"In a Time of Global Inflationary Pressures, St. Lucia Cannot Afford Such Inefficiencies at Port Castries"

St. Lucians must prepare themselves for another difficult period of rising prices and tightening household budgets in the months ahead. The drivers of this challenge are not homegrown alone; they are deeply rooted in global forces beyond our direct control.

Across the world, import costs are surging. Higher fuel prices, increased shipping fees, and disruptions in global supply chains are all combining to push up the landed cost of goods. For a small, open economy like St. Lucia—where the vast majority of consumer items, raw materials, and even essential goods are imported—the ripple effect is immediate and unavoidable.

Added to this already troubling situation is the impact of "new U.S. tariffs" on third-country goods. While these tariffs may be intended to protect American industries, they have significant knock-on effects. Many of the items St. Lucia purchases—from machinery and construction materials to everyday household products—are sourced from global suppliers who trade heavily with the United States. When tariffs raise their costs of doing business, those increases are inevitably passed along to smaller markets like ours. The result is higher retail prices on shelves across the island.

The consequence is clear: inflationary pressures will intensify. Customers, already grappling with high electricity bills, fuel prices, and food costs will feel the pinch even more acutely. Inflation is not only an economic number it translates directly into discomfort and anxiety for families, especially those with low and incomes and or limited savings.

Beyond the rising cost of goods, St. Lucians should also brace themselves for shortages and delays in imported items. Global shipping remains under strain, with congestion at ports, rising freight rates, and logistical bottlenecks affecting delivery schedules. For countries like St. Lucia at the end of long supply chains, this means that products may not arrive when expected or at all. Businesses may find it harder to maintain inventory, and consumers may need to adjust to longer wait times or reduced availability of familiar items.

But the problem is not only external. Inefficiencies at the Castries seaport are compounding global pressures and are effectively imposing a hidden (approximately) “5% tax” on the entire country. Equipment shortages, inadequate berth space and damaged berths, poor yard management, and operational shortcomings at the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) continue to create costly delays. In my view, while these challenges are well known, there has been a reluctance to address them head-on, at the Port Management Level, and a strange and unusual reluctance to intervene at the highest levels.

The result is more than inconvenience—it is a systematic drag on the economy and business. Importers face surcharges and demurrage fees, cargo sits for too long at the port, sometimes it is misplaced, and spoilage occurs, especially for perishable goods. These costs inevitably cascade down to consumers who are already struggling. Worse still, there appears to be a "lack of will to invest sufficiently in modern equipment, enhance preventative maintenance, strengthen management accountability, or set higher standards". Instead, comparisons are made with poorly run regional ports, "half-a-bridge solutions, stop gap measures, what appears to be empty promises, and lowering ambition rather than raising performance".

Problems of low productivity, weak systems of control, favoritism, and poor gate management mean that trucks and cargo often move without proper tracking, creating serious risks of theft, spoilage, and loss. Senior managers appear sometimes to mask problems rather than solve them, even seeming to shirk responsibility when crises arise. Carriers and politically connected players are shielded from tough but necessary decisions, while ordinary citizens pay the price in higher costs.

This is not sustainable. St. Lucia cannot afford to let inefficiencies at its main port magnify global disruptions. A port should be a nation’s lifeline, not its bottleneck. If serious steps are not taken urgently, the country will be stifled. Remember the peak season is yet to come, cruise ship season is on its way and infrastructure work is scheduled to take place all at the same time - a perfect storm.

The message is twofold. First, citizens and businesses must prepare and adapt, exercising prudence in spending, seeking alternatives where possible, and planning for volatility in supply. Second, policymakers and the private sector must continue and accelerate efforts to reduce vulnerability—through diversification of supply sources, possible greater use of Port Vieux Fort, strengthen regional trade ties, more support for local production, and urgent reform must take place at the seaport to raise efficiency and accountability.

Ultimately, resilience and proactivity must become our watchword. While we cannot control the decisions of larger economies, we can control our own response. By tackling inefficiencies at home and addressing weaknesses at our ports, we can insulate our economy from the worst of external shocks.

St. Lucians have endured crises before with determination and resourcefulness. The coming months will demand those same qualities, as we brace for higher prices, possible shortages, and the continuing turbulence of a deeply interconnected world. But at this time, we must also summon the courage to fix the weaknesses that lie within our control—starting at the gates of our country.

(The above is the ED's Perspective on the threat the worsening situation at Castries Port possess to the economy and country).

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The Annual Report, featuring vibrant full-color visuals, will be extensively distributed both locally and globally. It will reach St. Lucia’s Government Departments, Embassies, Consulates, Regional Chambers of Commerce, their members, investors, and the wider international business community. Furthermore, the report will be available on our website, www.stluciachamber.org, which attracts an average of 3,000 visits per month. Below is the advertising contract which gives further details and is to be signed and submitted to info@stluciachamber.org to secure your spot. Spots highlighted green have already been obtained.

Advertising contract.docx

Please ensure you secure your advertisement placement by September 26th, 2025. The Advertising Contract is attached for your completion. If you need any additional information or assistance, feel free to contact the Chamber Secretariat.

I invite you to contact the Chamber Secretariat for any additional information that you may require. Thank you in anticipation of your continued support.

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Prime Minister Takes the Mic

The St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce is pleased to invite its members to a Political Forum featuring Prime Minister and Party Leader of the St. Lucia Labour Party, Hon. Phillip J. Pierre, who will present the Party’s platform should they be re-elected at the upcoming General Elections.

This members-only engagement will be held on Tuesday, September 30th, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in the Financial Centre Conference Room, Pointe Seraphin, Castries.

The Chamber remains committed to its mandate “To foster sustainable business growth and development of our members through strong leadership, strategic advocacy and innovative services while enabling them to positively impact their communities.” In keeping with this commitment, we continue to provide members with opportunities to hear directly from key political leaders on matters of national significance, ensuring the business community remains informed and engaged on policies that may shape the economic landscape.

Members are encouraged to reserve their spots early to guarantee participation in this important dialogue.

Reserve your place by clicking the button below, or by contacting the Chamber at
info@stluciachamber.org or 452 3165

Please note: This is a Members Only event. Registration is complete only upon payment of the registration fee of $175.00.

Register Now:  https://stluciachamber.wildapricot.org/event-6326758

Chamber Survey Signals Business Trends

Stability and Modest Growth, But Challenges Persist

The St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present the results of its Business Performance Survey (Take 14), for the period January – March 2025. The Chamber BPS continues to provide outstanding and valuable insights into the evolving performance of local business, their outlook, confidence and their perspective on the various policy issues impacting the business environment.

This BPS (Take 14) is most notable as the number of responses has more than doubled compared to Take 13 and Take 12. The increase in participation is directly attributable to the support of the Ministry of Commerce, Manufacturing, Business Development, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs and other Eco System partners that shared the survey with their business database. This broader reach enhances the reliability and credibility of the findings ensuring that it reflects the widest cross section of enterprises in St. Lucia.

63% of respondents were Non-Chamber Members, a marked increase from previous BPS’ where Respondents were primarily Chamber Members. Sector representation was as follows, 19% from Tourism, Agriculture 11%, Distribution and Financial Services 7% and 25% from other services.

Castries (55%) is the region where most respondents have their primary business location, followed by Gros Islet 17% and Vieux Fort at 13%. 78% of respondents employ less than 10 people, with only 8% employing more than 50 employees.

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Your Business. Your Voice.

BPS T15

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Sagicor Signs on as Platinum Sponsor of the 2025 St. Lucia Business Awards

Sagicor Life (Eastern Caribbean) Inc. has proudly announced its support as an Official Sponsor of the 2025 St. Lucia Business Awards, affirming its commitment to strengthening the private sector and amplifying the achievements of the island’s business community.

This is Sagicor’s first time supporting the awards, signing on as a platinum sponsor. 2025 is the 11th edition of the prestigious awards programme which is celebrating a long-awaited return following a five-year hiatus. Once recognized as the island’s premiere celebration of private sector excellence, the St. Lucia Business Awards will take place in December 2025 with renewed vigor, a modernized structure, and a wider scope under the theme “Celebrating Resilience”.

The pause, according to Ross Gardner, President of the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, allowed the organization to realign its priorities in response to the challenges brought on by the global pandemic.

This year’s revamped edition introduces an updated suite of award categories, a more accessible application process, and pre-award orientation workshops aimed at encouraging broader participation across industries.

As a Platinum Sponsor, Sagicor Life Eastern Caribbean Inc. brings not only financial backing but also an unwavering belief in the value of resilient, forward-thinking businesses.

“At Sagicor, we believe that when businesses succeed, communities thrive,” said Carol Mangal, General Manager, for Sagicor Life (Eastern Caribbean) Inc. “Supporting the St. Lucia Business Awards is one way we reaffirm our deep commitment to this island, and to standing with our partners in business as they grow, lead, and innovate.”

The significance of this support was echoed by Paul Inniss, CEO for Sagicor Life (Eastern Caribbean) Inc. and President of the Barbados Chamber of Commerce, who added: “Business chambers play a pivotal role in nurturing economic ecosystems and advocating for the private sector. Their work, particularly in challenging times, is instrumental to business continuity and national development. Sagicor is proud to support the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce and the great work it continues to do through initiatives like the Business Awards.”

Currently based in Barbados, Mr. Inniss was visiting St Lucia for the past week for a series of meetings with members of the business community. Speaking on these meetings at the contract signing with Brian Louisy, CEO of the St Lucia Chamber of Commerce on Friday 29^th August at Sagicor’s Choc Estate office, he said, “It’s always a pleasure to be in St Lucia. I give me the opportunity to work with the Sagicor team on the ground and to connect with members of the business community while I’m here. We would have had fruitful engagement with members of the business community across various sectors including health, manufacturing, and retail and distribution to understand their needs. We’re also looking forward to partnering with the St Lucia Chamber of Commerce and others to improve the lives of the communities of which we are part.”

Brian Louisy, Executive Director of the St Lucia Chamber of Commerce said, “We’re very pleased that Sagicor has decided to come on board with us for our first Business Awards since 2019. It’s a great start to what promises to be more than a celebration — it will be a powerful testament to the spirit of resilience that defines Saint Lucia’s business landscape. We’re looking forward to more members of the Chamber signing on as sponsors to make this a truly remarkable occasion for the business community.”

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United Workers Party Leader Allen Chastanet Addressed the “Chamber Election Forum”

The St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce hosted the first Political Forum in its 2025 Series with Leader of the United Workers Party Allen Chastanet on Thursday 21 August, 2025 at the Coco Palm, Hotel Rodney Bay.

Allen Chastanet spoke to the drivers of his party’s plans if elected to form the next Government using as his point of departure, the understanding by his party of the state and structure of the St. Lucia economy and thus where they intend to take the country from a socio-economic point of view. The Leader of the United Workers Party, proffered an intention to double the size of the economy, i.e. the GDP, to raise living standards and wages across the island.  

Honourable Allen Chastanet then answered several questions posed by the Moderator, Brian Louisy, Executive Director of the Chamber, on a variety of issues ranging from social, to economic, taxation and infrastructure, in which he explained and set out how his government would tackle these issues facing the country.

Chamber Members in attendance were able to ask questions and to make comments around the subjects that the Leader of the United Workers Party was addressing. The Forum was an open dialogue, conducted with maturity and candor. The Honorable Allen Chastanet was accompanied by Mr. Titus Preville, Mr. Stephen Feverier, Mrs. Marcella Johnson, Mr. Guy Mayers and Mr. Tommy Descartes.

The Chamber is pleased that the Forum where Political Leaders speak directly to the Business Community on their development and policy agenda is extremely important as a two-way flow of information. This, the Chamber sees, as an important and necessary process of conversation. The Chamber thanks Honourable Allen Chastanet and his team for participating in this dialogue and trusts there will be other opportunities for more pointed dialogue on their Party’s Manifesto and policy positions.

The St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture is pleased to invite you to the Second Edition of its 'Let’s Talk Trade webinar series.

On Thursday, September 25th, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom Dr. Patrick Antoine CEO of the Caribbean Private Sector Organization COM will be the Speaker at the Chamber's trade information and awareness event, where current trade issues are discussed and critical issues shared with members. This subject remains current as the trading environment remains nebulous with ever changing goal posts and tangential effects arising on the Caribbean.

Dr. Antoine will explore the implications of the America First trade policies on regional economies and will examine and explain some of the key developments and implications of developments in the debate and dialogue on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). The implications for business in the region and how the private sector is seeking to ensure a positive construct that safeguards employment, competitiveness, trade and aids in food security.

This session offers St. Lucia businesses an excellent opportunity to gain valuable insights on current and critical trade issues.

Let's Talk Trade is a new program of the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce Industry and Agriculture, where trade issues and developments are shared, discussed and explained by Trade Experts who the Chamber brings to the table to educate members and ultimately to insure that the business community actively participates in the trade negotiations being conducted on their behalf as they better understand and articulate their interests.

Date: Thursday, September 25th, 2025

Time: 5:30 p.m.

Platform: Zoom

Registration is required. Please secure your spot by clicking on the button below, or contacting the secretariat at info@stluciachamber.org or 452-3165.

Register Now:  https://stluciachamber.wildapricot.org/event-6333284

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Chamber of Commerce Successfully Delivers Another Two-Day “Finance for Non-Financial Managers” Workshop

The St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of the Eastern Caribbean (ICAEC) – St. Lucia Branch, successfully hosted a two-day workshop on Saturday 30th August and Saturday 6th September 2025. This new format allowed participants a full week between sessions to complete assignments and begin applying key lessons from Day 1 before returning to deepen their understanding on Day 2.

This signature program has drawn senior professionals from sectors including medical services, insurance, fund management, utilities, IT, and retail over several years. Designed for managers without formal financial training, the workshop was praised for its interactive approach and practical application to real workplace challenges.

The curriculum covered essential areas for non-financial managers, including:

· Interpreting Financial Reports Using Key Accounting Ratios

·Assessing Company Risk

·Understanding Risk and Return on Investments

·Enhancing Communication with Bankers and Finance Personnel

One participant noted, “[Insert Quote Here].”

The workshop was facilitated by Mrs. Cherline Sue Ann Charlery-Payne and Mrs. Melissa Simon, both highly accomplished Chartered Accountants and ICAEC St. Lucia Branch executives.

· Mrs. Charlery-Payne, Vice President of ICAEC St. Lucia, has over two decades of experience in audit and finance. Her career foundation was built at PricewaterhouseCoopers and Grant Thornton, and she now serves as Group Financial Controller for the National Insurance Corporation and its subsidiaries. She is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA).

· Mrs. Simon, Secretary of ICAEC St. Lucia, is Senior Manager – Internal Audit at East Caribbean Financial Holding Company Limited and serves as Chief Audit Executive for both the Group and Bank of Saint Lucia Limited. She is also an active member of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), ISACA, and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE).

The Chamber remains committed to providing high-quality training and development opportunities, equipping managers with financial and other essential skills to lead effectively and contribute to business success.

For details on upcoming professional development programs, please contact the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce at info@stluciachamber.org or 452-3165.

For more information contact: Mr. Brian Louisy, Executive Director

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The St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce Hosts its 2025 Inter-Commercial House Domino Competition

Castries, St. Lucia — Building and based on the success of last year’s successful revival, the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture is delighted to announce that it will once again host the Inter-Commercial House Domino Competition in 2025.

The reintroduction of the event in September 2024 following the longstanding format of the Chamber’s Inter-Commercial friendly competitions over the years, has quickly reclaimed its place as a favorite of the Chamber’s friendly rivalry among business houses on the island. These types of events bring together workers in various companies and Government Departments, for evenings of camaraderie, friendly rivalry, and networking in a relaxed and spirited environment.

Despite the usual clamor for “Cash Prices” the Chamber is intent on staying away from adding this element that most times fuel, more than “friendly rivalry” and as in the past leaves that extra bit of sting for the National Association. Last year refreshed memories of how much participants enjoy coming together and cheering for their team, with picong and chat thrown at each other, creating wonderful and building company identity and unity. This year promises even more excitement, great matches, and stronger connections.

The 2025 Domino Competition will take place September 2025, venue and time to be announced shortly. Teams will again compete for prizes of trophies, and the ever-important bragging rights, until the next big face-off.

For more information about the Inter Commercial House Domino Competition, or to become a sponsor, please contact us at (758) 452-3165 and/or info@stluciachamber.org

Click Flyer to register

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The St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture is gearing up to host Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2025, scheduled for November 17th – 23rd. GEW is the world’s largest celebration of innovators and job creators, shining a spotlight on the people and organizations who bring ideas to life, drive economic growth, and expand human welfare.

Each year, the Chamber collaborates with partners across sectors to deliver a week of impactful activities aimed at inspiring, connecting, and equipping entrepreneurs. From panel discussions and workshops to showcases and networking sessions, GEW offers opportunities for businesses of all sizes to engage and contribute to building a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem in Saint Lucia.

As preparations get underway, the Chamber encourages businesses, agencies, and institutions to host their own events and activities during GEW 2025. By sharing knowledge, highlighting success stories, or providing training opportunities, the business community can play a key role in fostering innovation and supporting the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

We invite interested organizations to reach out to the Chamber to register you planned events and become part of this exciting and powerful global movement. Together, let’s showcase, encourage, mentor, support and engage Entrepreneurship as the fuel of innovation and creativity the dynamism of Saint Lucian entrepreneurship on the world stage.

For more information or to indicate your interest in hosting an event, please contact the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture at info@stluciachaber.org

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Elevate – Fueling Growth with Sponsors

Mark the Date: St. Lucia Business Awards 2025

December 15th 2025

St. Lucia Business Awards Orientation Workshop Hosted

The Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce hosted a successful Orientation Workshop on Thursday, September 4th, 2025, drawing more than 50 attendees from businesses both large and small. The workshop, designed to guide business interested in making a submission through the application process.

Head Judge Mr. Andie George, together with fellow judges Mr. Ben Menald and Mr. McDonald Dixon, facilitated the workshop, providing valuable insights on completing nomination forms and offering practical advice on the do’s and don’ts of submissions. The judges emphasized clarity, accuracy, and conciseness as critical factors in preparing standout entries.

Membership Development Officer of the Chamber, Ms. Kamille Huggins, welcomed participants, expressing her excitement at the strong turnout:

The workshop also provided key updates for the 2025 Awards, including the fourteen award categories. Notable changes include the renaming of the former Green Award to Environmental Stewardship, and the merging of the Export Achievement category to cover both goods and services. The prestigious Business of the Year Award is not an entry category but is determined by the judges’ overall review of submissions.

Judges also underscored the importance of following the guidelines carefully, particularly word limits and reference requirements. As Judge McDonald Dixon cautioned:

“If we ask for 250 words, you can give us 300 words—nobody’s going to penalize you for that. But don’t give us 2,500 words. That happens, and usually the essay is long-winded and off point. It is always better to be succinct and let the judges draw insights from what you have put forward.”

In response to strong interest and requests from the business community, the Chamber has extended the deadline for applications to Tuesday, September 16, 2025. Applications must reflect performance and achievements between January 2024 and June 2025, and shortlisted nominees may be interviewed to verify authenticity.

Consultant Ms. Sumitra Jagroop-Leo also reminded participants that the Awards go beyond recognition:

“The Awards are an opportunity for everyone to express not just to Saint Lucia, but to the world, what it is that you have to offer. We also create valuable mixers and networking opportunities for participants, nominees, and winners.”

The 2025 Saint Lucia Business Awards Ceremony will be held on December 15, 2025. The Chamber urges all interested businesses to submit their applications on time and ensure that their entries reflect honesty, precision, and excellence.

For further information, nomination forms, and guidelines, visit www.stluciachamber.org/awards or contact the Chamber at info@stluciachamber.org | (758) 452-3165.

Submit Now: https://www.stluciachamber.org/awards

For more information contact: Mr. Brian Louisy, Executive Director

NEW ELECTRICITY ACT

COMING SOON

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 pleased to note that the Bill only went through one reading. Subsequently the Ministry convened, on very short notice, a consultation on Tuesday August 26. Due to the short notice many persons interested in discussing and hearing more about the Bill were not able to attend.

From reports from members who attended, the tone of the Meeting was decent, and some information was share, yet it appeared that the intention was to pacify concerns and not really reopen the Bill for dialogue far less consultation.

The Chamber representing the business community must point out that the Business Community is anxious to see the capacity limits be increased, yet it accepts that the issue of grid stability, and dependability of supply at the high standards the country has become accustomed to must not be compromised, to satisfy the narrow interests of those who can afford to very early invest in solar and other renewable options. This should not be done in the new dispensation at the expenses of the wider citizenry and reliable energy supply.

Further the Chamber is concerned that the Bill may be restrictive in terms of the dulling of space for innovative business models for generation, that small entrepreneurs are likely to bring to the market. The restrictive and maybe prescriptive manner in which suppliers and generators of electricity must await a tender being put out by the NURC, may stifle innovation and entrepreneurship in that respect.

The Business Community and nation is still in the dark on many salient and crucial points which according to the Ministry of Infrastructure, will be determined by the "yet to be drafted regulations." As always, the devil is in the detail.

To reiterate 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 electricity costs, remains committed to working with Government and the NURC to ensure that the new Electricity Bill and regulations secure the viability, reliability, world class, quality and dependability of the electricity production and distribution! 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.

• Electricity (Electrical Licensing) Regulations
• Electricity (Customer Code) Regulations
• Electricity (Network Performance) Regulations
• Electricity (Grid Code) Regulations
• Electricity Act (dated March 18, 2024)

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Boost Your Skills – Join Our Next Training Sessions!

BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLANNING

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.

Register Now

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!

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Know Your Labour Act

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The "Know Your Labour Act Workshop" is a unique opportunity for Saint Lucian businesses to strengthen their understanding of employment laws. By the end of the day, participants will gain not only clarity on legal nuances but also practical tools to foster fair and compliant employer-employee relations.

Facilitator:

Goddard-Dorville Legal, led by renowned attorney Cheryl Goddard-Dorville, brings extensive experience in Saint Lucia's legal landscape since 2005. Mrs. Goddard-Dorville has a proven track record of successfully guiding businesses through Labour Law issues, including those arising from the challenges of the COVID-19 era.

Workshop Highlights:

1. Legislation Demystified:

• Explanation of the purpose and scope of the Act.
• Overview of the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees under the Act.
• Types of employment contracts recognized under the Act.
• Working hours and overtime;
• Health & Safety in the Workplace
• Termination of Employment grounds and procedures to include redundancy, dismissal and severance pay requirements
• Dispute resolution
• Crafting clear and concise policies for the workplace

2. Practical Applications:

• Thorough examination of real scenarios and case studies to reinforce understanding and facilitate real-world implementation

3. Interactive Sessions:

• Facilitated Q&A sessions providing participants with opportunities for ask questions and seek clarifications on specific aspects of the Act.
• Addressing specific queries and concerns from Human Resource professionals and Team Leaders.

5. Empowerment Through Knowledge:

• Aims to allow participants to work within the legal framework, treating employees fairly.

Insights into interpretation and compliance with local laws.

Target Audience:

All professionals with supervisory responsibilities for team members are encouraged to attend. Human Resource professionals, Team Leaders, and those responsible for implementing employment policies, managing employee relations and ensuring compliance with labour laws. Small business owners and start-up entrepreneurs will find this workshop particularly illuminating.

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