In the four years since it came into office in July 2021, the St. Lucia Labour Party administration of Philip J Pierre has proven to be one of the most productive and progressive governments in St. Lucian history, rolling out initiative after initiative, policy decision after policy decision that has positively impacted the lives of the entire population and spurred the economic development of the country. There have been so many beneficial initiatives by this Government, that one would be forgiven if one forgot some of them. In this series, we will help you remember the myriad achievements of what is turning out to be one of the best Governments to administer the affairs of St. Lucia. The list dates back to the SLP’s entry into office in 2021.
Economy & Finance
• Primary Balances have been positive for the past two years, showing significant improvement in the Government’s fiscal position. The Primary Balance for FY 2023/24 standing at $95 million, up from -$117 million in FY 2021/22.
• Total Grants and Revenue increased by 8.2% in 2023/24
• Economic growth over the past 3 years has been positive (2022 – 18.2%, 2023 – 3.4%) with growth of 7% and 5.6% projected by ECCB for 2024 and 2025).
• Saint Lucia’s economy remains the largest in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (representing over a quarter of total GDP in the sub-region).
• Outstanding Payables continue to fall downwards, standing at $80 million (down from $160 million at end of 2021).
Taxation
• On March 23, 2023, $11.5 million in outstanding back-pay was disbursed to public servants.
• More than 4100 Saint Lucians have been paid outstanding tax returns / refunds in the last 12 months.
• Effective January 1, 2023, personal income tax allowance was raised to $25,000.00 annually, thereby ensuring over 10,000 persons will pay no income tax at all.
• 15,000 workers will benefit from this new tax exemption which amounts to an additional $12-14 million of disposable income for these workers.
• Tax amnesty extended to May 1st, 2024 – penalties, interest and fines waived.
Employment & Pensions
• Total Labour Force expanded to its largest ever (over 97,000 persons).
• 2024 1st Quarter Labour Force data indicate a continuing decline in unemployment down to 11% (lowest on record since 1991).
• Minimum Wage of $1152/month ($6.50 per hour) in effect from October 1. This was done upon recommendations from the Wages Commission and public consultation.
• $16.8 million grant from the European Union [EU] to support the Generation of Employment through Private Sector Development Project [GEPSED] for TVET training
• NIC pensioners currently receive an additional 4.2% on their monthly payments.
Roads & Bridges
• West Coast Road Rehabilitation ongoing.
• Millennium Highway Rehabilitation nearing completion despite contractor delays.
• Completion of Canaries & Piaye Bridges (DVRP)
• Commencement of works on new Anse la Raye River Bridge, replacing an old “temporary” Bailey Bridge installed after Hurricane Allen in 1980.
• Upgrades of Beausejour, Bella Rosa & Caye Manjé Roads
Ports & Seaports
• Hewanorra International Airport (HIA) Redevelopment programme changed following review to reduce cost and manage debt.
• HIA runway upgrade to be completed through World Bank funding (CATCOP).
• New HIA Air Traffic Control Tower under construction.
• Signing of MOU for GPH to redevelop Castries Harbor (Oasis Class Berth at Pointe Seraphine, Queen Elizabeth II Dock Improvements, new Vendors’ Arcade, Waterfront Promenade, Fishers’ Village & Tender Staging Area at Bananes) and Soufriere Waterfront, while wiping out SLASPA’s port-related debt.
• New Feasibility Study to explore a new container port at Cul-de-Sac completed.
Health
• Dealing with COVID 19
• Improved testing capacity of Ezra Long Lab by up to 5 times
• Cuban physicians engaged to assist with management of COVID-19.
• Mobile vaccination unit deployed into communities to reach elderly and shut-in
• Phones provided to staff at Victoria Respiratory Hospital (VRH) to improve communication throughout the hospital
• WiFi installed at Respiratory Hospital to provide communication between patients and their families
• Health Assistants hired for comfort of patients at VRH
• New mobile X-Ray machine acquired for Victoria Respiratory Hospital to assist with COVID-19 related issues
• Secured 30 Oxygen Concentrators to help with COVID-19 patients
Security & Emergency Medical Services
• Reinstatement and increase of the training vote for the police to allow additional training in crime detection, surveillance and other modern crime-fighting techniques
• Provision of Drones, dashboard cameras and body cameras and 150 ballistic vests
• Construction of the Northern Divisional Police Headquarters $35 million
• Renovation of the Southern Divisional Police Headquarters $4.5 million
• Rebuild and commissioning of the Custody Suites valued at $4.5 million……To be continued