Successful Open House: Commerce & Cocktails
Commerce & Cocktails Brings New Members to the Fold
The Peter and Company Auto Showroom at Vide Boutielle, was the venue for the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture “Commerce & Cocktails” on Wednesday, April 2nd. This Business Mixer brought new, longstanding and potential members of the Chamber together in a comfortable networking atmosphere where the work, value and benefits of being a Member of the Chamber was the main topic of the evening.
“Commerce & Cocktails” was designed and hosted by the Membership and Services, and PR and Marketing, Standing Committees of the Chamber. Prospective members were provided with an open forum to learn more about the Chamber from existing members and the Chamber Secretariat. Newest members of the Chamber, Global Port Holdings, Royalty Pools and Rubis showcased their company to attendees getting some good exposure and business contacts, while Peter & Company Holding had the vehicles on display and stole the spotlight, by offering a five-thousand-dollar discount to the first attendee to buy a vehicle.
1st Vice President, Mr. Nicholas Barnard, stood in for President Ross Gardner delivering welcoming remarks that espouse the value and importance of businesses getting involved and contributing to the work of the Chamber that in turn positively impacts all businesses on island. The Chair of the Membership and Services Standing Committee, Mrs. Louise Victor-Frederick, who is also the 2nd Vice President of the Chamber took time to welcome attendees emphasizing that active participation and involvement in the life of the Chamber was crucial to firms deriving the benefits and value from and of their Chamber Membership.
Ms. Kamille Huggins, Membership Development Officer, spoke to attendees reminding them of the Chamber’s value propositions of strategic advocacy, excellent networking and communication, as well as a slew of bespoke and signature people development programs, such as Becoming A Sales Champion, Strengthening Inventory and Supply Chain Management, Costing and Pricing and the world-renowned Dale Carnegie Skills for Success Programme.
As part of its Commerce and Cocktails effort a special discount was on offer to firms who joined the Chamber within the next 30-day period, in celebration of the Chamber’s 140-year of operation.
An entertaining and interactive Scavenger Hunt was a main feature that fostered interaction and conversation as well as resulting in some valuable prizes including complimentary spots at sought after Training and Luncheon Events hosted by the Chamber. The event was supported by Chamber Partners including Peter and Company Auto’ venue host; Massy Stores & Renwick and Company Ltd, catering; and Barbay Ltd. and Heineken Saint Lucia as beverage sponsors. DJ Melon Quench provided musical entertainment while Jerry Joseph of Contract Lens Productions, and Kendrick William of See Capture Inspire, provided professional videography and photography services respectively.
The Chamber will soon be hosting a similar event in the south of the island as it continues its drive to broaden and expand its membership base to ensure its services and valuable benefits are accessible to the entire country. The Chamber is intent to providing opportunities to its members to connect and network with business in St Lucia utilizing its various engagement tools and events.
For more information about upcoming Chamber events and initiatives, please contact the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce at 758 452 3165 and at info@stluciachamber.org or visit our website at www.stluciachamber.org.
.jpeg)
After the hosting of a successful and well received "Becoming A Sales Champion" workshop at the end of February, the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce was pleased to facilitate two "face2face" in-house company training programs for members. This saw Francis Lewis visit St. Lucia to conduct the training in person.
The is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of its Sales Manager Training Program, held on March 21st , 2025, at the Chamber's Conference Room in Bois D'Orange, Gros Islet. The one-day session, led by renowned sales expert Mr. Francis Lewis, provided sales managers with the tools and strategies necessary to strengthen their leadership abilities and enhance team performance.
testament to the excellent working relationship that the Chamber has enjoyed with Francis over the ten years, Francis Lewis delivered a one-day Sales Manager Training Program which was attended by some ten people. Francis offered this program at a heavily subsidized price that allowed the Chamber to pass on these costs saving to members estimated at close to 60 percent of the price the Chamber charged when it last hosted this program.
Francis went further to spend an additional four hours with the Chamber Team to discuss and share some Sales Champion approaches and strategies with Chamber Staff.
A special thank you to our friend and colleague Francis Lewis for his generosity and continued support and collaboration with the Chamber. The Chamber looks forward to a continued progressive ad positive working relationship with Francis and our many other Trainers and Facilitators who help us as we seek to deliver quality people development services to our members in pursuit of increasing their competitiveness and profitability.
For more information on upcoming programs or to inquire about membership, please contact the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce at 452-3165 or via email at info@stluciachamber.org.
Margaret Monplaisir
CEO St. Lucia Distillers
St. Lucia has officially registered its first Geographical Indication (GI), granting legal protection to a locally crafted rum that reflects the island’s unique heritage and production expertise. This milestone enhances St. Lucia’s intellectual property framework and provides a boost to the island’s agricultural and trade sectors.
Saint Lucia Distillers is the renowned producer behind Chairman’s Reserve, that has secured geographical indication (GI) status for its premium rum portfolio. This milestone highlights the distillery’s dedication to preserving Saint Lucia’s rich rum-making traditions while raising global standards.
Saint Lucia Distillers, established in 1972 in the picturesque Roseau Valley, is the island’s only distillery. It emerged from the merger of Saint Lucia’s last two distilleries and has since built a reputation for crafting exceptional rums.
The GI status now covers signature brands like Admiral Rodney, Chairman’s Reserve, Bounty, and Denros. This recognition affirms the craftsmanship and heritage that define the company’s approach to rum production.
A Geographical Indication (GI) identifies products that possess qualities or characteristics linked to their geographic origin. It ensures that only producers from the defined area using traditional methods can use the protected name. St. Lucia’s GI system, established under the Geographical Indications Act of 2000, aligns with international intellectual property standards.
The inaugural GI was granted to a traditional St. Lucian rum, which is now protected both locally and internationally. This designation secures the authenticity of the product and can open doors to higher-value markets.
GI protection can:
With the first GI registration, St. Lucia is poised to expand this framework to other products like cocoa and sea moss.
The successful registration of St. Lucian rum lays the groundwork for more local products to seek GI protection. Producers are encouraged to engage with the Registry of Companies and Intellectual Property for registration and guidance.
Powerful Costing & Pricing Workshop
St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce Launches Essential Training on Costing and Pricing
Castries, Saint Lucia – April 10, 2025 – In direct response to the needs of its smaller members and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture is proud to announce the launch of a specialized training program focused on the crucial topic of “Costing and Pricing.”
This initiative aims to equip business owners with the practical skills and knowledge needed to accurately determine their operational costs and establish effective pricing strategies. The training is part of the Chamber’s ongoing mission to support business growth, sustainability, and competitiveness across Saint Lucia.
Training Details:
Dates: April 23rd – 24th and April 28th – 30th, 2024
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Venue: Chamber of Commerce Conference Room
Facilitator: Ms. Sonia Polius
Registration Link: https://stluciachamber.wildapricot.org/event-5947115
Through a hands-on, workshop-style format, participants will gain immediate, applicable skills to identify all costs associated with their business operations and develop solid, competitive pricing structures. The training is especially tailored to MSMEs seeking to strengthen their financial decision-making in a challenging business environment where profit margins are under pressure.
Effective costing and pricing are fundamental to business success. Understanding the true cost of delivering products or services is key to setting prices that are both competitive and profitable. This workshop offers a valuable opportunity for MSMEs to enhance their financial strategies and improve long-term viability.
Enrollment is currently open, and the Chamber encourages all interested business owners and entrepreneurs to register as soon as possible to secure their spot.
For more information or to register, please contact us at (758) 452-3165 or info@stluciachamber.org.
Must-Attend Events on Exporting to the EU
Nomination of Representative to the Consumer Protection Council
The Ministry of Commerce, Manufacturing, Business Development, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs has advised that the current two-year term of the Consumer Protection Council concludes on April 16, 2025.
Based on the Ministry’s records, Ms. Jeannine Henry is the current representative of the Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture on the Council. As such, the Ministry is now seeking confirmation or nomination of the Chamber’s representative for the upcoming term.
The Consumer Protection Council plays a vital role in safeguarding the rights of consumers and supporting national efforts to strengthen market fairness and accountability. Given the Council’s importance, the Chamber’s continued representation is both valuable and appreciated.
To facilitate the timely reconstitution of the Council, we kindly ask members to submit confirmation of Ms. Henry’s continued representation or nominate a new candidate by completing the form below and returning it to the Chamber Secretariat by Friday, April 25th, 2025.
Click Link to access form:
Nomination of Representative to the Consumer Protection Council.docx
Nomination of Representative to the Scholarship Selection Committee
The Government of Saint Lucia, through the Department of Education, Innovation, and Vocational Training, has formally requested the Chamber’s assistance in appointing a new representative to serve on the Scholarship Selection Committee.
Established by Cabinet Conclusion No. 695 of 1998, this Committee plays a critical role in supporting Saint Lucia’s national development agenda. Its mandate includes the fair, transparent, and efficient processing of scholarship and training requests, which are vital to strengthening the country’s human resource capacity.
The Chamber has historically played an active role in this process, and the importance of continued representation on the Committee cannot be overstated. Our previous representative, Ms. Elaine Borton, has stepped down, and we are now seeking a capable and committed individual from among our members to fill this role.
Given the significance of this Committee’s work and in the spirit of member engagement and national service, we kindly invite you to nominate a suitable member of your staff to represent the Chamber. Kindly complete the form below and return it to the Chamber Secretariat by Friday, April 25th, 2025.
Click Link to access form:
Nomination of Representative to the Consumer Protection Council.docx
Elevate: Small Business Support Program
Click flyer to register
KPI's Series : Key Performance Indicators
Healthy Lifestyle Series
Part 5
