In the headlines this week:

☑️ Five Caribbean Nations team up to develop geothermal energy.

☑️ The 64th Annual Antigua Charter Yacht Show brings together some of the world’s most iconic luxury vessels and leading players in the global yachting industry.

☑️ The OECS has successfully completed its mission to Caribbean Innovation Days.

Thirteen healthcare professionals recently graduated and became certified rapid HIV and syphilis testers following a ceremony hosted by the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition. This certification of healthcare professionals marks a significant milestone in Saint Lucia’s national response to HIV/AIDS and the prevention of congenital syphilis. The newly certified testers are nurses, community health aides, and community liaison officers, all of whom are now equipped to deliver accurate, confidential, and compassionate HIV and syphilis testing services across the island.The graduation ceremony brought together healthcare practitioners, partners, and Ministry officials to recognize the successful completion of an intensive training and certification programme. The Ministry of Health is confident that this initiative will play a part in ensuring that the ministry has the capacity to respond to HIV and syphilis through early detection, timely intervention, and patient-centered care.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition, through the National Early Warning System (EWS) for new and emerging drug threats, urging citizens and visitors to exercise extreme caution regarding the use of illicit substances. Illicit substances are substances that are manufactured, sold, processed or used illegally or in a manner not intended for legitimate medical purposes. Recent intelligence has resulted in the Saint Lucia Forensic Science Laboratory testing and providing confirmation of 3,4 Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, referred to as MDMA in country. It is more commonly called molly, ecstasy or crystals. It is a controlled substance with known risks to human health. It is a recreational drug often used in social, night-life and party settings.

A new chapter of leadership is underway at the Ministry of Education, Youth Development, Sports and Digital Transformation, as Honourable Kenson Casimir officially assumed duties today as Minister, alongside Minister in the Ministry of Education, Honourable Danny Butcher, who has responsibility for Early Childhood, Continuing and Special Education, and Digital Transformation.

The first day was marked by strategic engagement, staff dialogue, and a clear signal of renewed direction and purpose.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs recently collaborated with several key development partners to officially launch a national training initiative for healthcare providers with the aim of strengthening adolescent healthcare in Saint Lucia. The training session brought together a wide cross-section of medical professionals who are committed to improving service delivery for the nation’s youth. At the training, focus was placed on the implementation of National Standards for Quality Healthcare Services for Adolescents which is designed to ensure that young people across the island receive care that is safe, confidential, evidence-based, and responsive to their unique needs. The training sessions were hosted in collaboration with UN Women, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the Build Back Equal Project. The training session took place at the Ministry of Infrastructure’s Conference Room in Union.

In a vibrant effort to bridge cultural connections through cuisine, the Taiwan Technical Mission partnered with the National Skills Development Centre (NSDC) to offer specialized culinary training in authentic Taiwanese cooking.

As Ryan O' Brian reports, this initiative culminated with a cookoff among the chefs involved in the sessions.

As the festive season approaches and demand for fresh meat increases, the Environmental Health Division of the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, hosted a series of meetings and training sessions aimed at strengthening food safety standards and supporting local butchers to ensure the safe and lawful handling of meat for consumers.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs is closely monitoring the increasing influenza activity in several regions worldwide and continues to strengthen public health interventions geared towards reducing local transmission and safeguarding public health. Among the circulating respiratory viruses globally, influenza has been primarily linked to the recent increases in cases and hospitalizations, particularly Influenza A (H3N2). This subtype has been detected in Saint Lucia both in 2025 and in previous years. To date, we have not recorded cases of H3N2 sub-clave K. As we navigate the current flu season, which extends from October to March, and in response to the global increase in circulation of influenza A H3N2 sub clave K, the Ministry of Health is reintroducing two key initiatives: the circulation of protocols for the management of individuals infected with respiratory viruses and the procurement of face masks for distribution across various sectors.