PRESS RELEASE — The Government implemented Saint Lucia’s first-ever VAT-Free Shopping Day, giving families direct relief at the cash register and creating a surge in commercial activity.
A new Cabinet of Ministers was sworn in on December 12, 2025, under the Prime Ministerial leadership of Hon. Philip J. Pierre. The Administration moved with purpose and urgency to continue building a Saint Lucia that works for the many, not the privileged few. In just the first 100 days, the Government translated political victory into practical action, delivering relief to families, support to workers, stronger institutions, and visible development across the country.
Taxes were removed for pensioners. Allowable deductions were increased from $30,000 to $40,000. Public sector workers received a $500 bonus. The Government also implemented Saint Lucia’s first-ever VAT-Free Shopping Day, giving families direct relief at the cash register and creating a surge in commercial activity. These measures were not slogans. They were meaningful interventions designed to put money back into people’s hands and stimulate the economy.
At the same time, the Government continued to strengthen national security. The Administrative Block of the Northern Divisional Police Headquarters and the Saint Lucia Backlog Reduction Court were opened, the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force was strengthened with 96 new recruits, and its ground fleet was expanded with two new electric vehicles. This built on earlier action, including the procurement of $3.1 million in ballistic vests to better equip police officers. The message is clear: safer communities require serious investment, not empty rhetoric.
The Pierre Administration also pushed forward with long-term national development. Saint Lucia’s Universal Health Coverage initiative received a formal public identity with the launch of its name, logo, and website. Work advanced on schools, roads, fisheries infrastructure, drainage, community facilities, and port development. From Mon Repos/Patience Combined School to the Barre de L’Isle, from Soufrière to Dennery South, from Micoud North to Vieux Fort, communities saw evidence that the government was active, present, and delivering.
The Government also responded to real needs on the ground. It facilitated the passage of legislation in the House of Parliament to replace and upgrade the decades-old water infrastructure, procured equipment to address the sargassum problem in Praslin, and advanced projects that support fishers, farmers, students, and families; targeted actions aimed at improving daily life.
In culture, sports, and national pride, too, the Government kept moving. The Julien Alfred Commemorative Stamps were launched. New sporting and community infrastructure continued to take shape. Progress was not confined to one ministry or one region. It was broad, deliberate, and national in scope.
The first 100 days made one thing plain: a deeper mission to deliver relief, expand opportunity, and keep Saint Lucia moving forward. Under Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, the mandate is being honoured with action, discipline, and results.