AGP Executive Report

Digital Skills for OECS: The OECS Commission is opening applications for the 2026 OECS Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship Programme (Cohort II) on Sept. 10–20, delivered by UWI Global Campus under the World Bank-backed CARDTP, with training areas spanning AI/ML, cloud, cybersecurity, data analytics, fintech/blockchain, UX/UI, web development and more. Climate Resilience Funding (Bahamian-led, regional impact): The CABRIC programme is offering up to US$5m for locally-led climate resilience projects across the Bahamas, Belize, Grenada, Jamaica and Saint Lucia, with small grants up to US$150,000 and larger categories up to US$500,000 for work like coastal protection, climate-resilient agriculture and early warning systems. Forensic Tech Cooperation: A Caribbean Forensic Scientific Working Group is linking 13 countries plus RSS and CARICOM IMPACS, supported by U.S. funding for lab upgrades and training, aiming to standardize how new synthetic drugs and digital/cyber cases are detected and prepared for court. Local Tech & Capacity: Taiwan has donated desktop computers to the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force to boost administrative and operational capability. Health & Community Spotlight: Dr Irene Coutsoudis joins the Cuppa for CANSA panel in October, highlighting community-based medical leadership in St Lucia. Sports (CPL): Former South Africa spinner Imran Tahir set a new T20 five-wicket record at 47 for the Guyana Amazon Warriors against the St Lucia Kings. Travel & Wellness Trend: A wellness-hospitality shift is underway, with travellers increasingly mixing recovery and preventative care into normal trips rather than booking fixed wellness programmes.

Digital Skills Scholarships: OECS has opened applications (Sept 10–20, 2026) for its Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship Programme, delivered by UWI Global Campus under the World Bank-backed Caribbean Digital Transformation Project, with training areas spanning AI, cybersecurity, cloud, app development, fintech/blockchain, UX/UI and more for eligible citizens including Saint Lucia. Climate Resilience Funding: The Bahamas’ CABRIC programme is offering up to US$5m in grant funding for locally led coastal resilience projects, with categories from small grants (up to US$150,000) to large grants (US$300,000–$500,000), supported by the Green Climate Fund and focused on issues like coastal erosion, extreme weather, ecosystem degradation and early warning. Regional Tech & Diplomacy: The UWI congratulates St Lucia’s Dr Janet Caroo on her appointment as Ambassador to CARICOM and OECS, with a role as Head of the Regional Integration Unit—expected to support priorities including mobility, trade, investment and innovation. Forensic Science Cooperation: A Caribbean forensic push under the U.S.-backed Caribbean Basin Security Initiative aims to strengthen labs and shared standards across 13 countries, linking detection and training (including synthetic-drug work) to improve cross-border investigations and prosecutions. Local Tech Upgrade: Taiwan has donated desktop computers to the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force to support administrative and operational work.

Climate Funding: The CABRIC Programme is set to offer climate resilience grants in the Caribbean, with about US$5 million earmarked for Saint Lucia and grant sizes ranging from US$150,000 (small) to US$500,000 (large), targeting areas like coastal nature solutions, climate-resilient agriculture, fisheries, and early warning systems. Regional Diplomacy: Dr Janet Caroo has been appointed St Lucia’s Ambassador to CARICOM and the OECS, taking effect September 1, as she also leads the Government’s Regional Integration Unit. Small-Island Climate Risk: A UNEP report warns that overshooting 1.5°C will intensify saltwater intrusion, coral loss, coastal flooding, and strain recovery and adaptation for small islands. Local Tech & Inclusion: Saint Lucia’s “See Ability, Not Disability” campaign is rolling out to challenge stigma around persons with disabilities, including the appointment of four ambassadors to share success stories. Agro-Processing Innovation: Hierland Peter says freeze-dried breadfruit slices can extend the fruit’s shelf life to 14 years using agro-processing technology, helping reduce seasonality. Forensics & Security: A U.S.-backed push for Caribbean forensic capacity aims to strengthen synthetic-drug detection and training, linking labs across countries to support court-ready cases. Police Tech Boost: Taiwan has donated desktop computers to the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force to support administrative and operational work.

Climate Funding: The CABRIC Programme will open climate resilience grant applications for Bahamian organizations, with about US$25m across five countries including Saint Lucia and funding tiers from US$150,000 to US$500,000 for projects like coastal protection, climate-smart agriculture and early warning systems. Inclusion & Access: Saint Lucia launches the “See Ability, Not Disability” campaign to challenge stigma around persons with disabilities, featuring four ambassadors to spotlight success stories and push for greater community inclusion. Regional Diplomacy: Dr Janet Caroo has been appointed St Lucia’s Ambassador to CARICOM and OECS, taking on a regional integration leadership role focused on mobility, trade, investment and innovation. Climate Risk for Small Islands: A UNEP report warns that overshooting 1.5°C will intensify saltwater intrusion, coral loss, coastal flooding and strain recovery and adaptation efforts across Caribbean islands. Tech for Policing: Taiwan donates two desktop computers to the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force to strengthen administrative and operational capacity. Forensic Science Boost: A regional push under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative aims to strengthen cross-border forensic work, linking labs and standards to support investigations and court-ready cases. Local STEM Pathways: LUCELEC’s SPISE scholar Anaiah Bousquet says the UWI residential STEM programme helped her build confidence and set higher goals in science and engineering.

Disability Inclusion Drive: Saint Lucia’s “See Ability, Not Disability” campaign is rolling out with a Ministry-led push to challenge stigma and highlight the achievements of Persons With Disabilities, including the appointment of four ambassadors to share success stories. Regional Diplomacy: Dr Janet Caroo has been appointed St Lucia’s Ambassador to CARICOM and OECS, with a new role supporting regional integration priorities like mobility, trade, investment and innovation. Climate Risk for Small Islands: A UNEP report warns the world is set to overshoot 1.5°C, raising threats for Caribbean islands such as saltwater intrusion, reef loss, worse coastal flooding and harder adaptation. Tech for Policing: Taiwan has donated desktop computers to the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force to strengthen administrative and operational capacity. STEM Pathways: LUCELEC’s SPISE scholar Anaiah Bousquet says the UWI residential STEM programme boosted her confidence and helped her set higher education goals. Forensic Science Boost: A regional forensic effort is expanding lab cooperation across Caribbean states to improve detection and prosecution of transnational crime. Underwater Tourism: Saint Lucia has officially launched its National Underwater Sculpture Park, aiming to build reef habitat while creating a new tourism draw and local livelihoods.

Regional Diplomacy: The University of the West Indies congratulates Dr Janet Caroo on her appointment as St Lucia’s Ambassador to CARICOM and OECS, effective Sept 1, with a new role leading the Government’s Regional Integration Unit. Climate & Resilience: A UNEP report warns small islands are set to breach the 1.5°C warming threshold, raising risks like saltwater intrusion, coral loss, worse coastal flooding, and heavier pressure on recovery and adaptation. CARICOM–Africa Links: CARICOM, led by St Lucia’s PM Philip J Pierre, calls for deeper, more strategic cooperation with Africa to boost climate resilience, sustainable development, trade, healthcare, and air connectivity. STEM & Skills: LUCELEC-backed SPISE scholar Anaiah Bousquet says the UWI Cave Hill programme sharpened her STEM confidence and helped her aim higher. Tech for Policing: Taiwan donates desktop computers to the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force to support administrative and operational work. Digital Transformation: Grenada’s Island Innovators hosts a digital transformation assembly aimed at turning ideas into action across the region. Education & Reading: Library Services flags declining reading among children, pointing to technology’s growing influence and urging stronger parent involvement. Broadband Costs: A Broadband Genie study ranks the UK 46th for average mobile data cost per GB, a reminder that affordability varies widely by market.

Climate Risk for Small Islands: A new UNEP report warns the world is expected to breach the 1.5°C warming limit, with Caribbean impacts including saltwater intrusion, reef loss, worse coastal flooding, and added strain on recovery and adaptation. Tech for Policing: Taiwan has donated two desktop computers to the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force to strengthen administrative and operational capacity. Literacy and Tech: As Saint Lucia marks International Literacy Day, the Library Services Director flags declining reading among children and points to technology’s growing influence, urging parents to help build a love of reading. Connectivity Costs: A Broadband Genie study ranks the UK 46th globally for average mobile broadband data cost at about $0.27 per 1GB, noting results vary by plan rules and network performance. STEM Pathways: LUCELEC’s SPISE scholar Anaiah Bousquet says the UWI Cave Hill programme boosted her confidence and ambitions after a rigorous, cross-Caribbean STEM experience. Forensics in the Region: A Caribbean forensic science push is expanding lab standards and training to help link cases across borders, including synthetic-drug detection and court-ready work.

Tech & Education: Saint Lucia’s Library Services Director Sally Rosemond is sounding the alarm ahead of International Literacy Day, saying children’s reading habits are slipping as technology pulls attention away—and urging parents to step in and help rebuild a love of books. Connectivity Costs: A new Broadband Genie study of 3,446 SIM-only plans across 234 markets puts the UK at 46th for average mobile broadband cost, at about $0.27 per 1GB—useful context for how affordability shapes access to learning and services. STEM Pathways: LUCELEC’s SPISE scholar Anaiah Bousquet says the UWI Cave Hill residential STEM programme boosted her confidence and ambitions, pushing her to think beyond the region for future study and impact. Policing Tech Boost: Taiwan donated two desktop computers to the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force to strengthen administrative and operational capacity. Forensics & Crime Fighting: A Caribbean forensic science push is expanding shared standards and lab support, with Saint Lucia and partners working to improve cross-border links for investigations and prosecutions. Digital Governance: Prime Minister Andrew Holness told delegates that technology should serve democracy—not replace human judgement—at the CPA Caribbean, Americas and Atlantic conference in Jamaica.

Forensic Tech & Crime Fighting: The U.S. says it’s grateful to Guyana after a new migration cooperation framework sent a limited, vetted group of non-criminal deportees (including Afghans and Cubans) via IOM’s Assisted Voluntary Return Programme—showing how cross-border systems are being operationalised. Public Safety Tech Boost: Taiwan’s embassy donated two desktop computers to the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force to strengthen administrative and operational capacity. Regional Science for Justice: A Caribbean forensic push is expanding shared standards and lab links across 13 countries, with Saint Lucia and Guyana adopting DEA’s GUARDS approach to detect new synthetics and connect cases across borders. Local Marine Innovation: Saint Lucia has officially unveiled its National Underwater Sculpture Park, aiming to build sustainable “high-breed reefs,” ease pressure on existing reefs, and create a new tourism product tied to local stories. Digital Governance: Prime Minister Holness told the CPA conference that technology should serve democracy—not replace human judgement—while Nevis youth parliamentarians discussed AI’s implications for the Caribbean’s digital future. Workplace Compliance Watch: Australia’s University of Queensland agreed to an enforceable undertaking after about $11m in wage underpayments, including interest and super, affecting thousands of staff across multiple campuses.

Prison Reform in Focus: A new look at Saint Lucia’s penal system revisits how the Bordelais Correctional Facility (opened in 2003) was meant to replace the overcrowded, unsafe Her Majesty’s Prison in Castries—and why rehabilitation and lower reoffending remain the ongoing challenge. Tech for Policing: The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force received a technology boost from Taiwan’s embassy, with two desktop computers donated to strengthen administrative and operational support. Forensics & Crime Fighting: A regional push is strengthening forensic science across the Caribbean, with U.S. support for lab upgrades and training aimed at improving detection of synthetic drugs and producing court-ready links between cases across borders. Digital Governance: Prime Minister Andrew Holness told delegates at the CPA Caribbean conference that technology should serve democracy—not replace human judgement—while parliaments modernise for citizens’ expectations. Tourism Meets Science: Saint Lucia has officially launched its National Underwater Sculpture Park, aiming to create sustainable reef habitat while building a new tourism product that tells local stories. Workplace Rights: The University of Queensland signed an enforceable undertaking after about $11 million in wage underpayments over nearly a decade, affecting thousands of staff across campuses including St Lucia in Brisbane.

Prison Reform & Reintegration: A look back at Saint Lucia’s shift from the notorious Her Majesty’s Prison in Castries to the Bordelais Correctional Facility in Dennery—and why rehabilitation and lower recidivism remain the real long-term test. Police Tech Boost: Taiwan’s embassy donated two desktop computers to the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force to strengthen administrative and operational capacity. Underwater Tourism Innovation: Saint Lucia officially unveiled its National Underwater Sculpture Park at Odsan Warehouse, aiming to build high-breed reefs, ease pressure on existing coral, and create new livelihoods through a reef-based attraction. Digital Governance in Parliament: Nevis leaders are taking part in the CPA conference on “Strengthening Parliaments in the Digital Age,” with youth parliamentarians set to discuss AI’s impact on the Caribbean’s digital future. Sports Science Spotlight: Julien Alfred’s recent sprint performance is prompting coaching-style technical talk on start mechanics and dip timing as she targets more speed ahead. Local Tech & Skills Pathways: Lionel University’s partnership with Fit Bodies highlights routes for fitness and wellness professionals to gain international teaching experience, including opportunities tied to St Lucia.

Tech & Policing: Taiwan’s embassy donated two desktop computers to the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, boosting officers’ administrative and operational capacity and supporting better delivery of policing services. Sports Science: Saint Lucia’s Julien Alfred is pushing for more speed after a strong Zurich 100m run, with coaches Justin Gatlin and Rodney Green pointing to start mechanics and dip timing as key areas to refine. Marine Tourism: Saint Lucia officially unveiled its National Underwater Sculpture Park at Odsan Warehouse, aiming to build high-breed reefs, ease pressure on existing coral, and create a sustainable tourism product that tells local stories. Governance in the Digital Age: Prime Minister Andrew Holness stressed that technology should serve democracy, not replace human judgement, as the CPA conference focuses on strengthening parliaments in the digital era. Regional Tech Policy: Nevis is taking part in the CPA conference with a presentation on maintaining parliamentary decorum online, and will also host a virtual youth parliament session on AI.

Tech & Public Safety: Taiwan has donated computers to the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force to boost day-to-day operations and technology capacity. Tourism & Marine Science: Saint Lucia has officially unveiled its National Underwater Sculpture Park, aiming to build high-breed reefs, reduce pressure on existing reefs, and create a long-term tourism and livelihoods draw. Sports Science: Julien Alfred says she’s ready to go even faster after a strong Zurich 100m showing, with coaches and athletes pointing to technical tweaks for her next races. Governance in the Digital Age: Prime Minister Andrew Holness told delegates that technology should serve democracy, not replace human judgement, as the CPA conference focuses on parliaments adapting to digital expectations. Local Water Reality Check: A deep dive into Babonneau’s water shortages traces how the Hill 20 system relies on river intakes and treatment capacity—highlighting why outages persist despite local water sources. Workplace Compliance: The University of Queensland signed an enforceable undertaking after about $11m in wage underpayments, including interest and superannuation, affecting thousands of staff across campuses.

Hospitality & AI: The Ascott’s MEAT boss Vincent Miccolis says AI is reshaping how guests choose and how hotels operate, as the group grows its regional footprint. Local Tourism Tech & Marine Science: Saint Lucia has officially launched its National Underwater Sculpture Park, aiming to build “high-breed” reefs, ease pressure on existing reefs, and create a new reef-based tourism product. Water & Infrastructure: A deep dive into Babonneau’s water shortages points to how the Hill 20 system draws from river intakes and springs, while outages raise questions about long-term supply reliability. Policy & Migration Oversight: The UWP is pushing for more transparency over Saint Lucia’s plan to receive third-country nationals removed from the US, questioning background checks and guarantees. Regional Governance in the Digital Age: Nevis and regional youth leaders are taking part in the CPA conference in Jamaica, focusing on parliamentary decorum and youth leadership amid AI. Workplace Rights: Australia’s University of Queensland signed an enforceable undertaking after about $11m in wage underpayments, including for staff at its St Lucia campus—an international reminder for payroll compliance. Renewables Funding Call: IRENA is inviting renewable project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, including Saint Lucia, for financing and de-risking support.

Underwater Tourism Tech: Saint Lucia has officially launched its National Underwater Sculpture Park at Odsan Warehouse, with sculptures unveiled and plans to build “high-breed reefs” to ease pressure on existing reefs while creating a new tourism draw and local livelihoods. Regional Policy & AI Governance: Prime Minister Andrew Holness told delegates at the CPA Caribbean, Americas and Atlantic conference that technology should serve democracy, not replace human judgement, as Nevis prepares digital-age parliamentary discussions and youth sessions on AI. Sports Science Spotlight: Saint Lucian sprinter Julien Alfred is being backed to go even faster after a Zurich personal-best, with coaches pointing to technical tweaks in her dip and acceleration. STEM for the ECCU: The ECCB wrapped its Generative AI and Python Summer Camp, showcasing chatbot and multimedia projects aimed at real ECCU service challenges like banking, credit reporting, ports, and water. Local Water Reliability: A report on Babonneau’s water shortages explains how the Hill 20 system relies on river intakes feeding treatment, raising questions about long-term supply-demand balance. Business & Innovation: The Saint Lucia Business Awards are set for Jan 30, 2027, with new categories including environmental conservation to spotlight resilient local operators.

Digital Governance in the Region: Nevis is sending Assembly President Michelle Slack-Clarke to the 48th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conference in Jamaica, focused on “Strengthening Parliaments in the Digital Age,” including how to keep parliamentary decorum as artificial intelligence enters youth politics. AI Skills for ECCU: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank is wrapping up its 2026 Generative AI and Python Summer Camp with a public showcase of chatbot and multimedia projects built by students across ECCU member states. Renewables Funding Call: IRENA is inviting renewable energy developers in the Caribbean and Central America to submit projects for possible support via its Climate Investment Platform and Energy Transition Accelerator Financing. Local Science & Water: A report on Babonneau’s water shortages points to the Hill 20 water system’s river intake setup and ongoing supply-demand challenges behind outages. Marine Tourism Tech: Saint Lucia has unveiled its National Underwater Sculpture Park, aiming to build sustainable “high-breed reefs” while boosting tourism and local livelihoods. Sports Science Spotlight: Julien Alfred is being backed to go even faster after her Zurich performance, with coaches discussing start mechanics and dip timing.