AGP Executive Report

Port Health Preparedness: Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Health hosted port health stakeholder training to strengthen how agencies prevent, detect, communicate, and respond to public health threats at air and sea entry points, with the Chief Medical Officer stressing the need for shared protocols and regular practice. Breastfeeding Support: Breastfeeding Awareness Month officially opened in Micoud, with the Ministry calling on families, employers, and communities to back mothers with accurate guidance, trained support, and baby-friendly services. Mobile Dental Care: A mobile dental bus is bringing free cleanings, screenings, and basic treatments like fillings to children at summer camps, aiming to improve oral health early. Local Health Access: A local medical concierge company marked one year helping Saint Lucians access care abroad, highlighting a cancer patient’s successful surgery overseas. Regional Child Protection: OECS, with UNICEF support, unveiled a Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032 for a whole-of-the-child approach across health, education, justice, and protection. Health & Safety News: The Ministry of Agriculture debunked a viral “venomous snake in toilet” claim as not recorded in Saint Lucia, urging people to verify before sharing and to contact wildlife officers for real sightings.

Migration & Borders: St Lucia has signed a non-binding MOU with the US to facilitate the transfer of certain third-country nationals, with any move left to both governments’ discretion. Child Protection: The OECS, with UNICEF support, unveiled a Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032, pushing a whole-of-the-child approach to keep children safe and supported across health, education, justice and protection. Breastfeeding Support: St Lucia’s Ministry of Health launched Breastfeeding Awareness Month, calling on families, employers and communities to strengthen support so mothers can breastfeed with confidence. Port Health Readiness: A multi-agency port health stakeholder training updated air and sea protocols for detecting and responding to public health threats. Dental Access for Kids: A mobile dental bus is bringing screenings, cleanings and basic treatments to children at summer camps. Local Care Access Abroad: A local medical concierge marks one year helping Saint Lucians reach treatment overseas. Wellness & Community: A wellness festivals retreat series highlights rest and reconnection across Africa and the diaspora, while youth summer arts and sports camps keep young people engaged through culture and competition.

Child Protection Policy: The OECS, with UNICEF support, has unveiled a Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032 in Saint Lucia, using input from children, parents and stakeholders and pushing a “whole-of-the-child” approach to keep every child safe and supported by 2032. Breastfeeding Support: Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Health officially opened Breastfeeding Awareness Month, stressing that successful breastfeeding needs families, employers, healthcare workers and communities working together. Preventive Dental Care: A mobile dental bus is bringing free cleanings, screenings and basic treatments to children at summer camps, alongside oral health education. Port Health Preparedness: Health officials trained air and sea port stakeholders on port health procedures to better prevent, detect and respond to public health threats. Local Health Workforce: Dr. Timothy Abels has joined Hegg Health Center, adding to local family medicine capacity. Regional Health Cooperation: CARICOM leaders discussed an advisory opinion request tied to the CARICOM Secretary-General appointment, alongside talks focused on health and crime-fighting cooperation between Saint Lucia and Trinidad & Tobago. Health Access Abroad: A local medical concierge company marked one year helping Saint Lucians access care abroad, sharing a patient success story.

Breastfeeding Support Push: St. Lucia’s Ministry of Health officially opened Breastfeeding Awareness Month, urging families, employers and communities to back mothers with accurate guidance and a supportive environment. Mobile Dental Care: The Dental Services Unit is bringing free cleanings, screenings and basic treatments to children via a mobile dental bus at summer camps. Cancer Registry Launch: The Ministry of Health rolled out Saint Lucia’s National Cancer Registry, a key step for better tracking and planning. Port Health Readiness: Environmental Health hosted port health stakeholder training to strengthen how agencies prevent, detect and respond to public health threats at air and sea entry points. Local Access to Care Abroad: A local medical concierge company marked one year helping Saint Lucians reach treatment overseas, sharing a success story from a cancer patient. Regional Child Policy: OECS and UNICEF unveiled a regional child policy and strategic plan for 2026–2032, using a whole-of-the-child approach to protect and support children. Wellness Destination Update: TheLifeCo St. Lucia appointed a new general manager as it positions the island as a longevity and integrative wellness stop.

CARICOM & Legal Process: St. Lucia PM Phillip J Pierre met Trinidad and Tobago PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar to update her on CARICOM’s push for an advisory opinion from the Caribbean Court of Justice over the reappointment of CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett. Regional Child Well-being: OECS, with UNICEF support, unveiled a regional child policy and strategic plan for 2026–2032 in St. Lucia, using a “whole-of-the-child” approach across health, education, justice, protection and social support. Breastfeeding Support: Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Health officially opened Breastfeeding Awareness Month, calling for stronger support for mothers and babies from families, employers and healthcare providers. Border Health Readiness: The Environmental Health Division ran port health stakeholder training to strengthen surveillance, emergency response and coordination at air and sea entry points. Kids’ Oral Health on the Move: A mobile dental bus brought free cleanings, screenings and basic treatments to children at summer camps. Access to Care Abroad: A local medical concierge company marked one year helping Saint Lucians reach quality care overseas. Health Workforce Update: Dr. Timothy Abels joined Hegg Health Center, adding to local family medicine capacity. Public Health Misinformation: The Agriculture Ministry debunked a viral “snake in toilet” claim, urging residents to verify before sharing. Cruise Port Inclusion: Saint Lucia Cruise Port rolled out the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme so passengers with non-visible disabilities can discreetly request extra support.

Breastfeeding Support Push: Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Health officially opened Breastfeeding Awareness Month, urging families, employers and healthcare workers to strengthen practical support so mothers can breastfeed with confidence and dignity. Cancer Care Upgrade: The Ministry also launched the National Cancer Registry, aiming to improve cancer data collection and surveillance to guide prevention and better patient outcomes. Border Health Readiness: Health officials ran port health stakeholder training with Customs, immigration and SLASPA to sharpen surveillance, communication and emergency response at air and sea entry points. Mobile Dental Care: A mobile dental bus brought free cleanings, screenings and basic treatments to children at summer camps, alongside oral health education. Local Access to Treatment: A Saint Lucia medical concierge company marked one year helping patients reach care abroad, highlighting a year of support for local families. Regional Child Policy: OECS unveiled a 2026–2032 regional child policy and strategic plan, using a “whole-of-the-child” approach across health, education and protection. Health Tech & Aid Links: Taiwan ICDF marked 30 years with a book launch, spotlighting expanded work including smart healthcare systems and digital solutions in the region.

Breastfeeding Support: Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Health officially opened Breastfeeding Awareness Month, urging families, employers and communities to back mothers with accurate guidance and supportive environments. Cancer Care Data: The Ministry also launched Saint Lucia’s National Cancer Registry to strengthen cancer surveillance, improve data collection and guide prevention and treatment decisions. Dental Access for Kids: A mobile dental bus is bringing free cleanings, screenings and basic treatments to children at summer camps. Border Health Readiness: Environmental Health hosted port health stakeholder training with agencies at air and sea entry points to improve prevention, detection and response to public health threats. Regional Health & Safety Talks: CARICOM chair Philip J. Pierre updated Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on seeking a Caribbean Court of Justice advisory opinion tied to the CARICOM Secretary-General appointment, while both leaders also discussed health and crime-fighting cooperation. Local Care Access Abroad: A Saint Lucian medical concierge company marked one year helping people access care abroad, highlighting affordability and quality treatment pathways. Community Health Equity: The REACH project rolled out webinars on adolescent health topics like reproductive health, mental health, nutrition and parent-teen communication.

Newborn Support: Saint Lucia officially launched its Newborn Grant Program, a one-time EC$1,000 payment for eligible mothers of babies born on/after Aug 1, aimed at strengthening maternal and child health alongside existing free lab and ultrasound services. Breastfeeding Push: The Ministry of Health opened Breastfeeding Awareness Month at Micoud Secondary School, urging families, employers, and healthcare workers to create supportive conditions so mothers can breastfeed with confidence and dignity. Cancer Care Upgrade: The National Cancer Registry was launched to improve cancer data collection and surveillance, strengthening evidence-based prevention and control with partners including CARPHA and PAHO. Border Health Readiness: Port health stakeholder training brought together health, customs, ports, and immigration teams to strengthen surveillance, communication, and emergency response at air and sea entry points. Cruise Port Accessibility: Saint Lucia Cruise Port rolled out the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme, letting passengers with non-visible disabilities discreetly request extra support or time. Local Wellness Leadership: TheLifeCo St. Lucia appointed Olgay Kiraz as general manager, positioning the 100-key wellness destination to expand longevity-focused, integrative care. Community Health Careers: Rotary Club of Saint Lucia elected Leevie Herelle and highlighted its Mobile Dental Clinic, funded with support from local partners. Public Health & Safety Alerts: The Agriculture Ministry debunked a viral “snake in toilet” claim as not recorded in Saint Lucia, urging residents to verify before sharing and to contact wildlife officers. Health Workforce & Care: Dr. Timothy Abels joined Hegg Health Center on Aug 3, bringing family medicine training and a background spanning nursing, wound care, and healthcare administration. Health-Linked Tragedy: Tenisha Yarde died eight days after a Rodney Bay road incident, with police investigating the circumstances.

Hospital & Wellness Leadership: TheLifeCo St. Lucia has appointed Olgay Kiraz as general manager, aiming to bring “integrative” longevity wellness and medical technologies to the island. Breastfeeding Support: Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Health officially opened Breastfeeding Awareness Month, urging families, employers and healthcare workers to strengthen support so mothers can breastfeed with confidence. Maternal & Baby Care: The Government launched a one-time EC$1,000 Newborn Grant for eligible families, effective for babies born on or after Aug 1. Cancer Care Upgrade: The Ministry also launched Saint Lucia’s National Cancer Registry to improve cancer surveillance, data collection and evidence-based planning. Border Health Preparedness: Port health training brought together key agencies to strengthen surveillance and response at air and sea entry points. Cruise Port Accessibility: Saint Lucia Cruise Port introduced the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme so passengers with non-visible disabilities can discreetly request extra support. Youth Health: The REACH project rolled out a webinar series on adolescent health topics including mental health, nutrition and parent-teen communication. Public Health Systems: Saint Lucia is advancing integrated health surveillance, including noncommunicable diseases, with a new online system to speed outbreak detection and reporting. Local Health & Safety: Police reported the death of Tenisha Yarde after a Rodney Bay road incident, while the Agriculture Ministry debunked a viral “snake in toilet” claim as not recorded in Saint Lucia.

Breastfeeding Support Push: Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Health officially opened Breastfeeding Awareness Month at Micoud Secondary School, urging families, employers and healthcare workers to strengthen support for mothers and babies. Border Health Readiness: Environmental Health Division hosted port health stakeholder training to improve surveillance, communication and response at air and sea ports, with agencies reviewing port health SOPs. Cancer Data Upgrade: The Ministry launched Saint Lucia’s National Cancer Registry to strengthen cancer surveillance and guide prevention and care using reliable national data. Newborn Grant: Government rolled out a one-time EC$1,000 Newborn Grant for eligible babies born on/after Aug 1, alongside existing maternal and child health services. Adolescent Health Online: REACH Project marked International Youth Day with a webinar series on reproductive health, mental health, nutrition and parent-teen communication. Hidden Disabilities at Cruise Port: Saint Lucia Cruise Port introduced the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme so passengers with non-visible needs can discreetly request extra support. Food Safety Rumour Denied: Massy confirmed a viral expired-food label video was not recorded in Saint Lucia. Public Health Surveillance System: Training supported rollout of an interactive online health surveillance platform to speed detection and response to outbreaks. Community Health Access: Rotary Club of Saint Lucia elected a new president and highlighted its Mobile Dental Clinic work for children. Road Tragedy: Tenisha Yarde died eight days after a Rodney Bay road incident; police say investigations continue.

Breastfeeding Support: Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Health kicked off Breastfeeding Awareness Month, urging families, employers and healthcare workers to back mothers for the healthiest start. Cancer Data Push: The Ministry of Health officially launched Saint Lucia’s National Cancer Registry to strengthen cancer surveillance and guide prevention and care with better national data. Border Health Readiness: Health officials brought key agencies together to strengthen surveillance, emergency response and coordination at air and sea ports. Disability-Friendly Travel: Saint Lucia Cruise Port rolled out the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme so passengers with non-visible disabilities can discreetly request extra support. Newborn Grant: Government launched a one-time EC$1,000 Newborn Grant for eligible babies born on/after Aug 1, adding to maternal and child health support. Food Safety Alert: A viral expired-food label video sparked renewed food safety concerns; Massy says it was not recorded in Saint Lucia, while officials highlight stronger consumer and nutrition oversight. Community Health Training: PAHO/WHO supported a workshop to build skills for integrated health surveillance and faster outbreak response. Violence Update: Police reported a homicide in Anse Ger, Micoud, with one person in custody; mental health issues were mentioned by a source.

Border Health Security: Saint Lucia is strengthening its first line of defense at air and sea ports by bringing key agencies together to improve surveillance, emergency response, and coordination. Hidden Disabilities Access: The Saint Lucia Cruise Port is rolling out the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme so passengers with non-visible disabilities can discreetly request extra support during the 2026/2027 cruise season. Cancer Care Data Boost: The Ministry of Health has officially launched Saint Lucia’s National Cancer Registry to improve cancer surveillance, planning, and evidence-based prevention and treatment. Newborn Support: A one-time EC$1,000 Newborn Grant Program has started for eligible families, effective for babies born on or after Aug. 1. Adolescent Health Education: The REACH project begins a webinar series on adolescent health, including mental health, nutrition, and stigma reduction. Community Health at CPL: The Republic Bank CPL will offer free fan screenings across all eight host venues, targeting non-communicable diseases with checks like blood pressure and glucose. Violence and Mental Health Link: Police are investigating a fatal bottle attack in Anse Ger, Micoud, with reports that the suspect has dealt with mental health issues. Road Safety Tragedy: A 28-year-old woman died after being run over by a bus following an altercation in Rodney Bay, Gros Islet.

Border Health: Saint Lucia is strengthening its defenses against public health threats at air and sea ports, bringing key agencies together to improve surveillance, emergency response, and coordination. Cruise Accessibility: Saint Lucia Cruise Port is rolling out the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme so passengers with non-visible disabilities (like autism, dementia, anxiety, hearing or vision issues) can discreetly signal they may need extra support or time. Cancer Care Data: The Ministry of Health has officially launched the National Cancer Registry to improve cancer surveillance, data collection, and evidence-based planning for prevention and treatment. Maternal Health Support: The government has started a one-time EC$1,000 Newborn Grant for eligible families, effective for babies born on or after August 1. Adolescent Health: The REACH project launched a webinar series on adolescent health and well-being, covering topics like mental health, nutrition, stigma reduction, and parent-teen communication. Community Health Checks: The Republic Bank CPL is offering free health screenings at all eight host venues, with checks for blood pressure, glucose, BMI, urinalysis, and PSA testing to support early detection of non-communicable diseases. Workplace Safety: Saint Lucia is moving closer to adopting its first National Occupational Safety and Health Policy after stakeholder review and validation. Violence Aftermath: Police are investigating a fatal Rodney Bay incident after a 28-year-old woman died days after being run over during an altercation.

National Cancer Registry Launch: Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Health has officially rolled out a National Cancer Registry to strengthen cancer surveillance, improve data for prevention and care, and guide better use of resources, with support from CARPHA, IARC and PAHO/WHO. Newborn Grant Programme: The government has launched a one-time EC$1,000 Newborn Grant for babies born on or after August 1, 2026, with birth registration required within six months to qualify, aiming to ease early costs like nutrition and transport. Adolescent Health Support: The REACH project has started a webinar series on adolescent health across Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines, covering mental health, nutrition, stigma reduction and parent-teen communication. Disease Outbreak Readiness: Saint Lucia is also advancing integrated health surveillance, including a new online system and training to help teams detect, report and respond to public health threats faster. Community Health at CPL: The Republic Bank CPL is offering free health screenings at all eight host venues, including in Saint Lucia, with checks for blood pressure, glucose, BMI, urinalysis and PSA. Workplace Safety Policy: Stakeholders have reviewed and validated progress toward Saint Lucia’s National Occupational Safety and Health Policy, moving it closer to adoption. Public Health Education Against Violence: A church-led “enditnow” campaign is set for August 22, calling for community action to combat violence.

Cancer Care Boost: Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Health has officially launched a National Cancer Registry to strengthen cancer surveillance, improve data for prevention and treatment, and guide better health decisions—built with CARPHA, IARC’s Caribbean hub, and PAHO. Newborn Support: The government rolled out an EC$1,000 Newborn Grant for babies born on or after Aug. 1, 2026, with birth registration required within six months to qualify, aiming to ease early costs like supplies, nutrition, and transport. Disease Outbreak Readiness: Health officials also trained partners on Integrated Health Surveillance Guidelines and a new online surveillance platform to speed detection, reporting, and response across sectors. Adolescent Health Online: The REACH project launched a webinar series on adolescent health and well-being, covering topics like mental health, nutrition, stigma reduction, and parent-teen communication. Community Health at the Stadium: The CPL is offering free fan screenings at all eight host venues, including blood pressure, glucose, BMI, urinalysis, and PSA testing to support early detection of non-communicable diseases. Workplace Safety: Stakeholders reviewed Saint Lucia’s draft National Occupational Safety and Health Policy, moving it closer to adoption for safer workplaces. Injury Update: Police are investigating a Rodney Bay Strip incident where a 28-year-old woman was hit by a minivan after an altercation and remains hospitalised.

National Cancer Registry Launch: Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Health has officially rolled out a National Cancer Registry with support from CARPHA, IARC and PAHO/WHO, aiming to strengthen cancer surveillance, improve data for prevention and care, and guide better use of resources. Newborn Grant Programme: The government launched a one-time EC$1,000 Newborn Grant for eligible babies born on or after Aug. 1, 2026, with birth registration required within six months, to help families cover early newborn costs and support maternal and child health services. Adolescent Health Webinars: The REACH project kicked off a regional webinar series on adolescent health in Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, covering mental health, nutrition, stigma reduction and parent-teen communication. Integrated Disease Surveillance Upgrade: Health officials trained partners on Saint Lucia’s new Integrated Health Surveillance system and guidelines webpage to speed up detection, reporting and response to public health threats. CPL Free Health Screenings: The Republic Bank CPL is offering free fan health checks at all eight host venues, including blood pressure, glucose, BMI, urinalysis and PSA testing, targeting non-communicable diseases.