AGP Executive Report

Local Healthcare Upgrade: Bank of Saint Lucia has completed the final phase of the Paediatrics Ward rehabilitation at Millennium Heights Medical Centre, unveiling a bright, child-friendly mural and upgrades including mold remediation, improved reception, air conditioning, a playroom and new medical equipment. Public Health Mobilisation: Ahead of World Blood Donor Day on June 14, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition is urging eligible donors to give blood at Owen King EU Hospital or St Jude, with a “wear red” campaign every Friday in June and photo-sharing to spread the message. Water & Sanitation for Health: WASCO says it has resolved sewerage problems on Coral Street after an electrical fault, and is also upgrading Castries’ sewerage network with new pumps to reduce overflows and protect public health. Ebola Preparedness: CARPHA, with CARICOM IMPACS, has reactivated enhanced travel screening at points of entry using APIS flags for travellers from or transiting Ebola-affected areas, while Saint Lucia continues strengthening national preparedness systems. Regional Health Capacity: CARPHA trained 18 people from 15 member states in safe transport of infectious substances and diagnostic specimens through an IATA workshop, aiming to strengthen lab systems and faster outbreak response. Animal Health & Biosecurity: Grenada is pursuing legal action after two Babesia-positive horses were illegally imported from Saint Lucia, with officials defending euthanasia decisions as necessary for national biosecurity.

Hospital Watch: St. Jude Hospital’s reopening is drawing closer as health reforms move forward, with preparations advancing to improve access to care across Saint Lucia. Child Health & Community Support: Bank of Saint Lucia has completed the final phase of the Paediatrics Ward rehabilitation at Millennium Heights Medical Centre, unveiling a bright, child-friendly mural after an EC$75,000 upgrade that includes new tiles, an educational playroom, reception improvements, air conditioning, and medical equipment. Water & Public Health: WASCO has resolved an electrical fault tied to sewage problems on Coral Street, and crews are also upgrading sewerage works in Castries Central with new pumps commissioned to reduce overflows and protect community health. Ebola Preparedness: Saint Lucia is strengthening Ebola readiness, including reactivating enhanced risk-based travel screening at ports of entry using APIS and updating national response plans with hospitals and health partners. Regional Lab Capacity: CARPHA trained 18 people from 15 member states in safe transport of infectious substances and diagnostic specimens through an IATA workshop, aiming to boost regional pandemic preparedness and faster detection.

Regional Public Health Training: CARPHA trained 18 people from 15 member states on safe transport of infectious substances and diagnostic specimens, using an IATA “train-the-trainer” workshop to strengthen lab systems and faster outbreak response. Ebola Preparedness: Saint Lucia is stepping up Ebola readiness as CARPHA reactivates risk-based travel screening at ports of entry using APIS, while the Ministry reviews and updates national response plans and boosts healthcare worker training. Paediatrics Ward Upgrade: Bank of Saint Lucia has completed a colourful, child-friendly rehabilitation of the Paediatrics Ward at Millennium Heights Medical Centre, including a new mural, play space, reception improvements, mold remediation, air conditioning and medical equipment. Hurricane Season Health Readiness: Health officials are urging residents not to get complacent, with emergency response strengthening, public education, drills, and updated disaster plans as PAHO warns health services can be disrupted even by one major storm. Water & Public Health: WASCO is upgrading Castries’ sewerage network, commissioning new pumps to improve reliability and reduce overflow risk, supporting climate-resilient water and wastewater services. Cancer Care Support: Martinique says it can supply radioactive nuclear drugs for certain cancers to regional partners, highlighting growing access to radiopharmaceutical treatment.

Paediatrics Ward Upgrade: Bank of Saint Lucia has completed the final phase of the Paediatrics Ward rehabilitation at Millennium Heights Medical Centre, unveiling a bright, child-friendly mural and improvements including child-centric tiles, a playroom, upgraded reception, mold remediation, air conditioning, and new medical equipment. Ebola Preparedness: Saint Lucia is stepping up Ebola readiness as CARPHA and CARICOM IMPACS reactivate enhanced, risk-based travel history screening at ports of entry using APIS, while the Ministry reviews and updates national response plans and continues training for healthcare workers. Hurricane Season Health Warning: Even with forecasts suggesting a quieter 2026 season, the Ministry of Health is urging residents not to get complacent, highlighting strengthened emergency response systems, public education, and updated disaster plans. Water & Sanitation Reliability: WASCO is upgrading Castries’ sewerage network, installing and commissioning new pumps to reduce overflows and improve wastewater reliability in the city centre. Cancer Care Linkages: Martinique is reported ready to supply radioactive nuclear drugs for certain cancers to regional partners, supporting access to radiopharmaceutical treatment.

Ebola Preparedness: Saint Lucia is stepping up Ebola readiness after WHO declared the DRC outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, with CARPHA and CARICOM IMPACS reactivating enhanced, risk-based travel screening at ports of entry using APIS and the Ministry updating national response plans, training health workers, and reviewing procurement needs. Hurricane Health Safety: Even with forecasts pointing to a potentially quieter 2026 season, the Ministry of Health is warning residents not to get complacent, urging early preparations and strengthening emergency response through community drills and updated disaster plans. Child-Friendly Care Upgrade: Bank of Saint Lucia helped refurbish the Millennium Heights paediatric ward, creating a more colourful, child-friendly healing space for young patients and families. Local Health Infrastructure: WASCO is upgrading Castries’ sewerage network, installing new pumps to improve reliability and reduce overflow risks—key for protecting public health. Cancer Care Links: Martinique is reportedly ready to supply radioactive drugs for certain cancers to support treatment in the wider region, with St. Lucian survivor experiences highlighted. NCD Prevention Through Movement: CARICOM’s 19th Road Run/Walk in Gros Islet on July 5 is set to promote regional health goals tied to reducing non-communicable diseases.

Hurricane Preparedness: Saint Lucia is stepping up 2026 hurricane readiness with the Ministry of Health leading public awareness, emergency drills, infrastructure resilience work, and updated disaster plans, with PAHO urging countries to treat even a single severe storm as a major health-system risk. Ebola Readiness: The Ministry is strengthening Ebola surveillance and response, including reactivating enhanced, risk-based travel screening at ports of entry using CARPHA/ CARICOM IMPACS APIS flags, plus updating national response plans and training healthcare workers. Water & Public Health: WASCO is upgrading Castries’ sewerage network, commissioning new pumps and expanding maintenance after a disruption, aiming to reduce overflows and protect community health. Cancer Care & Access: A report says Martinique is ready to supply radioactive nuclear drugs for certain cancers to support regional oncology needs, with St. Lucian patients highlighting the cost burden of tests and the value of improved access. NCD Prevention: Nutritionists and legal drafters across eight Caribbean countries met in Barbados to push sodium reduction targets and trans fat elimination policies, focusing on safer food environments. Digital Health: Adroit Infosystems showcased practical EHR and connected clinic workflows at the CCFP Trinidad World Family Doctor Day symposium, stressing digitizing real processes to improve care continuity. Community Wellness: The 19th CARICOM Road Run/Walk returns to Gros Islet on July 5, with elite and open categories aimed at supporting the region’s NCD prevention goals through sport. Men’s Mental Health: Local stakeholders marked Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, urging more support and help-seeking as men are reported to account for most suicide and crime cases.

Ebola Preparedness: Saint Lucia is stepping up Ebola readiness with renewed risk-based travel screening at ports of entry via CARPHA/ CARICOM IMPACS using APIS, plus updates to the national response plan and refresher training for healthcare workers. Cancer Care Access: A new partnership in Saint Lucia—CariGenetics Saint Lucia and Lab Services & Consultations—aims to bring advanced genetic testing and cancer diagnostics closer to patients, supporting more personalized treatment and faster results. Regional Health & Labs: Eastern Caribbean labs are aligning on faster outbreak detection through a tier-based laboratory network approach, discussed with PAHO at a Saint Lucia meeting. CARICOM Road Run/Walk: CARICOM athletes and community participants will gather in Gros Islet on 5 July for the 19th Road Run/Walk, with categories including 10K and 5K options and a focus on health and NCD prevention. Men’s Mental Health: June’s Men’s Mental Health Awareness push highlights local concerns, urging more support and help-seeking for men. Public Health Policy: Nutritionists and legal drafters across the Caribbean met in Barbados to advance sodium reduction and trans fat elimination policies. Community Safety: Police are investigating the discovery of a man’s body in the Marchand River, with no obvious signs of violence reported.

CARICOM Health & Sport: The 19th CARICOM Road Run/Walk is set for Sunday, July 5, in Gros Islet, with a 10K and 5K run/walk plus categories for people with disabilities—part of CARICOM’s push to cut non-communicable disease risk. Ebola Preparedness: Saint Lucia is updating its Ebola response plan and reactivating enhanced travel screening at ports using APIS, while strengthening surveillance and lab capacity with regional partners. Cancer Care Access: A new partnership in Saint Lucia links CariGenetics and Lab Services & Consultations to bring advanced genetic testing, tumour diagnostics and sequencing closer to patients. Public Health Policy: PAHO/WHO convened nutritionists, NCD focal points and legal drafters across eight Caribbean countries to advance sodium reduction and eliminate industrial trans fats. Community Safety: Police are investigating the discovery of a 67-year-old man’s body in the Marchand River, with no obvious signs of violence reported. Mental Health Focus: Men’s Mental Health Awareness is spotlighting the need for more support as local figures link men to most suicides and criminal cases.

Cancer Care Access: Martinique says it can supply Guyana with radioactive nuclear drugs for certain cancers, with survivors describing improved treatment and lab support. Precision Medicine in St. Lucia: CariGenetics Saint Lucia and Lab Services & Consultations launched a partnership to bring genetic testing, advanced cancer diagnostics, and sequencing closer to patients, aiming for faster results and more personalized treatment. Public Health Policy: PAHO/WHO convened Eastern Caribbean labs and health professionals in St. Lucia to plan tier-based laboratory networks to strengthen disease surveillance and outbreak response. Nutrition & Heart Health: Nutritionists, NCD focal points, and legal drafters met in Barbados to push sodium reduction targets and policies to eliminate industrially produced trans fats. Wellness & Lifestyle: A Global Wellness Summit survey highlights wellness moving beyond resort spas into homes, workplaces, and healthcare settings. Community Health & Safety: Police operations in St. Lucia led to arrests after searches turned up suspected cannabis and plants, plus a wanted suspect linked to an armed robbery. Men’s Mental Health: Stakeholders marked Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, pointing to high rates of suicides and crimes involving men and urging more support to seek help.

Genetic Testing Boost: CariGenetics Saint Lucia and Lab Services & Consultations have partnered to bring advanced genetic testing, cancer diagnostics and sequencing closer to patients, helping doctors choose more personalized treatment and reducing the need to send samples overseas. Cancer Survivorship: National Cancer Survivors Day is being marked across countries, spotlighting the challenges survivors face and the progress in longer, fuller lives after treatment. Youth Vaping Warning: Health officials are renewing education efforts as vaping and nicotine products rise among adolescents, with World No Tobacco Day used to push stronger protection for young people. Sodium & Trans Fats Policy Push: PAHO/WHO brought together nutritionists, NCD focal points and legal drafters from eight Caribbean countries in Barbados to plan sodium reduction and industrial trans fat elimination policies. Disease Lab Readiness: Eastern Caribbean health and lab professionals met in Saint Lucia to strengthen tier-based laboratory networks for faster outbreak detection and response. Coral Reef Health & Risk Response: Saint Lucia launched a Coral Reef Response System with trained brigades and rapid funding to protect reefs and coastal communities after storms. Marine Livelihoods: A Savannes Bay seamoss project is set to remove marine debris and deploy sustainable raft systems, supported by AFD funding. Local Health Context: Police reported a woman in critical condition after a shooting in Bois d’Orange, with one person in custody. Sports & Wellness: Julien Alfred won the Rome Diamond League women’s 200m, while Saint Lucia’s Julien Alfred and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden are set for a head-to-head showdown.

Cancer Care & Survivorship: Saint Lucia marked National Cancer Survivors Day, spotlighting the challenges survivors face and the growing global number of people living after cancer. Precision Medicine in Focus: A new partnership between CariGenetics Saint Lucia and Lab Services & Consultations aims to bring genetic testing, advanced cancer diagnostics and sequencing closer to patients, supporting more personalised treatment and faster results. Regional Health Systems: PAHO and OECS partners met in Saint Lucia to strengthen tier-based laboratory networks for quicker outbreak detection and better disease surveillance across the Eastern Caribbean. Youth Vaping Warning: Health officials renewed calls to protect young people as vaping rises, with World No Tobacco Day messaging targeting nicotine addiction risks. Primary Care Access: Canaries Wellness Centre is closed for upgrades until June 12, with services moved to Anse La Raye and outreach/home visits continuing. Public Safety: Police reported a woman in critical condition after a Bois d’Orange shooting, with one person in custody. Community Health & Environment: Saint Lucia launched a Coral Reef Response System to speed up reef damage assessment and recovery after storms, linking preparedness with coastal livelihoods and food security.

Genetic Testing Boost: CariGenetics Saint Lucia and Lab Services & Consultations have partnered to bring advanced genetic testing, cancer diagnostics and sequencing closer to patients, aiming for faster, more personalized care and better disease surveillance. Youth Vaping Alarm: As Saint Lucia marks World No Tobacco Day, health officials warn that vaping and other nicotine products are rising among young people, with a renewed public education push to “unmask the appeal” of flavours and misleading marketing. Primary Care Disruption: Canaries Wellness Centre is closed for upgrades from June 1–12, with services moved to Anse La Raye and outreach/home visits continuing. Outbreak Readiness: PAHO is supporting Eastern Caribbean lab professionals to strengthen tier-based laboratory networks for faster outbreak detection and response. Coral Reef Protection: Saint Lucia launched a Coral Reef Response System with trained brigades and rapid recovery funding to improve reef resilience after storms. Crime Operations: Police carried out coordinated searches across Wilton’s Yard, Belair and Dierre Fort, seizing suspected cannabis and making multiple arrests. CARICOM Meeting: Saint Lucia will host the 51st CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Gros Islet from July 5–8, with a streamed opening ceremony and regional business sessions.

Cancer Care Upgrade: CariGenetics Saint Lucia and Lab Services & Consultations have launched a partnership to bring advanced genetic testing, tumour diagnostics and sequencing closer to patients, aiming for faster results and more personalised treatment decisions. Disease Preparedness: PAHO and Eastern Caribbean partners met in Saint Lucia to strengthen tier-based laboratory networks for quicker, fairer outbreak detection and response. Youth Tobacco Alarm: Health officials marked World No Tobacco Day by warning that vaping and other nicotine products are rising among adolescents, with a renewed public education push to “unmask the appeal.” Reef Resilience: Saint Lucia launched a Coral Reef Response System with trained brigades and rapid funding mechanisms to speed recovery after storms, supporting reef health and coastal livelihoods. Local Primary Care Disruption: Canaries Wellness Centre closes for upgrades from June 1–12, with services moved to Anse La Raye and transport/outreach support for patients. Regional Health Access: A PAHO/OECS-PPS workshop in Saint Lucia focused on improving collaboration and sustainable access to safe, quality-assured medicines and health technologies. Public Safety: Police operations in Wilton’s Yard, Belair and Dierre Fort led to multiple cannabis-related arrests and charges.

Coral Reef Health & Disaster Readiness: Saint Lucia has launched a Coral Reef Response System to boost reef resilience after storms, using trained brigades to assess damage, support recovery, and speed up funding—part of a wider regional reef insurance and rapid-response effort. Public Health & Safety: Police carried out coordinated operations across Wilton’s Yard, Belair, and Dierre Fort, seizing suspected cannabis and plants and arresting multiple people, including a man wanted for armed robbery. Violence & Community Impact: A 21-year-old woman remains in critical condition after a shooting in Bois d’Orange, with one person in custody as investigators look into whether it was domestic-related. Cancer Care Upgrade: A new partnership between CariGenetics Saint Lucia and Lab Services & Consultations aims to bring genetic testing and advanced cancer diagnostics locally, helping doctors choose more personalized treatment and improving disease surveillance capacity. Youth Tobacco Warning: Health officials are intensifying education around vaping and nicotine products as World No Tobacco Day concerns shift from cigarettes to youth-targeted devices and flavours. Primary Care Access Disruption: Canaries Wellness Centre is closing for upgrades for two weeks, with services moved to Anse La Raye and transport plus clinic schedules provided.

CARICOM Health & Policy Spotlight: Saint Lucia will host the CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Gros Islet from 5–8 July, with an opening ceremony at Sandals Saint Lucia on 5 July and a hybrid closing press conference on 8 July—plus a regional knowledge hub launching by 10 June. Violence & Care Access: A 21-year-old woman remains in critical condition after a shooting in Bois d’Orange; police say one person is in custody and investigators are probing whether it could be domestic. Cancer Diagnostics at Home: A new partnership between CariGenetics Saint Lucia and Lab Services & Consultations aims to bring genetic testing, advanced cancer diagnostics, and sequencing closer to patients, helping doctors choose more personalised treatment and strengthening disease surveillance. Youth Nicotine Warning: As World No Tobacco Day is marked, Saint Lucia health officials are pushing renewed education on vaping and nicotine products after survey findings showed youth uptake is rising even as cigarette smoking declines. Primary Care Disruption: Canaries Wellness Centre is closed for upgrades from 1–12 June, with primary services moved to Anse La Raye and transport support for residents. Regional Outbreak Readiness: PAHO is supporting Eastern Caribbean efforts to strengthen tier-based lab networks to speed up outbreak detection and response.

Genetic Testing Boost: CariGenetics Saint Lucia has partnered with Lab Services & Consultations to bring advanced genetic testing, cancer tumour diagnostics and sequencing closer to patients, aiming to cut overseas sample sending and speed up results. Tobacco & Vaping Warning: As Saint Lucia marks World No Tobacco Day, health officials say youth vaping is rising and are pushing a public education drive to “unmask the appeal” of nicotine products. Primary Care Access: Canaries Wellness Centre is closed for upgrades from June 1–12, with services moved to Anse La Raye and home/outreach support continuing. Marine Livelihoods: An EC$215,000 (about USD$80,000) Savannes Bay project will remove marine debris and deploy sustainable raft systems to support seamoss farmers and reduce future waste. Cancer Care Planning: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS opened a workshop focused on improving access to safe, effective essential medicines and health technologies across Eastern Caribbean states. Local Health & Safety: Police report a fatal shooting in Barre, St Joseph (homicide count now 36) and a separate case where a 24-year-old estranged wife was fatally shot; investigations and charges are underway. Sports & Wellness Spotlight: Olympic sprinter Julien Alfred won the Rome Diamond League women’s 200m in 21.93 seconds, saying she’s healthy and stronger heading into future races.