The St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture, in partnership with Sagicor Life, launched CEO Ka Palé — An Exclusive Caribbean Business Leader Dialogue Series
The St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture, in collaboration with Sagicor Life, successfully hosted the inaugural edition of CEO Ka Palé, an exclusive and intimate panel discussion convening Caribbean business leaders for high-level dialogue, strategic insights, and meaningful connection.
The event was held on Tuesday, October 14th, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Sky Terrace, Royalton Saint Lucia Resort. The evening featured two distinguished panelists:
Mr. Paul Inniss, Chief Executive Officer of Sagicor Life Eastern Caribbean and President of the Barbados Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Ross Gardner, Managing Director of Carasco & Son Ltd. and President of the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture.
The leaders shared their journeys to the top of their respective fields and reflected on the challenges and opportunities shaping business leadership in the Caribbean. Mr. Innis shared his journey which involved much international exposure and experience outside the Caribbean that gave him a broad and different perspective on business that ultimately brought him back to the Caribbean where that exposure and perspective has infused his leadership.
Mr. Gardner spoke candidly about his integration and close connection with his family business from childhood and his foray into public service as a family philosophy of giving back and contributing to national development, then ultimately going into the family business as a strategic element of succession planning and sustainability of the family business.
He also pointed to the capacity family businesses showed to be empathetic and caring to employees such as his firm did duruing Covid-19 shutdown and pandemic, keeping all staff employed at regular wages and in strong cooperation between management and staff minimized negative impact on each other during a difficult time.
Mr. Gardner also highlighted his strong view of the role of Chambers of Commerce in addressing the issues of concern to members by understanding their needs and concerns by using various vehicles, including surveys, one on one and even sector and sub-sector caucuses thus that the Chamber remains relevant and focused on delivering value to members.
The contribution from the floor raised the question of managing risk with attendees and panelist sharing how they treated and handled risk issues. Mr. Innis made the very profound suggestion that CEOs should consider engaging the services of a Risk Manager, this he proffered will assist in not having "risks" keep you up at night. Another powerful nugget he shared related to the use of what he called the 3Cs for successful management and leadership within business "Communicate, Collaborate, and Coordination".
The lively discussion, moderated by Mr. Omari Frederick, Senior Manager at LUCELEC and Chairman of the Chamber’s Marketing and PR Sub-Committee, drew valuable insights from the Guests and attendees. Topics explored included:
Youth migration and limited career opportunities,
Recruitment challenges,
Technology and cultural identity.
Mr. Inniss urged the business community to adapt to technological change and lead with purpose in a rapidly evolving global economy.
CEO Ka Palé is envisioned as a signature series bringing together senior executives, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders from across the region for thought-provoking conversations on scaling businesses, driving innovation, and competing globally. Members can look forward to the next editions of the Series with interesting and C-Suite Speakers.
The Customs and Excise Department has moved decisively to ensure that Chapter 15.38 Customs Brokers and Customs Clerks Act. The Chamber has appointed the Executive Director, Brian Louisy as the Chamber Representative on the Customs Brokers and Customs Clerks Commission.
Members may recall that many years ago this Act was passed and the Chamber objected strenuously to Schedule 7 Customs Brokers Fees and Charges.
The newly appointed Commission is intent on ensuring the Commission works effectively and brings the badly needed order and standards to that important service. Therefore, the Act is being circulated to members for their review and comments. Members are invited to pay particular attention to Schedule as there are serious implications for the cost of services as well as the imposition of unwarranted restrictions on "legal persons" ability to contract at market rates for services from other legal persons. The Chamber had questioned also the raison d'etre behind Government treating that specific sub sector special and seeking to guarantee livelihoods for that group and moreover seeking to set, not "maximum rates" to protect the consumer, but rather "minimum rates" to enrich that sector. (Click to see a copy of the Chapter 15.38 Customs Brokers and Customs Clerks Act).
100+ Entries Mark Triumphant Return of the St. Lucia Business Awards
St. Lucia Business Awards 2025
December 15th, 2025
After a five-year hiatus, the Saint Lucia Business Awards are back — and the response has been nothing short of remarkable. More than 100 submissions poured in across 12 diverse categories, signaling a resounding show of confidence from the island’s business community.
From dynamic startups to long-standing enterprises, companies of every size stepped forward to celebrate innovation, resilience, and excellence in Saint Lucian business. The wide range of entries underscores a simple truth: in business, size does not matter — excellence does.
The deadline for submissions, which closed on Wednesday, September 24th, 2025, saw outstanding participation from across the private sector — a clear reflection of the continued strength and pride of Saint Lucian enterprise.
“We are thrilled to see such an enthusiastic response,” said Brian Louisy, Executive Director of the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture. “After five years away, these numbers prove that our business community remains vibrant, competitive, and proud to showcase its achievements.”
The Saint Lucia Business Awards celebrate outstanding performance, creativity, and leadership across sectors, recognizing those who drive economic growth and inspire others to push boundaries.
Award categories this year include Award for Service Excellence, Award for Environmental Stewardship, Entrepreneur of the Year, The Prime Minister’s Award for Innovation, and Business of the Year.
Adding to the excitement, will be the People’s Choice Award, giving the public the opportunity to have their say and vote for their favorite business. Nominees and full details on the voting process will be announced in the coming weeks.
The celebrations will culminate with the prestigious Awards Gala on December 15th, 2025, at the Royalton Saint Lucia, hosted by the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture and The Office of The Prime Minister. The Chamber is also proud to acknowledge the Ministry of Commerce, Manufacturing, Business Development, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs as a collaborating sponsor, and Sagicor Life as a Platinum Sponsor. Their partnership underscores a shared commitment to recognizing and advancing excellence within Saint Lucia’s business community.
Sincere gratitude goes out to all participating businesses and partners for reaffirming the strength, diversity, and potential of Saint Lucia’s economy.
The Annual Report, featuring vibrant full-color visuals, will be extensively distributed both locally and globally. It will reach St. Lucia’s Government Departments, Embassies, Consulates, Regional Chambers of Commerce, their members, investors, and the wider international business community. Furthermore, the report will be available on our website, www.stluciachamber.org, which attracts an average of 3,000 visits per month. Below is the advertising contract which gives further details and is to be signed and submitted to info@stluciachamber.org to secure your spot. Spots highlighted green have already been obtained.
Please ensure you secure your advertisement placement by October 20th, 2025. The Advertising Contract is attached for your completion. If you need any additional information or assistance, feel free to contact the Chamber Secretariat.
I invite you to contact the Chamber Secretariat for any additional information that you may require. Thank you in anticipation of your continued support.
Your Business. Your Voice.
BPS T15
Domino Schedule
Please see below the matches per day, and week.
Note there are multiple matches per day.
Notices
The Water and Sewerage Company Inc. (WASCO) has announced planned maintenance works on the 24-inch raw water pipeline extending from the John Compton Dam in Millet to Vanard.
This maintenance is scheduled for Tuesday, November 4, 2025, and will affect customers from Millet to Cap Estate.
WASCO advises all affected consumers to store adequate water in advance of this scheduled service interruption. Water supply is expected to be restored within 48 hours, though customers in higher elevations and remote areas may experience longer delays as the system stabilizes.
These works form part of WASCO’s ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure resilience and ensure the long-term reliability of Saint Lucia’s water supply system.
WASCO thanks the public for their understanding and cooperation during this period.
Hurricane Season Preparedness
Hurricane Season is upon us. Are you prepared? Have you taken the necessary precautions? Is your insurance up to date? Have you revisited your Hurricane Preparedness Plan? Is your staff familiar with it? Do they remember their role?
Now is a good time as ever to make sure your entire team is familiar and know what their roles are. Remember having a Business Continuity Plan is not sufficient, it needs to be reviewed regularly and even tested. Have you revisited your Business Continuity Plan? Do you have one? If you don't the Chamber suggests that your seriously consider developing one for your business.
Business Continuity is not just about hurricanes preparedness; it is about you doing all you can to ensure that in the event of some type of business disruption or interruption, disaster, natural or manmade, you have a clear, well thought out plan as to how you will recommence your operations, in the shortest possible time. Insurance is a mitigating measure yet thinking through and putting in place actions and approaches that make your business more resilient to all types of likely or possible disruptions is extremely useful. The Chamber reminds you to Complete Our Business Continuity Plan/Disaster Recovery Plan Check List to help. Also, remember the Chamber is offering a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) Workshop that will help your firm develop a draft Business Continuity Plan. The Facilitator, Mr. Andrew George is also offering for a small additional fee for site visits to your main place of business to which your BCP refers to validate and review with you the appropriateness of the BCP. He is also able to work with you to get your Company's BCP Certified by NEMO, this certification, may help in you getting more attractive Insurance rates from your insurance provider.
Click here to access checklist.
November 17th-23rd
The St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture is gearing up for Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2025, set for November 17th–23rd — the world’s largest celebration of innovators and job creators.
Each year, the Chamber partners with stakeholders to host a week of inspiring discussions, workshops, and networking events that strengthen Saint Lucia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Businesses, agencies, and institutions are invited to host events or activities during GEW 2025 — from sharing expertise to showcasing success stories — and help empower local entrepreneurs and MSMEs.
Join us in celebrating the creativity and drive of Saint Lucian entrepreneurship on the global stage.
For details or to register your event, contact info@stluciachamber.org.
Developing business opportunities between Saint Lucia and the French Caribbean through the work of the Trade Facilitation Team
An information session on the activities of the Trade Facilitation Team (TFT), the office dedicated to the Caribbean region of the Martinique Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIM), was held in Saint Lucia in October 2025. The event was organized in partnership with the Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (SLCCIA), within whose premises the TFT is hosted.
The Trade Facilitation Team, represented locally by Ms. Hilary Gedeon, works to foster trade and business connections between companies from the French-speaking Caribbean (Martinique, Guadeloupe, French Guiana) and the wider region, with a particular focus on Saint Lucia.
During the session, Ms. Vanessa Victorin, Head of the International Division at Martinique Chamber of Commerce and Industry, presented alongside Ms. Gedeon the services offered and business opportunities identified for Saint Lucian companies, notably in Martinique.
Saint Lucian companies can particularly explore promising sectors in Martinique, such as fisheries and marine product processing, fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables, seaweed products (including sea moss), spices, as well as the textile industry, including garment manufacturing.
To support companies in their projects, the Trade Facilitation Team offers tailored assistance, including:
Market analysis and assessment of regulatory requirements for intended export products,
Organization of individual prospecting missions, featuring B2B meetings with potential distributors or partners, either in person or remotely,
Collective trade missions, thematic webinars, and exchanges with local economic institutions
Interested companies are encouraged to contact the Trade Facilitation Team to benefit from support adapted to their needs.
Contact: Ms. Hilary Gedeon International Trade Advisor - Trade Facilitation Team Based in St Lucia at the St Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture
Phone: +1 758 286 7380 Email: h.gedeon@martinique.cci.fr
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