Watch the St. Lucia Business Awards 2025 here.
In a powerful and innovative session, celebrating World MSME day 2025, the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce brought together twelve agencies, public and private sector, members of the MSME / Entrepreneurship Ecosystem to share and speak about the services they provide to this crucial sector.
For the first time in an open forum this sharing took place. What is even more powerful is that all the presentations have been collated and also recorded for sharing and dissemination by this ecosystem.
The Ecosystem players now have in their possession, information that they can provide to their clients about what, where and how valuable support can be accessed to help build their enterprises. (Below is a link to the presentations) The Chamber will be releasing the videos on its website and social media platforms over the next few weeks. The videos have been shared with the Ecosystem Partners as well.
MSME Showcase participants:
Blue Organics, Choiselle, Eastern Exotic Atv Tours, EM's Creations, Joytae Skincare, Katuri Designs, KGC Foods and Perilia Herb & Tea
Click link to view the three main services for MSMEs provided by:
YEA ,BOSL, FCIBC,SLISBA, SALCC, SLCCIA ,SLYBT, SBDC, CTA & INVEST SAINT LUCIA
MSME Showcase Presentations by MSME Institutions.pptx
In a very frank open Meeting, the Chamber provided some Members with an opportunity to directly interfaced, interact and explain the myriads of problems and challenges they have faced and continue to face at the Castries Seaport.
Unfortunately, the Chamber Executive Director is of the considered view that the problems at the Sea Port while not complex are so serious, that national socio-economic development is threatened. Members highlighted Cargo Clearance Delays as one of the main issues:
Extended processing times at the Port, particularly for containerized cargo
Negative impact on perishable goods and time-sensitive shipments (full container lost)
destuffing of containers at the Port takes an inordinate length of time, sometimes as much as two weeks turnaround time.
High demurrage costs increasing the cost of doing business which ultimately is passed on to consumers.
Inadequate number of staff for cargo destuffing
Excessive Reefer electricity cost impacting business community especially when teh delay is caused by SLASPA inefficinecies.
Absence of Supervisors for cargo operations on the Port
Large number of empty containers on Port (congestion)
Inordinate wait times for truckers thereby resulting in additional trucking costs to consignee
Berth Congestion
Limited berthing space caused by among other things aging infrastructure and damaged unusable berths. Strorgae of old euqipment on Port taking up vlauable space.
Knock-on effect of slow unloading of shipments due to lack of operable equipment and regular breakdown of recah stackers affecting the schedules and delivery times
Extreme concern over berthing issues that will be exacerbated and compounded when rehabilitation of the berth commences, and cruise season and peack trading season allign ina few months.
Chamber recevied commitment from SLASPA that action will be taken in the short term to ese space constriants with the many empty containers being stored off port, better management of the numeorus vehicles on the Port and imporved communication with their Customers.
The Chamber is hopeful, yet remains convinced that the Goivernment still has not assigned the effecient operation of the SeaPort as an A-! High level National Priority and that the Management of SLASPA is comfortable with the poor quality of service delivery as they continue to benchmark SLASPAs' operations standard with that of other poorly operated facilities without any ambition to being better far less a Gold STANDARD of Operation.
Elevate Program in Full Swing, Empowering MSMEs Across Saint Lucia
The St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture is pleased to report that its Elevate program, launched to support and empower Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), is well underway and already making a positive impact.
Designed for both members and non-members of the Chamber, Elevate offers practical, hands-on training and expert guidance in key business areas such as marketing, finance, customer service, and digital tools. The aim is to strengthen operations, overcome challenges, and support sustainable business growth.
Since its rollout, the program has seen promising engagement from MSMEs across the island. Early sessions have been well-attended, with participants expressing strong interest and appreciation for the topics covered.
As part of ongoing efforts to build a stronger MSME ecosystem, the Chamber also hosted a successful MSME Services Showcase on June 27th in recognition of World MSME Day. The event brought together key agencies and service providers, who shared valuable information and support services with local MSMEs. The showcase served as a platform for meaningful connections, learning, and resource sharing, further reinforcing the Elevate program’s goals.
The Chamber is especially grateful to the sponsors who have made this initiative possible: Courts Ready Cash, Youth Economy Agency (YEA), Bank of Saint Lucia (BOSL), Saint Lucia Development Bank (SLDB), and Courts Business Solutions. Their partnership and commitment to MSME development have been vital in ensuring the program’s reach and impact.
With more training sessions and development opportunities ahead, the Chamber looks forward to building on the momentum and continuing to support the entrepreneurial community. Many more activities are to come, offering MSMEs even greater access to resources, skills, and connections that will drive their success.
Elevate reflects the Chamber’s broader mission of building a dynamic, inclusive, and resilient business environment, ensuring that St. Lucia’s MSMEs, as vital drivers of economic growth, are equipped to succeed in an ever-evolving market.
After more than a decade of discussion, study and debate, St. Lucia appears to be moving decisively towards the Enactment of a New Electricity Act.
An extensive amount of work has taken place with several studies and dialogues with various stakeholders in what the Chamber has to describe as in a disjointed approach, as Governments, Officers, Consultants and participants changing over time and no consistent reporting or feedback process in place to track and document progress, leaving many in the dark as to where we are and what is in the draft bill.
The Chamber, with the assistance of the Ministry of Commerce, Manufacturing, Business Development, Cooperatives, and Consumer Affairs, was able to have sight of the latest draft and sought to host a "last review and consultation before the final presentation in parliament during the week of August 14th, 2025.
An unfortunate mis communication resulted in the consultation being called off last minute only to be advised that the Bill was going to be taken through its full three readings on Tuesday 19th August.
The Chamber is keeping its fingers crossed that there will be "a stay" and time will be provided for the final review and dialogue by Government.
The Business Community is still in the dark on many salient and crucial points, that they were belatedly told will be dealt with in the yes to be seen "regulations".
The Chamber and its members, while anxious for a more liberal environment for the absorption and more widespread use of renewable energy and of course reduction in power costs, remains committed to ensuring that the new system and rules continues to ensure the viability, reliability, world class, quality and dependability of the incumbent power producer and distributor! Moreover, the Chamber remains committed to advocating for equity in the access to use and benefits of renewable energy, among businesses, between sectors and among, residential, commercial and industrial players.
Members are urged to remain vigilant and participate in the discussion on this potentially transformational development this piece of legislation can usher into St. Lucia and the economy.
The Chamber is continuing to work on having a consultation with the Ministry of Public Utilities and other knowledgeable experts before the final enactment of the Bill and introduction of the regulations.
As said the draft legislation is at an advanced stage of development and is being circulated to ensure transparency and broad consultation among key stakeholders.
Upcoming Trainings
Finance for Non-Financial Managers
In the dynamic landscape of business, the ability to comprehend and leverage financial information is imperative for effective decision-making. The Finance for Non-Financial Managers training programme has been crafted to equip senior officials with the basic skills necessary to interpret, analyse, and utilise financial data confidently.
This programme is designed for decision-makers who, while excelling in their respective fields, may lack formal training in accounting. The target audience includes, but is not limited to managers, supervisors, lawyers, doctors, engineers, members of Boards and other professionals responsible for strategic decision-making. This training is tailored to provide a comprehensive understanding of financial concepts, enabling participants to contribute significantly to their organization's growth.
Key Features:
- Interactive Learning: Engaging workshops, case studies, and hands-on exercises ensure practical understanding.
- Relevant Content: Real-world scenarios and examples make the training directly applicable to participants' professional contexts.
- Knowledgeable Facilitators: Seasoned financial professionals will lead the sessions, providing insights and practical tips.
- Networking Opportunities: Participants will have the chance to connect with peers and facilitators, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
By the end of the two-day programme, participants will not only be equipped with the knowledge to understand basic financial reports but also be able to leverage this understanding for strategic decision-making and organizational growth. Join us in this transformative journey towards financial literacy and elevate your contribution to your organization's success.
Business Continuity Planning Workshop
Ensuring that your firm is resilient is much more than being prepared for hurricanes or any adverse situation or natural disaster. Business Resilience is about your firms’ ability to recover and operate again after any type of disruption.
Developing a thorough Business Continuity Plan after conducting a disaster risk diagnosis and a risk assessment, remains a sure way of preparing and mitigating the many risks the modern business will face at some point in time. Cyber Risks, biological risks and pandemic risks, are some of the more spoken about risks that one must consider in addition to that posed by weather, natural and climatic conditions. How do you ensure that your business will be able to recover in a multi hazard risk environment.
The St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce continues its tradition of helping members to be a head of the curve and respond to emerging issues and, more importantly, take advantage of trends and navigate the rapidly changing and unpredictable economic cycles. Development of, and regularly reviewing, your business continuity plan is key to making sure your firm is prepared and able to navigate the uncertain times ahead. This Business Continuity Planning Workshop will elaborate on how your firm can conduct firm level risk diagnosis and put into effect, some Risk Reduction Strategies.
The vulnerability of our economy to disasters, manmade or natural, cannot be understated and the current experience with climate change, supply chain disruptions and continuing global instability assumes even greater significance at this time. This knowledge and insight must be translated to definitive and deliberate actions, to reduce vulnerability to known risks, while finding ways to build the resilience of firms and the nation to unknown and emerging risks.
Workshop Overview:
The two-day workshop will take account of how to conduct a thorough risk analysis of your business, and how to think through mitigation measures. It will offer hands on training in how to develop and review your firm’s BCP. A tried and tested template will be provided to attendees, before the workshop, allowing in-firm discussion and pre workshop preparation. At the workshop there will then be systematic knowledge transfer to help build that plan.
Business Continuity Planning is a practical and powerful tool firms use to mitigate and counter the inevitable occurrence of any type of calamity or disaster. Ensuring that key business processes, human resource skills and operations can continue after any type of disruption or disaster is vital. While most firms focus their BCP on natural disasters, this workshop will discuss a broad spectrum of risks that must be taken account of, such as cyber-attacks, biological and health pandemics as well as the impact of fires, crime and civil disobedience.
Feel free to walk with a copy of your existing Business Continuity Plan for updating.
Dale Carnegie The Most Powerful and Trusted Leadership Training Program: Effective Communication and Human Relations
The St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture warmly invites you to our flagship programme, Skills for Success by the Dale Carnegie Institute.
Since 2004, this globally-renowned Effective Communication and Human Relations course has helped hundreds of participants and their sponsoring companies cultivate strong, impactful leaders. This transformative programme equips participants with essential skills, such as strengthened interpersonal relationships, stress management, and adaptability in dynamic workplace environments. Graduates emerge with enhanced communication skills and a focus that drives effective leadership, helping them become persuasive communicators, skilled problem-solvers, and resilient team leaders.
Dale Carnegie is tried and tested and continues to transform lives and develop potential leaders and people who want to reach their full potential. Top Companies in St. Lucia continue to utilize Dale Carnegie Effective Communication and Human Reations as the primary tool for taking staff to the next level. Skills for Success is what is needed to build your teams' talent and attitude for a contsnatly changing business world.
Hear from Past Participants:
“The Dale Carnegie course was a pivotal experience in my personal and professional development. The programme's focus on interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and leadership principles came at a critical time in my growth as a leader.” – R. Baptiste
"One of the highlights was the interactive teaching methods, particularly the group discussions, which allowed me to apply what I learned in a practical setting. This solidified my understanding and boosted my confidence in using these skills." – C. Charles
"Thanks to Dale Carnegie, my self-confidence and communication skills have significantly improved. I participate more in meetings, and my leadership skills have been enhanced." – H. Cherry
"The Effective Communications training has been a game-changer. This enhanced communication has improved relationships internally and strengthened our external relationships with clients and partners." – J. Cox
"This course has benefited me immensely. I used to be incredibly nervous about presenting to a crowd, but now I feel much more confident." – A. Harry
This programme has consistently delivered results for top St. Lucian organisations, including Bank of St. Lucia, LUCELEC, Heineken St. Lucia, Massy Stores, and the Government of St. Lucia, where it plays an integral role in leadership development.
In today’s economic environment, companies see the value of this high-impact training, often noting, “we get a better bang for our buck through Dale Carnegie.” Our expert facilitators and flexible virtual format ensure an engaging and insightful experience.
To guarantee a high level of attention and a meaningful experience, each class is limited to 20 participants.
Programme Details:
Course: Effective Communications & Human Relations
Duration: 8 Weeks
Dates: 2nd October to 20th November 2025
Location: Virtual Classroom Meeting
Days: Thursdays
Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Tuition: EC$5,500.00 (Discount available for Chamber members and groups of 4 or more)
Class Size: Limited to 20 participants to ensure personalised attention
Secure Your Spot Today: To begin the registration process for your team members, please download the Enrollment Information Form and email the completed form to info@stluciachamber.org.
For more details, visit www.dalecarnegie.com or view testimonials on Dale Carnegie Graduates - YouTube. Enhance your skills in communication and leadership—don’t miss out on this opportunity to transform your career and organization!
Be Prepared for Hurricane Season!
Hurricane Season is upon us. Are you prepared? Have you taken the necessary precautions? Is your insurance up to date? Have you revisited your Hurricane Preparedness Plan? Is your staff familiar with it? Do they remember their role?
Now is a good time as ever to make sure your entire team is familiar and know what their roles are. Remember having a Business Continuity Plan is not sufficient, it needs to be reviewed regularly and even tested. Have you revisited your Business Continuity Plan? Do you have one? If you don't the Chamber suggests that your seriously consider developing one for your business.
Business Continuity is not just about hurricanes preparedness; it is about you doing all you can to ensure that in the event of some type of business disruption or interruption, disaster, natural or manmade, you have a clear, well thought out plan as to how you will recommence your operations, in the shortest possible time. Insurance is a mitigating measure yet thinking through and putting in place actions and approaches that make your business more resilient to all types of likely or possible disruptions is extremely useful. The Chamber reminds you to Complete Our Business Continuity Plan/Disaster Recovery Plan Check List to help. Also, remember the Chamber is offering a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) Workshop that will help your firm develop a draft Business Continuity Plan. The Facilitator, Mr. Andrew George is also offering for a small additional fee for site visits to your main place of business to which your BCP refers to validate and review with you the appropriateness of the BCP. He is also able to work with you to get your Company's BCP Certified by NEMO, this certification, may help in you getting more attractive Insurance rates from your insurance provider.
Click here to access checklist.
Member Feature
CUNA Caribbean Insurance Society Limited is a proud member of the TruStage Financial Group, headquartered in Wisconsin, USA. For over 80 years, CUNA Caribbean Insurance (CCI) has established itself as a premier insurance provider for credit unions and their members, currently operating in 12 territories across the Caribbean. Their offices are strategically located in Trinidad and Tobago (Head Office), Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Kitts & Nevis, and Antigua & Barbuda.
While CCI is widely recognized for its Family Indemnity Plan (FIP), they also offer a diverse range of affordable insurance solutions. They firmly believe that insurance should be accessible to all individuals, and are dedicated to inclusivity, understanding the varied needs of people at every stage of life. Their products are designed to protect and empower the financial future of individuals and their families. CUNA Caribbean’s mission is to foster financial security for all through a thoughtful combination of our products, services, and unwavering support.
Simple, Accessible, Affordable Coverage for You and Your Family
CUNA Caribbean’s unwavering commitment is to develop insurance solutions that are relevant, simple, affordable and accessible, designed to safeguard you and your family in preparing for unforeseen circumstances.
Suite of Insurance Products:
· - Family Indemnity Plan with Optional Critical Illness Coverage
· - Family Critical Illness Plan
· - Advance Protector with Optional Credit Disability
· - Loan Protection Insurance
· - Life Savings Insurance
· - Golden Harvest Savings Plan
· - Directors & Employees Group Life Insurance
