Deputy Prime Minister and Minister responsible for Investment and Commerce, Hon. Dr. Ernest Hilaire, has signaled a strong commitment to continuity and expansion as the Government of Saint Lucia steps into 2026, highlighting a range of initiatives aimed at strengthening entrepreneurship, boosting exports, and building a more inclusive and resilient economy.
In a New Year statement on January 5th, Dr. Hilaire said the government is focused on consolidating gains made within the Ministry of Commerce while advancing key projects that have already begun to reshape the small business landscape.
“As we usher in the New Year, the Government of Saint Lucia remains committed to cementing the progress and building boldly on the successes achieved within the Ministry of Commerce,” Hilaire stated.
He pointed to a suite of flagship initiatives that have provided tangible support to entrepreneurs across the island.
These include the MSME Loan-Grant Facility, the Digital Enhancement Program, the Community Business Revitalization Project, the Packaging and Labeling Program, Export The Runway, and the Small Business Development Centre’s Young Entrepreneurs in Action Program.
“Over the last administrative cycle, initiatives such as the flagship MSME Loan-Grant Facility, the Digital Enhancement Program, the Community Business Revitalization Project, the Packaging and Labeling Program, Export The Runway, and the Small Business Development Centre’s Young Entrepreneurs in Action Program have provided critical support to aspiring and established entrepreneurs,” he said.
According to the minister, these initiatives have helped to unlock access to capital, strengthen business capacity, improve product appeal, and nurture “a new generation of confident, innovative enterprise leaders.”
Dr. Hilaire also highlighted the renewed focus on encouraging Saint Lucians to support local goods and services through the Love Saint Lucia campaign.
“The reinvigoration of the Love Saint Lucia campaign has further reinforced the powerful connection between local production and consumption, reminding us that every dollar spent on Saint Lucian goods and services is an investment in jobs, communities, and national resilience,” he noted.
Manufacturing remains a central pillar of the government’s economic strategy, with reforms already underway to modernize incentives offered to the sector.
“This Government remains steadfast in its support for the manufacturing sector, recognizing these industries as vital pillars of our economic foundation,” Hilaire said. He added that the Fiscal Incentives Programme is being updated “to ensure that they receive even greater benefits, bolstering their productivity and competitiveness in the year ahead.”
The deputy prime minister emphasized that these initiatives are interconnected rather than isolated efforts.
“These programs are not standalone interventions; they are part of a deliberate strategy to create a more inclusive, competitive, and sustainable economy,” he stated.
Looking ahead to 2026, Dr. Hilaire said the government will place greater emphasis on coordination across ministries and agencies to ensure efficiency and measurable results.
“In the year ahead, we will deepen this impact by leveraging synergies between ministries and agencies, ensuring that our efforts are coordinated, non-duplicative, data-centric, and outcomes-driven,” he said.
Export development is expected to receive particular attention, with renewed support for businesses seeking to enter regional and international markets.
“Particular emphasis will be placed on enhancing the efforts of Export Saint Lucia, as we support local businesses in their journey to export-readiness, improve product quality and branding, and access new regional and international markets,” Hilaire explained.
He added that aligning enterprise development with standards adherence and targeted trade promotion would help “accelerate growth and reduce our dependence on imports.”
As Saint Lucia moves into the new year, Dr. Hilaire underscored the importance of collaboration beyond national borders.
“As we look to the future, this Government is dedicated to the pursuit of strategic partnerships, at home and abroad, for sustainable, collective advancement,” he said.