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REV-UP SLU DAILY NEWS World ARC Adventurers Set Sail from Saint Lucia on Global Circumnavigation Saint Lucia proudly bade farewell to a spirited group of sailors this week as participants in the 2026/2027 World ARC rally prepared to begin an extraordinary round‑the‑world voyage. On Thursday evening, local hospitality figures gathered at IGY Rodney Bay Marina to send off around 100 sailors aboard 25 yachts embarking on a circumnavigation of nearly 27 000 nautical miles, with their return to Saint Lucia expected in April 2027. World ARC is a global sailing event that brings together both seasoned mariners and adventurous newcomers for a long‑distance cruise that highlights safety, friendship and cultural exchange, supported with professional route planning and shoreside social programmes at key stops. Louis Lewis, Chief Executive Officer of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, welcomed the participants and emphasised the benefits of hosting the event. “We are thrilled to host this race in Saint Lucia,” he said. “It’s a pivotal moment for the visibility of our yachting sector.” He noted that with approximately 100 participants aboard 25 boats for this 15‑month global journey, the sailors play a crucial role in promoting Saint Lucia as a premier destination. Margaret Adams, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, expressed gratitude for the energy the sailors brought to the marina. “We appreciate the energy you bring to the marina; your support strengthens Saint Lucia as a premier maritime tourism hub,” she stated. “We are glad to have had you here, wish you success on your journey, and eagerly anticipate your return.” The event forms part of the wider World ARC series, which follows a global route starting and finishing in Saint Lucia. Sailors will travel through at least 18 to 19 countries, visiting destinations such as Panama, the Galapagos, French Polynesia and Australia as they chart their course around the world. Organizers and local partners including World Cruising Club, the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, the Events Company of Saint Lucia and IGY Rodney Bay Marina worked together to create a seamless send‑off for the fleet, reflecting the collaborative efforts that help make Saint Lucia a key hub for international yachting events. World ARC remains one of the most remarkable sailing undertakings hosted in Saint Lucia, offering both participants and the local community an opportunity to celebrate exploration, resilience and the enduring spirit of ocean voyaging. revupslu.com

REV-UP SLU DAILY NEWS Government Confirms Pension Income Tax Exemption, Urges Retirees to File for Refunds Pensioners across Saint Lucia are set to benefit from increased financial relief following the Government’s implementation of measures aimed at reducing income burdens for retirees, with pension income now officially exempt from taxation. This follows the coming into force of Statutory Instrument No. 225 of 2025. Acting Comptroller of the Inland Revenue Department, Felicia Ellie, confirmed that the exemption applies broadly and is not limited by the source of the pension. “So anyone who is earning pension income, that income is exempt,” Ellie explained. “The pension can come from any source. It can be from the government or an approved pension fund. It can be from even a non-approved pension fund or an employer. In essence, pension income, effective [as] of January 2026, became exempt.” The Inland Revenue Department has also acknowledged that some pensioners may have already paid taxes on their pension income during 2025, before the exemption took effect. As a result, retirees are being encouraged to submit their income tax returns to determine whether they are eligible for refunds. “We would acknowledge that some pensioners may have paid taxes on the pension that they would have earned in 2025,” Ellie stated. “So on our end as a department, we are asking at least those pensioners to do their filing, especially for the year 2025, by the due date which is the 31st of March, 2026, so that at least we can look at whether in their case there were any overpayments and so forth so that those individuals can be refunded.” Ellie also clarified that pensioners who receive only pension income are not required to file tax returns. “For pension income, no, they would not. There’s not really an obligation to do that filing,” she said. However, she stressed that retirees who earn additional income remain subject to standard filing requirements. “We also acknowledge that pensioners have other income. So they may be receiving pension income, but they may have rental income, they may have another job,” Ellie explained. “So for that, we just want to make it clear that they would still be obligated to file their income tax returns with that other income.” While pension income itself is exempt, Ellie reiterated that any non exempt earnings must continue to be declared annually. The Inland Revenue Department says the measure reflects the Government’s broader commitment to improving financial security and easing the cost of living for Saint Lucia’s retired population. revupslu.com

REV-UP SLU DAILY NEWS Prime Minister Pierre Confirms Government Agreement on Third-Party Refugee Framework With the United States During his New Year’s address on 11 January 2026, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre revealed that the Government of Saint Lucia has approved a memorandum of understanding with the United States Government related to the potential acceptance of third-party refugees. Speaking to the nation, the Prime Minister framed the announcement within a broader discussion about Saint Lucia’s global positioning, technological advancement, and adherence to international law. “In this regard, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved a memorandum of understanding between the Government of Saint Lucia and the Government of the United States to accept the potential transfer of certain third-country nationals present in the United States,” Pierre said. He emphasised that the agreement remains non-binding and discretionary. “This agreement is non-binding and is at the complete discretion of both governments,” he explained. “The MOU establishes a framework for cooperation and does not trigger any immediate transfer and future engagements.” The Prime Minister also stressed that the framework is intended to be transparent and consistent with national interests. “The MOU is orderly, transparent, and consistent with the laws, policies, and national interests of Saint Lucia,” he said. Pierre sought to reassure Saint Lucians that no final details have been agreed or made public. “Let me make it clear that no agreement has been signed and no details are available,” he said. “As I have always done on matters of national interest, I will provide all relevant and applicable information to the citizens of Saint Lucia.” He acknowledged that public reaction may vary in its level of support or opposition to the Government’s engagement but pledged to act in the national interest. “I expect that there will be those who are supportive and those who are against providing such support to the United States,” he said. “But I ask that you rest assured that I will always put you first and act in the best interest of the people of our beloved country, no matter how difficult the decisions may be.” Pierre also addressed concerns about visa policy changes, underscoring that there has been no formal notice of any new restrictions affecting Saint Lucians travelling to the United States. “Let me assure Saint Lucians that as of today, there has been no information given to the Government of Saint Lucia regarding any changes in the United States visa policy for Saint Lucia and Saint Lucians wishing to travel to the United States,” he stated. Other Caribbean territories, including Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, and Saint Kitts and Nevis, have also indicated similar arrangements with the United States government. Notably, all islands that have indicated third-party refugee agreements also operate Citizenship by Investment Programmes. revupslu.com