Joint Ministerial Task Force - Saint Lucia

02/10/2025

From Data to Action: Safeguarding Families Amid Rising Costs

The Government of Saint Lucia’s commitment to protecting households from rising food prices and the global impacts of U.S. tariffs is strengthened by ongoing initiatives like the seventh round of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS 7). Conducted nationwide from Micoud to Anse La Raye, Bocage and beyond, this survey provides government with the critical, household-level data needed to make evidence-based policy decisions.

Developed by UNICEF, the MICS equips governments with timely and reliable indicators on health, nutrition, education, protection, and living conditions. In the context of the Joint Ministerial Task Force on Tariffs, the insights from MICS are particularly valuable: they highlight the real impact of rising food costs on families, especially the most vulnerable.

By aligning tariff mitigation strategies with the findings of MICS, the Government ensures that policies are not only reactive to global economic pressures but also proactive in safeguarding citizens’ well-being. Whether through targeted social support, strengthening local food systems, or ensuring equitable access to nutrition, the combination of rigorous data and coordinated government action underscores Saint Lucia’s commitment to leaving no one behind.

31/08/2025

TARIFF UPDATE: A federal appeals court has delivered a significant blow to US President Donald Trump’s sweeping "reciprocal" tariff regime, ruling that he exceeded his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) by imposing broad, long-lasting import duties.

The decision pauses these tariffs, initially set at a 10% baseline for most countries, from taking effect until at least October 14, giving Trump time to appeal to the Supreme Court. If upheld, the ruling could lead to substantial refunds and curtailed executive power in trade policy.

31/08/2025

Saint Lucia at Expo 2025 Osaka: Trade Resilience in Action

As global trade rules shift, Saint Lucia is showing how small states can adapt and thrive. With new U.S. tariffs raising challenges for Caribbean exporters, the Government launched a Ministerial Task Force to safeguard businesses and explore new strategies.

At Expo 2025 in Osaka, this vision is on display:

1. Tourism as a catalyst, with nearly 1M pavilion visitors.
2. Exports like sea moss, rums, chocolates, and creative industries taking the spotlight.
3. A Business Forum opening doors in energy, tech, agriculture, and more.
4. High-level advocacy positioning Saint Lucia as open, innovative, and resilient.

By diversifying markets, elevating local brands, and leveraging cultural pride, Saint Lucia is proving that resilience is more than policy; it’s strategy in motion.

25/08/2025

Making Life More Affordable for Every Saint Lucian

The Government of Saint Lucia has taken decisive steps to protect households from rising global costs and shifting trade tariffs, especially .

🔹 Feminine Hygiene Products – Sanitary pads, tampons, and similar items are now permanently VAT-free, ensuring women and girls save at least 12.5% every time they shop. This landmark measure directly combats period poverty, backed by a $250,000 school allocation so no student is left behind.

🔹 Solar Components – Photovoltaic systems are VAT-free for one year (Aug 2025–Aug 2026), making clean energy solutions more affordable for homes and businesses.

🔹 Building Materials – VAT waivers on essentials like galvanize and steel have been extended to May 2026, lowering the cost of building, repairs, and renovations.

These targeted VAT measures are part of a people-first economic strategy to cushion families from international price shocks while investing in long-term resilience.

Saint Lucia stands firm: protecting dignity, reducing living costs, and ensuring our people thrive despite global trade challenges.

11/08/2025

External shocks — like global trade disruptions and changing foreign policies — can ripple through our economy, affecting jobs and livelihoods. That’s why the Government of Saint Lucia is strengthening domestic support frameworks to protect our people when uncertainty strikes.

Here’s what’s new:
✅ Unemployment Insurance Program – The National Insurance Corporation (NIC) will manage a system that allows eligible workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own to claim a portion of their previous wages for a limited time.
✅ Active Labour Market Policy – Beyond financial relief, you’ll get free job-matching services, skills training, entrepreneurship guidance, and employer incentives for upskilling staff.

When global markets shift or trade policies change, this safety net ensures you have the income to stay afloat and the tools to get back to work faster.

This is about resilience at home — because protecting livelihoods is the first step in protecting our nation from external shocks.

04/08/2025

Saint Lucia’s Minister for Commerce, Hon. Emma Hippolyte is again reiterating the differences between VAT-exempt and Zero-rated supermarket items. The price-stabilizing effort by the government is in response to increasing prices on imported food items, over which they do not have control.

According to Hon. Hippolyte, the government engaged in a consultative process with the business community in developing the list of VAT-impacted items.
Hon. Hippolyte indicated that her ministry has increased the agency’s monitoring capacity to ensure compliance with the adjusted VAT policies.

The Minister of Commerce says they are also working with the National Consumers Association and have already established a hotline for inquiries from both consumers and business operators – they simply have to call 468-4239.

03/08/2025

09/07/2025

PRESS RELEASE

Joint Ministerial Task Force Announces Strategic Actions to Safeguard Saint Lucia’s Food and Nutrition Security

Castries, Saint Lucia — The Cabinet of Ministers has approved key recommendations from the 4th Joint Meeting of the Task Force to Monitor and Evaluate the Effects of Changes in the Trade Policies of the United States of America on Saint Lucia.

Key Approvals:
1. Independent Feed Study: The Ministry of Agriculture will commission an urgent independent study to compare the nutrient content and feed integrity of local versus imported animal feed, addressing potential deficiencies affecting animal health and farmers’ profitability and livelihood.

2. Financing Plan 2025–2027: The Ministry of Agriculture will develop a comprehensive financing plan for the implementation of the Strategic Plan for Boosting Food Production over the next three years.

3. National Food & Nutrition Security Task Force: A multi‑sectoral Task Force to be established, comprising representatives from the
Ministry of Agriculture (Chair), Health (Co‑Chair), Commerce, Education, and Equity, to draft and roll out a National Food & Nutrition Security Policy and Action Plan for 2025–2030.

4. Meat Processing Facility: The Ministry of Agriculture is to explore and design a proposal for establishing a national meat processing facility—due for Cabinet’s review by 30 November 2025—to enhance local meat quality, availability, and food safety standards.

5. SPS Legislation: The Attorney General’s Chambers will fast‑track the finalization of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) legislation.

These strategic actions reflect our unwavering commitment to build resilience in Saint Lucia’s food systems. By enhancing local feed quality, securing dedicated financing, and establishing pivotal infrastructure, we safeguard both our producers and consumers in an evolving global trade landscape.

ABOUT THE JOINT MINISTERIAL TASK FORCE - The Task Force was established in March 2025 and it brings together key ministries and private sector representatives to monitor shifts in US trade policies and to make recommendations to the Cabinet of Ministers and the private sector to mitigate any harmful effects or take advantage of any opportunities which may be created as a result of changes in US trade policies, to build our nation’s resilience.

04/07/2025

By investing in climate-smart, community-driven agri-food solutions, FISH-ADAPT enhances the island’s capacity to produce more of what it consumes, reduces dependence on imported food, and strengthens resilience to both environmental and economic disruptions. Reducing Saint Lucia's reliance on imports and supporting local livelihoods, FISH-ADAPT helps ensure that more of what we eat is grown, caught, and processed right here at home.

04/07/2025

The FISH-ADAPT project in Saint Lucia, backed by a US $16.7 million investment, is more than a climate resilience initiative — it is a strategic effort to strengthen national food security amid increasing uncertainty in global supply chains and external market dependencies.

Designed for a Small Island Developing State in the Eastern Caribbean Sea, FISH-ADAPT aims to transform Saint Lucia’s fisheries sector by making it safer, more productive, and self-reliant in the face of changing environmental and economic conditions. The project supports a circular economy, reducing waste, enhancing resource efficiency, and encouraging livelihood diversification to help build more resilient coastal communities.

>Through targeted interventions, Saint Lucia will:
>Reinforce fish value chains and improve market access
>Modernize landing sites and promote sustainable offshore fishing
>Increase the climate resilience of coastal fisheries and inland aquaculture
>Improve access to real-time weather data and risk information
>Empower sea-moss farmers, fish processors, and vendors

Saint Lucia’s heavy reliance on fisheries for both livelihoods and nutrition makes it especially vulnerable—not only to the impacts of climate change, but also to external shocks in the global food system. As temperatures rise, rainfall becomes unpredictable, and fish stocks decline, local fisherfolk and aquaculture farmers are struggling to keep pace.

By investing in climate-smart, community-driven agri-food solutions, FISH-ADAPT enhances the island’s capacity to produce more of what it consumes, reduces dependence on imported food, and strengthens resilience to both environmental and economic disruptions.

The project is expected to reach approximately 75,000 people — about 41% of the population — including marine fishers, inland aquaculture farmers, sea-moss cultivators, and vendors across the fish value chain.

03/07/2025

Great News, Saint Lucia! 🇱🇨

Effective July 1st, 2025 — VAT has been removed from 70 essential food items!

That means lower prices on everyday groceries, so your shopping trips are now easier on your budget.

This move is all about putting more savings in your hands and ensuring access to affordable, nutritious food for every household.

03/07/2025

Great News, Saint Lucia! 🇱🇨

EFFECTIVE JULY 1st, 2025 — VAT has been removed from 70 essential food items!

That means lower prices on everyday groceries, so your shopping trips are now easier on your budget.

This move is all about putting more savings in your hands and ensuring access to affordable, nutritious food for every household.