News

In commemoration of World Nurses Month celebrated in May globally; the Ministry of Health and Wellness in collaboration with Performance Management and Delivery Unit is embarking on a donation drive to secure over four hundred (400) gift baskets for all the Registered Nurses in Saint Lucia.

As we navigate this unprecedented time in human history, the healthcare workers are the first line of defense against the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). It is against this background we would like to express our appreciation and support for our Saint Lucian nurses. Their dedication and passion to provide treatment and care to all Saint Lucians during this time is extraordinary. Additionally, the mobilization of the National Vaccination Roll Out continues to demonstrate the attitude of service and the character of these truly selfless individuals.

Please click here for a possible list of items to compile in the gift basket. Any other suggestions are welcomed! For further information, please contact the Chamber Secretariat.

True to its word, the National COVID-19 Vaccination Program led by the Ministry of Health and Wellness is on the way. First it was the Prime Minister and high level Government Officials and members of the essential services. The Leader of the Opposition opted not to join and be part of the live broadcast of the nations' Leaders taking the Vaccine.

But since then, momentum has certainly picked up with Members of the Opposition, Civil Society Leaders and Influencers joining the line of those who have taken the Vaccine. Arrangements have been made and a fairly smooth process set in train. At this time, there are multiple phases of the Vaccination program on the way.

Walk-ins have been accepted and the vaccination process is on the way. Chamber Executive Director, Brian Louisy was invited to take his vaccination publicly on Thursday at the Financial Center which he did without embarrassing himself or the Chamber. He was able to put on a brave face and took his jab without mishap. 

Immediate Past President Martin Dorville and Director Dr. Alison Gajadhar were also part of the Public Vaccination event held at the Financial Center on thursday March 9th 2021. 

Members are encouraged to step forward and take their vaccination. The Chamber has available, to those interested, a recording of the presentation made by the St. Lucia Medical and Dental Association on the Vaccine that was geared at informing members on the COVID-19 vaccine and dispel myths and fears surrounding it. Please call the Chamber for a copy.

The Sir Arthur Lewis Community College recently launched a new innovative programme entitled Gateways to Global Careers (GGC). The GGC programme is a cutting-edge offering which aims to futureproof careers by enhancing the global marketability and employability. The programme also aims to boost entrepreneurial and innovation capabilities. 

Another attractive feature of the GGC programme is access to the first fully equipped Innovation Lab in the OECS Region. The Innovation Lab which has keen support from several national and regional organizations (e.g. Invest Saint Lucia, Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture, Arizona State University), is to be sited at the main campus of the College and has three main features: The Technology Lab, The Food Lab and The Environmental Sciences Lab. 

For more information please click here.

Gaining An Inside Edge - Dale Carnegie 2021

The St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture will again be hosting The Dale Carnegie Training Program “Skills for Success” starting February 25^th 2021. This World-Famous Effective Communications and Human Relations program has been successfully delivered in St. Lucia since 2004, with hundreds of satisfied participants and companies who have sponsored their participation. Leading Companies such as Bank of St. Lucia, 1^st National Bank, LUCELEC, M&C group of Companies, Massy Stores St. Lucia, JQ Charles Ltd, Unicomer, Tropical Shipping, WLBL, Allweld Inc, NIC, Exel Sign Ltd, ECCO, Goddard Catering Group, Sterling Insurance Brokers, SLASPA and GOSL have utilized Dale Carnegie Training as a critical and integral part of their leadership development pathway.

In September 2020, during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, a Skills for Success Course was successfully hosted using a virtual delivery platform to rave review from satisfied participants. In the challenging times, firms must find ways to gain a competitive advantage, and invest wisely to sharpen the skills and talent of critical staff. Dale Carnegie programs continue to deliver the best returns and ‘biggest bang for your Buck!’ The Chamber is proud to offer this program, giving members an Inside Edge!

The Chamber’s 2021 work program has been structured to ensure it can help members Adapt, Operate and Thrive.  The Dale Carnegie – Skill for Success program continues to deliver on its promises. Businesses and individuals prepared to learn how to strengthen interpersonal relationships, manage stress and handle fast-changing workplace conditions should contact the Chamber of Commerce at 758 452 3165 or email info@stluciachamber.org. and view testimonials at https://youtu.be/DAK0uPP-nTQ .

The St Lucia Chamber of Commerce remains deeply concerned by the increased spread of the Covid- 19 virus on the island. The Chamber continues to work with our members to ensure the business community plays their part in limiting the level of the COVID-19 disease transmission within their communities. 

Please note the List of Public Sector and Private Sector Commercial and Business activities/services allowed during “Scaled Down” operations in Saint Lucia Effective as of Friday 22^nd January 2021 to Monday 1^st February 2021.

Also attached is the Press Release form the Ministry of Commerce on Scaled Down Operations In Saint Lucia January 22, 2021.

The Chamber remains committed to our members and the nation in safely maneuver through this era. 

The Saint Lucia Bureau of Standards develops and promotes standards for the protection of the health and safety of consumers and the environment as well as for industrial development in order to promote the enhancement of the economy of Saint Lucia. In the process leading to the adoption of standards, the comments of stakeholders and the general public are solicited to identify and address areas of concern and to ensure that consensus on the standards are achieved. The SLBS is inviting stakeholders and general public to a consultative session, in an effort to gather public feedback on the following draft documents proposed for national adoption for which comments are solicited from stakeholders.

⎯ DNS/ISO 18788:2015 Management system for private security operations — Requirements with guidance for use

⎯ DNS/ISO 28000:2007 Specification for security management systems for the supply chain

⎯ DNS/ISO 28001:2007 Security management systems for the supply chain — Best practices for implementing supply chain security, assessments and plans — Requirements and guidance

⎯ DNS/ISO 28002:2011Security management systems for the supply chain — Development of resilience in the supply chain — Requirements with guidance for use

⎯ DNS/ISO 28003:2007 Security management systems for the supply chain — Requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of supply chain security management systems

⎯ DNS/ISO 28004-1:2007 Security management systems for the supply chain — Guidelines for the implementation of ISO 28000 — Part 1: General principles

These standards help organizations to assess security threats and manage them as they arise in their supply chain. These can also be applied to any size business, and at any point in a supply chain, to develop reliable disaster management strategies in case unforeseen problems arise. The objectives of the consultation will be to:

➢ Provide background information on the standard and the rationale for its development.

➢ Familiarize stakeholders with the technical content of the standard

➢ Document the critical input of stakeholders into the standard for the consideration of the technical committee

The consultative session will occur via Zoom Online Platform on Friday 29 January 2021 at 9:30 a.m.

You will need to register for this meeting by clicking on the link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUuc-murT0pHNDn82fUEIzVN8DQ9dzx1T3F After registering, participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

You may access the standards available for comment via the SLBS Draft Standards Portal here: https://www.slbs.org/2020/12/01/proposed-standards-for-public-comment/ We look forward to your active and constructive participation during the consultative process for this important standard.

The following draft standards are being proposed for adoption as Saint Lucia National Standards:

DNS_ISO 20410 2017 Bareboat charter Approved for PC 12-20.pdf

DNS_ISO 17480 Packaging Ease of Opening approved for pc 12-20.pdf

DNS_ISO 11156 2011 Accessible design General approved for PC 12-20.pdf

DNS ISO_16000-40_2019 Indoor Air Quality Management Systems Approved for PC 12-20.pdf

DNS ISO_16000-30_2014 Sensory testing of indoor air Approved for PC 12-20.pdf

DNS ISO 19809-2017 Packaging-Information and Marking Approved for PC 12-20.pdf

DNS ISO 11683-1997 Tactile Warnings of Danger Approved for PC 12-20.pdf

DNS 22-5 Home Accomodation approved for PC 12-20.pdf

DNS 1-7 Cosmetics_Packaging and labelling Approved for PC 12-20.pdf

In the process leading to the adoption of standards, the comments of stakeholders and the general public are solicited to identify and address areas of concern and to ensure that consensus on these standards is achieved. We are therefore seeking comments on the above.

Accordingly, the afore-mentioned standards or the one with interest to you or your organization are attached for the perusal and comments from all with interest. Where it is an identical adoption of the IEC, ISO, ASTM and CRS standards for circulation, the full texts of the standards are not available for mass circulation.

Please use the review form for your comments via mail, your comments should be addressed to the Head of the Standards Development Department.

Recognizing that the Covid-19 Pandemic has created and is creating unimaginable pressures on all businesses, big and small. The Chamber remains concerned that many firms in the micro and small business sector especially those in the informal sector are facing great difficulty in remaining afloat. The Covid-19 Protocols are also placing an extra cost on all businesses and in the case of the informal, micro and small business sector many are incapable of carrying these extra costs. These business may well pose a high threat for spread of the virus within their operations.

We wish to aggressively support the use of the Covid-19 Protocols as laid out by the health authorities, in particular, the wearing of masks, regular hand sanitizing and of course physical distancing. We do not believe that businesses, or any one should have to choose between lives and livelihoods. We remain strong proponents of the viewpoint, that as a Chamber we must, not only encourage the following of the health protocols, but we must, provide information and seek to empower persons and businesses to take responsibility for helping the nation co-exist with COVID-19. The micro, small and informal sector we think, need support and encouragement to utilize the protocols within their business operations. Remember these sectors are vital cogs in our business and socio economic wheel.

Noting the challenges faced by businesses in these sectors we seek to initiate a program of support and we invite members to join us:

Donation of COVID-19 Protocols

• Signage- Poster/ Stickers - Social Distancing Signage, Face Mask Required Signs, Temperature Check Sign, Germ Prevention Covid -19 (Sanitize upon entry)
• Floor Decals/ Physical Distancing - One-way Shopping, 6FT distancing,
• Separators for Staff and Cashiers from Customers
• PPE- Face mask, Face Shield, Disposable Gloves, Disposable Aprons
• Sanitizing Equipment/ Product
• Hand Sanitizers

The intention is for the Chamber to provide these goods to micro and small business so that they can be part of the economic activity and employment creation vehicle of the private sector. This we will do while encouraging them and helping them to observe the Health Protocol. Thus, helping to ensure their continued operation. This, we think will go a long way in reducing the spread of the virus in business places, particular small business and making sure they are safer for their customers and their staff.

The Chamber’s COVID-Impact Survey (Take2) has shown a disproportionate impact on small businesses and we can only imagine the impact on the micro, small and informal business sector. We welcome product as mentioned above as well as cash contributions where we can source some of these items, to give to that sector.

Members willing to be part of this most valuable venture should contact the Chamber at email: info@stluciachamber.org or tell. 758 452 3165.

Chamber Members and the wider business community and even home owners now have access to low cost finance for implementing efficiency gaining projects in their homes and business. For businesses, the cost of electricity is a significant part of operating costs and in these difficulty times efficiency gains have even higher returns.

The BANK (SLDB) recently entered into an agreement with the CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY CLIMATE CHANGE CENTRE (“CCCCC”), to facilitate the implementation in Saint Lucia of this most valuable project entitled “Energy for Sustainable Development in Caribbean Buildings (ESD)”

Through the ESD Project, the CCCCC will collaborate with the Saint Lucia Development Bank (SLDB) to establish a Pilot Energy Efficiency Financing Facility (EE Facility). In this regard the CCCCC, through the ESD Project will make available to the SLDB, grant funds in an amount of One Hundred Thousand United States Dollars (US $100,000) and the SLDB shall provide up to Eight Hundred Thousand United States Dollars (US $800,000) in co-financing, through cash and in-kind, from its own sources or in collaboration with other financial institutions.

The Facility provides “blended financing” comprised of grant and loan financing for Energy Efficiency/Renewable Energy(EE/RE) sub-projects in the residential, commercial / private (including tourism and manufacturing) / Agricultural Sectors, with a focus on buildings, including but not limited to:

• Lighting replacement of obsolete lighting such as incandescent bulbs and inefficient fluorescent lighting with efficient lighting including Light Emitting Diodes (LED);
• Cooling equipment such as air conditioning, replacement of window units and inefficient min-split air conditioning with inverter-based units and/or efficient air conditioning central units and commercial refrigeration;
• Building Envelope building envelop measures such as roof cooling, window seals and door sealants that reduce the heat gain of the buildings, including window and roof insulation and/or measures that reduce energy losses such as automatic door closers. occupancy sensors and programmable thermostats; and
• Renewable energy and resource efficiency technologies such as photovoltaic pumps, solar water heaters, solar dryers and low flow plumbing technology, mini hydro, wind and biogas systems

Eligible applicants must meet the Bank’s lending criteria including:

1. The financial soundness, capacity and credit worthiness of the borrower;
2. The financial viability and technical feasibility of the project intervention;
3. Ability of the client to meet their contribution to the project in accordance with the equity contribution requirements; and
4. Acceptability and adequacy of the collateral pledged to secure the credit exposure.

Interested applicants are asked to call the SLDB at telephone # 4567532 for more details.

With support from and through the Caribbean Chambers of Commerce Network, (CARICHAM), the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce Industry and Agriculture has been able to make a definitive input into the CARICOM discussions on the issue of Front of Labelling Packaging for Foods. Members may be aware that there have been proposals advanced for the inclusion of specific nutritional information to be placed on all prepackaged foods manufactured and entering the region.

The intention is to ensure consumers are aware of the nutritional contents of pre-packaged food in light of the prevalence of non-communicable diseases in the region. The Chamber has made it clear that is not opposed to the application of front of package labeling. The primary issue is the “system” that was being advanced, which we are concerned could prove to be a significant tariff barrier, as it is not one used by our primary trading partners, such as the USA and UK. Additionally, we were concerned that no regulatory impact assessment has been conducted.

We can report that these and other concerns were shared with the St. Lucia Bureau of Standards who included them in the National Position. At this time the measure is in abeyance as more technical work is being conducted. The St. Lucia Chamber’s efforts were advanced with support from Chamber Board of Directors Member, Dr. Alison Gajadhar who is serving on the CARICOM Private Sector Technical Committee, representing CARICHAM and St. Lucia.

At this time the proposed regional standard has not been adopted by CROSQ. It has been agreed that 'regulatory impact assessments' on the use of the 'high-in' octagon model and other models, be conducted in a sample number of Member States; and that CROSQ wait for the outcome of this study, before finalizing the regional standard for labelling of pre-package foods. It is envisaged that this study would take place over a 12-month period.