allows for increased business competiveness and further economic growth.

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Strides made in Security and Justice The Government of Saint Lucia has plans in 2018 to better equip the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force using technology and training. There are also plans to introduce CCTV and build a new courthouse. These are some of the achievements the Government has had so far in the areas of security and justice:

Press conference for re-opening of Forensic lab: Minister Hermangild Francis (center) with Lab Director Fernanda Henry, DPP Daarsrean Greene, ACP Milton Desir and PS Cadelia Ambrose.

Phased Opening of Forensics Lab A series of issues, structural and otherwise, resulted in the closure of the Forensics Lab in May 2015. Initially set to be closed for one week, the lab based in Tapion was not functional until February 2017. The reopening of the facility was undertaken through a phased approach, as some parts are not yet fully functional. The services available at the lab include DNA testing, toxicology testing and the analysis of gunshot evidence. Since its reopening, the lab has helped ease the backlog of unsolved crimes on island.

Appointment of DPP Following the retirement of Victoria Charles-Clarke as St. Lucia’s Director of Public Prosecution, Daasrean Greene was officially sworn in as DPP on October 17th 2016. Greene graduated from the University of Wolverhampton and was called to the Bar of Saint Lucia in 1999. With nearly two decades of experience, Greene intended to quickly see to the backlog of court cases before the High Court, and matters relating to the ‘extrajudicial killings’.

More Resources for DPPs Office A donation by the US Embassy included laptop computers, filing cabinets and other equipment which totaled nearly EC $100,000. The donation served to lessen pressure on the office of the DPP which was being affected by a lack of resources. The shortage of necessary resources had contributed to the inefficiency of the Crown Prosecutions Service Unit.

Introduction of City Police A cohort of 9 women and 14 men were sworn in as City Police Officers in December 2016, and included former police officers from the RSLPF. They were set to immediately begin duty, and undertook a three month training programme.

Since 2016, 14 additional city police officers have begun patrolling the streets of Castries. Castries Mayor, Peterson Francis is confident that the Officers will continue work in tandem with the RSLPF to make the city safer for St. Lucians.

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Health Sector in Focus

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aint Lucia’s health sector has to overcome some serious hurdles. Even as the Government is charting the best way forward the work has continued on specific areas. Following are some highlights of development in the area of health care:

Prime Minister visits with Staff of St Jude.

Phased Opening of OK-EU

Cabinet of Ministers on a Tour of the OKEU Hospital

Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet has given the assurance that the transitioning of the Victoria Hospital to the OK-EU Hospital will be completed during this financial year. The Dialysis Centre has already moved into their new accommodation and from all reports is functioning well. The Radiology Department will soon make the transition, with the Physiotherapy Department having already completed the move.

Construction Commencement for Dennery Polyclinic Bois Jolie in Dennery will be the site of the new polyclinic in Dennery. The Polyclinic will offer more services than those currently available at the Dennery Hospital and is part of government’s commitment to invest in and improve healthcare on the island. The Polyclinic comes with a price tag of over EC $5 million, forming part of the Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project funded by the World Bank.

Increased Operating Hours at Gros Islet Polyclinic Starting in 2017, the Gros Islet Polyclinic offered extended hours in a move intended to provide greater access to pharmacy services to the public. The northern clinic will now be open between the hours of 8 a.m. up until 11:45 p.m. from Monday to Friday.

Partnered with Starkey Foundation to Provide Over 600 Free Hearing Aids Partnering with the Starkey Hearing Foundation out of the United States, the Ministry of Health and Wellness has been able to assist those in need with the provision of 600 free hearing aids. The gift came complete with monthly follow ups, which formed a part of a sustainability component of the ministry’s existing hearing health programmes. The Starkey Foundation is expected to provide further assistance in strengthening hearing health programmes in Saint Lucia.

Launch of Diabetic Retinopathy Program in Primary Healthcare Free screening and treatment formed part of the launch of the Diabetic and Retinopathy Program launched by the Ministry of Health and Wellness. The program was launched at the Vieux Fort Wellness Centre. At the event, Minister for Health and Wellness, Sen. Hon. Mary Isaac expressed gratitude to funding agencies including the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust, in coordination with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, as well as Firmley Park Hospital, all of whom she said had been instrumental in ensuring the implementation of the program in Saint Lucia.

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Investments and Tourism:

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boutique hotel has raised the bar for properties in the north of the island and is a welcome addition to the tourism scene.

Fairmont Hotel in Choiseul

Creating a minimum of 900 new jobs with its operations, the opening of Royalton Saint Lucia has amounted to a giant leap for local tourism and the island’s economy. The all-inclusive, 455-room resort and spa located in Cap Estate is owned and operated by Sunwing Travel Group, and was constructed on the previous site of the former Smuggler’s Cove Resort.

he significant results of the Government can be seen clearly in the increased investments and in the tourism sector. The Government is poised for even more success in this area as we welcome new local and foreign investments as follows:

With major tourism developments on the horizon, Saint Lucia is set for a record expansion of local room stock. Slated to open in late 2019, the Fairmont Hotel in Choiseul is one such upcoming property. The hotel will be built on approximately 15 acres of beachfront property in Choiseul, featuring 120 rooms and 40 villas.

Sandals La Source In keeping with the momentum of the tourism and construction sectors, Sandals LaSource St. Lucia will be the fourth Sandals Resorts property in Saint Lucia. Offering 330 suites, the resort to be constructed along Pigeon Island Beach and adjacent to Sandals Grande St. Lucian will feature ten restaurants, including three new concepts. The resort will further expand Sandals’ exclusive exchange program to “Stay at One, Play at Four.”

Harbor Club With 115 guest rooms and suites, Habor Club Saint Lucia opened its doors in grand style near the Rodney Bay Marina. The four-star luxury

Royalton

Ojo Labs Commencing operations in October 2017 artificial intelligence company Ojo Labs has solidified its presence in Saint Lucia. Providing job opportunities for scores of young Saint Lucians in the south, the company has provided innovate training opportunities for Saint Lucians, with plans to increase employment opportunities in the near future.

The Pearl of the Caribbean - 1st Phase Phase one of the Dessert Star Holdings project, a Horse Racing Track and Commercial Development, will be implemented later this year. According to the island’s prime minister, during the construction phase there will be an estimated 500 to 800 persons on site, with a management team of 10 to 20 persons. Once the racecourse is operational, training and employment will be available in the areas of horse husbandry, maintenance of facilities, management of the race course and training of the racehorses.

With three to four jobs expected to be created for every thoroughbred, a large number of employment opportunities are expected to be created once the facility is operational.

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The Future Looks Bright

Anthem of the Seas at Pointe Seraphine

inerCaribbean Airways

Leading Tourism Destination in the OECS - Record Arrivals!

Domaine Resort Development in Choiseul

The year 2017 was a record breaking one for Saint Lucia with total visitor arrivals at an all-time high of 1,105,541. Notably, Saint Lucia also recorded the highest growth in 2017 among the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) member countries, with a 11% increase. Tourism Minister Hon. Dominic Fedee has related the government’s satisfaction with growth levels for the industry that he says continues to be an incredibly important and vital part of the Saint Lucian economy.

The $6 million Domaine Resort Development Project is past the sod turning point, which means construction of the property which will feature 20 villas is well underway. The project falls in tandem with plans by the government to develop the south of the island.

SOLEIL Summer Festival

Welcoming the inaugural flight of Thomson Airlines on May 4, 2017, Saint Lucia is well on the way to increased tourism growth from the United Kingdom Market. The weekly flight is expected to bring in close to 300 guests with every trip.

With an objective of minimizing the amount of money being spent on the jazz festival and creating a year long series of festivals, Soleil, introduced in 2017, continues to prove its worth on the entertainment scene. As the festivals continue to grow in popularity and sustainability, funds saved from Jazz are now being redirected into Carnival and Creole Heritage Month.

InterCaribbean Airways

Thomson Airlines

The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority

In February 2018, InterCaribbean Airways announced a new nonstop schedule of services from Dominica to St Lucia and Tortola, with one stop connections via Tortola to St Thomas, St Croix, Sint Maarten, San Juan, Providenciales and Santo Domingo. The increase in airlift is expected to improve travel between the islands, creating new connection opportunities to international markets.

Upon assuming office, the UWP administration took a decision to close the Saint Lucia Tourist Board and establish the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority. The decision was intended to reduce wastage and bad administration to make operations more efficient and effective with the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority. According to the island’s prime minister, the move has resulted in the reduction of administrative expenses from $8.6 million in 2016/17, to $5.6 million programmed for the 2017/18 financial year.

Vieux Fort Master Plan

Village Tourism

The government of Saint Lucia has committed to the development a masterplan for Vieux Fort to include the new airport, a cruise ship port, hotels, shopping centres, villas and condos as well as recreational spaces. Redevelopment plans, some of which have already commenced, will result in boosting the outlook for the south, where several major developments are expected to be launched in the next few years.

Decisive steps were taken by the government at the end of 2017 toward investing in the Village Tourism product. This initiative, among other successes, has seen the relaunching of the Anse La Raye Fish Fry, the rejuvenation of Gros Islet Friday Night street parties, and the investment in other cultural aspects of communities around the island.

The Village Tourism approach is intended to create exposure for smaller parts of the country, while generating revenue from the buying of locally made craft and food products.

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Infrastructure Improvements and Development The Government has hit the ground running with its infrastructural development program with its main aim continuing to be building a resilient Saint Lucia. Let’s take a look at just some of the completed projects.

Dennery Water Project

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epairs to the east coast section of the Barre De L’Isle road began on February 14th, 2018. The now completed work was undertaken through a two phased approach which lasted 30 days. The repairs facilitated the rehabilitation of the road pavement structure.

Roseau/Jacmel Road In February 2018, road rehabilitation was undertaken along the Roseau Jacmel road in the form of paving the entire width of the road. The rehabilitation works were well received by both private vehicle owners and bus drivers, as well as residents who use public transportation which would not usually traverse the previously unpaved road.

Union-Balata Slope Stabilization Given that much of the island’s hillsides are susceptible to land slippage during bouts of heavy rainfall, it was necessary to take steps to soften to blows dealt by rains as well as tropical storms and hurricanes. Additionally, many houses are built on hillsides with poor drainage. A series of gabion and rumble walls intended for slope stabilization have been constructed in Union and Balata, in an effort to prevent any future damage from land slippage.

Saltibus Road Rehabilitation work has been completed on the worst parts of the Saltibus road. The road work included scarifying, applying double surface dressing and fixing potholes in the most critical areas. The work also included the construction of drainage to preserve the new work done along the roadway.

Building Better!

Increased Island-wide Signage There was the need for additional road signs across the island. The necessary signs did not just include ‘STOP’ signs, but those which indicated upcoming junctions and roundabouts. Increased signage would not only reduce traffic and congestion, but may prevent vehicular accidents.

Canaries Bridge The Canaries Bridge was officially reopened on May 15th, 2018. It had previously been destroyed by Hurricane Tomas in 2010. The new bridge was constructed with world class standards in mind and now easily facilitates two lane traffic. The reopening of the bridge was heralded with a ceremony in Canaries, in the presence of the Prime Minister, Minister of Infrastructure and other members of Cabinet.

Extension of Port Castries A multimillion dollar project in 2017 allowed for the extension of the Breasting Dolphin Berth at Pointe Seraphine by 164 feet. With this extension came the opportunity for Port Castries to berth mega cruise vessels/ Quantum Class Cruise Ships. At the commencement of the project, a 20% increase in cruise calls as well as a 19% increase in passenger arrivals were expected. On January 13th, 2018, the Anthem of the Seas became the largest cruise ship to sail into Port Castries because of the completed extension work on port #1.

Road Maintenance Management System Acting upon the need for preventative road care, the Government of Saint

Building Resilience

Road Upgrades and Construction Lucia engaged SirWay Ltd to development a Road Maintenance Management System (RMMS). RMMS will ensure that all national road work follows a set standard. The purpose is to plan ahead: preventative road maintenance planning as compared to reactive road maintenance after the fact.

Forestierre Housing Development The National Housing Corporation continues to work to lower the price of owning a house and land in Saint Lucia. The completed Forestierre Housing Development provides comparatively cheaper options for home ownership unlike older housing developments in other parts of the island.

These costs range from EC$80,000 to EC$110,000. This housing development includes 60 domestic lots, 2 commercial lots and space for a church and playing field. It has been well received by representatives from the NHC as well as the parliamentary representative for the area.

Dennery North Water Supply Project The first phase of the Dennery North Water Supply Project was formally opened in March 2018. It was a much needed initiative as it remedied the inconsistent water supply issue. Residents of Dennery North could now look forward to more reliable pipe born water. Largely financed by the government of Mexico, the water treatment would serve numerous

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New Bridges communities in the area. Other communities are slated to receive water from this source in later phases of the project.

Aux Lyon Road Rehabilitation 2.29 kilometers of road were repaired in Aux Lyon Dennery in early 2018.

The rehabilitative work included repairing the base of the road, paving and constructing drainage.

Thomazo Bridge Nearing Completion The adjacent bypass is now permanently closed, and the Thomazo Bridge is now open for 2-lane vehicular traffic. The work on the bridge is not yet fully complete, however the closure of the bypass is necessary to undertake work around the bridge. The estimated time frame for completion has since passed, but work continues at a steady pace and motorists can already use the bridge without issue.

Choiseul Village Main Road

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The rehabilitation of the main road through the Choiseul village began in March 2018, and was seen as long overdue by residents. Now completed, the road was repaved and drainage was created alongside it. The road is now in one of the best conditions that it has been.

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PUBLIC SERVICE DAY 2018 We invite public servants and the wider public to come out and celebrate with us, as we honour our dedicated men and women for their invaluable contributions to the Government and people of Saint Lucia.

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he Saint Lucia Public Service will once again join the United Nations in celebrating Public Service Day on June 23, 2018. This day is dedicated to celebrating the value and virtue of public service to the community; highlighting the contribution of public service in the development process; recognizing the work of public servants, and encouraging young people to pursue careers in the public sector.

The theme for this year’s celebration is “Transforming our Public Service: Building Excellence and Promoting Good Governance through Recognition of Outstanding Service.”

The Public Service Day Committee has organized a number of activities to commemorate Public Service Day. These activities will be observed from June 18 to 23, 2018 and include:

(1) “Circle of Excellence Recognition Day”, to be hosted on Monday, June 18, 2018; On this day, emphasis will be placed on the appreciation of our dedicated and hardworking public servants.

(2) a Job Shadowing Day, scheduled for Tuesday, June 19, 2018, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the various Government Agencies; This event will provide upper form students from Secondary Schools, the opportunity to become more knowledgeable about the Public Service and to acquire hands-on experience in public service careers, across the various Government Agencies.

(3) an Ecumenical Service scheduled for Wednesday, June 20, 2018 at 9:30 a.m., at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception; Every year, the Ecumenical Service plays an integral part in the commemoration of Public Service Day. It is intended to bring public servants together, to pray, give thanks and praise, as we come together as a nation, to transform our Public Service, by building excellence and promoting good governance, through recognition of outstanding service.

(4) a Public Lecture, which will be held on Thursday, June 20, 2018 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., at the Saint Lucia Civil Service Association (CSA) Auditorium, Sans Soucis, Castries.

(5) an Open House, to be hosted on Friday, June 22, 2018, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the respective Government Agencies; The Open House event will provide an interactive opportunity for Government agencies to inform and demonstrate to the public, the programmes and services that they provide. This event can help agencies focus attention on both their innovative work and programming the broad array of career opportunities available in Government; inspiring others to consider a career in public service.

(6) Futsal Competition to be held on Saturday, June 23, 2018 from 12:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., at the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground.

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SAINT LUCIA WE LOVE

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

Did you know…

• Saint Lucy, or Lucia of Syracuse’s last name shares a root (luc-) with the Latin word for light, lux. Saint Lucy’s Day is celebrated on December 13, on the same day that Saint Lucia hosts the annual Festival of Lights.

• The late poet and playwright Sir Derek Walcott was the first native Caribbean writer ever to win a Nobel for literature. His parents were both school teachers, and his literary pursuit was encouraged particularly by his mother, after his father passed away when he was a year old.

• Saint Lucia has won numerous international honeymoon destination of the year awards over the years, and currently ranks number three in beach honeymoon destinations on Best Vacation Rankings. The number one and two spots are filled by Tahiti and Bora Bora respectively.

• Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful hidden gems in Saint Lucia, Marigot Bay’s deep and sheltered habour served as the ideal hiding spot for the British during the prolonged war period with the French. As history would have it, the British fleet used palm fronds to conceal their presence from their enemies.

• Even with seasonal production challenges bananas still remain Saint Lucia’s most important crop. Before the introduction of bananas on the export market, Saint Lucia and other Windward Islands exported mainly sugar.

Dominic Fedee -www.facebook.com/dominic.fedee Herod Stanislas -www.facebook.com/herodstanislas

Our Saint Lucia!

Bradly Felix -www.facebook.com/bradlyfelix758 Dr Gale T C Rigobert -www.facebook.com/drgalerigobert758 Edmund Estephane -www.facebook.com/edmundestephane758

Mineral baths, natural beaches, spectacular forest trails, and cascading waterfalls. The options are endless when a sprawling weekend in Saint Lucia comes around – the perfect opportunity to explore the length and breadth of the island. This weekend, why not let the ocean take control as you explore fascinating sea beds and exotic marine life with a courageous scuba dive? There’s lots of sites to choose from including Turtle Reef, Piton Wall, Coral Gardens, Superman’s Flight, La Roche (The Rock), Virgins Cove, Daini Koyomaru Wreck, and many others.

THANK YOU SAINT LUCIA Let's continue to build resilience together

Economic Growth Reduced Unemployment VAT Reduction Record Tourism Arrivals Improved Investor Confidence Road Infrastructure Upgrades

And . . . we're just getting started!