Saint Lucia has taken a significant step towards strengthening its blue economy with the official launch of the Saint Lucia Chamber of Shipping (SLCS), a national body established to unify, represent, and advance the country’s maritime, shipping, and logistics sector.
The launch brought together senior government officials, regional and international maritime stakeholders, private sector leaders, training institutions, and industry partners, reflecting a unified national effort to strengthen Saint Lucia’s maritime ecosystem.
Formed to address long-standing fragmentation within the industry, the SLCS will serve as the collective voice for stakeholders engaged in or connected to Saint Lucia’s maritime ecosystem. The Chamber will foster collaboration across the public and private sectors, strengthen industry coordination, and champion policy advocacy, professional development, and innovation to support a modern, resilient, and globally competitive maritime environment.
Minister for Tourism, Hon. Dr. Ernest Hilaire, reaffirmed the Government’s strong endorsement of the Chamber under his Ministry’s portfolio, emphasizing the critical role of shipping in sustaining Saint Lucia’s economy. Also delivering remarks on behalf of the Prime Minister, Dr. Hilaire noted, “The Chamber provides a structured framework for collaboration between government, industry, regulators, and international partners.”
In his keynote address, Mr. William Brown, President of the Caribbean Shipping Association, underscored the importance of regional collaboration, unified industry representation, and stronger maritime standards to enhance Caribbean trade, logistics efficiency, and global competitiveness.
“Until now, there has been no single platform to coordinate industry positions, develop policy proposals, or systematically engage Government and international bodies on these matters. This gap has existed for too long – Today …. we close that gap”, said Tariq Khan, CEO of the Saint Lucia Chamber of Shipping.
The Chamber will focus on policy advocacy, trade facilitation, international representation, workforce development, and sustainable maritime practices. Key initiatives include providing evidence-based input on legislation and port development, establishing a Maritime Training Academy, and promoting environmentally responsible shipping practices that enhance both sustainability and economic growth. By uniting the sector, the SLCS will also help local businesses access new trade opportunities and support tourism growth through more efficient and sustainable maritime operations.