Regional Integration Unit, Saint Lucia

30/11/2022

The Regional Integration Unit congratulates the Government and People of Barbados on this their Fifty-Sixth Anniversary of Independence. Today also marks the First Anniversary of the decisive move to reorient their relationship with Britain by removing the Queen as their Head of State and establishing the Republic.

Barbados was a founding member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and has continued to contribute significantly in the area of regional integration. They are tasked with advancing the Caribbean Single Market and Economy within CARICOM's Quasi-cabinet.

The Unit extends our warmest wishes to Barbadians near and far as they celebrate this momentous occasion. We wish them well as they continue to vigorously pursue the advancement, fulfillment and the holistic development of their people, emboldened by their motto; ' Pride and Industry'.

03/11/2022

Today, The Commonwealth of Dominica celebrates its 44th Anniversary of Independence under the theme "One Dominica, One People, One Vision". This theme demonstrates the unity of the People of Dominica in achieving their common goal of development and prosperity. Upon their Independence in 1978 Dominica became a republic. As a small and young nation, they asserted their sovereignty; chosing not to become a part of the Commonwealth Realm and broke formal ties with the Queen and Empire. Dominica has also adopted the Caribbean Court of Justice as its final appellate court, underscoring their good faith in regional jurisprudence.

A nation known for its natural beauty and its contribution to the Region in the area of Sustainability and Environmental Protection, Dominica is also the birthplace of The Right Honourable Patricia Scotland KC; the current Commonwealth Secretary General. A woman of firsts, she was the first woman to hold this position, the first black woman to be appointed a Queen’s Counsel (QC) and the first woman to hold the post of Attorney General in the United Kingdom since it was created in 1315.

The Regional Integration Unit expresses congratulations to the Government and People of Dominica as they continue to work together; investing in their people, preserving their heritage and honouring their motto : 'Apres Bondie C'est La Ter'.

01/11/2022

Today, November 1, 2022 the people of Antigua and Barbuda celebrate 41 years since gaining independence and prizing self-determination above all else as their chosen path to development.

This year, Antigua and Barbuda celebrates under the theme: "Moving Forward with Unity, Strength and Stability".

Antigua and Barbuda is the Chairman of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), where they have championed the cause of small islands and coastal countries by actively refocusing global attention and seeking solutions to what is an existential threat to our lives and livelihoods in the Region.

The Regional Integration Unit expresses congratulations to the Government and People of Antigua and Barbuda on this remarkable milestone.

27/10/2022

27/10/2022

The Regional Integration Unit joins with the region in celebrating St. Vincent and the Granadines, on the occasion of their 43rd Anniversary of Independence. Our neighbour, and fellow members of both OECS and CARICOM, Saint Lucia shares many close ties with the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The nation served as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for a two year period from 2020 to 2021, to date the smallest in terms of size and population to serve in this position. In November 2020, St. Vincent served as president of the UNSC, a tenure that aimed to tackle challenges important to SIDS inclusive of climate change, the environment and COVID19.

This year, St. Vincent and the Grenadines celebrates with the theme "Our Resilience, Our Fortitude, Our People", aptly chosen, in recognition of the will and strength of the Vincentian people who overcame the effects of a volcanic eruption in the midst of a global pandemic.

Congratulations to the Government and People of St Vincent and the Grenadines on your 43rd Anniversary of Independence!

31/08/2022

Today August 31, 2022 marks 60 years since the twin island nation of Trinidad and Tobago gained independence from British rule. The country's first Prime Minister Eric Williams is celebrated as one of the founding fathers of the Region's integration movement, and helped to set the foundation of cooperation and coordination upon which our Caribbean Community has been built. The birthplace of pan and the mecca of carnival in our Region, Trinidad and Tobago also hosts regional institutions such as the University of the West Indies St. Augustine Campus, the Caribbean Court of Justice as well as the headquarters of the Association of Caribbean States.

This diamond jubilee is being observed under the theme . The RIU congratulates the Government and People of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago on their 60th Anniversary of Independence and wishes them continued prosperity as they continue to aspire and achieve together as one people.

31/08/2022

In 2023, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) will commemorate the Fiftieth Anniversary of the establishment of the Organisation. To celebrate this milestone anniversary, various events and activities have been planned, one of the first being the CARICOM 50th Anniversary Slogan Competition.

This competition aims to raise awareness and sensitize citizens of the Community on the role, importance and achievements of CARICOM in the regional integration development agenda over the past 50 years. The competition further aims to interest and actively engage citizens in the celebration of the Community’s Anniversary in a manner that encourages creativity, inventiveness and learning, while fostering and infusing the CARICOM Identity and Spirit of Community and Unity.

The Regional Integration Unit – Office of the Prime Minister, invites all eligible persons to participate in this competition. The Slogan should uniquely communicate the CARICOM Identity and Spirit; reflect the lived experiences of a citizen of the Community; evoke pride in the achievement of the Community over the past 50 years, and build excitement for CARICOM’s next 50 years.

The Slogan presented must be unpublished and created specifically for this competition. The winning entrant gives permission to CARICOM Member States and CARICOM Secretariat to use their submission in print and digital media for marketing and promotional purposes.

The winner will receive a monetary prize of US$500.00. In addition, the winning Slogan will be featured on CARICOM’s social media platforms, official documents, paraphernalia and promotional items during the celebration of the Community’s 50th Anniversary.
Participants must be citizens of a CARICOM Member State or Associate Member as at the date of the deadline for CARICOM 50th Anniversary Slogan submissions.
Submissions should be sent to [email protected] by the deadline date of September 9, 2022.
For the General Guidelines for participation, and for the Entry Form please visit https://www.govt.lc/news/caricom-50th-anniversary-slogan-competition.

04/07/2022

Today, the Region celebrates forty-nine years since the signing of the original Treaty of Chaguaramas which established the Caribbean Community. The architects of our integration movement - leaders of the small states once traded as commodities - saw the establishment of our bloc as a tool for advancement, and a means to leverage our voices to demand recognition and change within the global community.

CARICOM has matured into a functional integration arrangement which aims to promote development, and provides protection from external threats to lives and livelihoods of the citizens of the Region. We have much to be grateful for and even more to celebrate.

The Regional Integration Unit wishes all citizens of CARICOM a happy , as we continue to move forward as one Community.

22/06/2022

Today, June 22, 2022, students from the University of Birmingham visited H.E. Elma Gene Isaac and the Regional Integration Unit. The students were engaged in lively discussions on international relations, trade, geopolitics and current affairs. The engagement provided the students with an opportunity to gain insight on the workings of our integration movement within the Region and the coordination mechanisms within the OECS and CARICOM which work for the betterment of citizens.

22/06/2022

PHILIP J. PIERRE CHALLENGES GLOBAL LEADERS TO ‘PUT PEOPLE FIRST’ AT CHOGM 2022

Castries, Saint Lucia – At his first official speaking engagement at the 26th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting [CHOGM] currently underway in Kigali, Rwanda, Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre at the request of Commonwealth Secretary General, The Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland, addressed stakeholders and global leaders at the Climate Change and the Commonwealth: Accelerating Action - Breakfast Meeting on June 22.

The Prime Minister championed the concerns of Small Island Developing States [SIDS] who although collectively contribute less than 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions, bear the brunt of climate catastrophes including perpetually intensifying weather events.

“We recognize that Small Island Developing States, together, emit only around 0.6 % of global greenhouse gas emissions - a mere drop in the ocean. Notwithstanding, Saint Lucia and other SIDS have remained committed to their Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets and continue to push ahead with actions when considered collectively, reflect extremely ambitious targets. We believe in collective action at all levels, and it is for this reason that Saint Lucia continues to work with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Commission, to spearhead the NDC Finance Initiative. This Initiative is strong on building partnerships for NDC implementation-the type of partnership that represents the Commonwealth Secretariat’s focus on strengthening its members’ resilience.” The Prime Minister remarked.

Overcoming financing hurdles and securing equitable access to climate-related financing pledged by the world’s largest greenhouse gas emitters, Hon. Pierre asserted, must be prioritized to enhance the capacity of SIDS to transition to climate resilient infrastructure to mitigate the unavoidable effects of warming temperatures on our fragile ecosystems, lands, environment and citizens and livelihoods.

“The synergistic approach of the Commonwealth Living Lands Charter, presents an opportunity here at CHOGM, to strive towards halting the silo-operation that seems to be the order of the day, where donors expect us to separate climate and development matters when we request funding when clearly, climate change is a developmental matter and our ability to develop is impeded by the impacts of climate extremes, which we are forced to address. We are expected to request grant support for policies, strategies, awareness-raising, capacity building, assessments, and feasibility studies, but we are required to take loans for the actual implementation of large, tangible, on-the-ground projects. Similarly, the UN Climate Conference Subsidiary Body meetings have just concluded and many feel that we are no closer to getting a Loss and Damage Finance Facility that provides needs-based, accessible support for people who are facing the climate emergency now.

It is time to change the rhetoric as we battle the disastrous effects of hurricanes, food insecurity and increasing poverty levels. Let us put our people first.

Let us join in making this Commonwealth Living Lands Charter, this CALL, make a difference to the status quo so that history will mark us as the group of leaders who walked it like we talked it.”


ENDS

17/06/2022

OECS Celebrates 41 years

19/05/2022

The Opening Ceremony for the Agri-Investment Forum and Expo with be livestreamed on the CARICOM You Tube channel - https://www.youtube.com/c/caricomorg and CARICOM page - https://www.facebook.com/caricom.org today, Thursday 19 May 2022 from 10:00 a.m. Guyana/Barbados Time, 9:00 a.m. Jamaica Time.

19/05/2022

Press Release

New Support for Businesses in Saint Lucia Impacted by Covid-19

• Team Europe finance to help businesses in Saint Lucia get access to finance
• First EIB agreement in the Eastern Caribbean since the launch of EIB Global
• Financing and technical advice contributes to the EU's response to the Covid-19 pandemic

The European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Saint Lucia Development Bank (SLDB) are partnering to deliver XCD 13.5m (USD 5m) in financing for Covid-impacted businesses.

The funding will provide micro, small and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs), which can struggle to get financing through the traditional financial sector, with short and medium-term loans. The short-term financing would support working capital and liquidity needs of the MSMEs affected by the Covid-19 breakout, while the medium-term financing would help them invest to expand their business, thereby creating and sustaining jobs.

During a signature event in Saint Lucia, the EU and SLDB today signed an agreement for training and consulting services to help promote responsible financial inclusion to reduce poverty and encourage entrepreneurship, targeting in particular women and youth. The training and consulting services, which will benefit SLDB and its clients, will help improve the quantity and quality of financial services on offer in Saint Lucia, and is being paid for by an EU grant.

Hon. Emma Hippolyte Minister for Commerce, Manufacturing, Business Development, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs, said: “At this time, when we have faced such unprecedented economic hardship, we recognise that the private sector is key to allowing our economy to grow and flourish again. Therefore, we are providing support to the businesses of Saint Lucia to access affordable credit, together with the EU. We will target young entrepreneurs, and female-led businesses, as we diversify the economy and make the very best of Saint Lucia’s much-valued talent and resources.”

Ricardo Mourinho Félix, European Investment Bank Vice President responsible for the Caribbean said: “Providing additional liquidity for working capital and attractive financing conditions for new investment projects in Saint Lucia will be critical for the survival of local businesses as they emerge from the crisis. With its expertise in development finance, SLDB can help ensure that funding is made available to the businesses that need it in a short timeframe. This loan in the Caribbean offers a tangible example of the EIB's response to the Covid-19 pandemic and its approach to tackling issues affecting small island states, including entrepreneurship barriers, social exclusion and low economic growth”.

EU Ambassador, H.E. Malgorzata Wasilewska said: “This cooperation is an example of EU blended finance, in which we complement financing from the European Investment Bank with grants, to increase the affordability and the impact of our support. We have world-class consultants from the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management working with SLDB to help them refine their strategy and internal processes, and increase their impact in the market. This is Team Europe supporting Saint Lucia, a valued partner of the EU, to help recover from the pandemic.”

Cornelius Sidonie, Managing Director of Saint Lucia Development Bank, said: “The MSME sector is a critical pillar of economic growth in Saint Lucia, as it accounts for a sizeable share of the workforce and GDP. The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the sector, and it is therefore of paramount importance to increase the resilience of MSMEs. This funding from the EIB is intended to benefit MSMEs that are financially excluded or under-served by the traditional financial sector in Saint Lucia, with short-term and medium-term financing. The technical assistance component of the project is geared at strengthening the technical capacity and r esources of the bank to better serve our business sector. So, as we are on the cusp of the first drawdown, I need to say thanks to the EIB team for their unwavering support throughout the process.”

EIB Global: a new partner for Team Europe

Last year, the EIB Group provided USD 8.3bn of financing to projects in more than 160 countries outside the European Union including in the Caribbean, bringing the total amount of investments outside the EU to more than EUR 1.5tn in the EIB’s history since 1958.

Underlining its worldwide reach, in January 2022 the EIB announced the establishment of EIB Global, its new division dedicated to international partnerships and development finance. EIB Global will bring together all of the EIB’s resources and expertise for financing projects around the world under a new governance structure to make a stronger, more focused contribution to Team Europe projects and initiatives.

Sustainable development goals

The loan is expected to contribute towards a number of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - in particular to SDG-8 "Decent work and economic growth" and SDG-10 “Reduced inequalities”, and ultimately towards SDG-1 “No Poverty”. The loan contributes to the EU cooperation and development strategy for Caribbean region in general and Saint Lucia in particular, specifically addressing the special needs of small island developing states (SIDS) in terms of inclusive and sustainable private sector development.

The EIB in Latin America and the Caribbean

Since the EIB began operating in Latin America and the Caribbean, it has provided total financing of USD 11.6bn to support 150 projects in 15 countries in the region. The EIB has been working in the Caribbean since 1978, providing almost €2 billion in financing for 221 projects. The EIB has provided a total of USD 45m to projects in Saint Lucia since it began investments in the country in 1981.

Background information:

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union owned by the EU Member States. It makes long-term finance available for sound investments in order to contribute towards EU policy goals.

EIB Global is the EIB Group’s new specialised arm dedicated to increasing the impact of international partnerships and development finance. EIB Global is designed to foster strong, focused partnership within the overall Team Europe approach for transformational projects, alongside the EU’s grant programmes, fellow development finance institutions and civil society. EIB Global brings the EIB Group closer to people, companies and institutions through our offices across the world.

Saint Lucia Development Bank (SLDB) is a government-owned bank with a mandate to mobilize and provide finance for and promote and facilitate the expansion and strengthening of the economic development of Saint Lucia. It focuses on making loans for enterprises in the areas of agriculture, fishing, forestry, manufacturing/industry, tourism, education, services and other areas; providing technical assistance to enterprises; and such other things considered necessary in the pursuit of socio-economic and capital market development in Saint Lucia and the sub-region.

Press contacts:

Saint Lucia Development Bank: Philbert Francis, Business Development and Marketing Manager, +1 758 456-7560, [email protected]

EIB: David Yormesor, Media Officer, [email protected], tel.: +352 4379 89076, mobile: +352 621 554 578
Website: www.eib.org/press – Press Office: +352 4379 21000 – [email protected]

Delegation of the European Union to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean States, the OECS and CARICOM/CARIFORUM: Wayne Lewis, Press and Information Officer, +1 246 243 2431, [email protected]

18/03/2022

Government of Saint Lucia Outlines its Position on Russian Applicants to CIP

The Government of Saint Lucia (GOSL) wishes to express its deep disappointment with the repeated comments made by former Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Allen Chastanet in relation to the Citizenship Investment Unit and acceptance of Russian applicants. The Government believes that these comments are irresponsible, malicious, and deliberately designed to hurt Saint Lucia, the people of Saint Lucia, and the Programme. Hon. Chastanet knows that the Programme has been acting in accordance with all international decisions and actions. Hon. Allen Chastanet knows the importance of the CIP to Saint Lucia.

The Government of Saint Lucia has joined the rest of the international community to condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine and expressed its solidarity and support for the Government and the People of Ukraine. The GOSL will continue to support all international efforts to sanction the regimes in Russia and Belorussia and will take all necessary action when called upon to do so.

The GOSL has clearly stated that Saint Lucia, as a principle, does not support the discrimination of any person based on their nationality. The GOSL supports the call to restrict the access of any Russian national to use the CIP to avoid sanctions and mask their affiliation to the Russian regime. However, some individuals have applied who have lived outside Russia for many years and themselves have been persecuted or needed to flee the actions of the regime. It was felt that these people should not be abandoned and disregarded once they pass due diligence. The CIP Unit in Saint Lucia now has a very rigid and robust due diligence process that is done in consultation with our international partners and friendly Governments.

The GOSL has continued to dialogue and discuss with all its international friends to ensure that it is part of the international effort to restrict the Russian regime and to ensure transparency and openness in the operations of its CIP Unit.

Accordingly, the GOSL will now do the following:

1. Review all the Russians who have been given citizenship during the Allen Chastanet administration and to date to ensure that no one who is sanctioned was granted citizenship and a passport;

2. Revoke the citizenship of anyone who was granted citizenship and is now sanctioned. Citizens who are not on the sanctions list will continue to enjoy citizenship;

3. Suspend the processing of applications from nationals of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus.

The GOSL will continue to make representation for persons who are special cases suffering from persecution and discrimination from the Russian regime and are in need of support in these difficult circumstances.

End.

18/03/2022

https://fb.watch/bQhpMLVJif/

Press Release
17th March, 2022

Prime Minister to Attend 6th Sitting of the OECS Assembly

The Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Hon. Philip J. Pierre is scheduled to attend the 6th Sitting of the OECS Assembly on Friday, March 18th, 2022 in Antigua & Barbuda. The Assembly is being convened under the theme “The Shift: Embracing New Platforms & Innovative Models for Leadership in Sustainability.”

Hon. Pierre is scheduled to leave Saint Lucia on Thursday, March 17th, and will return on Saturday, March 19th. In his absence, Hon. Ernest Hilaire will act as the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia.

End.

08/03/2022

Happy International Women's Day.

May God continue to be our guide and protector.

08/03/2022

Happy International Women's Day!

Today is the day to commit to standing up for the human rights of women everywhere.

Let's unite for an equal and sustainable future!

08/03/2022

08/03/2022

Today, the Regional Integration Unit joins the World in celebrating International Women's Day under the theme : "Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow. "

Though the needle has shifted and we live in a time, where now more than ever, women occupy leadership positions as Heads of State and Government and Directors and Secretaries General of regional institutions, there is still much work to be done. We must tackle bias and discrimination, enact legislation which further protect the rights of women and girls and create opportunities for advancement and parity.

Households within the Region are largely female-headed and women remain disproportionately affected by disaster and economic shocks which disrupt livelihoods. It is clear that striving for gender equality and representation ought to remain paramount in order to reduce poverty and hunger, increase social mobility, create safe spaces and achieve sustainable development within our societies.

We salute all women on this International Women's Day, especially those who struggle to be seen, to be heard and to even exist. We commit to continuing the work necessary to ensuring that gender equality remains central to regional agendas and that women are empowered as partners, leaders and drivers of sustainability and development within the Caribbean Community.

07/03/2022

The Thirty-Third Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was held in San Pedro, Belize on 1-2 March, 2022 under the Chairmanship of Hon. John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize.

Heads of Government presided over a number of issues, key of which included a mandate to identify ten major non-food items imported into the region for which there is production capacity and potential and significant demand, as these could constitute priority products for investment and trade within the Community. Heads of Government in discussing the CARICOM Agri-Food Systems Agenda, noted the challenges associated with meeting the proposed 25 per cent reduction in the Region's food import bill by 2025 and recognised the need for increased financial support by Member States.

Key also was the creation of the Quasi-cabinet portfolio of Industrial Policy, to be headed by Suriname; the revitalization of the CARICOM Economic Recovery and Transformation (CERT) Working Committee; and the adoption and opening for signature of the Protocol on Enhanced Cooperation among Member States.

Saint Lucia was represented virtually by Prime Minister, Hon. Philip Pierre; in person by Minister for External Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Alva Baptiste, accompanied by Saint Lucia's Ambassador to CARICOM and OECS Ambassador, H.E. Elma Gene Isaac (pictured).

For further information, see the Communique issued by CARICOM.
[ https://today.caricom.org/2022/03/03/communique-3/ ]

07/02/2022

Today, Grenada celebrates 48 years of independence from British rule with the theme: "Overcoming our Adversities - Safeguarding Livelihoods - Protecting our Future". This is fitting as our small economies seek to recover amidst the ravages of the COVID19 pandemic.

Within the CARICOM Quasi-Cabinet, Grenada is responsible for matters related to Science and Technology (including Information and Communications). Though one of the smaller territories within the community, Grenada has spearheaded numerous initiatives in CARICOM including expanding the involvement of girls and women in ICT and engagement with regional Telecommunications Providers regarding the removal of roaming charges - a work in progress.

The Regional Integration Unit congratulates the people of Tri-Island State of Grenada on their growth, their development and their achievements and looks forward to continuing working together on the advancement of the Regional agenda.

25/11/2021

Violence against women and girls is a human rights violation that’s been perpetuated for decades. It’s pervasive, but it’s not inevitable, unless we stay silent.

Speak out, & break the cycle of abuse during of Activism! Take action today: http://unwo.men/FTWA50GWcVQ

25/11/2021

The Regional Integration Unit expresses congratulations to the Government and People of the Republic of Suriname on the celebration of their 46th Anniversary of Independence, today November 25, 2021. The only Dutch speaking nation in the Caribbean Community, Suriname is also the only sovereign country outside of Europe where Dutch is the official language of government, business and education. Suriname, which joined the Organisation on July 4, 1995, is responsible for Community Development and Cultural Cooperation (including Culture, Gender, Youth and Sport) in the CARICOM Quasi-Cabinet.

Fijne Onafhankelijkheidsdag Suriname!

09/11/2021

Statement by Honorable Stephenson King, Parliamentary Representative for Castries North and Minister for Infrastructure, Ports, Transport, Physical Development and Urban Renewal on the occasion of CARICOM Energy Month.

An address by Hon. Stephenson King, Senior Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Ports, Transport, Physical Development and Urban Renewal, on the occasi...

09/11/2021

November is CARICOM Energy Month. This year, we celebrate under the theme 'From Dependence to Resilience: Fueling our Recovery with Sustainable Energy'. CARICOM will be showcasing the Community's collective efforts to advance our regions recovery efforts, while emphasizing the critical role of citizens as we transition to sustainable production, delivery and use of energy within Member States.

A number of exciting and educational activities have been planned. View the video/link attached to learn more.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=eIjv4Gmz8NI&feature=share

03/11/2021

Our Sister Isle, the Commonwealth of Dominica, celebrates today her 43rd Anniversary of Independence. A young nation like Saint Lucia, Dominica shares many common bonds with our island as do persons in the same generation. A similar creole heritage, members of OECS and CARICOM, users of a common currency - the Eastern Caribbean dollar, tourism and agricultural dependent economies, we face many similar opportunities and challenges. Thus, we look to each other for advice, strengthen each other in distress, and celebrate each other in our achievements.

This year, Dominica celebrates under the theme 'United in Purpose: Our Health, Our Heritage, Our Future' which speaks to their common goals as a nation, but also the uniqueness of the Dominican people.

In the recent past, Dominica has had to demonstrate resilience and courage in rebuilding after the devastating effects of natural disasters inclusive of Category 5 Hurricane Maria. There is no doubt that this same fortitude has been and will continue to be demonstrated in facing future challenges.

The Regional Integration Unit expresses congratulations to the Government and People of Dominica as they celebrate this landmark achievement.