AGP Executive Report

Football: Saint Lucian striker Donavan “Gusto” Phillip scored his fourth goal in five games and was named man of the match as Colorado drew 1-1 with San Jose. Underwater Heritage: Saint Lucia’s new Below Saint Lucia dive park is set to open in November, with 31 sculptures celebrating the island’s history, people and national identity. La Magéwit: The Cultural Development Foundation is inviting the public to wear blue or purple on October 16, ahead of the flower festival’s main celebration on October 17. Democracy: Saint Lucia marked 75 years of universal adult suffrage on October 12, honouring those who fought for the right to vote. Young Readers: Julien Alfred donated 50 books about her athletic journey to Diverse Classroom Books for distribution to schools. Music: Malie Donn’s album “The Golden Child” topped Apple Music’s reggae album charts in Saint Lucia and two other territories; Mr. Platinum has also released “Buttercup 26,” a tribute to love, family and his father, cultural music icon Hubert Fevrier. Screen Culture: Jamaican film “Stew Peas” is scheduled to open in Saint Lucia and six other Caribbean territories on October 29.

La Magéwit: The Cultural Development Foundation is urging Saint Lucians to wear blue or purple on Friday, October 16, ahead of the traditional flower festival’s Gwan Fèt on October 17. Living Heritage: Saint Lucia is marking 75 years of adult suffrage with a week of events honouring the campaigners who won voting rights for all adults. Music: Saint Lucian reggae artist Mr. Platinum’s new release, “Buttercup 26,” celebrates love and pays tribute to his father, cultural music icon Hubert Breeze’ Fevrier. Malie Donn’s “The Golden Child” has also topped Apple Music’s reggae album chart in Saint Lucia. Books and Youth: Olympic champion Julien Alfred donated 50 children’s books about her journey to support school libraries and young readers. Screen Culture: Jamaican film “Stew Peas” is set for a regional cinema release, including in Saint Lucia, on October 29. Tourism Spotlight: Bermuda took Condé Nast Traveler’s top island ranking for the fourth year running, finishing 1.07 points ahead of Saint Lucia.

La Magéwit: The Cultural Development Foundation is asking Saint Lucians to wear blue or purple on October 16, ahead of the folk celebration’s Gwan Fèt on October 17. Lucian Music: Malie Donn’s debut album, The Golden Child, reached No. 1 on Apple Music’s reggae album charts in Saint Lucia, Bermuda and the Turks and Caicos, according to a Jamaica Observer report. Young Readers: Olympic champion Julien Alfred donated 50 copies of a children’s book about her journey to charity Diverse Classroom Books for distribution to schools. Women’s Football: The SLFA is developing its 2026–2030 plan, with a focus on grassroots participation and stronger pathways for women players. Women’s Safety: Saint Lucia’s Women’s Parliamentary Caucus is calling for trauma-informed support, confidential reporting and better access to counselling and safe accommodation for survivors of domestic violence. Music Legacy: Saint Lucian artist Mr Platinum’s new reggae track honours his father, cultural music icon Hubert “Breeze” Fevrier.

Young Readers: Olympic champion Julien Alfred donated 50 copies of a children’s book about her journey to Diverse Classroom Books, supporting efforts to bring engaging stories to schools across Saint Lucia. Women’s Football: The SLFA is preparing a 2026–2030 strategy focused on grassroots participation, competitive opportunities and pathways for women players. Protecting Women and Girls: Saint Lucia’s Women’s Parliamentary Caucus is calling for trauma-informed training, privacy protections and better access to counselling, legal help and safe accommodation for domestic violence survivors. Carnival Abroad: Lucian Carnival will be showcased at Miami Broward Carnival, bringing Saint Lucian music and performers to new audiences. Music and Legacy: Reggae artist Mr Platinum’s “Buttercup 26,” featuring Shanead Sims and Brawvo X, celebrates love and honours the legacy of his father, cultural music figure Hubert “Breeze” Fevrier.

Women’s Safety: Saint Lucia’s Women’s Parliamentary Caucus is calling for trauma-informed training, confidential reporting and better access to counselling, legal help and safe accommodation for domestic violence survivors. Recent commentary also urges stronger prevention, including education on respect and healthy relationships. Lucian Culture: Saint Lucia’s Carnival will be showcased at Miami Broward Carnival through October 13, giving local performers and music wider exposure. Heritage: The National Trust is bringing attention to the 1796 Brigand Wars and the more than 2,000 people deported to Britain after the conflict, with new research and a workshop for educators. Music: Reggae artist Mr Platinum’s new track honours his father, cultural music figure Hubert “Breeze” Fevrier, and celebrates love and family legacy. Education: Minister Kenson Casimir says Saint Lucia is developing rules for AI in schools, with the aim of supporting learning without making students and teachers dependent on the technology.

Violence Prevention: Recent Saint Lucian commentaries argue that policing and punishment alone cannot address violence; prevention must tackle its roots and protect children. Women’s Safety: The Women’s Parliamentary Caucus is calling for trauma-informed training, confidential reporting and better access to counselling, legal help and safe accommodation for survivors of domestic violence. Lucian Carnival: Saint Lucia’s music, performers and Carnival traditions are being showcased at Miami Broward Carnival through October 13, extending the island’s cultural reach. Music & Legacy: Reggae artist Mr Platinum’s “Buttercup 26” celebrates love and honours his father, cultural music figure Hubert “Breeze” Fevrier. Island History: The National Trust is bringing the little-known story of the 1796 Brigand Wars and the more than 2,000 prisoners sent to Britain to students and the public.

Workplace Watch: Labour officers inspected Soufrière businesses and community sites, checking conditions and compliance with the Labour Act. On the Course: Nine golfers will represent Saint Lucia at the Eastern Caribbean Golf Association Championships in Anguilla, with four players making their team debut. Saint Lucian Music: Mr Platinum’s new reggae release, Buttercup 26, celebrates love and honours the legacy of his father, cultural music icon Hubert “Breeze” Fevrier. Education: The Ministry is developing rules for AI use in schools, aiming for technology to support—not replace—learning, and is costing upgrades to make schools more accessible to students with disabilities. Teachers and students will have a one-day midterm break on October 26, after Jounen Kwéyòl. History & Heritage: The National Trust is bringing attention to the Brigand Wars and the more than 2,000 people taken to Britain as prisoners after the 1796 conflict, including through a workshop for teachers. Community & Opportunity: A new “Connect to Protect” campaign will explain how families and communities can access child-protection support. Saint Lucia’s food security plans also put the focus on local production, climate-resilient farming and stronger markets for farmers and fishers.

Workplace Standards: Labour officers inspected eight Soufrière workplaces, checking conditions and compliance with the Labour Act. Music & Legacy: Saint Lucian reggae artist Mr Platinum’s new track, Buttercup 26, celebrates love while honouring his father, cultural music icon Hubert “Breeze” Fevrier. Caribbean Culture: The Caribbean Music Awards brought more than 100 artists and creatives to Trinidad for its first Elite Weekend, spotlighting the region’s music and industry. Hidden History: The Saint Lucia National Trust is bringing attention to the Brigand Wars and more than 2,000 people taken prisoner to Britain after the 1796 conflict. Child Protection: Girls of A Feather has launched “Connect to Protect,” raising awareness of free, confidential support for children affected by abuse or neglect.

Music & Legacy: Saint Lucian reggae artist Mr Platinum’s new track, Buttercup 26, celebrates love and honours his father, cultural music icon Hubert “Breeze” Fevrier. Child Safety: Girls of A Feather launched “Connect to Protect,” promoting free, confidential support for children affected by abuse. A new US report also flags family members as facilitators of child sex trafficking in several Caribbean countries. Schools: Education Minister Kenson Casimir says AI should support—not replace—learning, while the Ministry assesses the cost of making schools more accessible to students with disabilities. Regional Voice: Newly accredited CARICOM ambassador Janet Caroo says she will promote Saint Lucian culture and creativity across the region. Living Heritage: The National Trust is bringing attention to the Brigand Wars and the more than 2,000 people taken prisoner in 1796. Food Security: Saint Lucia’s World Food Day programme will focus on boosting local production, climate-resilient farming and opportunities for young people.

Caribbean Pageantry: Miss Saint Lucia earned the Congeniality title at the Miss Essence & Mind International pageant, where St. Maarten’s Dashaun Prince took the crown. Tourism & Enterprise: Guyana’s tourism minister called for a more unified Caribbean strategy, while Saint Lucian businesses in fisheries, marine tourism and waste management have a final chance to seek OECS blue-economy grants. Regional Cooperation: OECS ministers are urged to turn shared social-development policies into practical help for people facing rising costs and other pressures. History & Heritage: The National Trust is bringing attention to the Brigand Wars and the more than 2,000 people taken to Britain after the 1796 conflict, with research presentations and a workshop for educators. Education & Inclusion: Saint Lucia’s Education Ministry is assessing the cost of making schools more accessible to students with disabilities. Child Protection: Girls of A Feather has launched “Connect to Protect,” raising awareness of free, confidential advocacy for children affected by abuse. Culture & Opportunity: Saint Lucia’s new CARICOM ambassador, Janet Caroo, says she will promote the island’s culture and creativity regionally; local blue-economy businesses can register for the final grant-call webinar on October 30.

Arts & Culture: Soufrière’s Soufriere Action Theater members bring local history, identity and resistance to life in Blood, Tears and Politics, a poetry collection rooted in the community. Island History: The National Trust is spotlighting the little-known Brigand Wars and the more than 2,000 prisoners deported to Britain after the 1796 conflict, with research presentations and a workshop for educators. Inclusive Education: The Ministry is costing upgrades to make schools accessible to students with disabilities, including ramps; Casimir says a one-day midterm break on October 26 balances teachers’ need to recharge with the cost of a longer closure. Child Protection: Girls of a Feather’s “Connect to Protect” campaign is raising awareness of free, confidential support for children affected by abuse; 151 of 204 sexual-offence reports in 2024 involved minors. Kwéyòl Heritage: Heritage Month celebrates the language and culture under the theme “Kwéyòl-la Sé Sa Nou Tout” — Kwéyòl belongs to all of us. Food Security: World Food Day plans will promote local production, climate-resilient farming and stronger markets, with a call to “Grow what we eat and eat what we grow.”

Island Experiences: Saint Lucia is being promoted as more than a beach escape, with rainforest, sulphur springs, heritage sites, Creole culture and wellness adding to its appeal. Youth & Education: SunSwept Resorts awarded 28 scholarships and 11 education grants worth more than EC$103,800 to team members’ children, while Proven Bank is mentoring Corinth Secondary students through Junior Achievement’s entrepreneurship programme. Child Protection: Girls of A Feather’s “Connect to Protect” campaign will raise awareness of free, confidential support for children affected by abuse and help families understand how to seek assistance. Food Security: Ahead of World Food Day on October 18, officials are calling for stronger local production, climate-resilient farming and better markets for farmers and fishers. Kwéyòl Heritage: Heritage Month celebrations are underway, with La Caye in Dennery, Vieux Fort South and La Clery named as host communities for Jounen Kwéyòl. Health: Free breast cancer screening services, including mammograms and follow-up care, are available through wellness centres, hospitals and Universal Health Coverage partners.

CARICOM: Dr. Janet Caroo has been accredited as Saint Lucia’s ambassador to the regional bloc, saying integration should deliver real opportunities for people. Economy: The World Bank forecasts 1.1% growth for Saint Lucia in 2026, after a contraction last year. Youth & Education: A regional scholarship ceremony in Saint Lucia honoured St. Vincent students Kaia Kydd and Rayshawn Charles, continuing a fund named for St. Lucian ECTEL official Pearl Allison Lake. Health: Free breast cancer screenings, including 3D mammograms and follow-up care, are available through Saint Lucia’s Universal Health Coverage programme. Kwéyòl Heritage: Heritage Month opened in Laborie under the theme “Kwéyòl Belongs to All of Us,” with La Caye, Vieux Fort South and La Clery named as Jounen Kwéyòl host communities. Child Safety: A new campaign will connect children affected by abuse with free, confidential advocacy and support. Faith: Saint Lucians joined the wider Caribbean in mourning Archbishop Emeritus Robert Rivas, whose funeral was held in Trinidad.

Scholarship & Youth Spotlight: Kaia Kydd joins the Pearl Allison Lake Scholarship Fund while Rayshawn Charles secures his second-year renewal, with support for textbooks, uniforms and transport for students across ECTEL states. Economy Watch: The World Bank projects Saint Lucia’s growth at 1.1% for 2026, citing a moderate post-pandemic recovery and high energy and transport costs, while pointing to AI as a possible productivity boost if countries can adopt it effectively. Health & Community Support: Sandals Foundation’s Island Challenge Jamaica is raising £100,000 for paediatric and neonatal care at Falmouth Public General Hospital, with a four-day run/kayak/trek programme. Public Health Reminder: Saint Lucia marks World No Alcohol Day under “Alcohol and Me,” urging people to reflect on moderation and warning signs like blackouts, impaired judgment and drinking that disrupts daily life. Culture & Language: Kwéyòl Heritage Month kicks off with a call that “Kwéyòl-la Sé Sa Nou Tout,” naming host communities for Jounen Kwéyòl Day and spotlighting Creole identity. Safety & Preparedness: Choiseul becomes the second district to be “Tsunami Ready,” with evacuation routes, warning signs, education and drills in place. Social Protection for Children: A new media push supports the Independent Child Protection Advisor programme, offering free, confidential advocacy for children affected by abuse. Regional Justice Training: Correctional, probation and parole practice training is rolling out across 10 Caribbean countries, including Saint Lucia, to strengthen rights-based justice.

Kwéyòl Heritage Month: Saint Lucia officially launched Kwéyòl Heritage Month at Laborie Market, with the theme “Kwéyòl-la Sé Sa Nou Tout” and three host communities named for Jounen Kwéyòl Day: La Caye (Dennery), Vieux Fort South, and La Clery (Castries North). Public Health & Wellness: World No Alcohol Day 2026 was marked under “Alcohol and Me,” with the Ministry of Health urging people to reflect on drinking habits and warning signs. Youth Policy Push: Education Minister Kenson Casimir called for faster, results-focused implementation of the National Youth Policy and Action Plan 2025–2030, kicking off inter-agency coordination. Disaster Preparedness: Choiseul became the second district to earn UNESCO “Tsunami Ready” recognition, highlighting evacuation routes, warning signs, education, and drills. Women in Business: The Caribbean Development Bank launched a US$500,000 initiative to support women-led businesses developing clean energy solutions across the region, including St. Lucia. Community Protection: A new Independent Child Protection Advisor programme is expanding support for children affected by physical or sexual abuse, backed by a media campaign “Connect to Protect.” Sports & Culture: SLFA is ramping up girls’ football with festivals, training, and a national consultation on a Women’s Football Strategic Plan with FIFA.

Kwéyòl Heritage Month: Saint Lucia officially launched Kwéyòl Heritage Month at Laborie Market, with the theme “Kwéyòl-la Sé Sa Nou Tout” and host communities named as La Caye (Dennery), Vieux Fort South, and La Clery (Castries North), spotlighting language, music, dance, and youth heritage education. Public Health & Community: World No Alcohol Day 2026, under “Alcohol and Me,” urged Saint Lucians to reflect on personal drinking habits and recognize warning signs like blackouts, impaired judgment, and drinking that disrupts family and work. Youth Policy Push: Minister Kenson Casimir called for accelerated, results-focused implementation of the National Youth Policy and Action Plan 2025–2030, kicking off inter-agency coordination to move beyond planning. Child Protection Support: Girls of a Feather launched a media campaign, “Connect to Protect,” to expand the Independent Child Protection Advisor programme for children under 18 affected by physical or sexual abuse, offering free confidential advocacy and accompaniment. Disaster Preparedness: Choiseul became Saint Lucia’s second “Tsunami Ready” district, with community-led measures like evacuation routes, warning signs, education, and drills. Women in Business: The Caribbean Development Bank rolled out a US$500,000 initiative via SheTrades Caribbean Hub to support women-led businesses developing clean energy solutions across the region, including St. Lucia. Sports & Youth: The SLFA is boosting women’s football through girls’ festivals, capacity-building, and a national consultation on a Women’s Football Strategic Plan with FIFA.