UK dentist Neil Stephen has been visiting St. Lucia for over 18 years, providing dental education to primary school students. This year, Stephen and his wife, in partnership with Colgate, are distributing eco-friendly toothbrushes to help reduce tooth decay across the island. Their mission is to promote better oral health and prevent the need for dental fillings.
Dylan Norbert-Inglis has been appointed the first CEO of the Regulated Substances Authority (RSA), tasked with regulating controlled substances and developing the cannabis industry framework. Commerce Minister Emma Hippolyte also announced Chameil Joseph-Pierre as the RSA’s first Corporate Secretary.
Prime Minister and National Security Minister Philip Pierre insists that Saint Lucia is one of the safest countries to live in and to visit. He says the government is committed to maintaining that status. The prime minister has pledged to enhance citizen and national security by providing strategic resources to strengthen the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force’s capabilities. These efforts aim to ensure safety and peace for residents and visitors alike.
The Forestry Department’s nursery continues its mission to reforest the island’s reserves, planting native and rare trees to combat deforestation. Supported by local schools, the nursery is urging the public to get involved. Supervisor Bernardina Fanus emphasizes the nursery’s efforts in restoring affected areas and reintroducing rare species. A recent project at Pigeon Island replaced invasive pines with local trees to protect sea turtles. The nursery sells a portion of its plants to encourage public participation.
The Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Bill is now available for public review, marking a significant step toward establishing a cannabis industry in Saint Lucia. The commerce minister anticipates that the legislation could be enacted by the first quarter of 2025. Stakeholder consultations will be held from January 20 to February 7, allowing citizens to voice their opinions. The bill outlines regulations for cultivating, processing, and selling cannabis and hemp products, with hopes to present it to Parliament by March.