St. Lucia government touts relief, security gains in first 100 days

The Government of Saint Lucia is highlighting a series of economic relief measures, security investments and development projects completed within its first 100 days in office, following the swearing-in of a new Cabinet on December 12, 2025, under Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre.

In a statement released Tuesday, the administration said it moved with “purpose and urgency” to translate its electoral victory into tangible outcomes, focusing on easing financial pressure on households while advancing national development.

Among the headline measures, taxes were removed for pensioners and allowable income tax deductions were increased from $30,000 to $40,000. Public sector workers also received a one-time $500 bonus. The government additionally introduced the country’s first VAT-Free Shopping Day, which it said provided direct relief to consumers while boosting commercial activity.

“These measures were not slogans,” the statement noted. “They were meaningful interventions designed to put money back into people’s hands and stimulate the economy.”

On national security, the administration pointed to the opening of the Administrative Block of the Northern Divisional Police Headquarters and the launch of a Backlog Reduction Court aimed at improving the pace of justice. The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force was also bolstered with 96 new recruits and two electric vehicles added to its fleet, alongside a previously announced $3.1 million investment in ballistic vests.

The government framed these actions as part of a broader push to strengthen public safety through sustained investment rather than “empty rhetoric.”

Infrastructure and long-term development also featured prominently in the report. Progress was cited on multiple projects spanning education, roads, fisheries, drainage systems, and port development across communities, including Mon Repos, Soufrière, Dennery South, Micoud North and Vieux Fort.

The administration also advanced its Universal Health Coverage initiative, unveiling an official name, logo and website as part of efforts to formalize and expand access to healthcare.

Addressing environmental and sector-specific challenges, the government said it procured equipment to manage sargassum seaweed affecting coastal communities such as Praslin, while also moving forward with legislation to upgrade aging water infrastructure. Additional projects were geared toward supporting fishers, farmers, students and families.

In culture and sports, the government noted the launch of Julien Alfred commemorative stamps and continued investment in community and sporting facilities.

Overall, the administration described its first 100 days as “broad, deliberate, and national in scope,” emphasizing a continued focus on economic relief, opportunity and development.

“The first 100 days made one thing plain: a deeper mission to deliver relief, expand opportunity, and keep Saint Lucia moving forward,” the statement said.