Embassy of Saint Lucia - Washington, DC

12/06/2022

Sitting of the House of Assembly - Pt I (Dec. 6, 2022)

Sitting of the House of Assembly - Pt I (Dec. 6, 2022)

11/30/2022

11/26/2022

PRIME MINISTER TO ADDRESS THE NATION

Please be advised that Prime Minister, Hon. Philip J. Pierre, will present an Address to the Nation on Sunday, Nov. 27 at 7 p.m.
Watch LIVE:
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www.youtube.com/saintluciagovernment
NTN Channel 122

11/23/2022

11/23/2022

11/21/2022

11/18/2022

FOLLOW US!
Keep abreast of the latest government developments. Use this link https://linktr.ee/saintluciagovernment or scan for a quick link to all of the Government of Saint Lucia's online platforms.

10/15/2022

Become a Professional SparkAR Creator! 👩🏽‍💻🙌🏽

The of the Organization of American States (OAS) invites the youth of the Americas 🌎 to take the next step and become a Certified Spark AR Creator through a FREE course offered by Meta

The course consists of three levels, available until December 31st, 2022 📅

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See you in the Metaverse! 👋🏼

10/11/2022

BARREL CONCESSIONS BEGIN NOV. 1, 2022

Also, scan the QR code below for the Government of Saint Lucia's linktree, to stay up to date on the latest government developments!

10/11/2022

HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY MEETS TODAY

A Sitting of the House of Assembly is scheduled for Tuesday, October 11th, 2022 with Papers to be laid by the Honourable Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Economic Development and the Youth Economy and Minister for Justice and National Security; the Honourable Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Information; the Honourable Minister of Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology and Vocational Training; the Honourable Minister for Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs; the Honourable Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Housing and Local Government; and the Honourable Minister for Commerce, Manufacturing, Business Development, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs.

The Motions for consideration are as follows:

1. BE IT RESOLVED that Parliament do authorize the Attorney General to make an Order to declare that the 2020 Supplement to the Revised Edition of the Laws of Saint Lucia, as specified in the Order shall come into force on such date as may be appointed by such Order, as authoritative version of the law.

2. BE IT RESOLVED that Parliament by affirmative resolution approves the draft Value Added Tax (Amendment of Schedule 3) (No. 2) Order which amends Schedule 3 of the Act to —

(a) exempt imports of personal items, food, clothing, toys and other household consumables, contained in barrels for the period commencing from the 1st day of November, 2022 and terminating on the 28th day of February, 2023;

(b) exempt imports of toys, food supplies and care packages by a member of the House of Assembly for the benefit of children, the vulnerable and needy persons in the constituency of the member of the House of Assembly, for the period commencing from the 1st day of November, 2022 and terminating on the 31st day of January, 2023.

The following Bills are down for consideration:

Security Interest in Movable Property
Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Amendment)
Virtual Assets Business
Constitution of Saint Lucia (Amendment)
Income Tax (Amendment)
Tuesday’s Sitting is scheduled to commence at 10 a.m.

10/08/2022

SAINT LUCIA'S ADDRESS TO THE 52ND REGULAR SESSION OF THE
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE OAS

The Honourable Alva Romanus Baptiste, Minister of External Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation and Diaspora Affairs delivered remarks at the 52nd Regular Session of the General Assembly of the Organization of the American States (OAS) held in Lima, Peru on October 6, 2022.

Against Inequality and Discrimination#

10/05/2022

October 5, 2022

Bilateral meeting between Foreign Ministers of Saint Lucia and Costa Rica

Minister Baptiste met with The Hon. Arnoldo André-Tinoco, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship of Costa Rica on the margins of the 52nd Regular Session of the OAS General Assembly, during which issues of mutual interest were addressed. Commitment was made to deepen the bilateral relationship between Saint Lucia and Costa Rica.

10/05/2022

October 5, 2022 /10am -12noon
CARICOM Caucus of Foreign Ministers meeting held at the 52nd Regular Session of the OAS General Assembly

Important regional matters were discussed including the Situation in Haiti, human rights violations in Nicaragua and the addressing of the representation of Venezuela at the OAS. The meeting also discussed the human rights resolution.

09/19/2022

09/04/2022

09/02/2022

08/18/2022

Happening tonight at 7:30 p.m. (EST)

A Virtual Diaspora Engagement

The Diaspora Affairs Unit of the Ministry of External Affairs invites Overseas-based Saint Lucians to a Virtual Town Hall Meeting to be held on Thursday, August 18, 2022 at 7:30 p.m., via Zoom.

The Virtual Diaspora Engagement will be streamed via Zoom and Facebook. Join via Zoom, using the following link:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84070132507?pwd=Ty9zRElEYXJQaHU2aS8yb2RFbWkrQT09

Zoom Meeting ID: 840 7013 2507
Passcode: 225153

The purpose of the meeting is to update Saint Lucian nationals on the new e-passport and provide answers on other issues of interest to the community. On July 22, 2022, Statutory Instrument No. 98, was approved by the Saint Lucian Parliament to upgrade national passports to an electronic version. The upgrade strengthens the passport's security features as well as ensuring compliance with international regulatory agreements; as a result, there has been an increase in cost. The Head of the Immigration Department, ASP Sean Alexander will be on hand to address concerns regarding this specific issue.

Minister for External Affairs, the Hon. Alva Baptiste will address participants and representatives from Saint Lucia’s Customs and Excise Department and the Citizenship Unit of the Ministry of Home Affairs are also expected to join the online forum to make presentations on matters of relevance to the community.

For more information regarding this event, please contact the Diaspora Affairs Unit of the Ministry of External Affairs via e-mail [email protected].

08/17/2022

A Virtual Diaspora Engagement

The Diaspora Affairs Unit of the Ministry of External Affairs invites Overseas-based Saint Lucians to a Virtual Town Hall Meeting to be held on Thursday, August 18, 2022 at 7:30 p.m., via Zoom.

The Virtual Diaspora Engagement will be streamed via Zoom and Facebook. Join via Zoom, using the following link:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84070132507?pwd=Ty9zRElEYXJQaHU2aS8yb2RFbWkrQT09

Zoom Meeting ID: 840 7013 2507
Passcode: 225153

The purpose of the meeting is to update Saint Lucian nationals on the new e-passport and provide answers on other issues of interest to the community. On July 22, 2022, Statutory Instrument No. 98, was approved by the Saint Lucian Parliament to upgrade national passports to an electronic version. The upgrade strengthens the passport's security features as well as ensuring compliance with international regulatory agreements; as a result, there has been an increase in cost. The Head of the Immigration Department, ASP Sean Alexander will be on hand to address concerns regarding this specific issue.

Minister for External Affairs, the Hon. Alva Baptiste will address participants and representatives from Saint Lucia’s Customs and Excise Department and the Citizenship Unit of the Ministry of Home Affairs are also expected to join the online forum to make presentations on matters of relevance to the community.

For more information regarding this event, please contact the Diaspora Affairs Unit of the Ministry of External Affairs via e-mail [email protected].

08/08/2022

Join the Organization of American States (OAS) and ProFuturo in building together the map of Best Practices in Digital Education in the Americas.

🗓 Closes on September 8
✏️ Innovative projects on and
🧑🏻‍🏫 Developed by Schools and/or cCivil Society Organizations
🏅 Acknowledgments
More info 👉🏽 https://bit.ly/3plBXhj

08/07/2022

08/05/2022

07/30/2022

Taiwan's Anglophone Caribbean allies celebrate Emancipation Day - Focus Taiwan

Congratulations Saint Lucian national, Lance George winner of the painting and poetry categories

Taipei, July 30 (CNA) The embassies of Taiwan's Anglophone Caribbean allies commemorated Emancipation Day by co-organizing a creative writing and art competition this month to reflect on their history and culture, while also sending a special message to all of its nationals, according to a joint sta...

07/30/2022

07/30/2022

07/26/2022

HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY MEETS

A Sitting of the House of Assembly is scheduled for Tuesday, July 26th, 2022 with Papers to be laid by the Honourable Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Economic Development and the Youth Economy, the Honourable Minister for Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Information, the Honourable Minister for Commerce, Manufacturing, Business Development, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs and the Honourable Senior Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Ports, Transport, Physical Development and Urban Renewal.

The following Bills are down for consideration: 1. Recording of Court Proceedings Bill 2. Eastern Caribbean Securities Regulatory Commission Agreement Bill 3. Fi****ms (Amendment) Bill 4. Youth Economy Agency Bill 5. Special Prosecutor Bill

Tuesday’s Sitting is scheduled to commence at 10:00a.m. The Sitting of the Senate is scheduled for Thursday, July 28th, 2022 at 10 a.m.

For details on these updates and more, visit:
www.govt.lc/news
www.facebook.com/SaintLuciaGovernment
www.youtube.com/SaintLuciaGovernment
www.twitter.com/SaintLuciaGov
www.instagram.com/saintluciagovernment/
https://pod.co/government-of-saint-lucia

07/25/2022

Launch of Saint Lucia Electronic Passport (July 25, 2022)

Launch of Saint Lucia Electronic Passport (July 25, 2022)

07/14/2022

COST OF ELECTRONIC PASSPORT CONFIRMED

The Government of Saint Lucia has confirmed that the cost of the new ePassport shall stand at the initially proposed EC$250 per passport for a period of five years. The approval for the amendment of passport fees came after Cabinet met on Monday, July 11.

The official pronouncement will be followed by the gazetting of a Statutory Instrument to reflect the necessary amendments. Thereafter, the relevant amendments to the Passport Act, caption. 10.03 shall come into force.

The new ePassport schedule is as follows: The ePassport is at $250; the replacement of passport before expiry date is at $300; expedited or emergency services remains unchanged at $50; issuance of collective travel documents is at $75; issuance of certificate of identity remains at $50. Permits for each extension of residence not exceeding 30 days is at $200; live image capture is at $10; and certification and endorsements is at $20.

Meantime, the Department of Home Affairs is working along with the Immigration Department, CBN and the Saint Lucia Border Control Agency to ensure that the ePassport goes live on Monday, July 25. The Government of Saint Lucia has been working with its trusted partner, Canadian Bank Note Company Limited (CBN) on this over USD$3 million project. The relationship with CBN has been ongoing from 2006 since the implementation of the island’s very first Passport Issuing and Control System.

The new ePassport features the latest technology in anti-counterfeit security measures, contains a microchip that is embedded in the rear cover of the booklet and adheres to modern international travel standards.

For details on these updates and more, visit:
www.govt.lc/news
www.facebook.com/SaintLuciaGovernment
www.youtube.com/SaintLuciaGovernment
www.twitter.com/SaintLuciaGov
www.instagram.com/saintluciagovernment/
https://pod.co/government-of-saint-lucia

07/12/2022

HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY MEETS TODAY

A Sitting of the House of Assembly is scheduled for Tuesday, July 12th, 2022 with Papers to be laid by the Honourable Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Economic Development and the Youth Economy, the Honourable Minister for Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Information, the Honourable Minister for Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs, the Honourable Minister for Commerce, Manufacturing, Business Development, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs and the Honourable Senior Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Ports, Transport, Physical Development and Urban Renewal.

Tuesday’s Sitting is scheduled to commence at 10:00a.m. The Sitting of the Senate is scheduled for Thursday, July 14th, 2022 at 10:00 a.m

The Motions for consideration are listed here: https://www.govt.lc/news/house-of-assembly-to-meet-tuesday3

For details on these updates and more, visit:
www.govt.lc/news
www.facebook.com/SaintLuciaGovernment
www.youtube.com/SaintLuciaGovernment
www.twitter.com/SaintLuciaGov
www.instagram.com/saintluciagovernment/
https://pod.co/government-of-saint-lucia

07/01/2022

06/30/2022

Theme for the 52nd Regular Session of the OAS General Assembly presented at H.E. Elizabeth Darius-Clark’s final meeting as Chair of the OAS Permanent Council

Washington, D.C., June 30, 2022

H.E. Elizabeth Darius-Clarke today hosted her final meeting as Chair of the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS). The meeting received the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Peru, His Excellency Cesar Landa, who presented the theme of the Fifty Second Regular Session of the OAS General Assembly. The theme for this year’s OAS General Assembly is “Together Against Inequality and Discrimination”.

H.E. Elizabeth Darius-Clarke welcomed the theme of the General Assembly, noting its timeliness as the hemisphere continues to address various forms of discriminatory practices and inequalities which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine.

She reiterated the commitment to ensuring that this year’s 52nd Regular Session of the General Assembly will be a resounding success.

The 52nd Regular Session of the OAS General Assembly will be held on October 5-7, 2022 in Lima, Peru.

06/30/2022

06/29/2022

🔊 CALL FOR APPLICATIONS IS NOW OPEN 📚
available to study master's and doctoral studies in 🇧🇷. Benefits include full tuition waiver, living and settlement expenses, and free Portuguese classes. 📌Portuguese proficiency is not required to apply❗
This program is offered by the Organization of American States (OAS) and the International Cooperation Group of Brazilian Universities (GCUB), with the support of Ministério das Relações Exteriores & PAHO-WHO.
⏰Application deadline ▶️ July 4, 2022.
For more information and how to apply, visit ⏩bit.ly/3QPgtFT

06/21/2022

Sitting of the House of Assembly (June 21, 2022)

Sitting of the House of Assembly (June 21, 2022)

06/20/2022

HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY MEETS TOMORROW
A Sitting of the House of Assembly is scheduled for Tuesday, June 21, with Papers to be laid by the Honourable Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Economic Development and the Youth Economy, the Honourable Minister for Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs, the Honourable Minister for Commerce, Manufacturing, Business Development, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs, and the Honourable Senior Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Ports, Transport, Physical Development and Urban Renewal.

The following Bills are down for consideration: 1. Banking (Amendment) Bill 2. Public Debt Management Bill 3. Youth Economy Agency Bill 4. Fi****ms (Amendment) Bill 5. Special Prosecutor Bill.

Tuesday’s Sitting is scheduled to commence at 10 a.m.

For details on these government developments and more, visit:
www.govt.lc/news
www.facebook.com/SaintLuciaGovernment
www.youtube.com/SaintLuciaGovernment
www.twitter.com/SaintLuciaGov
www.instagram.com/saintluciagovernment

06/11/2022

05/27/2022

PRESS RELEASE
SAINT LUCIA ELECTED VICE PRESIDENT OF THE INTER-AMERICAN COMMISSION OF WOMEN

Washington D.C., May 27, 2022- The Honourable Dr. Virginia Albert-Poyotte, Minister for the Public Service, Home Affairs, Labour and Gender Affairs was elected on May 26, 2022, Vice President of the Inter-American Commission of Women (CIM) for the period 2022 – 2025. The election took place at the Organization of the American States (OAS) during the margins of the Thirty-ninth Assembly of Delegates of the Inter-American Commission of Women held in Panama on May 25 & 26, 2022. With six candidates for three Vice President positions, the Honourable Minister amassed twenty-four (24) votes and joins El Salvador and Chile as Vice Presidents of the Executive Committee of the CIM. Panama was elected unopposed as President.

According to Ambassador Elizabeth Darius-Clarke, Permanent Representative of Saint Lucia to the OAS, the Honourable Dr. Albert-Poyotte holds the credentials and experience to perform the official duties as a Vice President of the Executive Committee of the CIM, and the Permanent Mission is prepared to support Minister during her tenure.

In accordance with Article 25 of the Statute of the Inter-American Commission of Women, ‘the Executive Committee shall serve as the political representative of the CIM, and shall be composed of the President, a maximum of three Vice-Presidents and the Delegates of the five Member States elected to the Committee’.

The Permanent Mission of Saint Lucia thanks Member States for their support and wishes the members of the Executive Committee success in fulfilling their mandate and advancing the rights of women in the hemisphere.

The Inter-American Commission of Women (CIM) is an organ of the Organization American States (OAS) and the main generator of hemispheric policies on women’s rights and gender equity and equality.