/ Apr 22, 2026
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Budget 2026/27: More Support for Families,More Space for Business,No New Taxes

Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre has presented a 2026/27 Budget that protects ordinary Saint Lucians, supports business growth and keeps the country on a responsible financial path.

The Budget, presented under the theme “Consolidating Our Gains: Prospering in Uncertain Times,” sends a clear message: NO NEW TAXES.

Instead of placing new burdens on families and businesses, the Pierre Administration is using careful fiscal management to deliver relief, expand opportunity and strengthen the economy.

Prime Minister Pierre and his Cabinet have successfully managed government resources during a difficult global period marked by rising fuel prices, conflict, supply chain pressures and uncertainty. Despite these challenges, Saint Lucia has recorded important economic and fiscal gains in the 2025/26 fiscal year.

Government payables have been reduced from over EC$160 million in 2022 to approximately EC$20 million by December 2025. The country’s primary balance improved, the overall deficit narrowed, and the current account surplus widened. These are not just numbers. They are proof that better management is creating space for better support to the people.

The 2026/27 Budget turns those gains into direct help for Saint Lucians.

Key people-first measures include:

  • Government payment for five CSEC subjects
  • $1,000 one-off payment to expectant mothers
  • Expansion of the School Feeding Programme
  • A $700 one-time payment to pensioners
  • A $200 one-time payment to Public Assistance Programme clients
  • Continued work toward Universal Early Childhood Education
  • Increased support for persons with disabilities
  • Housing support for low-income and vulnerable families
  • Educational grants, medical support and small business assistance

Prime Minister Pierre’s Budget also delivers major support to the private sector.

The Tax Amnesty Programme will be extended, allowing taxpayers and businesses to settle outstanding obligations without the heavy burden of interest, penalties and fines on taxes due up to December 2025. Moving forward, penalties and interest on overdue taxes will be reduced from 12.5% to 6%.

Businesses will also benefit from:

  • More time to file corporate tax returns
  • Tax rebates for companies offering after-school care support
  • Tax credits for donations to Special Education Needs programmes
  • Incentives for recycling and environmentally responsible business activity
  • Improved digital services to reduce delays
  • An electronic single-entry window to make doing business easier

This Budget is practical. It understands that, given the global economic climate, a parent paying school expenses needs relief. A pensioner facing higher food prices needs help. A small business owner needs room to breathe. A young entrepreneur needs support, not red tape.

Prime Minister Pierre’s message is clear: Saint Lucia can manage its finances responsibly while still putting people first.

The Pierre Administration is protecting families, backing business, and building confidence in the future.

No new taxes. More relief. Better management. A stronger Saint Lucia.

ENDS

Kind regards,
Communications Unit

Office of the Prime Minister
5th Floor, Greaham Louisy Administrative Building

Waterfront, Castries

Saint Lucia

Desk:1-758-468-2169

Follow @opmsaintucia
https://linktr.ee/opmsaintlucia

Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre has presented a 2026/27 Budget that protects ordinary Saint Lucians, supports business growth and keeps the country on a responsible financial path.

The Budget, presented under the theme “Consolidating Our Gains: Prospering in Uncertain Times,” sends a clear message: NO NEW TAXES.

Instead of placing new burdens on families and businesses, the Pierre Administration is using careful fiscal management to deliver relief, expand opportunity and strengthen the economy.

Prime Minister Pierre and his Cabinet have successfully managed government resources during a difficult global period marked by rising fuel prices, conflict, supply chain pressures and uncertainty. Despite these challenges, Saint Lucia has recorded important economic and fiscal gains in the 2025/26 fiscal year.

Government payables have been reduced from over EC$160 million in 2022 to approximately EC$20 million by December 2025. The country’s primary balance improved, the overall deficit narrowed, and the current account surplus widened. These are not just numbers. They are proof that better management is creating space for better support to the people.

The 2026/27 Budget turns those gains into direct help for Saint Lucians.

Key people-first measures include:

  • Government payment for five CSEC subjects
  • $1,000 one-off payment to expectant mothers
  • Expansion of the School Feeding Programme
  • A $700 one-time payment to pensioners
  • A $200 one-time payment to Public Assistance Programme clients
  • Continued work toward Universal Early Childhood Education
  • Increased support for persons with disabilities
  • Housing support for low-income and vulnerable families
  • Educational grants, medical support and small business assistance

Prime Minister Pierre’s Budget also delivers major support to the private sector.

The Tax Amnesty Programme will be extended, allowing taxpayers and businesses to settle outstanding obligations without the heavy burden of interest, penalties and fines on taxes due up to December 2025. Moving forward, penalties and interest on overdue taxes will be reduced from 12.5% to 6%.

Businesses will also benefit from:

  • More time to file corporate tax returns
  • Tax rebates for companies offering after-school care support
  • Tax credits for donations to Special Education Needs programmes
  • Incentives for recycling and environmentally responsible business activity
  • Improved digital services to reduce delays
  • An electronic single-entry window to make doing business easier

This Budget is practical. It understands that, given the global economic climate, a parent paying school expenses needs relief. A pensioner facing higher food prices needs help. A small business owner needs room to breathe. A young entrepreneur needs support, not red tape.

Prime Minister Pierre’s message is clear: Saint Lucia can manage its finances responsibly while still putting people first.

The Pierre Administration is protecting families, backing business, and building confidence in the future.

No new taxes. More relief. Better management. A stronger Saint Lucia.

ENDS

Kind regards,
Communications Unit

Office of the Prime Minister
5th Floor, Greaham Louisy Administrative Building

Waterfront, Castries

Saint Lucia

Desk:1-758-468-2169

Follow @opmsaintucia
https://linktr.ee/opmsaintlucia

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It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout. The point of using Lorem Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters, as opposed to using ‘Content here, content here’, making it look like readable English. Many desktop publishing packages and web page editors now use Lorem Ipsum as their default model text, and a search for ‘lorem ipsum’ will uncover many web sites still in their infancy.

The point of using Lorem Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters, as opposed to using ‘Content here, content here’, making

The point of using Lorem Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters, as opposed to using ‘Content here, content here’, making it look like readable English. Many desktop publishing packages and web page editors now use Lorem Ipsum as their default model text, and a search for ‘lorem ipsum’ will uncover many web sites still in their infancy.

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