In the headlines this week:

☑️ OECS Trade Finance Workshop targets systemic barriers to SMEs accessing finance to grow their businesses

☑️ OECS Commission extends deadline for the OECS Student Census

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs wants to ensure that during this festive season that people are very vigilant when purchasing, preparing and consuming foods in an effort to mitigate foodborne illnesses. Therefore the Ministry of Health takes the opportunity to remind the general public of some of the necessary precautions to protect themselves, family, friends and loved ones against possible food-borne illnesses. Some of the critical guidelines for persons to follow to keep food safe for human consumption include: never purchase canned foods which are unlabeled, dented, rusted or blown and large quantities of foods with short shelf life or close to being expired; avoid purchasing any meats that have not been inspected and passed; Avoid keeping food in the temperature danger zone between 4oC and 60oC where food poisoning bacteria grow best; cook foods properly and refrigerate leftovers immediately after the meal (as soon as it stops steaming), to name a few.

In a ceremony, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs was officially handed a mobile dental clinic from the Rotary Club of St. Lucia, which is expected to meet the dental treatment needs of youth across various primary schools. A fully equipped, air conditioned mobile dental unit was provided to offer high-quality dental services of early dental screenings, preventive treatment and oral health education to children. The mobile dental clinic was made possible through the Rotary Club of St. Lucia and several local sponsors which include Massy Stores, Lucelec and M&C Drugstore. The mobile dental clinic, valued at EC $300,000 will stand as a beacon of hope for closing the gap in expanding dental health services to children.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs informs the public that during the festive season, there will be ongoing access to Primary Health Care services to communities across the island on an adjusted schedule. All Community Wellness Centres will be closed on Christmas & Boxing Day – December 25 & 26, 2025; and New Year’s Day & Holiday – January 1 & 2, 2026. For Emergency Services, the Betty Wells Urban Polyclinic, Gros Islet Polyclinic, Dennery Hospital, and Soufriere Hospital will continue to operate as normal for urgent and emergency medical care. The Gros Islet Polyclinic, Betty Wells Urban Polyclinic and Dennery Hospital will open daily until midnight. The Soufriere Hospital will be open 24 hours. The Ministry of Health kindly advises the public to plan ahead for prescription refills and routine services and to access emergency services when necessary.

In the headlines: The 39th graduation ceremony at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College showcases the achievements of a record-breaking class. and; the CARICOM Election Observation Mission has praised the Saint Lucia's 2025 general elections as peaceful, transparent, and well-organized.

For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

In the headlines: Saint Lucians are gearing up for another moment of national significance as the newly elected government prepares for its official swearing in ceremony this Friday., and; with the new parliament set to meet on Tuesday, December 16th, the future of two key positions, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, sparks curiosity.

For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

In the headlines: Saint Lucia's Disabilities Community demonstrates support for government's inclusion policies, and; Saint Lucia's streets are set to sparkle on December 12th as the Festival of Light expands its route, giving the public more chances to join the celebration.

For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

The National Skills Development Centre has opened a new centre in the west coast village of Anse La Raye, focusing on creatives in the Anse La Raye and Canaries communities.