Day: March 4, 2025

The legal battle over Saint Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Program is now before the courts. Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet has filed a judicial review, alleging irregularities in the program’s infrastructure option and naming Investment Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire and the CIP Board as defendants.
A major point of contention is whether the court will grant an injunction suspending the infrastructure option until a ruling is made.

Layoffs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are raising concerns about the potential impact on Saint Lucia’s hurricane preparedness. With 800 employees cut, including experts in weather and climate monitoring, the island’s reliance on NOAA’s forecasting models could be affected. However, Acting Director of the St. Lucia Met Services, Vigil Saltibus, assures that alternative agencies in Europe and the region are stepping in to support forecasting efforts.

The Ubuntu Movement remains committed to transforming Vieux Fort and surrounding communities into productive and unified spaces. Last year, the organization partnered with USAID to launch youth-focused empowerment programs aimed at tackling crime and social issues. However, due to international sanctions, USAID’s support has ceased, forcing Ubuntu to seek alternative funding from government and private sector stakeholders to sustain and expand its initiatives.

The Soufriere Hospital has received a major boost thanks to Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, which donated over EC$50,000 in repairs and US$25,000 in medical equipment. At a recent handover ceremony, officials praised the resort’s commitment to improving healthcare services in the community. Parliamentary Representative Emma Hippolyte described the contribution as a meaningful investment in the well-being of Soufriere residents.

The fight against gender-based violence is gaining momentum in Saint Lucia. The Do-Nation Foundation hosted a meet-and-greet session to highlight its Engendering Change by Playing Your Part campaign, which used street theatre and a branded advocacy bus to spread awareness. The initiative, funded by the Government of Canada through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, received high praise from Canadian High Commissioner Brenda Wills.