Business owners and consumers in the southern region of Saint Lucia will soon benefit from improved access to essential services with the opening of a southern division of the Ministry of Commerce, Manufacturing, Business Development, Cooperatives, and Consumer Affairs. The new office is set to open on February 26.
Located on the 3rd Floor of the Uptown Business Centre on New Dock Road, Vieux Fort, the office will provide services previously available only in Castries.
These include access to concessions, information and training opportunities, assistance with business plan development and online business registration, as well as advice on financial planning, accessing capital, marketing, and regulatory compliance.
The consumer affairs department in the south will also enable consumers to lodge complaints.
According to the Minister for Commerce, Emma Hippolyte, this move aligns with the government’s mandate to prioritise the needs of the people, regardless of where they live.
“This move is an indication that the concerns of the parliamentary representative and the business community in the south have not fallen on deaf ears. We are thrilled to increase our accessibility,” she said. “This will ensure our clients receive tailored, localised support and guidance, thereby strengthening our connection with them. Hopefully, this will provide the necessary impetus for the revival of the Southern Business Association.”
This new office is part of a broader decentralisation drive by the government. Often, individuals in rural communities have to travel to the capital to access full government services.
The opening of the southern office is part of a broader government initiative to decentralise public services.
So does this decentralised mean that I may get information promised to me Two and a half years ago
Asked the then permanent secretary about solar power.
He said that there are substantial concessions to be had, when buying a solar system.
Still waiting for an answer despite repeatedly asking.
Maybe we will also see the infrastructure improve.
Roads roads roads would be a good start so eventually when they pull their finger out on the concessions I can get my solar system to my house…..