Castries, Saint Lucia- April 13, 2026

The Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture participated in the Ease of Doing Business Forum hosted by the Ministry of Commerce on April 9, 2026, at the Finance Administrative Centre, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening the country’s business environment.

The forum formed part of the Government of Saint Lucia’s ongoing efforts to improve the ease of doing business as a key driver of economic growth, investment, and competitiveness. Minister for Tourism, Commerce, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Heritage, Ernest Hilaire, has identified Ease of Doing Business as a priority area, recognizing its critical role in attracting both local and foreign investment.

The event featured interactive panel discussions with representatives from various sectors, where key issues were examined and questions posed to generate practical ideas for improving business facilitation. These discussions encouraged meaningful exchange between stakeholders and helped identify barriers impacting business operations.

Additionally, participants were grouped into World Bank -B-Ready Pillars as working groups to identify and recommend three key actions that could be taken under each of the pillars,

The outcomes of these discussions were later presented in plenary session these would be advanced to an Ease of Doing Business Task Force that is to be created for action and follow up.

The Chamber welcomed the Government’s refocus on improving the environment and pledged to work with all towards that objective. The Chamber also cautioned that the effort will be difficult and requires resilience and persistence as the country needs to overcome "cultural practices of the public service."

Past President Gerard Bergasse remined the forum of the famous quote that notwithstanding the best strategy "culture eats strategy for breakfast everyday."

The Chamber was represented by the President of the Chamber, Mr. Nicholas Barnard, Past President Gerard Bergasse, Board Members, Cheryl Renwick and Gidden Augustin, Executive Director Brian Louisy and Armani Modeste Chamber Intern.  

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