By Caribbean News Global 
CASTRIES, St Lucia – on the policy of the government of Saint Lucia, and according to one social media commentator, “That’s so MAGA,” hitherto, it’s Saint Lucia.
On October 2, at a special ceremony at the National Cultural Centre, 676 Home Care Programme workers and 32 managers of the Saint Lucia Social Development Fund received their letters of permanent appointment. Their new status as permanent employees will take effect on November 1, 2025, ensuring greater job security, dignity, and access to credit for those who cared for our elderly and most vulnerable citizens, the government of Saint Lucia said on its social media platform.
In addition to providing job security and skilled workers to ensure that elderly citizens receive dependable medical and social care within a national social service network, the policy focuses on people-centred social protection and income. Labour market initiatives also contribute to a growing market for elderly care services, tackling poverty traps, and creating a key transition towards a national vision.
Life never stops teaching and learning 
As stated in the policy proposal of the 2025 budget: “ Temporary teachers will now receive full salaries for the month of August;” meantime, Saint Lucia Social Development Fund (SSDF) under the ministry of equity continued its interventions to assist the most vulnerable citizens, with the launch of the 2025 Summer Stimulus Program.”
Per the 2025/26 budget allocation, policy proposals to provide an increase in disposable incomes: “The department of the public service is currently processing submissions from agencies. This process is scheduled for completion by October 10, 2025, after which implementation steps will proceed.”
Breaking the barriers
Saint Lucia’s workforce is changing for the betterment of workers and GDP growth. Wages are on the rise. More part-time, temporary/informal workers (Non-Standard forms of Employment, (NSE) are joining the formal sector. And at the same time, improving blurred lines, narrowing the poverty list, improving lives and livelihoods. The significance of this means that the balance of power is decisively shifted in favour of the working class.
Prime Minister Pierre has promised to continue the progress, “Moving Forward together,” saying: “We will continue to build a Saint Lucia where future generations can thrive because of our investments in people, responsible development, and programmes that reach the most vulnerable.”
The focus on bringing economic freedom to the working class is paramount to development, and more importantly, unveiling a balanced and unified programme/workforce that is inclusive throughout the country.
Social protection and labor market policies
In recent years, Saint Lucia moved from an agricultural-based economy to a service-based one, leaving a large section of manpower unprepared.
This time, the situation is different. A path to normalisation and inclusion of multidimensional ability and demography is merging with a new set of economic and political dynamics around the country.
According to the St Lucia Labour Party (SLP):
“ Workers in this country should be able to earn an honest living without fear of victimisation. We empower our people, strengthen communities, and build a more equitable Saint Lucia for all.”
Prime Minister Pierre makes no apology for securing livelihoods and strengthening Saint Lucia’s social support systems.
“My administration”, Pierre says, “continues to deliver on our promises that put the people of this country first. Almost 700 dedicated workers from all 17 constituencies under the Elderly Home Care Programme, through the Saint Lucia Social Development Fund (SSDF), received their permanent letters of appointment on October 2, 2025. This achievement represents more than job security; it’s dignity, stability, and recognition for the invaluable service you provide to our elderly citizens. We empower our people, strengthen communities, and build a more equitable Saint Lucia for all.”
The dynamics of formalising jobs and the realignment of blue-collar workers
“We empower our people, strengthen communities, and build a more equitable Saint Lucia for all.” #PhilipCares.
New services, technological advances, and increased productivity can scale economic activity. Commenting on the policy and delivery by Pierre’s administration to regularise the informal sector, a renowned economist said, “That is a masterpiece move, coupled with the political dynamics.”
In the examination of the benefits and rationale in the best interests of Saint Lucia, points of the ILO 2016 report on “Non-Standard Employment Around the World: Understanding Challenges, Shaping Prospects” in four main policy areas:
“Plugging regulatory gaps – Strengthening collective bargaining – Strengthening social protection – Instituting employment and social policies that support job creation and that accommodate workers’ needs, not only for training, but also for family responsibilities such as childcare and elder care.”
Interpretation
The performance-based nature of the Pierre administration is open to interpretation, by no less than the UWP’s imprecise rebuttals and campaign announcements. Even so, there are dwindling prospects for the UWP status quo, while their base is unlikely to move the political needle.
The theory is simple: You have to win elections to change policy. The UWP overplayed previous opportunities.
Its leadership is not eye-catching in the right direction, under the control of external influence and a political club.
We’ve seen this before. Nothing has changed!
However, the UWP says:
“The team is more than a group of candidates, we are men and women united by a shared purpose: to restore hope, deliver progress and put people at the heart of every decision,” #SOS #SaveOurSaintLucia. “Our farmers built the foundation of Saint Lucia. Under UWP, their work will finally be honoured with pensions and support for their families. The future is brighter when we care for those who cared for us.”
Rising from previous macroeconomic fluctuations, inflation, regulatory gaps, and now uninterrupted years of economic growth, Prime Minister Pierre says: 
“Our government knows that it is the dedication of public officers that keeps Saint Lucia moving every single day. We’ve delivered historic pay increases, tax relief to ease the cost of living, and better pathways to home ownership.
“We’ve improved working conditions and ensured that your service is rewarded in tangible ways that make a real difference to your families.
These are not empty promises. They are proof of our commitment to protect [your] livelihoods, honour [your] sacrifice, and put the wellbeing of workers at the very centre of national progress.”
Prime Minister Pierre emphasised:
“The successes of this administration are not by luck. They have been achieved through our single focus of “Putting People First,” #PhilipCares #PuttingYouFirst #Stlucia.
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