Newly appointed Minister for Commerce, Dr Ernest Hilaire, has begun a series of consultations with the business community aimed at improving Saint Lucia’s ease of doing business, starting with a focused engagement with local manufacturers on Thursday.
The meeting brought together furniture manufacturers to discuss sector-specific challenges, opportunities for growth, and the importance of organisation within the industry.
Dr Hilaire highlighted the absence of a formal body representing furniture makers and encouraged renewed efforts to establish an association.
“Furniture manufacturers do not have an Association existing right now. There used to be one historically; I think many Saint Lucians can remember the days of Russell’s and Bryce and Morrill’s furniture,” Hilaire said.
He explained that discussions centred on “continuing their progress towards forming an association” and increasing public awareness of the quality produced locally.
According to the commerce minister, local manufacturers possess “tremendous quality” and should be better positioned to showcase their products to the domestic market. He noted that manufacturers must be able “to explain and to demonstrate that they can meet the demands locally.”
Hilaire also encouraged broader participation in the sector, particularly among young people, pointing to the changing nature of design and production.
“The whole landscape is changing. With the use of technology, the design of furniture, for example, young people can be more creative in designing furniture pieces,” he said.
He added that aspiring designers do not necessarily need to be manufacturers themselves, as collaboration between designers and producers could open new avenues for growth.
“I really want to start encouraging young people to get more into the creative space, the designing space, the use of AI, and the use of social media to get into that space,” Hilaire stated, expressing optimism about future opportunities within the sector.
Manufacturers also outlined the practical challenges they face. Obadiah Roserie of Furniture City pointed to the high cost of inputs as a major concern.
“One of the challenges is the cost of raw materials. The ministry promised to put things in place so that, in time, we could get a break on that,” he said.
Roseries also highlighted the need for modernisation, including access to computerised equipment and training.
“We also have challenges with modernisation of our facilities, getting computerised equipment, training with automated and CAD software,” he explained.
Despite these hurdles, Roserie expressed confidence in the way forward, noting that priority would be given to organizations within the industry.
“In time, we’ll take care of it one after the other, but we’ll do what’s most required right now, which is the formation of the association, and then we’ll take each thing one step at a time.”
The consultations form part of the government’s broader effort to strengthen local industries, encourage innovation, and create a more supportive environment for doing business in Saint Lucia.