As President of the National Consumer Association of Saint Lucia, I would like to wish you a happy World Consumer Rights Day 2025
This year’s theme, A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles, speaks directly to the heart of our responsibilities as consumers, as businesses, and as policymakers. It calls on us to ensure that the path to sustainability is inclusive, equitable, and accessible to all.
Saint Lucia is no stranger to the need for sustainable practices. As a small island developing state, we are particularly vulnerable to climate change, environmental degradation, and economic fluctuations. However, we are also a nation of resilience, innovation, and action.
Our government has already taken bold steps toward sustainability with the commissioning of the La Tourney Solar Farm in Vieux Fort. This initiative is intended to be instrumental in reducing reliance on fossil fuels, for generating renewable energy that should supply approximately 5% of our island’s electricity demand. This is a significant stride toward energy independence and environmental stewardship.
Additionally, the phase-out of single-use plastics and polystyrene food containers is a strong demonstration of our commitment to protecting our environment. By replacing these harmful products with sustainable alternatives, we are reducing pollution, preserving our marine ecosystems, and fostering a culture of responsibility.
Our tourism sector—one of our key economic pillars—is also embracing sustainability. The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority has been actively promoting eco-friendly tourism practices, ensuring that our natural beauty and cultural heritage are preserved for generations to come.
But, my fellow consumers, policies and initiatives alone are not enough. A just transition to sustainable lifestyles requires each and every one of us to take action. As consumers, we have the power to drive change through our everyday choices.
So today, I urge all of us to consider the following:
1. Educate and Empower Ourselves – Understanding sustainable consumption is the first step. We must learn to recognize eco-friendly products, reduce waste, and make informed purchasing decisions that align with sustainability goals.
2. Support Sustainable Businesses – Let us invest in local businesses that prioritize ethical and sustainable practices. When we demand better, industries are compelled to provide better.
3. Advocate for Consumer-Friendly Policies – We must work alongside policymakers to ensure that sustainability is not just an option for a few but an accessible choice for all. Affordable renewable energy, incentives for green businesses, and consumer protection laws must all be part of the conversation.
Today is not just a day to reflect but a day to act. We have the opportunity to shape a future where sustainability is not a privilege but a standard for all. Let us commit to making sustainable choices—not just for ourselves, but for future generations of Saint Lucians who will inherit the world we leave behind.
Together, we can drive a just transition to sustainable lifestyles, ensuring that no one is left behind. Consumers, Know your rights, remember, to see the change you have to be the change.
Happy world Consumer rights Day.