The St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce’s Business Performance Survey (BPS Take11) for 2024 offers insights into workforce trends, recruitment challenges, sales performance and economic outlook. The survey highlights optimism with 60% of respondents expecting their workforce to remain stable or grow and 40% increasing investment in technology and plant replacement.
Survey respondents primarily operate in Castries (48%) Gros Islet (36%) and various sectors like tourism (32%) distribution (24%) and IT services (12%). Key findings indicate mixed sales performance 52% of businesses seeing increased sales compared to 2023. Yet 48% failed to meet their forecasts. Recruitment challenges persist especially for skilled workers.
Despite this 56% of respondents expect turnover to improve and 48% forecast profitability growth over the next year. Rising input costs driven by higher utility prices goods prices and the Health & Security Levy are a concern.
Additionally, crime and infrastructure quality emerged as pressing issues.
Click link to view full report: BPS-.Report T11.pdf
You are cordially invited to the 140th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture, scheduled for November 27th, 2024, at 9:00 A.M. The meeting will take place at The Golden Grove Ballroom at The Harbor Club Ltd.
This year’s AGM theme is "Building Resilience and Shared Prosperity in Uncertain Times,” reflecting our commitment to a prosperous future for all.
The AGM is the highest decision-making body of the Chamber, where members will have the opportunity to elect individuals to serve on the Board of Directors for the upcoming year. All Board Members are eligible for reelection, and all positions are open to any member in good standing. We encourage Senior Management Staff to represent the interests of the Business Community and the nation.
During the meeting, reports will be presented by the President, Executive Director, and the Audited Financial Statements.
As a vital membership organization, the Chamber aims to represent the collective views of its members rather than those of individual Board Members. We strongly encourage all members to consider offering their time and expertise to this esteemed organization, which plays a crucial role in our country's development.
The Chamber also urges other members to consider putting going up for board elections. If you are interested in serving on the Board, please submit a professional half-shot picture and confirm your interest via email by November 15th, 2024. We look forward to seeing you and your company represented at the AGM on November 27th, 2024, at The Harbor Club Ltd, Golden Grove Ballroom, starting at 9:00 A.M.
Dear Chamber Member,
We are always excited to celebrate the success stories of our members, and we invite you to share any recent awards, accolades, or noteworthy accomplishments your business has achieved. These achievements will be featured in the upcoming editions of The Inside Edge, the Chamber’s bi-monthly newsletter that reaches a wide audience of industry peers and stakeholders.
Whether your business has been recognized with an award, received industry honors, or made a positive impact in the community, we want to hear from you! Submissions should be no longer than 500 words and may include photos or other relevant details. This is a great opportunity to highlight your hard work and innovation while inspiring others in the business community.
To Submit:
Submission Deadline: The last Wednesday of each month.
Email Submissions To: info@stluciachamber.org
We look forward to celebrating your achievements in The Inside Edge. Thank you for continuing to make valuable contributions to our business community.
A successful start to the 2024/2025 Calendar Year of the Chamber's Smaller Member Support Program has commenced with the first session, on Filing Taxes Made Easy being held at the Chamber Conference Room.
The Workshop was facilitated by the Staff of the Inland Revenue Department and some 14 participants from member companies and nonmembers alike benefitted from the vital information imparted by the knowledgeable facilitators from the IRD.
participants were provided with insights as to the critical forms and information and supporting documents that are required to properly file taxes by a Small Business.
The chamber is convinced that these types of programs focused on its smaller MSME Members can be the difference as to the viability of these enterprises and as such the Chamber will continue to unfurl its series of session targeting that specific demographic.
The St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce Hosts Critical Dialogue with SLASPA on Seaport Operations
October 23rd,2024 – In response to the ongoing challenges faced by members regarding operations at the Seaport Castries, the Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce a vital engagement session with the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA). This discussion forum aims to address pressing issues and provide clarity on steps being taken to improve operations at the seaport.
The meeting will take place on November 7th, 2024, via zoom and will serve as an important platform for members to gain insights into SLASPA's efforts to alleviate current difficulties. Participants will have the opportunity to voice their concerns, share their experiences, and offer suggestions to enhance efficiency in the import and clearing processes.
This engagement is crucial for fostering open communication between SLASPA and our business community. The Chamber believes that by working together, these challenges can be addressed more effectively and create a smoother operational environment at SLASPA’S Seaport.
Members are encouraged to register for this important dialogue by November 6th, 2024 at 12:00pm. This is an excellent opportunity for members to not only learn about the initiatives being implemented by SLASPA but also to contribute to their perspectives on how to improve the seaport operations. That would benefit both SLASPA and customers.
To register, visit, https://stluciachamber.wildapricot.org/event-5921637 or contact the chamber at 452-3165 and info@stluciachmaber.org
Join us in this crucial conversation to ensure a more efficient and effective operation at the Seaport Castries.
The Sol EC Business Mixer, held in collaboration with the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, took place on Wednesday, October 9th, at the Sol Cul de Sac Depot. This lively and informative event welcomed local business leaders, Chamber members, and guests to connect with Sol’s leadership team, learn about the company’s latest developments, and enjoy an evening of networking, demonstrations, and refreshments.
The evening kicked off with a warm welcome from General Manager Deborah Edward, who introduced some of Sol’s most exciting recent advancements. She highlighted Sol's newly established partnership with Analytical Technologies, which allows for local testing of jet fuel. This partnership marks a major efficiency improvement, enabling fuel tests to be conducted directly in St. Lucia instead of outsourcing them to Antigua. With this change, Sol can now ensure quicker response times and reduce the risk of delayed flights — a win-win for travelers and airlines alike.
Attendees also learned about Sol’s role as the official distributor of Mobil oils in St. Lucia. Deborah and her team emphasized the high standards and reliability of Mobil oils, which are trusted by businesses and consumers worldwide for their quality and performance. The team showcased how Sol’s products align with the company’s commitment to providing St. Lucians with dependable and innovative energy solutions.
The evening became more interactive when the Sol team hosted live demonstrations, on checking oil levels in automobiles, a simple yet essential step in ensuring vehicle longevity and efficiency. Additionally, the Sol team demonstrated how to safely and correctly install a regulator and hose on a 20lb cooking gas tank. These demonstrations were well-received by guests who appreciated the chance to learn safety tips and product handling from the knowledgeable Sol professionals.
The Harbor Club will be the venue of the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture’s Power Breakfast scheduled for Tuesday, November 19th, from 8:00 a.m. The Power Breakfast series of the Chamber is a highly informative, thought provoking and insightful event that brings topical and critical matters to the attention of the captains of industry and persons who need to be on the inside and cutting edge with vital information for decision making.
Mr. Francis Fontenelle, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, has the distinct privilege of addressing the Chamber Power Breakfast on a second occasion in what is hoped to be an annual fixture on the Chamber/Ministry of Finance engagement calendar.
Sharing with the Business Community the most recent, and up-to-date, economic data and indicators, and the prospects for the upcoming year by the Ministry of Finance is seen as essential in priming the Business Community so they can continue their role as drivers of economic development in St. Lucia. This dialogue comes at an opportune time as the Chamber has only just released its latest Business Performance Survey Report that examines business sentiment and performance at the half year interval.
The event will commence at 8:00 a.m.; breakfast will be served, followed by brief introductions and comments by the President of the Chamber, Mr. Ross Gardner, and then the ‘meat’ of the breakfast delivered by the Ministry of Finance. There will be ample opportunity for interaction between the Ministry of Finance and the attendees.
The Chamber extends its invitation to all business leaders, entrepreneurs, and key stakeholders to attend this event as crucial information that is vital for decision making will be provided at the gathering. For more information contact the Chamber at 452-3165 or info@stluciachamber.org.
The St. Lucia Chamber's Business Performance Survey has over the last two years signaled that the Business Community is facing difficulties in recruiting adequate Talent for the enterprises.
Skilled Maula Employees have consistently ranked highest in terms of areas where the greatest difficulty is faced when firms are seeking to recruit.
This has led to the Chamber raising the matter with the Ministry of Commerce. The Chamber has gone further an argued that a "Skills Register" may prove useful in matching available Skills with Demanded.
The discussion with Government revealed that a number of initiatives on this and related matters were being undertaken. aby various Government Agencies without much collaboration or information sharing. Ther thus is a clear realization that there is need for reliable information on availability of Skilled labor in Saint Lucia.
The Ministry of Commerce has thus arranged a presentation on by the various organizations who are pursuing the development of Skills Registers in St. Lucia. The Presentation will take place on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the Department of Infrastructure Conference Room, Union.
The session aims to provide greater insight into the services, databases, and information available to employers through these platforms.
For more information or to confirm your availability, please contact Ms. Aretha Regis at 468-4291 or via email at Aretha.regis@govt.lc, or Ms. Rachel Popo at 468-4265 or via email at rachel.popo@govt.lc.