AGP Executive Report

Road Safety: A 65-year-old Bonne Terre man died after his motorcycle collided with a car on the Julian R. Hunte Highway on October 9. Police are urging motorists to drive cautiously. Mental Health: Saint Lucia’s Health Ministry is promoting suicide prevention through community discussion, early support and better access to mental-health services. Domestic Violence Support: The Women’s Parliamentary Caucus is calling for trauma-informed training and improved access to counselling, medical care, legal help and safe accommodation for survivors. Hospital Care: An Entrepot Secondary student has undergone surgery at Owen King European Union Hospital and is beginning physiotherapy; her father praised the care provided by hospital staff. Regional Health: Saint Lucia’s health delegation joined CARICOM and PAHO meetings, discussing pandemic preparedness, non-communicable diseases, cancer care and climate-related health risks. Consumer Alert: GraceKennedy recalled two batches of Tropical Rhythms Fruit Punch sold in Saint Lucia and other markets as a precaution over a product-quality issue; the company says no illness is expected.

Mental Health: Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Health is strengthening suicide prevention through community conversations. At a Gros Islet town hall, residents heard how to spot distress and find support; officials stressed that prevention needs coordinated action beyond the health sector. Domestic Violence Response: The Women’s Parliamentary Caucus is urging trauma-informed training for police and health workers, private and sensitive reporting, and better access to counselling and medical care for survivors. Regional Health Policy: Health Minister Moses Jn. Baptiste and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sharon Belmar-George joined CARICOM and PAHO meetings to discuss pandemic preparedness, non-communicable diseases, cancer care and digital health. Patient Care: The father of an Entrepot student injured in a crash praised OKEU staff after her successful surgery; she is receiving physiotherapy to regain mobility. Food Recall: GraceKennedy has recalled two batches of Tropical Rhythms Fruit Punch sold in Saint Lucia: cartons marked “BB JUL 21 27 L6” or “BB JUL 22 27 L6.” The company describes this as a quality issue, not a food-safety concern.

Suicide Prevention: A Gros Islet town hall brought residents and mental health professionals together to discuss warning signs and where to find help, with officials stressing that prevention takes a community-wide effort. Hospital Care: Entrepot student Tatiyana Innocent has undergone surgery at OKEU and is beginning physiotherapy; her father praised the nurses and paediatric care team. Consumer Alert: GraceKennedy recalled specific 1-litre Tropical Rhythms Fruit Punch batches sold in Saint Lucia, marked BB JUL 21 27 L6 or BB JUL 22 27 L6. The company says it is a quality issue, with no illnesses reported. Breast Screening: Free screenings through Saint Lucia’s Universal Health Coverage programme include exams, 3D mammograms and follow-up tests, with services available at wellness centres, hospitals and partner facilities. Regional Health Policy: Saint Lucia’s health delegation joined CARICOM and PAHO meetings focused on emergency preparedness, non-communicable diseases, digital health and coordinated cancer care.

Patient Care: Entrepot student Tatiyana Innocent has successfully undergone surgery at Owen King EU Hospital and is beginning physiotherapy. Her father praised the nurses and paediatric ward staff. Mental Health: The Ministry of Health is strengthening suicide prevention through community discussions, urging a coordinated response that includes early support and better access to mental-health services. Women’s Health: Free breast-cancer screening is available through SLUHC, including examinations, 3D mammograms and follow-up tests. Consumer Alert: GraceKennedy has recalled two batches of Tropical Rhythms Fruit Punch 1L in Saint Lucia and other markets. Check for best-before codes BB JUL 21 27 L6 or BB JUL 22 27 L6 and do not consume affected packs; the company describes the issue as a quality concern, not a food-safety risk. Regional Health: Saint Lucia’s health delegation took part in CARICOM and PAHO meetings on pandemic preparedness, non-communicable diseases, cancer care and climate-related health risks.

Suicide Prevention: Residents joined a Ministry of Health town hall in Gros Islet to discuss warning signs and where to find help. Officials stressed that prevention requires coordinated support from health services, families and communities. Support for Survivors: Saint Lucia’s Women’s Parliamentary Caucus is calling for trauma-informed training for frontline workers and better access to counselling, medical care, legal help and safe accommodation for domestic violence survivors. Hospital Care: Entrepot student Tatiyana Innocent has successfully undergone surgery at Owen King EU Hospital and is receiving physiotherapy to regain mobility; her father praised the care from hospital staff. Regional Health Policy: Saint Lucia’s health delegation took part in CARICOM and PAHO meetings focused on pandemic readiness, non-communicable diseases, cancer care, climate change and health, and digital services. Screening and Food Recall: Free breast cancer screening, including mammograms and follow-up care, is available through SLUHC. Consumers should also check Grace Tropical Rhythms Fruit Punch 1L cartons for affected July 21 or 22, 2027 best-before codes; the company describes the recall as a product-quality precaution, not a food-safety issue.

Suicide Prevention: A Ministry of Health town hall in Gros Islet brought residents together with mental health professionals to discuss recognising distress and finding help. Officials stressed that prevention requires action across communities, not just the health sector. Domestic Violence Support: Saint Lucia’s Women’s Parliamentary Caucus is urging trauma-informed training for police and health workers, confidential reporting, and clear access to counselling, medical care and safe accommodation for survivors. Hospital Care: The father of injured Entrepot student Tatiyana Innocent praised OKEU staff after her surgery; she is now receiving physiotherapy to regain mobility. Regional Health Policy: Saint Lucia’s health delegation joined CARICOM and PAHO meetings focused on pandemic preparedness, non-communicable diseases, cancer care, climate and health, and digital health. Breast Cancer Screening: Free services through SLUHC include examinations, 3D mammograms and follow-up tests; screenings are available at wellness centres, hospitals and partner facilities. Food Recall: GraceKennedy is recalling two specified batches of Tropical Rhythms Fruit Punch sold in Saint Lucia as a precaution over a product-quality issue; the company says no adverse health effects are expected.

Hospital Care: Entrepot student Tatiyana Innocent has successfully undergone surgery at Owen King European Union Hospital. Her father praised the nurses and paediatric ward staff; she is now receiving physiotherapy to regain mobility. Food Recall: GraceKennedy is urging consumers in Saint Lucia not to drink Tropical Rhythms Fruit Punch 1L with best-before codes BB JUL 21 27 L6 or BB JUL 22 27 L6. The company calls the recall a product-quality precaution and advises returning affected packs to the place of purchase. Cancer Screening: Free breast screenings through Saint Lucia’s Universal Health Coverage programme include examinations, 3D mammograms and follow-up tests where needed, and are available at wellness centres, hospitals and partner facilities. Regional Health Policy: Saint Lucia’s health minister and chief medical officer joined CARICOM and PAHO meetings, discussing non-communicable diseases, cancer treatment guidance, emergency preparedness and digital health.

Menstrual Health: Sanitary pads face a 20% CARICOM import duty, raising concerns about affordability across the region; changing the common tariff requires regional action. Children’s Healthcare: Sandals Foundation’s Jamaica Island Challenge raised more than £100,000 for paediatric and neonatal services at Falmouth Public General Hospital. Regional Health Policy: Saint Lucia’s health delegation joined CARICOM and PAHO meetings on pandemic preparedness, non-communicable diseases, cancer care and digital health. Care Delays: A student injured in a Cas En Bas collision is still awaiting surgery after her procedure was postponed; her mother says she hopes it can be done soon. Screening: Free breast cancer checks, including mammograms and follow-up tests, are available through SLUHC wellness centres, hospitals and partner facilities. Product Recall: Consumers should avoid Grace Tropical Rhythms Fruit Punch 1L marked BB JUL 21 27 L6 or BB JUL 22 27 L6 and return it for a refund or replacement; the company says the recall concerns product quality, not food safety. Wellness: Saint Lucia marked World No Alcohol Day with a call to reflect on drinking habits and recognise signs of harmful use.

Food Recall: GraceKennedy is recalling Tropical Rhythms Fruit Punch 1L with best-before codes BB JUL 21 27 L6 or BB JUL 22 27 L6, including products sold in Saint Lucia. Do not consume affected packs; return them for a refund or replacement. The company says it is a quality issue, with no reported illnesses. Regional Health: Saint Lucia’s health delegation joined CARICOM and PAHO meetings on pandemic readiness, health staffing, non-communicable diseases, cancer care and climate change. Screening: Free breast-cancer services through SLUHC include examinations, 3D mammograms and follow-up tests. Breast cancer was the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in Saint Lucia in 2025, according to the National Epidemiology Unit. Patient Care: A student injured in a Cas En Bas collision is still awaiting surgery after a postponement; her mother says blood is ready and is seeking timely care. Community Wellness: Koudmen Sent Lisi participants received free screenings and consultations at a Micoud health fair. The Ministry of Health also marked World No Alcohol Day, encouraging people to reflect on their drinking habits.

Product Recall: GraceKennedy is recalling Tropical Rhythms Fruit Punch 1L in Saint Lucia and six other markets. Don’t drink cartons marked “BB JUL 21 27 L6” or “BB JUL 22 27 L6”; return them for a refund or replacement. The company says this is a quality issue, with no illnesses reported. Regional Health: Saint Lucia’s health delegation joined CARICOM and PAHO meetings focused on pandemic preparedness, disease surveillance, non-communicable diseases, cancer care and climate-related health risks. Breast Cancer Screening: Free services through SLUHC include examinations, 3D mammograms and follow-up tests and biopsies. Screenings are available at wellness centres, hospitals and partner facilities. Alcohol Awareness: For World No Alcohol Day, the Health Ministry encouraged people to reflect on their drinking and seek support if alcohol is affecting health, relationships or daily life. Water Safety: Water truckers selling water in Saint Lucia must obtain a licence under new NURC regulations covering safety and industry standards.

Regional Health Policy: Saint Lucia’s health delegation attended CARICOM’s COHSOD-Health meeting and PAHO’s Directing Council, discussing pandemic preparedness, cancer care, non-communicable diseases and digital health. Breast Cancer Screening: Free screenings through the Universal Health Coverage programme include examinations, 3D mammograms and follow-up tests; services are available at wellness centres, hospitals and partner facilities. Product Recall: GraceKennedy is recalling Tropical Rhythms Fruit Punch 1L in Saint Lucia and six other markets. Don’t consume packs marked “BB JUL 21 27 L6” or “BB JUL 22 27 L6”; the company says this is a quality issue, not a food-safety concern. Patient Care: A student injured in a Cas En Bas collision is still awaiting planned surgery after it was postponed. Her mother says blood supplies are ready and is asking for the procedure to proceed. Water Safety: New rules require water-trucking operators who sell water to obtain a National Utilities Regulatory Commission licence.

Regional Health: Saint Lucia’s health minister and chief medical officer joined CARICOM and PAHO meetings on pandemic preparedness, health workforce needs, digital health, non-communicable diseases and coordinated cancer care. Product Recall: GraceKennedy is recalling Tropical Rhythms Fruit Punch 1L in Saint Lucia and six other markets with best-before codes BB JUL 21 27 L6 or BB JUL 22 27 L6. The company says it is a quality issue, with no illnesses reported; consumers should not drink affected batches. Breast Cancer Screening: Free screening through Saint Lucia’s Universal Health Coverage programme includes exams, 3D mammograms and follow-up tests, available at wellness centres, hospitals and partner facilities. Patient Care: A student injured in a Cas En Bas collision is still awaiting planned surgery after it was postponed; her mother says blood and other preparations are ready.**

Food Recall: GraceKennedy Foods is voluntarily recalling specific batches of Grace Tropical Rhythms Fruit Punch 1L (best-before codes BB JUL 21 27 L6 and BB JUL 22 27 L6) across Jamaica, Barbados, Saint Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Turks and Caicos, and St. Maarten, saying it’s a product-quality issue (not food safety) with no expected adverse health effects; consumers are urged not to drink the affected product and to return it for a refund or replacement. Cancer Screening: Saint Lucia is promoting free breast cancer screenings under the SLUHC Universal Health Coverage programme, including 3D mammograms, follow-up ultrasounds, biopsy support, and biopsy processing, available through wellness centres, hospitals, and partnering facilities. Public Health & Safety: NSRI St Lucia reports a 14-year-old was rescued after being swept by a rip current at Cape Vidal Beach, while a 16-year-old remains missing; medics treated the survivor for non-fatal drowning symptoms and he’s expected to recover. Access to Care: A student injured in a Cas En Bas vehicle-pedestrian collision on Sept. 18 is still awaiting elective surgery, with her mother calling for support as the procedure has been postponed. Wellness & Prevention: Saint Lucia marked World No Alcohol Day 2026 with a “Alcohol and Me” theme, urging people to reflect on drinking habits and watch for warning signs like blackouts, impaired judgment, and alcohol-related harm. Community Health Services: The SSDF’s Koudmen Sent Llisi programme held a health fair in Micoud offering free screenings, counselling, and medical consultations to enrolled clients.

Food Recall: GraceKennedy Foods is voluntarily recalling specific batches of Grace Tropical Rhythms Fruit Punch 1L across Jamaica, Barbados, Saint Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Turks and Caicos, and St. Maarten. Affected products carry best-before codes BB JUL 21 27 L6 or BB JUL 22 27 L6; the company says it’s a product-quality issue, not a food-safety concern, and no illnesses have been reported. Local Health Access: A Cas En Bas student injured in a vehicle-pedestrian crash on Sept. 18 is still awaiting elective surgery, with her family calling for support to speed up care. Cancer Screening: Saint Lucia is highlighting free breast cancer screenings under the SLUHC Universal Health Coverage programme, including 3D mammograms and follow-up biopsy services. Public Health Awareness: Saint Lucia marked World No Alcohol Day 2026 with guidance on “social drinking” and warning signs that alcohol may be harming health and daily life. Water Safety: Search efforts continue after a 16-year-old went missing in a rip current at Cape Vidal; a 14-year-old was rescued and treated. Community Care: Clients in the Koudmen Sent Llisi programme received free health screenings and consultations at a Micoud health fair.

Drowning & Rescue: Search is ongoing for a 16-year-old missing after a rip current incident at Cape Vidal, where a 14-year-old was rescued and treated for non-fatal drowning symptoms and is expected to recover. Public Health Access: Saint Lucia is offering free breast cancer screenings through the SLUHC Universal Health Coverage programme, including 3D mammograms, follow-up ultrasounds, biopsy support and processing, available at wellness centres, hospitals and partner facilities. Food Safety Recall: GraceKennedy Foods is voluntarily recalling specific batches of Grace Tropical Rhythms Fruit Punch 1L (best-before codes July 21/22, 2027, L6) across several Caribbean markets including Saint Lucia, saying it’s a quality issue not a food-safety risk and advising consumers to return affected products for a refund or replacement. Injury Care Delays: A student injured in a Cas En Bas vehicle-pedestrian crash on Sept. 18 is still awaiting elective surgery, with her family urging support to speed up treatment. Wellness & Lifestyle: Saint Lucia marked World No Alcohol Day under “Alcohol and Me,” with guidance on recognising risky drinking patterns and seeking help when alcohol affects health or daily life. Health Services & Safety: Water truckers in Saint Lucia must now obtain a licence from NURC, with new rules covering health and safety, liability insurance and road safety.

Diplomatic Health & UN Advocacy: Taiwan’s shrinking circle of allies includes St. Lucia, with Belize, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines urging the UN to allow Taiwan meaningful participation. Public Health & Safety: GraceKennedy Foods is voluntarily recalling specific Grace Tropical Rhythms Fruit Punch 1L batches (best-before codes July 21/22, 2027, L6) across several markets including St. Lucia, saying it’s a quality issue and no illnesses are expected. Substance Use Awareness: St. Lucia marked World No Alcohol Day 2026 under “Alcohol and Me,” with the Ministry of Health urging people to reflect on drinking habits and watch for warning signs. Aging & Care: On International Day of Older Persons (Oct 1), PM Philip J Pierre highlighted support for seniors including home care, the Golden 80 Plus health package, dementia/Alzheimer’s training and housing assistance. Access to Care: Clients in the Koudmen Sent Llisi programme received free screenings and consultations at a health fair in Micoud. Water Safety & Regulation: Water truckers selling water in St. Lucia must now obtain a licence from NURC, with new rules covering safety, liability and business management. Vision Support: St. Lucia launches a free reading glasses programme with eye screenings at primary care facilities starting Oct 1.