In a historic move, Vieux Fort hosted the Saint Lucia Business Expo for the first time on February 14 and 15, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the island’s efforts to promote regional inclusivity. The two-day event, held at the Vieux Fort Independence Square, featured nearly 100 businesses from various sectors, highlighting the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit of the southern community.
The expo, organized by Export Saint Lucia in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce, Manufacturing, Business Development, Cooperatives, and Consumer Affairs, aimed to provide a platform for local enterprises to showcase their products and services. Exhibitors ranged from small startups to established companies, offering a diverse array of goods including handmade crafts, wellness products, and technological innovations. The event underscored the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth beyond the northern regions, ensuring that opportunities are accessible to all.
Parliamentary Representative for Vieux Fort South, Dr. Kenny Anthony, expressed optimism about the expo’s impact, emphasizing Vieux Fort’s pivotal role in Saint Lucia’s economic landscape. He highlighted the town’s substantial contributions to exports and trade, noting, “Your main exporters are located here in Vieux Fort, and they’re responsible for a lot of the financial exchange that this country earns.” Dr. Anthony’s remarks resonated with attendees, many of whom acknowledged the town’s potential as a commercial hub.
Chief Executive Officer of Export Saint Lucia, Sunita Daniel, lauded the event as a testament to the nation’s innovative and dedicated business community. She remarked, “This event is a reflection of our country’s innovation and dedication to local businesses.” Daniel also highlighted the expo’s role in promoting economic inclusivity, stating that such initiatives ensure opportunities are not concentrated in the north but benefit the entire island. The success of the expo has set a precedent for future events, with plans to continue rotating locations to engage various communities across Saint Lucia.