Ministry of Commerce

22/06/2025

The level of automation and customization available at Furniture City in Mon Repos, Micoud seemed to impress the groups of curious procurement officers who were guided through various stages of production by Mr. Obadiah Roserie. We also noted that his hardworking technical team included a significant number of women.

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22/06/2025

Intent on soothing our parched tastebuds, Mrs. Janitha Regobert, owner of Rego’s Naturals in Monchy, Gros Islet, offered procurement personnel several satisfying sips of homegrown herbal teas including orange, lemongrass, ginger and soursop-flavored blends. They were also treated to cups of concentrated cherry juice (a vitamin C booster shot), organic sapodilla, and sweet tamarind. Bottoms up! We applaud Mrs. Regobert’s operational progress since our last site visit.

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22/06/2025

Procurement personnel also visited the premises of Glace Bakery in Marisule, Gros Islet. Thanks to General Manager Mr. Anthony Bousquet who led the tour and accommodated the sampling of the company’s signature brioche burger, cranberry bread, croissants and sunflower seeded buns. Glace Supermarket and Bakery Ltd. has been in existence for 48 years.

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22/06/2025

Field trips to the Caribbean Grains Flour Mill in Vieux Fort always seem to generate excitement, thanks to the hospitality of the CFO Mr. Eddie Antoine and his team. Not only were procurement officers treated to some irresistible, hot-off-the-rack rolls, they also received samples of premium white, whole wheat and rye flours, and special goody bags containing branded aprons, (rolling pin) keychains and pens.

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22/06/2025

Our 💙🇱🇨 engagement with groups of procurement personnel included a guided tour of Noble Tree Coffee Works in Micoud, where we sampled freshly made hot chocolate, coffee and artisanal chocolates lightly infused with local Chairman’s or Bounty rum. Be sure to try the delicious Espresso or Cappuccino chocolate bars also on offer.

21/06/2025

Our outreach sessions were intensified this week with site visits by procurement officers from the various government ministries and the hospitality sector to local manufacturing plants. Check out our visit to Lubeco (1991) Ltd.

21/06/2025

Our time spent promoting the 💙🇱🇨 buy local initiative has been truly memorable. Kudos to the students, administration and staff of the Corinth Secondary School for joining us on this noble journey to support local manufacturers and service providers. In this instance, our Marketing Specialist Mrs. Merlicia Williams-Davy was supported by our Business Development Officer Ms. Leander Calixte who offered some insight into the world entrepreneurship.

13/06/2025

Members ONLY !

The St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce invites you to an informative and thought-provoking one-hour webinar exploring the impact on St. Lucia of the recent shifts in US Trade Policy that is affecting global trade.

Let’s Talk Trade

Theme: The President Trump's “America First” Policy and Current International Trade Uncertainty: What Does This Mean for Saint Lucia?

Date: Tuesday, June 17th, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Location: Zoom (link provided upon registration)

This important Conversation will feature, and be led by, Dr. Jan Yves Remy – Director, Shridath Ramphal Centre for International Trade Law, Policy and Services, who is a leading trade expert in the region.

Contributing to the discussion will be Mr. Brian Louisy – Executive Director, St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture

Together, they will examine the implications of trade nationalism—particularly the “America First” agenda—on international commerce and more particularly Saint Lucia’s trade outlook.

Key Topics Include:

Global trade shifts and their implications for small economies
Navigating uncertainty in the Caribbean trade environment
Practical takeaways for Saint Lucian businesses
Interactive Q&A: Members will have the opportunity to ask questions and share perspectives during the session.

This conversation promises to deliver timely insights for business leaders, exporters, and decision-makers navigating a fast-changing global economy.

Space is limited — reserve your spot today!

13/06/2025

08/06/2025

The Ministry of Commerce extends heartfelt thanks for the warm reception our 💙🇱🇨 team received from the students and staff of the Entrepot Secondary School in our bid to raise consumer consciousness to the importance of buying local. This time, our Marketing Officer Merlicia Williams-Davy was supported by our Business Development Officer Lloyd Eugene who underscored the value of entrepreneurship.

06/06/2025

GOVERNMENT OF SAINT LUCIA ANNOUNCES REMOVAL OF 6% SERVICE CHARGE AS A TARGETED MEASURE TO EASE RISING COSTS

In a continued effort to ease rising costs of imports on citizens and businesses, the Government of Saint Lucia announces the removal of the 6% service charge on specified price-controlled products from June 1st 2025 to May 31st, 2026.

This policy adjustment follows recommendations from the Joint Ministerial Task Force on United States’ tariffs, which has been closely monitoring the fiscal and economic effects of changing global trade dynamics, including anticipated supply chain disruptions, and increased shipping and sourcing costs.

Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Hon. Wayne Girard, confirmed the development during the latest Task Force meeting, describing it as a “pro-people policy to cushion economic shocks.”

“We recognize that international developments, especially tariff changes and supply chain pressures, have contributed to rising prices. The removal of this service charge is one of several steps we are taking to support households and stabilize local markets,” Minister Girard said.

Who Will Benefit:
• Consumers will see immediate price relief on specified price-controlled goods.
• Local manufacturers and small businesses will benefit from reduced procurement costs, supporting national efforts under the “Love Saint Lucia” buy local campaign.

This measure is part of a broader suite of interventions under review by the Task Force, including strategic support for farmers and fishers, trade policy reform, and regional collaboration to protect market access.

The Ministry of Commerce will monitor implementation outcomes and encourages the general public to report any concerns or discrepancies to the Ministry’s Consumer Affairs Department at telephone numbers 468-4226/468-4229/468-4239 or email [email protected].

04/06/2025

Director of Consumer Affairs Mrs. Wendy Frederick refutes claims of empty Government Supply Warehouse. (Scenes are not file footage; filmed today at the Government Supply Warehouse.)