Members of the Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture participated in a virtual meeting with representatives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as part of the IMF’s 2026 Annual Staff Visit to Saint Lucia.
The engagement formed part of the IMF’s consultations with key stakeholders to assess the country’s economic developments, outlook, and policy priorities.
Representing a cross-section of the private sector, Chamber members provided candid insights into the current business climate, highlighting both opportunities and challenges affecting economic growth and competitiveness.
Chamber members spoke to issues within the Tourism sector, declining arrivals and limited airlift to St. Lucia.
They spoke to issues of challenges and apparent shortages with skilled and technical workers across several industries, noting that workforce constraints continue to limit business expansion and service delivery.
The Chamber emphasized the need for a comprehensive migration policy that could encourage the return of skilled members of the Saint Lucian diaspora while also facilitating the recruitment of qualified regional labour where necessary.
Participants further stressed the importance of reviewing the Tourism Development Act to ensure that it remains responsive to the evolving needs of the sector and supports future investment.
The discussion also examined the impact of global economic developments on local businesses and the importance of expanding renewable energy opportunities to improve energy security and reduce operating costs for businesses and consumers. Source The Inside Edge Advertisemen
