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The Chamber of Commerce as part of its ongoing engagement with critical economic players hosted an Executive Luncheon where the St. Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) updated members of the Business Community on its plans for addressing some of the most pressing issues affecting its operations.

This Executive Luncheon reaffirmed their longstanding and ongoing collaborative and forthright relationship between the Chamber and SLASPA over the years.

The Chamber has over the last two years been the leading voice calling for increased support to SLASPA from the highest levels of government. The Chamber has not stopped reminder the leaders of the nation that SLASPA is the critical clog in the economy of St. Lucia. The small and open economy of St. Lucia with 95% of GDP transversing the assets of SLASPA and as such its efficiency and operations are unequivocally vital to St. Lucia's economic success or otherwise.

The Executive Luncheon provided members in attendance with an update on SLASPA's efforts to minimize the effects of congestion and space constraints as well as legislative "restrictions". Additional SLASPA explained and outlined its plans to rebuild a failing berth that has been hampering productivity and cargo off loading at the Castries Seaport and of course the update on progress at the long delayed and awaited  Hewanorra International Airport (HIA) development.

Key Projects and Initiatives Update

• Hewanorra International Airport Redevelopment: SLASPA is set to finalize tender documents for the redevelopment of HIA and issue Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for the Terminal Building, Landside, and Airside packages by next month. This pivotal project will involve substantial investment, with a projected 3–4-year completion timeline due to logistical challenges
• Contract for the Control Tower had to be terminated.
• SLASPA has engaged a Quantity Surveying firm to prepare tender documents that will allow the bid for the works above.  

The ongoing development of Saint Lucia’s air and seaport infrastructure remains a top priority for both SLASPA and the Chamber of Commerce. These projects will bolster the nation's logistical capabilities, improve trade efficiency, and support economic growth for years to come. As these initiatives move forward, both organizations are committed to transparent communication and collaboration with all relevant stakeholders to ensure their success.

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St. Lucia like the rest of the Caribbean is threatened by the rapidly changing global trade policy environment. The recent Tariffs announced by US President Trump is one of a number of potential global issues that threaten St. Lucia's trading arrangements that can lead to significant impacts on business and the lives of consumers in St. Lucia.

The on again off again tariffs on good from China, Mexico and Canada, to name a few, has led to serious apprehension and declines in the US Stock Market stoking discussions of an impending recession due to increased costs of critical goods and likely supply chain disruptions. The retaliation promised by these countries in turn can lead to a global trade war that will affect even those on the sidelines, like St. Lucia.

Compounding the situation are two other very critical measures that if implemented will impact the cost of global trade and that of trade in the Caribbean even more significantly. The United States Trade Representative has proposed actions in Section 301 Investigation of China’s Targeting of the Maritime, Logistics, and Shipbuilding Sectors for Dominance. Their investigation has found China at fault and proposed steep levies on Chinese-made ships arriving at US Ports of up to US1.5million, as part of a plan to bring more manufacturing back to the US.

It has been estimated that there are likely "Implications for 50%-60% increases in shipping costs, to and from the Caribbean", from the Measures Proposed Under USTR Section 301, that if enacted can have devastating impact on the Caribbean's ability and cost of trading.

According to reports, that the US plans to charge up to US$1.5m for every port call by a Chinese-built ship, additionally any ship operator that has even a single order at a Chinese yard could face a new US port fee of US$500,000 per call for all its vessels.

This measure would disproportionately impact Caribbean shipping lines, that operate ships made in China and are smaller thus impacting the small loads heavier.

Additionally separate and apart, the International Maritime Organization has been seeking to find ways to tackle carbon emissions from the shipping industry and a carbon tax has been proposed. Again, this will disproportionately affecting Caribbean Trade, that is heavily reliant on maritime trade and on smaller craft.

All these appear to be hitting small islands at the same time and makes for some complex and intense advocacy and lobbying by the region that is already stretched as it seeks to ensure that its interest, special and differential are taking account of in a multi-lateral system that has is increasingly impatient and has no space or time for the small and structurally disadvantaged.

While the Government of St. Lucia has put in place a Ministerial Task Force and a Technical Committee to monitor the impacts of the Trump policy shift, it is clear to the Chamber that this is not enough and the narrow approach that St. Lucia has taken to its development is rearing its ugly head with all its shortcomings.

Lack of investment in adequate and quality human resources that are taken seriously by Policy Makers and advisors means we are always behind the eight ball and the context of an overarching development policy guiding investment, trade and economic policy remains lost and absent. Disjointedly we pursue and undefined agenda driven by short term medicant political objectives.

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Castries, St. Lucia - 6th March 2025 – Ms. Cheryl Godard-Dorville, lived up to her sterling reputation delivering and excellent well pieced together workshop seminar titled "Know Your Labour Act" on March 5th, 2025, on behalf of the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce. Twenty-nine attendees are now better informed and conversant with the St. Lucia labor Act cap, 2006.

The Workshop was delivered with the intention of ensuring Chamber members are intimately knowledgeable on the critical aspects of this most important piece of legislation and people management. The workshop covered critical aspects of the St. Lucia Labor Act. Ms. Godard-Dorville took time to discuss the increasingly topical issue of workplace bullying.

With her signature approach and utilizing an engaging Labour Law Bingo activity, participants actively participated in a fun educational game, where they contested and challenged their own knowledge of key labour act legal terms.

for a chance to win prizes. This activity added an exciting dynamic to the learning process, ensuring full participation and reinforcing key takeaways from the session.

The Chamber membership remains extremely grateful to Ms. Goddard-Dorville for her commitment and sterling contribution to strengthening the understanding and knowledge of the St. Lucia Labour Act within the business community and supporting better employer-employee relations within in St. Lucia.

Businesses seeking bespoke and high-level people development opportunities are encouraged to visit the Chamber Website at www.stluciachamber.org, and or call the Chamber at 452-3165 to discuss their requirements and interest.

For media inquiries, please contact: (758) 4523165 or info@stluciachamber.org

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Look Out for the 2025 St. Lucia Business Award

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The St. Lucia Chamber participated in pre-budget discussions with the Prime Minister and his team, consisting primarily of Officials from the Ministry of Finance.

The President of the Chamber Mr. Ross Gardner had in November 2024, during delivery of the President's Report at the Chamber's Annual General Meeting had recommended a National Forum as part of the process of development of the National Budget where critical policy can be discussed and debated and synchronized prior to the "grand reveal" which the Budget has become where policy measures are "sprung" on an unsuspecting private sector and economy, that the receives political backlash for not worshipping at the feet at those delivering ill-conceived but not well thought out policy on the public.  

While not a very structured forum, the Ministry of Finance provided an update on National Economic Performance and then the private sector was invited to comment and make suggestions.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants revisited a much often submitted call for the reduction of the exorbitant fines and penalties for late filing suggesting that they be brought in line with more modern tax jurisdictions. Additionally, the comment was made that there would be greater take up of the tax Amnesty if the IRD would respond and provide information to taxpayers on their liabilities in a timely fashion.

The Chamber members also raised the issue of the inexplicable inefficient use of Customs Officers time at the airports searching through travelers' bags to collect minimal tax revenue, rather than investing their time in more productive activities. The fact that this practice has been abandoned as useless in most jurisdictions in neighboring jurisdictions.

The Chamber spoke to the issue of a high number of vehicles that made the road congestion worse and the impact on productivity that poor transport infrastructure was having on the economy. The Prime Minister spoke to the needs of the lower incomes who required access to low-cost vehicles.

The Chamber encouraged the Government to consider the low-income consumer as the most vulnerable who were many times being sold vehicles with very little shelf life and no after sale service as was required for those buying new vehicles. The Chamber suggested that putting in standards that aimed to protect the consumer was extremely important as theses consumers could least afford the cost of being sold a lemon that they could not get parts for and had to dump after one year. The cost on the fragile environment was also a cost that had to be taken account of.

The Chamber spent some time imploring the Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, whose Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance was the direct supervisor of the Customs & Excise Department and was also the Chair of the St. Lucia Air and Seaports Authority, to give greater attention to the issues at the Boder.

The Chamber reminded the PM of the important role SLAPSPA played in the economy of St. Lucia's open and extremely trade dependent economy. Chamber ED Pointed out that the shoots of economy growth can be destroyed by SLASPAs problems if SLASPA is not helped at many levels: Legislatively, financially, technically, operationally, institutionally, infrastructure wise, equipment wise among other areas. Moreover, SLASPA is operating in an environment where external pressures are also conspiring against it.  

The Meeting provided an opportunity for the Business Community to share some of their concerns and highlight areas the think specific government action is required. It is hoped that this Forum is the beginning of more in depth policy dialogue and positive discussion on critical national issues.    

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A Call to Action for Water Security

As we recognize World Water Day on March 22, 2025, WASCO is pleased to continue sharing insights into the critical connection between climate change and water security. This year’s theme, "Glacier Preservation," highlights the urgent need to protect the world’s glaciers, which play a crucial role in regulating global water systems. While Saint Lucia doesn’t have glaciers, their rapid melting due to climate change has far-reaching consequences—including rising sea levels and shifting weather patterns that impact our local water supply.

Saint Lucia’s water system faces growing threats from climate change, population growth, and increasing demand. Longer dry seasons and erratic rainfall patterns are already straining our water resources, while extreme weather events continue to damage infrastructure and affect water quality. These challenges impact businesses, households, and entire communities.

In recognition of World Water Day, WASCO is executing a series of public awareness activities to educate and engage stakeholders on the importance of water conservation and climate adaptation, featuring the premiere of WASCO’s new documentary, ‘Saint Lucia’s Water Journey’. This documentary takes viewers behind the scenes of our island’s water system—showing the intricate processes, the dedicated teams, and the many challenges we face along the way.

What’s inside the documentary?

✅ How Saint Lucia’s water is sourced, treated, and delivered to your home

✅ The growing impacts of climate change on our water supply

✅ The effects of human activity on water quality and availability

✅ The steps WASCO is taking to ensure a more resilient and sustainable water future

Link to Documentary: https://youtu.be/_bRVR690XoU

Watch, learn, and be part of the solution! While glaciers may seem distant from our reality, their preservation is deeply connected to the global fight for water security. As a business community, we all have a role to play in securing Saint Lucia’s water future.

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Elevate: Small Business Support Program

Consequent upon the hosting a very successful Executive Luncheon with the Customs & Excise Department earlier this year, a follow-up engagement was hosted.

The Customs & Excise Department through a webinar, and in collaboration with key border regulatory agencies, put on an exclusive webinar showcasing new digital initiatives designed to enhance trade facilitation, improve efficiency, and reduce costs for traders.

This session introduced several transformative initiatives, including:

Web Portal for Import Permit & License Applications - Empowering traders to apply directly for import permits and licenses, reducing reliance on brokers and cutting costs.

Electronic Assessment Notices & Payment Receipts - Providing traders with direct, paperless access to tax assessment notices, payment receipts, and tax refund notifications.

Online Payment System - Enabling secure and convenient online payments for customs transactions.

HS 2022 Rollout – Key tariff updates, considerations for classification, and the implementation timeline.

This webinar provided an excellent opportunity where members involved in importation gained first-hand insights into these initiatives, understanding their benefits and uses and were able to ask pertinent questions directly to the experts.

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KPI's Series : Key Performance Indicators

Healthy Lifestyle Series

Part 4

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