August 7, 2026
Thirteen tour guides solidified their roles as ambassadors of the island, marking the successful completion of an intensive three-week training programme on July 8, 2026. This certification is more than a credential; it is a commitment to preserving the natural and cultural heritage that draws visitors to Saint Lucian shores.
This initiative is a critical piece of a regional certification rollout spanning six Eastern Caribbean islands under the OECS Commission’s Eastern Caribbean Sustainable Terrestrial and Marine Ecosystems (EC-STEMS) Project. Delivered by the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, the training was made possible through the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Caribbean Action for Resilience Enhancement (CARE) Programme, with support from the European Union (EU) via the 11th European Development Fund.
The curriculum went far beyond traditional hospitality, equipping participants with a deep foundation in Saint Lucia’s history, culture, and biodiversity. The comprehensive training programme covered:
- Saint Lucia’s history, culture, and landmarks
- Flora, fauna, and marine ecosystems
- Climate change and biodiversity conservation
- Sustainable tourism practices
- Professional tour guiding techniques and customer service
- Introductory French and Spanish
A highlight of the journey was the Environmental Sustainability Workshop led by Dr. Marie Louise Felix, which challenged participants to rethink the intersection of tourism and environmental management.
Hon. John Paul Estephan, Minister in the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Heritage, captured the essence of the moment during the ceremony
| “Our greatest tourism asset is not simply our beaches, mountains or rainforests. Our greatest asset is our people.” |
This sentiment was echoed by Mrs. Maria Fowell, Senior Technical Specialist for Tourism at the OECS Commission, who emphasized the vital link between stewardship and industry viability:
| “The future of tourism depends on how well we protect the resources upon which it is built.” |
Dr. Ziana Boulogne-Joseph, Director of Lifelong Learning at SALCC, noted that the success of the programme underscores the power of institutional synergy stating
| “This programme shows what can be achieved when government, regional agencies, and an educational institution work together.” |
Looking ahead, the momentum continues. Ms. Donalyn Vittet, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, announced plans to revitalize the Saint Lucia Tour Guide Association and introduce a tiered training structure ranging from beginner to expert to support the lifelong professional growth of guides island-wide.
This milestone follows a successful training launch in the Commonwealth of Dominica in April 2026. With upcoming sessions planned for Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the EC-STEMS project is rapidly strengthening community capacity to turn environmental stewardship into sustainable economic growth across the Eastern Caribbean.