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The second edition of the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce Industry and Agriculture's CEO KA Pale' was hosted on the evening of May 28th at the Sky Lounge at the Royalton Saint Lucia.
The featured Speaker was distinguished business leader Johnathan Johannes, Managing Director of Unicomer OECS and author of the highly touted book on leadership, The Exception Code. Some fifty senior executives, entrepreneurs, and business professionals gathered for an evening of riveting dialogue on leadership, its practice in the Caribbean context and organizational culture, and, of course, the book, The Exception Code.
Drawing from his book The Exception Code, Mr. Johannes shared practical insights on building exceptional workplace cultures, retaining top talent, and creating lasting customer relationships. Attendees were encouraged to reflect on how authentic leadership positively influences business performance and long-term success.
With the help of Omari Frederick as Moderator, many snippets of wisdom, personal experiences, and insights were drawn out from a self-proclaimed introvert, making for an enthralling and sometimes intense, honest conversation.
CEO Ka Parle was created, designed and developed by the Marketing and Public Relations Standing Committee under the then Chairmanship of Omari Frederick. Building on this base, the current Chair, Rankin Morgan, and the inspired Standing Committee have delivered another outstanding CEO Ka Pale'.
The CEO Ka Palé Series aims to foster a platform for the Chamber to bring together thought leaders from among its membership and hear from successful "Caribbean Leaders" who are prepared to share their journey, experiences, knowledge and wisdom with their counterparts and, most importantly, up-and-coming executives.
The Chamber says a special thank you to Members of the Standing Committee on Marketing and Public Relations, Rankin Morgan, Ellen Antoine, Leathon Khan, Kelly Mitchel, Arletta Rate-Mitchel, Sarah Leon, Genevive Downes, Kenton Augustin and Omari Frederick.
Sponsors for this edition of CEO Ka Palé, were Sagicor, Unicomer, Massy Stores, 123 Digital, St.Lucia Linens, Royalty Pools, and Maury's.
ST. LUCIA IS AMONG THE LAST COUNTRIES IN THE OECS SUB-REGION TO ADJUST PETROLEUM PRODUCT PRICES FOLLOWING THE SUSTAINED INCREASES IN GLOBAL OIL PRICES
This was the headline of the press statement coming from the Office of the Prime Minister following the announcement of the fuel price increase.
While this may be true, it is also true that St. Lucia has had one of the higher fuel prices in the sub-region for some time. Neither of these issues affects the reality of what higher fuel prices mean for business, citizens, and the economy. I will attempt to capture four or five of the key implications of rising fuel prices for St. Lucia Businesses.
Higher fuel prices directly affect transportation, distribution, and production costs. Therefore, businesses engaged in retail, wholesale distribution, manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and tourism are particularly exposed.
Additionally, as we have already found out, electricity generation in Saint Lucia is heavily dependent on imported fuel and thus, higher fuel prices translate into increased electricity costs for all.
As consumers spend more on transportation, electricity, and other essentials, disposable income is reduced. This is likely to result in reduced spending on discretionary goods and services, affecting retailers, restaurants, entertainment providers and other businesses who directly rely on consumer spending.
St. Lucia is a highly import-dependent country, thus, increases in fuel prices result in higher international shipping and freight costs. These higher costs will eventually be reflected in the prices paid by businesses for their purchases, inventory, raw materials, and equipment, contributing to broader inflationary pressures.
Many firms may not be able to pass the full increase in costs on to customers due to competitive pressures and weak consumer demand. This can result in reduced profit margins, reduced cash flow,and other associated cutbacks.
Higher fuel prices affect airfares, cruise operations, and local tourism-related transportation costs. While tourism demand is influenced by many other factors, higher travel costs can place pressure on visitor spending and competitiveness relative to other destinations.
At this time, it is strongly recommended that businesses (1) intensify cost management and pay much greater attention to energy efficinecy,( as basic as greater utilization of LED lighting, improve maintenance schedules, revisit and map out routes to optimize fuel usage to generate savings over time). (2) Strengthen Cash Flow and Financial Planning to help navigate pressure that will be placed on working capital. Review cash flow projections regularly and manage inventory carefully to avoid unnecessary expenditure. Liquidity will be crucial. (3) Increase Productivity through process and technology improvements, cost cutting is not the only approach, business should seek opportunities to improve productivity as well. Examine how your business can produce more value with existing resources while improving competitiveness.
The Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture recently hosted its Power Breakfast, “Business & Safety Matters: Inside the Conversation with the Commissioner,” bringing together members of the private sector and leadership of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) for a meaningful and solution-focused discussion on public safety and economic resilience.
The event featured Commissioner of Police Mr. Verne Guard, who provided valuable insights into the RSLPF’s Strategic Plan for 2026–2030. Discussions focused on key priorities including crime reduction, strengthening public trust, improving operational excellence, and fostering stronger partnerships between law enforcement and the business community.
Participants engaged in open dialogue on issues impacting businesses and communities across Saint Lucia, including traffic management, shoplifting, robberies affecting commercial establishments, citizen safety, and the role of private security personnel in supporting national security efforts.
The RSLPF also highlighted the importance of public participation in crime prevention and encouraged citizens to utilize the Crime Hotline App to report suspicious activity. Attendees were informed of additional channels through which members of the public can submit feedback and recommendations to support ongoing improvements in public safety.
Businesses were further encouraged to collaborate with the police service through security training opportunities, information sharing, and other partnership initiatives aimed at creating safer workplaces and communities.
The Chamber remains committed to facilitating constructive dialogue and strengthening partnerships that contribute to a safer, stronger, and more resilient business environment for Saint Lucia. Through engagements such as this Power Breakfast, the Chamber continues to provide a platform for meaningful conversations that support national development and economic growth.
The Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, in collaboration with Orbtronics Ltd., has successfully concluded its Artificial Intelligence for Small Businesses Training Programme, a six-session hybrid series designed to equip the local business community with practical skills, knowledge, and understanding of AI Tools and uses.
The programme brought together entrepreneurs, professionals, and business teams eager to understand how Artificial Intelligence can be applied in everyday operations to improve productivity, enhance decision-making, and streamline business processes. Participants engaged in interactive sessions that combined demonstrations, real-world use cases, and guided discussions.
The training began with an introductory session exploring the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence, including what AI is, what it is not, the different types of AI, and the key challenges associated with its use. This foundation helped participants build a clearer understanding of the technology and its relevance in today’s evolving business environment.
The series was coordinated by Anna-Kaye Boodhoo, General Manager of Orbtronics Ltd., whose expertise and facilitation supported a dynamic and engaging learning experience throughout the programme.
Over the course of the sessions, participants gained hands-on experience in a variety of practical AI tools and applications relevant to small and growing businesses. The training emphasized how AI can be leveraged to increase efficiency and productivity, as well as to unlock new opportunities for innovation, even without a technical background.
The Chamber extends its appreciation to all participants for their active participation and commitment to upskilling, and to Orbtronics Ltd. for their partnership in delivering this timely and impactful initiative. The Guest Speaker, who spoke about the use of AI to support coding, was also extremely well received by all participants.
As digital transformation continues to reshape the business landscape, the Chamber remains committed to providing opportunities that prepare Saint Lucia’s private sector to stay competitive, resilient, and future-ready.
Bio
Arleta Rate-Mitchel is the General Manager of Sagicor Finance Inc. A seasoned banking and finance professional with over 3 decades of experience in the financial services industry, bringing extensive expertise in strategic planning, risk management, credit portfolio development and management & organizational leadership. Throughout her distinguished career she has led complex banking operations, developed and implemented growth strategies and strengthened risk governance frameworks to support sustainable business performance.
What the Chamber Means to Me
I am pleased to serve on the Chamber Board, because I believe in contributing to the growth and sustainability of the business community and the broader economy. During my career I have had the opportunity to work closely with businesses of all sizes, helping them navigate financial challenges. I also see this as an opportunity to give back to the business community in a different capacity. I look forward to helping the Chamber advance its mission while supporting sustainable growth within the local economy.
Role as a Board Member
I serve as a member of the Membership and Services committee. I would like to continue the legacy to build and maintain a strong and engaged membership base as I believe it is fundamental to the success of the Chamber of Commerce. I have developed a deep appreciation for building relationships and understanding client needs and I look forward to contributing to initiatives which attract new members and strengthen member retention.
TheSaint Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture invites members tojoin an important virtual presentation and discussion hosted by the Ministry ofHealth on Friday, June 5, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom.
Thesession will provide updates and important information on Hantavirus and EbolaVirus Disease, including current health considerations, preventive measures,and implications for businesses and workplaces. Members are encouraged toparticipate and engage in the discussion.
Date:Friday, June 5, 2026
Time:10:00 a.m.
Platform:Zoom
Registerhere: https://stluciachamber.wildapricot.org/event-6716000
TheZoom link and meeting details will be provided upon registration.
We encourage all members totake advantage of this timely and informative session.
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Trade Mission Delivers Strong Regional Business Connections
The Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (SLCCIA), in partnership with the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce (TTCIC), successfully hosted a Trade Mission and B2B Matchmaking Programme from May 26–29, 2026, at the Bay Gardens Conference Room.
The mission brought together a diverse group of businesses from Saint Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago, creating a platform for dialogue, strategic networking, and commercial collaboration. There were nine participating companies from Trinidad and Tobago from sectors including manufacturing, distribution and retail, professional services, information technology, tourism, agriculture, logistics, financial services.
The initiative was designed to facilitate Trinidadian Firms to engage in business-to-business engagements, enabling companies to explore distributorship opportunities, joint ventures, supply chain partnerships, and market expansion opportunities within the region.
The official opening ceremony featured remarks from Executive Director of the Saint Lucia Chamber, Brian Louisy, CEO of Invest Saint Lucia, Octavian Charles, as well as Marc Sandy, Trade and Business Development Manager of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce.
Over the two-day matchmaking programme, participating businesses engaged in structured one-on-one meetings with pre-identified potential partners based on their industry profiles and business interests. These carefully curated engagements resulted in numerous promising discussions and follow-up meetings, highlighting the strong potential for future commercial partnerships between the two territories.
The Chamber is pleased with the positive feedback received from participants, many of whom expressed appreciation for the quality of meetings, the relevance of the business matches, and the opportunities to explore new markets and collaborations.
The success of this Business Mission has resulted in Members of the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce Industry and Agriculture enquiring about the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce organizing business missions to neighboring islands for its members.
Saint Lucia Youth Business Trust (SLYBT) is proud to launch the Impact 758 Youth Entrepreneurial Program (Impact 758), an incubation program designed to support marginalized individuals (18-35) and those from vulnerable communities, including existing entrepreneurs seeking formalized instruction, in Saint Lucia.
The program will provide selected entrepreneurs with mentorship, training, ecosystem connections, and practical support to help strengthen innovative ventures and accelerate business growth, and foster sustainable livelihoods.
Participants will benefit from:
● Capacity-building workshops:Deep-dives into technical entrepreneurship and essential life skills.
● Expert mentorship: Access to a supportive network of business professionals and tailored aftercare.
● Networking and collaboration opportunities: Integrations with The St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, AdVizze Inc., the St. Lucia Social Development Fund (SSDF), and November GEW events.
● Access to entrepreneurial ecosystem support: Pathways to secure startup loans and grants.
Application deadline: Wednesday, July 1 2026
Learn more and apply: https://incubation.bridgeforbillions.org/signup?organization=231&program=642
This program is part of Conecta Caribbean, an initiative of the CARIBEquity Facility (co-funded by IDB Lab and the European Union), supporting stronger, more connected entrepreneurial ecosystems across the Caribbean.