By Dale Carnegie Elliott
Following a five-year hiatus spent helping its membership navigate the challenges of the post-COVID era, the Chamber of Commerce has brought back St. Lucia’s premier business awards—reborn, refocused, and ready to celebrate a stronger, more resilient private sector.
On November 18th, the Chamber of Commerce transformed into a humming engine room of ambition as CEOs, innovators, young professionals, entrepreneurs, and industry veterans gathered for the unveiling of the 2025 St. Lucia Business Awards nominees. In a nation where enterprise demands grit, adaptation, and vision, the nominee announcement ceremony carried a clear message: excellence is back in season.
This year’s return marks a historic milestone, over 100 submissions from 85 companies, the highest on record, signaling a private sector eager to be seen, celebrated, and benchmarked.
The announcements unfolded like a wide-angle lens on the nation’s diverse and evolving business ecosystem.
Young Professional of the Year features rising standouts Cornell Tame Bet, Shan Rosary, and Benjamin Alexander.
Service Excellence nominees Automotive Art, Construction & Industrial Equipment (CIE), and Unique Stables represent businesses raising the bar on customer experience.
In Innovation, the spotlight falls on Unique Stables, J&J 3 Peak Challenge, and Lucian Excursions, each carving new pathways in their industries.
The Non-Profit category highlights the transformational work of Ubuntu Movement and the Eastern Caribbean Collective Organisation for Music Rights.
Export strength takes center stage in Export Achievement, with St. Lucia Distillers, Acella Marketing, and Construction & Industrial Equipment Ltd. earning the nod.
Guardians of sustainability, Funky Fungi, Heineken St. Lucia, and The 758 Adventures, secure nominations for Environmental Stewardship.
Entrepreneurial excellence shines through nominees for Entrepreneur of the Year: Juliana’s Convenience Store, Abby’s Exotic Blends, and Construction & Industrial Equipment Ltd.
In Employer of the Year, the finalists are Tropical Shipping (St. Lucia) Ltd., Construction & Industrial Equipment Ltd., and Automotive Art St. Lucia Ltd.
For Corporate Social Responsibility, nominees include Bank of St. Lucia Ltd., Heineken St. Lucia Ltd., and Coconut Bay Resort and Spa.
The coveted Business of the Year category features Automotive Art St. Lucia Ltd, Martelly’s Ocean Gardens, and Construction & Industrial Equipment Ltd.
And in New Business of the Year, the emerging trailblazers are Unique Stables 758, SARAH Chronicles, and Cheetahs Career Hub.
Sponsors underscored the deeper purpose behind the event. Bank of St. Lucia described its support as an investment “in a thriving nation,” while Diamond Sponsor First National Bank emphasized lifting micro and small enterprises, the “entrepreneurs who need the support most.” The Ministry of Commerce reinforced its commitment by signing on as a collaborating sponsor through 2029, ensuring the awards remain a national priority.
The highly anticipated 2025 St. Lucia Business Awards ceremony will take place on December 15th at the Royalton Resort & Spa—a night poised to crystallize this powerful rebirth and celebrate the businesses steering St. Lucia’s next chapter.
