Dear Sir,
On behalf of the Board of Directors and membership of the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, I extend our warmest congratulations to you and the Saint Lucia Labour Party on your success in the December 1, 2025, General Elections and your return to office for another five-year term.
The results of the elections represent a clear expression of confidence by the people of Saint Lucia in your leadership and vision for the country’s future. The Chamber recognizes the significance of this mandate and looks forward with optimism to the continued guidance of your Government in advancing national development, social cohesion, and economic stability.
The Chamber believes that sustainable progress is best achieved through inclusive leadership, open dialogue, and collaborative action among all stakeholders. In this regard, we welcome the opportunity to continue working with your Government to support policies and initiatives that improve the quality of life of all Saint Lucians.
The private sector remains committed to playing its role as a partner in national development, contributing through employment creation, innovation, and investment. Our engagement with Government will continue to be constructive and principled, grounded in our shared responsibility to promote economic resilience and broad-based prosperity.
We respectfully request a meeting between yourself and the Chamber’s Board of Directors at your convenience, to reaffirm and strengthen public-private sector collaboration in the national interest.
Please accept, Prime Minister, our best wishes to you and your Cabinet as you undertake the responsibilities of office.
Yours sincerely
Nicholas Barnard
President
Mr. Nicholas Barnard, Managing Director of St. Lucia Linen Services Ltd. is the new President of the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture. He was elected President at the Chamber’s 141st Annual General Meeting of the August Body held on November 26th, 2025, at the Harbor Club, under the theme “Resilient. Relevant. Relentless”.
Mr. Barnard succeeds Mr. Ross Gardner, Managing Director of Carasco & Son. As the Outgoing President of the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Gardner, did not seek reelection after serving the traditional two one-year terms. Mr. Barnard has previously served as First Vice President to Mr. Gardner and has been on the Chamber Board since 2022.
The Open Session of the Annual General Meeting featured Dr. Keith Nurse, an international researcher, consultant and higher education professional with over one hundred scholarly published articles and papers on the intersection between trade policy, innovation and sustainable development. Dr. Nurse spoke to the topic of Resilience and Skills Development in Higher Education — Digitalisation and Declining Economic Competitiveness in the Caribbean.
Dr. Nurse’s insightful and thought-provoking presentation received much engagement questions, comments and feedback from the audience who sort to better understand how the Chamber and the Business Community in St. Lucia could catalyze action on some if the powerful and practical recommendations proffered by Dr. Nurse.
Ross Gardner in his Presidents Report indicated his pleasure with the position the Chamber was institutionally and the work carried out during his tenure with excellent support from the Board and the Secretariat resulting in growth in membership and the continued delivery or the Chamber mandate. He also outlined some macro-economic issues that he believes the country needs to address including, failing port infrastructure, the skills mismatch and the need for a national broad-based development plan, that spans beyond the five-year political horizons of political parties.
During the Closed Session of the Meeting the Auditor’s Report was delivered which revealed the Chamber’s financial position has been strengthened, with returned earnings growing and cash position buoyant.
The Executive Director’s Report was also presented. This was followed by the Election of the Board of Directors. The new Board of Directors of the Chamber are:
The new Board has already scheduled their first meeting and have indicated their excitement and enthusiasm to serve the Chamber and the wider business community.
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Election of the Board of Directors
We are pleased to present this Special Edition of Inside Edge, highlighting the successful conclusion of the 141st AGM and the Election of the Board of Directors for the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture.
Despite a few technical challenges during our first encounter using technology as our voting system, we thank all members for their patience, participation, and support throughout. Your engagement continues to strengthen the governance and future direction of the Chamber.
The first election for the Board of Directors took place during the 141st Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, November 26th, 2025. However, due to unexpected technical difficulties encountered with the digital voting platform, the Chamber conducted a reelection on Friday to ensure a fair, transparent, and accurate outcome for all candidates.
We sincerely thank all members for their cooperation, patience, and active participation throughout both processes. Your commitment highlights the strength and unity of our membership community.
We extend our warmest congratulations to the members elected to serve on the Board of Directors for the upcoming term:
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Board of Directors
We look forward to the energy, expertise, and vision each Director will bring as we advance the Chamber’s agenda of growth, advocacy, and national development.
The Chamber expresses sincere gratitude to our outgoing President, Mr. Ross Gardner who now assumes the role of Immediate Past President. A very special thank you also to Mr. Trevor Louisy, for his exceptional leadership, commitment, and steadfast guidance over the past year(s) as Immediate Past President and President before that.
We also thank the retiring members of the Board for their valuable service:
Your dedication, hard work and contribution has left an idleible mark on the Chamber and significantly strengthened the Chamber’s mission and supported its continued progress.
A heartfelt thank you is extended to all members, partners, and observers who supported this electoral process.
Your participation—especially during the transition to a digital voting platform—demonstrated patience, understanding, and unwavering commitment to the Chamber.
We also acknowledge the tremendous efforts of the Chamber Secretariat, the Election Support Team, and all volunteers whose hard work ensured a transparent and efficient process.
Your spirit of collaboration continues to drive the Chamber forward.
With a refreshed Board and renewed focus, the Chamber remains committed to delivering value to our members through advocacy, capacity building, economic insight, and strategic partnerships. We encourage all members to stay engaged as we advance together in unity and purpose.
Thank you for your continued support.
St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce,
Industry and Agriculture