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Innovation is the application of better solutions that meet new requirements and existing market needs. The National Competitiveness and Productivity Council recognizing the importance innovation plays to a country’s growth and development salutes the work of a young inventor and innovator nestled in a fishing village in St. Lucia.  

Productivity measures how efficiently inputs such as labour and capital are utilized to produce increased levels of output, such as goods and services.  Locally, focus is being place on the roll of research and innovation to boost St. Lucia’s competitiveness and productivity. 

As the Common Entrance Examination draws near Grade 6 students of the Gordon & Walcott Memorial Methodist School received a timely presentation on “Procrastination and Productivity” by the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council. This was one of the activities of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank’s mentorship programme. 

An invitation was extended to the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC) by the Attorney General’s Chambers to deliver a presentation on productivity as part of their monthly enhancement activities for management staff.

The Commercial Division of the Registry of the High Court has been in operation from January 19, 2016. The Commercial Court has reported a steady increase in the number of fillings over the last three years from 44 cases in 2016 to 100 cases in 2018. The division believes this success will boost St. Lucia’s economic growth and development by increasing investor confidence to embark on new ventures because of the efficiency of the Justice System.

Strengthening public/private dialogue while increasing awareness of productivity and competitiveness is a core mandate of the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC). The NCPC recently brought its productivity message to the sales, marketing and middle management team employed with the Windward and Leeward Brewery at its corporate office in Vide Bouteille, Castries.  

The National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC) continues to forge ahead with the formulation of the National Competitive Agenda jointly funded by the Government of St. Lucia and Compete Caribbean Partnership Facility. Once Completed, the Competitiveness Agenda will provide the NCPC with the framework to measure how well St. Lucia is performing as it relates to various actions, policies and initiatives undertaken to improve the island’s competitiveness.

The World Bank Group (WBG) has been invited by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) to provide technical assistance to address regulatory issues within the OECS Countries. This is in an effort to improve the investment climate and enhance competitiveness of key sectors in an effort to enhance private sector investment in the OECS.  

Micro to large manufacturers were recently introduced to the “Protool” a productivity measuring tool created by the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council.  The Protool will allow businesses to measure their productivity levels while providing qualitative and quantitative assessments of various business operations.