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Tropical Shipping is a trusted leader in shipping and logistics, playing a critical role in connecting Saint Lucia to the wider Caribbean, North America, and global markets. Operating from Castries and Vieux Fort, for over forty (40) years, Tropical Shipping has provided reliable ocean freight, warehousing, marine insurance and customer support solutions tailored to the needs of local businesses and communities. Known for our service consistency, reliability and strong customer-centric values, Tropical Shipping has built long-standing relationships that continue to support trade and economic growth across the island.

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For Immediate Release: Castries, St. Lucia, January 28, 2026

PRESS RELEASE

St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce Industry and Agriculture Business Performance Survey Signals Subdued Conditions Amid Rising Cost Pressures

Castries, Saint Lucia — The St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture has released the findings of its Business Performance Survey (Take 15) for the second quarter of 2025, covering the period April to June. The survey highlights a generally subdued operating environment for businesses, characterized by declining sales, workforce contraction, rising costs, and cautious business sentiment.

Survey respondents were primarily located in Castries (47%), with 39% identifying as Chamber members. The results reflect the realities of a predominantly small-business economy, as 80% of participating firms employ fewer than 10 people.

Labour market indicators showed a net decline in employment, with 25% of firms reducing their workforce and only 8% reporting increases. Recruitment challenges persist, particularly for professional and skilled manual positions. Business performance indicators also weakened, with declines reported in both year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter sales, alongside deteriorating cashflow conditions.

Despite short-term pressures, overall performance in 2025 compared with 2024 was more positive, with a significant proportion of businesses reporting improvement. Inflation and rising input costs emerged as the most pressing concerns, with labour costs and goods prices identified as the main drivers of expected price increases in the third quarter of 2025.

Investment activity remained largely unchanged, and while most businesses reported no impact from the minimum wage, those affected indicated increased operating costs. Overall, the survey underscores the need for continued cost management and risk containment, while carefully positioning for future growth.

For more information contact: Mr. Brian Louisy, Executive Director

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View Report:

BPS T15-Report (1).pptx

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St. Lucia Business Awards 2025 Winners are!

·  Young Professional of the Year: Connel Biscette Tameh

·  New Business of the Year: Unique Stables 758

·  Not-for-Profit of the Year: The Ubuntu Movement

·  Environmental Stewardship Award: 758 Adventurers

·  Corporate Social Responsibility Award: Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa

·  Employer of the Year: Automotive Art (St. Lucia) Ltd

·  Export Achievement Award: CIE – Construction and Industrial Equipment Ltd

·  Entrepreneur of the Year: CIE – Construction and Industrial    Equipment Ltd

·  Prime Minister’s Award for Innovation: Unique Stables 758

·  Business of the Year: CIE – Construction and Industrial      Equipment Ltd

· Lifetime Achievement Award: Keifer Vitalis and the late Theresa Vitalis, founders of Builders Choice, Family Food Mart, and Aeroprint

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The St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture wishes to share this information with its members, following guidance received from the National Insurance Corporation (NIC), regarding the use of ICD-10-CM code Z63 on medical certificates and related documents.

Code Z63 is a category code in the ICD-10-CM system used in medical  records to classify non-medical factors that may influence a person’s health status, specifically issues related to a primary support group, including family or household circumstances. This code does not indicate that the holder of the sick leave has a medical illness or disease.

While such circumstances may impact an individual’s overall well-being, Z63 is a diagnostic classification for social or psychosocial factors, rather than a medical condition.

NIC has advised that benefits are not payable to employees, and reimbursements are not issued to employers, where claims are supported solely by code Z63. As it does not represent a medical condition, it does not meet the eligibility criteria for sickness benefits under NIC regulations.

What Employers Should Note: In light of this guidance, Chamber members are encouraged to:

• Be mindful of the use of ICD-10-CM code Z63, particularly where no accompanying medical diagnosis is indicated.
• Seek clarification, where appropriate, before submitting claims to the NIC or approving related benefits.

The Chamber shares this information in the interest of keeping its members informed and encourages employers to contact the NIC directly should further clarification be required.

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The St. Lucia Bankers Association wishes to remind Business Houses of the importance of adhering to the terms of salary assignment agreements. These agreements govern the transfer of a designated portion of a borrower’s salary, by their employer, to the relevant financial institution for the servicing of credit obligations.

The above cited agreements usually represent irrevocable (cannot be varied without the approval of the lender) instructions by the borrower to their employer to make the relevant transfers. However, despite the irrevocable nature of these agreements, the Banker’s Association is aware that some employers have facilitated variations (discontinuation or reduced transfers) to these agreements without the lender’s approval. These breaches of the salary assignment agreements compromise the integrity of the lending process.

The cost and availability of credit are tied to the probability of full repayment and accordingly, anything that increases the risk of default, such as a compromised salary assignment, is likely to increase the cost of borrowing or reduce access to credit to potential borrowers. These negative outcomes have implications for economic activities/performance, and financial sector stability; factors with a direct impact on your members and on the wider Saint Lucian economy.

The Banker’s Association recognizes that employers are not being malicious in facilitating these salary assignment variations, instead it can be an oversight, system error or an effort to accommodate an employee experiencing challenging circumstances. However, it is very important that any change to an agreement be authorized as per the terms of the agreement.

Given the importance of this matter to ensuring continued access to credit for your members’ staff, and the wider public, the Bankers Association greatly appreciates this matter being brought to the attention of the Chamber Membership.

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