Saint Lucia on Low Alert Following Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Vessel

Government Notebook (May. 19, 2026)

In the headlines: The Ministry of Health takes action at the Dr. Betty Wells Urban Polyclinic, and Saint Lucia's Parliament hosts a post-election seminar. For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

World Bank Mission supports major modernization of Saint Lucia's Social Protection System

The Government of Saint Lucia is moving toward a major transformation in the delivery of social assistance services following a high-level mission by the World Bank, which concluded a series of strategic engagements with key government ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice, Gender, Older Persons, Labour, Co-operatives and Consumer Affairs. The two-week mission, which concluded on May 14, 2026 focused on reviewing Saint Lucia’s existing social protection mechanisms and laying the foundation for the development of a modern Social Protection Information System (SPIF) designed to improve efficiency, coordination, accountability, and service delivery across multiple government programmes.

Government Outlines Comprehensive Strategy for Citizen Security and Justice Reform

Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre detailed a multi-level approach to public safety, combining justice system modernizations (such as police investments and Evidence Act revisions) with social programs targeted at youth crime prevention.

WASCO Intensifies Emergency Measures Amid Historic Prolonged Dry Season

Facing the island's third driest season on record and a massive 37% rainfall deficit, WASCO has ramped up water trucking operations and community valving to cope with critically low water levels across multiple treatment plants.

Saint Lucia and Morocco Set to Deepen Diplomatic and Bilateral Cooperation

The new Moroccan Ambassador presented his credentials to Deputy to the Governor-General outlining plans to expand collaboration in agriculture, solar energy, water management, and education.