NEW MINISTER PLEDGES TO ADVANCE THE TRADE SAINT LUCIA AGENDA

The Minister for Industry, Commerce, Enterprise Development and Consumer Affairs, Hon. Bradly Felix, accompanied by Permanent Secretary, Dr. Alison Gajadhar and Deputy Permanent Secretary, Peggy-Ann Soudatt, on Wednesday visited the offices of TraDE Saint Lucia (formerly TEPA) to meet with the CEO and staff of the agency. This was the Minister’s first official visit since assuming office earlier this month. After officially meeting the staff, Minister Felix sat with TraDE Saint Lucia’s CEO and senior staff who gave a quick overview of recent achievements of the unit and the goals and objectives set for the coming years.

The Hon. Minister expressed his pleasure with what was presented and pledged the government’s continued support to the ongoing work of TraDE Saint Lucia. Minister Felix said, “The growth and overall development of the business community is hinged on the success of agencies like TraDE Saint Lucia, and we as a government are committed to that success.”

Dr. Gajadhar added, “TEPA, now TraDE Saint Lucia, has worked hard to increase Saint Lucia’s overall exports and now their merger with SBDC means that their challenge will be even greater as they tackle the developmental issues associated with our micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises on the domestic market, as well.”

TraDE Saint Lucia CEO Jacqueline Emmanuel-Flood has pledged the continued hard work of her staff and expressed elation at the Minister’s assertion of continued support for TraDE Saint Lucia’s work programme.