Day: February 17, 2025

Four top OECS colleges battled in the semi-finals of the Recycle OECS Windward Islands Virtual Inter-College Debates, tackling key environmental challenges. Saint Lucia’s Sir Arthur Lewis Community College and Grenada’s T.A. Marryshow Community College emerged victorious and will face off in the finals on February 19. The debate, part of the OECS Commission’s Recycle OECS Project, highlights youth-driven solutions for sustainable waste management across the region.

In observance of Global Tourism Resilience Day, the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) is emphasizing the vital role of eco-tourism to the island’s sustainable development. For many developing nations—including small island states, African nations, and middle-income economies—tourism is a key driver of income, foreign exchange earnings, tax revenue, and employment. With its deep connection to nature, sustainable tourism has the power to promote environmental responsibility and conservation while supporting economic growth.

Saint Lucia’s Health Ministry, in collaboration with PAHO, hosted a two-day workshop on February 12 and 13, bringing together healthcare officials, policymakers, and financial experts to discuss the costing of immunization programs. The initiative aims to strengthen health security by equipping stakeholders with a deeper understanding of the financial frameworks that sustain vaccination efforts across the island.

The 110th ECCB Monetary Council Meeting wrapped up on Friday in St. Kitts and Nevis, with key decisions aimed at strengthening the region’s financial stability. Leaders maintained the minimum savings rate at 2%, upheld strong foreign reserves of $5.5 billion, and projected economic growth between 3.5% and 4.5% for 2025. The Council also approved a $25 million fund to boost food security and addressed concerns over intra-regional travel costs.

The government is reviewing contracts for the Millennium Highway and West Coast Road Reconstruction Project as delays continue to frustrate commuters. Infrastructure Minister Stephenson King has warned of serious consequences for those responsible, stating, “Whoever is in the way will be a casualty!” The project, funded by the UK and the Caribbean Development Bank, has faced significant setbacks, prompting a review to determine if punitive action can be taken.