Philip J. Pierre: “The revenue loss will not stop the government from keeping its promises or supporting households.”

It’s a programme that we would not like to lose because it has done quite a bit for our country. But we are going to try to protect it.

“Sales are not profit… When you have a good day, and you see things looking nice, don’t push your hand in it. You have to pay rent, you have to pay for the goods that you sell… You must treat it [vending] as a business,”

The facility also exists to assist existing home owners with financing for home repairs, extensions, renovations, drainage, retaining walls and the implementation of renewable energy solutions and rain water harvesting.

Saint Lucia laments the continued conflicts and human suffering across the globe, including Ukraine, Sudan and the wider Middle East, including Gaza, and calls for renewed efforts towards peace, stability and respect for international law.