Inside Edge issue 98 | St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce Industry & Agriculture

Inside Edge issue 98

Newsletter Overview

WASCO Shares their Plans to Address Current Water Crisis

Chamber Participates in Engages in National Dialogue at Ease of Doing Business

Board Member Profile

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

Open Call: Entrepreneurs & Mentors – Restoration Factory Saint Lucia

Bank of Saint Lucia Powers Elevate!

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WASCO Shares their Plans to Address Current Water Crisis

Members of the Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture heard firsthand from the Water and Sewerage Company Inc. (WASCO) the measures it is taking to address the critical challenges it currently faces in the water sector. At an Executive Luncheon held on April 8, 2026, at the Harbor Club, WASCO CEO, Zilta Georges-Leslie clearly pointed out the definitive steps WASCO has embarked upon to correct the current situation.

George-Leslie WASCO highlighted the urgency of the current situation, noting that Saint Lucia remains 100% dependent on rainfall in a time where the nation and world is increasingly vulnerable to drought and climate variability. Key concerns include reduced capacity at the John Compton Dam, treatment capacity at the Theobalds Dam, operating at approximately 40% efficiency, with estimated treated water loss of 47% due to leaks in an aging distribution system.

WASCO presented a phased action plan focused on stabilizing supply, rehabilitating infrastructure, and building long-term resilience through initiatives such as pipeline upgrades, treatment plant rehabilitation, and the exploration of alternative water sources.

The Chamber reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for sustainable solutions, including policy reform, investment facilitation, and stronger collaboration between government, WASCO, and the private sector. While emphasis was placed on the need for tariff reform, (increases) the Chamber reiterated the importance of tangible improvements taking place as well as improved regulatory processes, and incentives to support water conservation and infrastructure development.

WASCO called on the Chamber to support its request for a higher tariff and also calling on its members to get involved and play their part by building storage capacity on premises to counter any shortfall that may occur from time to time.

The Executive Luncheon forms part of the Chamber’s ongoing efforts to foster dialogue, glean information and insights on critical issues facing the business community and on national issues. Remaining on top of national issues and ensuring members are well informed assists the Chamber in serving as an effective voice of the private sector and being well placed to help shape sustainable economic and infrastructural development and solutions.

Gain deeper insights into the issues, solutions, and the path forward by accessing the full presentation here:

https://www.stluciachamber.org/resources/wasco--tackling-the-water-challenges

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Chamber Advances Action on Key Business Constraints in Budget Submission to Minister of Commerce

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The St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture has submitted preliminary ideas for consideration of the Minister of Commerce as he contemplates his contribution to the Budget Policy debate on the 2026/2027 National Budget.

The suggestions highlight urgent action needed to improve the business climate and unlock economic growth.

While the proposals are based primarily on Board input and reflect ongoing business concerns, the Chamber notes that wider member consultation is still to come, with a more comprehensive submission planned for the next budget cycle.

Focus: Fix the Fundamentals

The message is clear—St. Lucia must tackle longstanding structural challenges that continue to hold businesses back:

Low productivity

Skills shortages

Bureaucratic delays

Infrastructure bottlenecks

Growing safety concerns

Top Priorities Identified

The Chamber is calling for targeted action in five key areas:

Investment Policy: Fair and modern incentives that support local businesses and strengthen economic linkages

Ease of Doing Business: Faster, more efficient public services and real digital transformation

Skills & Labour: Stronger TVET, better alignment with industry needs, and new approaches like micro-credentialing & the development of a Skills Register.

Productivity & Competitiveness: A more focused and better-resourced National Competitiveness and Productivity Council

Infrastructure & Safety: Solutions for traffic, port congestion, water resilience, and improved public safety

Quick Wins That Matter

Among the immediate actions proposed:

Lower duties on smartphones to support digital access

Reduce vehicle parts duties to ease business costs

Improve enforcement of environmental and planning regulations

Address congestion in ports and along key transport corridors

From Talk to Implementation

The Chamber emphasizes that these challenges are not new—but solving them requires stronger follow-through and coordinated action.

The Chamber stands ready to work with Government to turn these priorities into practical results that drive growth, competitiveness, and opportunity for all.

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Chamber Participates in Engages in National Dialogue at Ease of Doing Business

Castries, Saint Lucia- April 13, 2026

The Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture participated in the Ease of Doing Business Forum hosted by the Ministry of Commerce on April 9, 2026, at the Finance Administrative Centre, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening the country’s business environment.

The forum formed part of the Government of Saint Lucia’s ongoing efforts to improve the ease of doing business as a key driver of economic growth, investment, and competitiveness. Minister for Tourism, Commerce, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Heritage, Ernest Hilaire, has identified Ease of Doing Business as a priority area, recognizing its critical role in attracting both local and foreign investment.

The event featured interactive panel discussions with representatives from various sectors, where key issues were examined and questions posed to generate practical ideas for improving business facilitation. These discussions encouraged meaningful exchange between stakeholders and helped identify barriers impacting business operations.

Additionally, participants were grouped into World Bank -B-Ready Pillars as working groups to identify and recommend three key actions that could be taken under each of the pillars,

The outcomes of these discussions were later presented in plenary session these would be advanced to an Ease of Doing Business Task Force that is to be created for action and follow up.

The Chamber welcomed the Government’s refocus on improving the environment and pledged to work with all towards that objective. The Chamber also cautioned that the effort will be difficult and requires resilience and persistence as the country needs to overcome "cultural practices of the public service."

Past President Gerard Bergasse remined the forum of the famous quote that notwithstanding the best strategy "culture eats strategy for breakfast everyday."

The Chamber was represented by the President of the Chamber, Mr. Nicholas Barnard, Past President Gerard Bergasse, Board Members, Cheryl Renwick and Gidden Augustin, Executive Director Brian Louisy and Armani Modeste Chamber Intern.