AGP Executive Report

CARICOM Leadership (Health & Wellness Angle): Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre officially assumed the CARICOM chairmanship from July 1 to Dec. 31, pledging a people-first agenda meant to deliver practical benefits in areas like food and nutrition security, climate action, and regional cooperation. Ebola Preparedness: Health officials say Saint Lucia is strengthening its Ebola Virus Disease plan with upgrades at international borders, staff training across sectors, and designated quarantine zones. Diabetes/Obesity Safety: The Saint Lucia Medical and Dental Association backed proper dispensing and administration of GLP-1 receptor agonists, warning the public to avoid “Ozempic/Mounjaro” sold by unlicensed people and to use licensed pharmacies and medical monitoring. Public Health Call: Health authorities renewed an appeal for more blood donors as donations decline nationally. Local Violence (Community Health Impact): Police launched homicide probes after shootings in Jacmel and Marchand, including a 16-year-old girl shot in Bexon; investigations are ongoing. Cancer Screening Boost: A Caribbean prostate cancer genetic study is expanding PSA testing, with St. Lucia already included in earlier cohorts. Regional Health Education: Cuba awarded full scholarships to Mongolian students for medicine and special education, highlighting continued international training links.

Ebola Preparedness: St. Lucia’s Ministry of Health says it’s strengthening national Ebola Virus Disease plans as WHO flags the DRC/Uganda outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Weight‑loss Drug Safety: The Saint Lucia Medical and Dental Association warns people to avoid GLP‑1 products from unlicensed sellers and stresses these medicines must be prescribed by licensed professionals and bought only from licensed pharmacies. Air Quality Alert: A Saharan dust advisory is in effect, with health officials urging extra care for people with asthma, COPD, sinusitis and severe allergies, plus limiting outdoor exposure and using masks if needed. Cancer Screening Boost: A Caribbean prostate cancer genetic study is expanding, with free PSA testing reaching more men across the region, including recent work involving St. Lucia and now a Grenada cohort. Community Health Drive: Health officials are renewing calls for more voluntary blood donors as donations continue to decline. Local Health & Wellness Milestones: Saint Lucian Camille Andrew becomes the first OECS woman to earn a Doctor of Medicine degree in Morocco with highest honors, after research on pediatric inflammatory bowel disease. Public Health Policy: Saint Lucia also continues work on vaccine and immunization policy strengthening, including participation in a GAVI workshop in Copenhagen. Violence & Care Needs: A 16-year-old girl is in critical condition after a shooting in Bexon, and police are investigating other recent gun violence incidents—reminding residents of the urgent need for safe, responsive emergency care.

CARICOM Leadership & Integration: Incoming CARICOM chair Philip J. Pierre says the regional agenda must be “people-centred,” delivering real benefits in communities, schools, homes and everyday opportunities as he takes over on July 1. Blood Donation Push: Health officials say blood donations are declining and are urging more voluntary donors after a ceremony recognizing ongoing lifesaving contributions. Medication Safety (GLP-1 Warning): Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Health warns the public not to buy Ozempic or other GLP-1 weight-loss/diabetes drugs from beauty salons or social media, stressing use only through licensed pharmacies and authorised prescribers. Air Quality Alert (Saharan Dust): A dust advisory has been issued as hazy conditions reduce air quality; vulnerable people with asthma/COPD and allergies are told to limit outdoor exposure and consider protective masks. Regional Health Education Milestone: Saint Lucian Camille Andrew becomes the first OECS woman to earn an MD in Morocco with highest honours, after seven years of training focused on pediatric inflammatory bowel disease. Mental Health Staffing (OECS/SVG): St. Vincent and the Grenadines appoints psychiatrist Dr. Eloy Castillo after a decade-long vacancy, aiming to strengthen mental health rehabilitation services. Violence Update: Police launched a homicide probe after a Jacmel, Anse La Raye shooting left one dead and two injured.

GLP-1 Safety Warning: St. Lucia’s Ministry of Health is urging people to stop buying Ozempic and other GLP-1 medicines from beauty salons, unlicensed pharmacies, or social media, warning about counterfeit, contaminated, expired, or wrongly compounded products and stressing that GLP-1s must be prescribed after a proper medical assessment. Air Quality Alert: A Saharan dust advisory has been issued as hazy conditions lower air quality; health officials say fine particles can irritate airways, so people with asthma, COPD, sinusitis, and severe allergies should limit outdoor exposure and consider a well-fitted mask. Medical Milestone: Saint Lucian Camille Andrew has become the first OECS woman to earn an MD in Morocco, graduating with highest honors after seven years of training and research on pediatric inflammatory bowel disease. Regional Health Leadership: OECS leaders reaffirmed Dr. Didacus Jules for a fourth term as Director General, highlighting work on healthier communities and regional integration, including health collaboration. Mental Health Staffing (SVG): St. Vincent and the Grenadines ended a decade-long psychiatrist vacancy by appointing Dr. Eloy Castillo to the Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre. Water Worries: Reporting highlights St. Lucia’s ongoing water stress, with intermittent supply affecting hygiene and food prep and experts warning climate conditions could limit relief during the rainy season. Wellness Tourism Push: JACANA expanded its Caribbean wellness platform, tying botanical products and nature-based experiences to the fast-growing wellness travel market. Community & Wellness Culture: A Soufriere Carnival pageant crowned Tamis Modeste (Saint Lucia Daily Post) as Carnival Queen 2026, with training that included health and hygiene.

OECS Leadership: Antigua and Barbuda’s PM Gaston Browne has taken over the OECS Authority chair at the 78th meeting, with a regional focus on health, security, digital transformation, and climate resilience. Medical Milestone: Saint Lucian Camille Andrew became the first OECS woman to earn an MD in Morocco, graduating with highest honors after seven years of training and research on pediatric inflammatory bowel disease. Medication Safety: Saint Lucia’s Health Ministry is warning people not to buy GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic from beauty salons, social media, or unlicensed pharmacies, stressing prescriptions must come from registered pharmacies and be guided by a doctor. Air Quality Alert: A Saharan dust advisory has been issued as hazy conditions reduce air quality; health officials urge asthma, COPD, allergy, and sinus sufferers to limit outdoor exposure and use masks if needed. Water Worries: Reports highlight ongoing water scarcity pressures, with intermittent supply affecting hygiene and food prep and renewed concern as weather patterns shift. Regional Health Support: St Vincent and the Grenadines has appointed a resident psychiatrist, ending a decade-long vacancy at its Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre. Wellness Tourism Growth: JACANA launched a Caribbean Wellness Platform, betting on the booming wellness travel market with farm-based botanicals and nature experiences. Food & School Health: A regional push is underway to remove ultra-processed food and drink marketing from schools, including St Lucia.

GLP-1 Safety Alert: Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Health is warning people not to buy Ozempic and other GLP-1 medicines from beauty salons, unlicensed pharmacies, or social media, stressing that only a licensed prescriber should decide if treatment is safe and effective and that medicines must come from registered pharmacies. Air Quality Warning: A Saharan dust advisory has been issued as hazy conditions reduce air quality; health officials urge extra caution for people with asthma, COPD, sinusitis, and severe allergies, recommending limiting outdoor exposure and using a well-fitted mask if you must go out. Education & Health Careers: Camille Andrew made history as the first OECS woman to earn an MD in Morocco, graduating with highest honors after seven years of training and research on pediatric inflammatory bowel disease. Immunisation Push: Saint Lucia took part in a GAVI workshop in Copenhagen to strengthen vaccine equity and prepare for upcoming review processes, with the Ministry’s immunisation team sharing country priorities. Community Health Access: Government signed a partnership with RestoringVision to expand vision care services, including a plan to provide 50,000 free eyeglasses. Regional Mental Health: St Vincent and the Grenadines appointed psychiatrist Dr. Eloy Castillo to end a decade-long vacancy at its Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre, aiming to improve mental health services and reduce stigma. Water Stress Watch: Coverage highlights ongoing concerns about water reliability in St Lucia, with families still relying on tanks and rainwater during intermittent supply.

GLP-1 Safety Alert: Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Health is warning the public not to buy Ozempic and other GLP-1 medicines from beauty salons, unlicensed pharmacies, or social media, stressing that counterfeit, contaminated, or improperly compounded drugs can be dangerous and that prescriptions should come only from registered pharmacies with a licensed prescriber’s guidance. Air Quality Warning: A Saharan dust advisory has been issued as hazy conditions reduce air quality; health officials urge people with asthma, COPD, sinusitis, and severe allergies to limit outdoor exposure, keep windows closed, and consider a well-fitted mask. Immunization Focus: Saint Lucia took part in a multi-country GAVI workshop in Copenhagen to strengthen vaccine equity and immunization planning, supporting vulnerable populations as the country prepares for upcoming review steps. Academic Health Milestone: Saint Lucian Camille Andrew made history by earning an MD in Morocco with highest honors, with research focused on pediatric inflammatory bowel disease and the role of newer biotherapies. Vision Care Access: Government of Saint Lucia signed on with RestoringVision to expand eye care services, aiming to provide 50,000 free eyeglasses. Water Stress Reminder: Reporting highlights ongoing water scarcity pressures, with families relying on tanks and rainwater as supply remains intermittent and climate risks continue.

GLP-1 Safety Alert: Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Health is warning people not to buy Ozempic and other GLP-1 medicines from unlicensed pharmacies, beauty shops, or social media, stressing the risks of counterfeit, contaminated, or improperly stored products and urging prescriptions only through licensed doctors and registered pharmacies. Air Quality Warning: A Saharan dust advisory has been issued as hazy conditions reduce air quality, with health officials telling asthma, COPD, sinusitis, and allergy sufferers to limit outdoor exposure and use protective masks if they must go out. Medical Milestone: Saint Lucian Camille Andrew made history by becoming the first OECS woman to earn an MD in Morocco, graduating with highest honors after seven years of training and research on pediatric inflammatory bowel disease. Regional Health Staffing: St. Vincent and the Grenadines has filled a decade-long psychiatrist vacancy by appointing Dr. Eloy Castillo to its Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre, aiming to strengthen mental health services and reduce stigma. Wellness Tourism Push: Jamaica’s JACANA launched a Caribbean Wellness Platform, tying botanical personal care and plant medicines to nature-based experiences as the region positions itself for a fast-growing global wellness tourism market.

Vaccine & Immunization Focus: Saint Lucia took part in a multi-country GAVI workshop in Copenhagen to strengthen immunization planning, vaccine equity, and health-system readiness for the next phase of support. Medication Safety Warning: The Ministry of Health is urging people to stop buying GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic from beauty salons, unlicensed pharmacies, or social media, warning about counterfeit, contaminated, or improperly stored products. Air Quality Health Alert: A Saharan dust advisory is bringing hazy conditions and poorer air quality, with health officials warning people with asthma, COPD, allergies, and sinus issues to limit outdoor exposure and protect airways. Historic Medical Milestone: Camille Andrew became the first OECS woman to earn a Doctor of Medicine degree in Morocco, graduating with highest honors after research on pediatric inflammatory bowel disease. Regional Wellness Branding: JACANA launched a Caribbean wellness platform linking botanical personal care, therapeutic plant medicines, and nature-based experiences under one brand. Mental Health Staffing (Regional): St Vincent and the Grenadines appointed psychiatrist Dr. Eloy Castillo to end a decade-long vacancy at its Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre. Public Health & Food Marketing: A regional campaign is pushing to remove ultra-processed food and drink marketing from schools, including St Lucia. Water Worries: Ongoing water scarcity and intermittent supply are still disrupting hygiene and food prep for households as the rainy season begins. Lupus Awareness: The St. Lucia Arthritis and Lupus Association wrapped up Lupus Awareness Month activities, highlighting community support and education for people living with lupus. Health Services & Staffing Debate: One commentary argues that hiring more staff alone doesn’t improve service quality without stronger accountability and results on the ground.

Air Quality Alert: Saint Lucia’s Meteorological Services issued a Saharan dust advisory, with hazy skies and reduced air quality expected to linger; the Ministry of Health is urging people—especially those with asthma, COPD, allergies, sinusitis, and other breathing issues—to limit outdoor exposure and use protective masks if they must go out. Prescription Drug Warning: The Ministry of Health is warning residents not to buy GLP-1 medicines like Ozempic from unlicensed pharmacies, beauty salons, or social media, citing risks from counterfeit, contaminated, expired, or improperly compounded products. Medical Milestone: Camille Andrew became the first OECS woman to earn an MD in Morocco, graduating with highest honors after seven years of training, with research focused on pediatric inflammatory bowel disease. Vision Care Access: Saint Lucia signed an MoU with US-based RestoringVision for a 12-month pilot to screen for presbyopia and distribute up to 50,000 donated eyeglasses through public health facilities and community health workers. Mental Health Staffing (Region): St Vincent and the Grenadines appointed psychiatrist Dr. Eloy Castillo after a decade-long vacancy, aiming to strengthen mental health rehabilitation services. Community Health & Food: A regional push is underway to remove ultra-processed food and drink marketing from schools, including St. Lucia.

Health Safety Alert: Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Health is warning people to stop buying prescription medicines—especially GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic—from unlicensed pharmacies, beauty shops, or social media, saying counterfeit, contaminated, expired, or wrongly compounded products can seriously harm patients. Vision Care Access: The Government of Saint Lucia has signed an MoU with US non-profit RestoringVision for a 12-month pilot to add presbyopia screening and near-vision eyeglass distribution through primary healthcare and community health workers, with up to 50,000 donated glasses expected. Regional Medical Milestone: Camille Andrew becomes the first OECS woman to earn an MD in Morocco, graduating with highest honors after seven years of training, with research focused on pediatric inflammatory bowel disease. Mental Health Staffing (Region): St Vincent and the Grenadines has appointed psychiatrist Dr. Eloy Castillo to end a decade-long vacancy at its Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre. Public Health & Food: A regional push is underway to remove ultra-processed food and drink marketing from schools, including St Lucia. Water Worries: Reports continue on St Lucia’s ongoing water supply strain as climate pressures threaten reliability. Crime Update: Police in St Vincent are working with Saint Lucia to confirm the identity of a Saint Lucian man killed in a Great House shooting; residents say they’re fed up with gun violence.

GLP-1 Safety Alert: St. Lucia’s Ministry of Health is warning people to stop buying Ozempic and other prescription GLP-1 medicines from beauty salons, social media sellers, and other unlicensed providers, saying counterfeit, contaminated, or improperly stored drugs are a real risk and prescriptions should only come from registered pharmacies under a qualified doctor’s guidance. Vision Care Access: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre signed an MoU with US non-profit RestoringVision for a 12-month pilot to add presbyopia screening and near-vision eyeglass distribution through primary healthcare and community health workers, with up to 50,000 donated glasses expected to reach residents. Mental Health Staffing: St. Vincent and the Grenadines has filled a decade-long psychiatrist vacancy by appointing Cuban psychiatrist Dr. Eloy Castillo to the Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre, aiming to strengthen mental health services and reduce stigma. Regional Health Education: Saint Lucian Camille Andrew made history by becoming the first OECS woman to earn an MD in Morocco with highest honors, focusing her thesis on pediatric inflammatory bowel disease. Violence Update: Police in St. Vincent are working with St. Lucia to confirm the identity of a Saint Lucian national killed in the Great House shooting in Lowmans Leeward, while residents there say they’re fed up with gun violence. Water Worries: A report highlights how St. Lucia’s intermittent water supply is still affecting daily life, with experts warning climate pressures could limit relief even during the rainy season.

Medication Safety Alert: St. Lucia’s Ministry of Health is warning people not to buy prescription GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic from beauty salons or social media, stressing that unlicensed sellers can mean counterfeit, contaminated, expired, or wrongly compounded products. Public Health Access: The Ministry is also urging residents to use licensed pharmacies and only start prescription treatment with a qualified doctor’s guidance. Vision Care Boost: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre signed an MoU with US non-profit RestoringVision for a 12-month pilot to bring presbyopia screening and near-vision eyeglasses into primary healthcare and community health worker services, with up to 50,000 glasses expected. Regional Wellness Push: A regional initiative led by the Healthy Caribbean Coalition is targeting ultra-processed food and drink marketing around schools, including St. Lucia, through a social media campaign running until July 16. Mental Health Staffing (Regional): St. Vincent and the Grenadines appointed a Cuban psychiatrist to its Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre after a decade-long specialist shortage, aiming to reduce stigma and expand community-based care.

Vision Care Boost: Saint Lucia signed an MoU with US non-profit RestoringVision for a 12-month pilot to add presbyopia screening and near-vision eyeglass distribution through primary healthcare and community health workers, with up to 50,000 donated glasses expected to reach residents. Medication Safety Warning: The Ministry of Health urged people to avoid prescription medicines, especially GLP-1 products like Ozempic and compounded GLP-1s, from unlicensed pharmacies, beauty spots, social media, or other unauthorized sellers, stressing use only under a qualified prescriber’s supervision. Water Crisis Spotlight: As St Lucia’s rainy season begins, residents describe ongoing intermittent supply and reliance on tanks and bottled water, while officials warn “super El Niño” may limit relief. Mental Health Staffing: St Vincent and the Grenadines appointed Cuban psychiatrist Dr. Eloy Asanza Castillo to its Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre, ending a decade-long specialist shortage and supporting plans to reduce stigma and improve community-based care. Regional Youth Tech: The ECCB announced its free 2026 STEM Camp (July 6, four weeks) for ages 14–18 across ECCU territories, aiming to build AI and leadership skills. Lupus Awareness: The St Lucia Arthritis and Lupus Association wrapped Lupus Awareness Month activities, including education sessions and a Strides for Lupus walk, to strengthen support and understanding. Regional Food Policy: Healthy Caribbean Coalition launched a campaign to push for removal of ultra-processed food and drink marketing from schools, including St Lucia. Health & Wellness Access: Sea moss farming in southern St Lucia received support via SLUNCF and the fisheries department to strengthen livelihoods and coastal resilience. Health in the News Regionally: Venezuela reported 32 deaths and 700+ injuries after twin earthquakes, with public health facilities activating maximum capacity protocols.

Prescription Safety: St. Lucia’s Ministry of Health is warning people to avoid medications sold through unlicensed pharmacies and other unauthorized sellers, especially GLP-1 products like Ozempic and compounded GLP-1 formulations, stressing prescriptions must come from registered pharmacies and be used only under a qualified prescriber’s supervision. Vision Care Access: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre signed an MoU with US non-profit RestoringVision for a 12-month pilot to bring presbyopia screening and near-vision eyeglasses into St. Lucia’s public health system, with up to 50,000 donated glasses potentially distributed via primary healthcare and community health workers. Healthy Schools Push: The Healthy Caribbean Coalition launched a regional social media campaign targeting ultra-processed food and drink marketing around schools, with St. Lucia included among participating countries. Community Health & Wellness: St. Lucia also marked Nutrition Awareness Month with a message that traditional Caribbean foods can help prevent chronic disease. Livelihoods & Resilience: Sea moss farming in southern St. Lucia is getting a boost through support for farmers and designated farming zones to strengthen coastal resilience. Regional Integration: Ahead of CARICOM’s upcoming chairmanship, St. Lucia is rolling out public sensitisation on how regional work affects everyday health and wellbeing.

Vision Care Access: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre signed an MoU with US non-profit RestoringVision for a 12-month pilot to add presbyopia screening and near-vision eyeglass distribution through Saint Lucia’s primary healthcare facilities and community health worker platforms, with up to 50,000 donated glasses expected to reach people islandwide. Medication Safety: The Ministry of Health is urging extreme caution around prescription medicines, especially GLP-1 products, warning that reports of misuse and sales through unlicensed providers are rising; patients are told to use only licensed pharmacies and start treatment only under qualified medical supervision. CARICOM Public Awareness: Ahead of Saint Lucia’s CARICOM chairmanship and the 51st Regular Meeting of Heads of Government (July 5–8), the government is rolling out a public sensitisation campaign, “CARICOM: From Resilience to Renewal in a Changing World,” highlighting everyday impacts like public health, disaster preparedness, and security cooperation. OECS Integration Focus: OECS leaders marked 45 years of regional integration at the 78th Authority Meeting in Antigua, with chairmanship moving to Gaston Browne and renewed calls for stronger implementation on regional priorities. Local Governance Watch: Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire says confidential commercial deal values—linked to the Arsenal partnership—should not be disclosed publicly, citing past practice and the need to protect sensitive state negotiations.