Inside Edge issue 97

Newsletter Overview

CariCham Takes Bold Steps to Strengthen Caribbean Business Resilience

A Tribute to Thecla Deterville

Board Member Profile

Your voice matters. Take a few minutes to participate. BPS – T16

Dr. Ernest Hilaire Outlines Clear Economic Agenda at Chamber Executive Luncheon

National Export Council Meeting

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CariCham Takes Bold Steps to Strengthen Caribbean Business Resilience

The Network of Caribbean Chambers of Commerce (CariCham) of which the Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce Industry and Agriculture is a founding and active member, has reaffirmed its commitment to regional resilience and private sector leadership following a series of high-level meetings held in Barbados from 24–26 March 2026. Hosted in partnership with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the engagements brought together Chambers of Commerce from across the Caribbean, regional institutions, and development partners to strengthen collaboration in the interest of the communities they serve.

The programme began with a two-day Regional Private Sector Workshop on Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS) and business resilience at the United Nations House in Bridgetown. The workshop explored how early warning, resilient supply chains, and business continuity planning can protect lives, safeguard investments, and support more competitive Caribbean economies, while advancing the global Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative.

Building on the momentum of the workshop, CariCham then hosted a strategic retreat at the Hilton Barbados Resort focused on defining its collective agenda for the 2026–2027 period. During this hybrid session, member Chambers reviewed CariCham’s strategic direction, reflected on common priorities emerging from recent consultations, and agreed on concrete next steps to enhance joint action across the network.

A key outcome of the strategic retreat was the establishment of dedicated committees designed to drive implementation of CariCham’s vision and strengthen delivery on shared priorities (Pillars). These committees – covering areas such as advocacy, business opportunities, resilience, and governance and communication – will coordinate work programmes, mobilise expertise across Chambers, and ensure that regional initiatives translate into tangible benefits for businesses and communities.

Leaders underscored that the creation of these committees signals a renewed and strengthened commitment to cooperation among CariCham members. By pooling knowledge, aligning advocacy, and coordinating action, the network aims to foster deeper collaboration, support risk-informed investment, and help address key regional issues including disaster risk reduction, supply chain resilience, and sustainable growth.

Through its partnership with UNDRR and regional organisations, CariCham will continue to champion the role of the private sector as a critical partner in resilience-building and early warning systems across the Caribbean. The outcomes of the Barbados workshop and strategic retreat will feed into CariCham’s workplan and regional guidelines currently being developed to enhance private sector engagement in disaster risk reduction and Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems.

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A Tribute to Thecla Deterville

Today, we pause to honour and celebrate the life and legacy of Thecla Deterville, née Walcott—a remarkable professional, an outstanding President of the Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, and a true stalwart of private sector development in Saint Lucia.Before her deep involvement with the Chamber, Thecla built a sterling career in banking and retail, distinguishing herself through competence, integrity, and leadership. It was during her tenure at Courts Saint Lucia that her relationship with the Chamber truly flourished—one that would evolve into decades of meaningful contribution, influence, and quiet transformation.Thecla first served on the Chamber’s Board from 1998 to 2001, during a period of intense national dialogue and economic challenge. Even then, she stood out as one of the most thoughtful, balanced, and insightful voices at the table, alongside people like the late Ferrel Bam Charles and Leslie Clarke.In 2003, she returned to serve as President, leading the Chamber with distinction. Her presidency was marked by vision, structure, and impact.From the very beginning, Thecla immersed herself fully in the work of the Chamber. She served with distinction on the Board, chaired committees, and represented the Chamber on numerous national bodies. In every role, she brought clarity of thought, sound judgment, and unwavering professionalism. She was articulate yet measured, firm yet respectful, and always guided by principle.She championed what is now one of the Chamber’s most important pillars, the Chamber’s People Development Programme. She led the first formal Training Needs Assessment, laying the foundation for a training agenda that would grow into one of the Chamber’s most successful and sustainable initiatives.Another one of her early and enduring contributions was her role in the development of the Chamber’s Entry Level Skills Training Programme; a pioneering initiative aimed at equipping young professionals and entry-level employees with essential workplace skills. Thecla did not simply support this programme; she helped shape and deliver it. Her modules on communication and motivation were consistently praised, and to this day, many professionals who I encounter, credit that programme as a turning point in their careers. That is the kind of impact she had; practical, lasting, and transformative.Permit me a brief personal reflection. My first meaningful interaction with Thecla left an indelible impression on me. In a simple conversation, she offered advice about service, leadership, and expectations that has stayed with me throughout my life. She spoke about giving of yourself fully, expecting little in return, and knowing when to step aside with grace and dignity.As I reflect today, it is clear; that is exactly how Thecla lived. She gave selflessly, served faithfully, and stepped back quietly, without fanfare, without expectation, and without regret.Thecla understood something fundamental: that the strength of the private sector lies in the strength of its team Members.She was also a steady and credible voice in the Chamber’s engagement with Government. Even in the most delicate discussions, she remained calm, composed, and resolute. She did not need volume to be heard—her clarity and conviction carried weight. As she once remarked with quiet authority when some questioned the credibility of the Chamber’s Business Performance Survey, “our cash registers know long before we tell you.” In that moment, she captured the lived reality of business in a way no textbook ever could.Beyond policy and advocacy, Thecla’s influence extended into areas many would not immediately connect to business, human resource development, mentorship, healthy lifestyles, and professional networking. She encouraged and pushed for the establishment of the Chamber’s once dynamic, inter-commercial sports competitions, in football, basketball, netball and volleyball.She was instrumental in shaping the Chamber’s HR Forum, now known as HR Connect, and played a key role in introducing globally recognized training such as the Dale Carnegie programme, which remains a flagship offering today.She also contributed to broader national development, pushing for the Chamber to be brave and initiate, and helping to advance thinking around a national export strategy that would eventually support the establishment of Export Saint Lucia.What made Thecla truly exceptional, however, was not just what she did—but how she did it.She did not seek recognition.She did not pursue the spotlight.She did not attach her name to her achievements.And yet, her fingerprints are everywhere.In programmes that continue to thrive.In institutions that continue to serve.In professionals who continue to grow.She was, in every sense, a quiet architect of progress.Thecla also believed deeply in inclusion and opportunity. She encouraged the participation and advancement of women in business, not through pronouncement, but through example and influence. Many who followed found inspiration in her quiet strength and steady leadership.The Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce has been profoundly enriched by her service. It is no exaggeration to say that the institution we know today is stronger, more relevant, and more impactful because of Thecla Deterville.To her family, we say thank you—thank you for sharing her with us. If she gave you even a fraction of what she gave to this Chamber and to this country, then you have been richly blessed.And to Thecla—we say thank you.For your service.For your wisdom.For your grace.Your legacy lives on—in this Chamber, in this business community, and in St. Lucia and of course in the many lives you have touched.May you rest in perfect peace.

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Board Member Profile

Bio

Leathon B. Khan is a Chartered Insurance Practitioner with over 39 years of experience in the insurance industry. He currently serves as Executive Chairman of Agostini Insurance Brokers and has held senior leadership roles across several leading insurance organisations in Saint Lucia.

What the Chamber Means to Me

The Chamber provides an effective platform to advocate on behalf of the business community, helping to create an enabling environment for sustainable economic development. Serving on the Board is a significant responsibility, ensuring that informed perspectives contribute to policies that impact businesses and livelihoods.

Role as a Board Member

As a Board member, Mr. Khan offers professional guidance on insurance and risk management—key pillars of business resilience, asset protection, and continuity. He also supports efforts to build awareness and strengthen risk management practices across the business community.

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Voting Now Open for The 2025 Saint Lucia Business Awards, People’s Choice Award

The Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture announces that voting for the People’s Choice Award is now open.

The People’s Choice Award is a pivotal category within the Saint Lucia Business Awards, as it represents the voice of the public and recognizes businesses that have earned the trust and admiration of the Saint Lucian community.

The People’s Choice Award honours a business that excels in service, provides great value, resolves issues fairly, and is widely recognized by the public as a standout organization within Saint Lucia’s business community.

Nominees for the People’s Choice Award are:

• Abby’s Exotic Blends

• Optimum Cooling

• Lucian Excursions

• Tropical Shipping

The People’s Choice Award was removed from the list of the Chamber Business Awards presented on December 15th, 2025, due to irregularities encountered on the voting platform. The security of the platform has now been strengthened, and the Chamber has full confidence in its integrity.

According to Mr. Brian Louisy, the Executive Vice President of the Chamber “The Chamber has always placed significant value on this award and to ensure that the business which truly earned the recognition of the public is properly acknowledged”.

Voting will be open from Wednesday March 18, 2026, till Thursday April 16th, 2026 and the public can access the voting platform at:

https://awards.stluciachamber.org/

The public is encouraged to visit the platform and vote to ensure that the winner is truly reflective of the People’s Choice.

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

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Your voice matters. Take a few minutes to participate. BPS – T16

Dr. Ernest Hilaire Outlines Clear Economic Agenda at Chamber Executive Luncheon

The Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture hosted its first Executive Luncheon for 2026 on March 12 at the Harbor Club Hotel, featuring an address by the newly appointed Minister for Commerce, Dr. Ernest Hilaire.

In a focused presentation, Minister Hilaire demonstrated that he has quickly brought himself up to speed in his new portfolio and is moving to define a clear work program aimed at strengthening the business environment and expanding opportunities for local enterprise. His address outlined a forward-looking agenda intended to positively impact the indigenous business community while ensuring that the benefits of economic growth are broadly shared across Saint Lucian society.

Framing his remarks within Government’s vision of building a resilient, competitive and inclusive economy, the Minister identified several priority areas for action. These include improving the regulatory framework for business, reforming the Trade License Act, advancing the long-awaited electronic single window, strengthening support for MSMEs, and encouraging responsible investment.

He also pointed to initiatives designed to deepen economic linkages and expand local participation in growth sectors. Among these were strengthening local production and manufacturing, improving regional trade logistics, enhancing the investment regime, expanding the outsourcing and business processing sector, strengthening tourism linkages with other sectors, and developing a Global Marketing Fund to support international promotion.

A key message from the Minister was the importance of strong collaboration between Government and the private sector. He emphasized that the public sector must increasingly assume the role of facilitator of economic activity rather than simply that of regulator.

The Luncheon was well attended, and members welcomed the opportunity to engage the Minister with questions and comments on issues affecting the business community. The discussion reflected both interest in the proposed policy direction and the expectation that the facilitative role outlined by the Minister should translate into tangible improvements in the operating environment for businesses.

The Chamber thanked the Minister for his clear and forthright presentation and reaffirmed its commitment to continued engagement with Government in advancing policies that support sustainable private sector growth.

Members can look forward to the next Executive Luncheon in April, which will feature the CEO of the Water and Sewerage Company Inc. as guest speaker. The Chamber will also host several upcoming training initiatives, including workshops on Artificial Intelligence, Social Media Marketing, and “Know Your Labour Act – Small Business Edition.”

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Open Call: Entrepreneurs & Mentors – Restoration Factory Saint Lucia

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We are excited to announce that applications are now open for the Restoration Factory Saint Lucia programme.

This global initiative, developed by UNEP and Bridge for Billions, is now launching locally in Saint Lucia, implemented by Export Saint Lucia and supported by the Department of Sustainable Development.

The programme supports entrepreneurs developing solutions that restore ecosystems while creating sustainable livelihoods across sectors such as forestry, agriculture, marine ecosystems, and ecotourism.

Applications Open: March 27 – April 13

Who should apply:

Entrepreneurs building early-stage, impact-driven businesses

Mentors with expertise in business, sustainability, or related fields

Participants will gain access to mentorship, expert support, and a structured incubation programme designed to help transform ideas into viable, scalable businesses.

👉 Apply here: https://incubation.bridgeforbillions.org/signup?organization=120&program=59

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National Export Council Meeting

Notices !

Good day,

The Commercial team at the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown, Barbados would like to invite interested persons, companies, and trade organizations to participate as a part of an official delegation to in the National Restaurant Association Show , Chicago, Illinois from May 16 to 19, 2026.

Through the U.S. Commercial Service’s network of offices in U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide, Embassy Bridgetown recruits pre-screened foreign buyer delegations and brings them to selected tradeshows in the United States, connecting U.S. companies with international buyers. Delegates who usually attend this show include restaurant and food services owners/managers, distribution companies and importers, hotel executives, bar executives, sommeliers, venue/entertainment managers, kitchen equipment importers, purchasing and sales/marketing executives. We work closely with our colleagues at the Caribbean Basin Agricultural Trade Office to organize our participation at the Show. To this end, U.S. Embassy Bridgetown will be looking to recruit interested persons in all areas. Full list of product categories can be found here .

Benefits for Delegation Members to the 2026 National Restaurant Association Show

✓ Complimentary admission to the show.

✓ Special discounts and complimentary assistance with travel and hotel arrangements.

✓ Complimentary Shuttle provided to/from select hotels.

✓ Access to the International Trade Center (ITC) with a private meeting room and lounge area.

✓ Translation services are available in the ITC to answer general or registration questions (as needed).

✓ Invitation to the show’s annual International Networking Reception.

For additional information about NRAS events, please visit the Events page. This show showcases foodservice innovation and is the Western Hemisphere’s largest and most trusted foodservice event. Come and learn about food trends, AI, robotics, plant-based trends, sustainable packaging and more . For additional information on a full list of exhibitors, educational seminars and more please visit : 2026 National Restaurant Association Show.

Please note that you, or your company/organization, would be responsible for the total cost and booking of your travel including additional fees that are not complimentary, food, hotel, airfare, ground transportation, and any other incidentals. For further information and to complete registration, please email the Commercial Team at BridgetownCommercial@state.gov by March 30, 2026.

Regards,

Jonelle M. Watson

U.S. Embassy Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean and the OECS

Political/Economic Commercial Section

Mobile: 246-826-7104| Direct: 1-246-227-4052|

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Voting Now Open for The 2025 Saint Lucia Business Awards, People’s Choice Award

Chamber Strengthens Trade Links with the French Caribbean

Open Call: Entrepreneurs & Mentors – Restoration Factory Saint Lucia

Upcoming Events:

Executive Luncheon Featuring the Water and Sewerage Company Inc. (WASCO)

Elevate's

Upcoming Training Programs

AI For Small Businesses

Know Your Labour Act- Small Business Edition