The Government of Saint Lucia has unveiled a series of social support measures targeting students and school support staff, with Education Minister Kenson Casimir describing the initiatives as part of a broader push to prioritise people-centred policies.
Speaking during his contribution to the debate on the Appropriations Bill on Thursday, April 23, 2026, Casimir confirmed that the government will expand its Period Poverty initiative to include primary schools, with consideration also being given to students at Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC).
The programme, first introduced in the 2024/25 fiscal year, was funded through a $250,000 allocation by Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Philip J. Pierre to the Ministry of Education. It currently provides free sanitary products to students in secondary schools.
With additional funding secured in the 2026/27 fiscal year, the initiative is set to be broadened to younger students, allowing girls in primary schools to access essential menstrual products at no cost. The expansion is expected to ease financial pressures on families, promote proper hygiene, and support students in managing their menstrual health with greater dignity. Casimir indicated that similar support is being explored for SALCC students.
In a separate announcement, the Education Minister revealed that school cooks and janitors will, for the first time, receive government-funded salaries during the month of August. Traditionally, these workers have gone unpaid during the summer vacation period.
Casimir disclosed that $407,000 has been allocated to cover August salaries for school cooks, while $558,000 has been set aside for janitors. The combined disbursement, totalling just under $1 million, is expected to benefit hundreds of workers who have historically faced financial hardship during the annual break.
The measures, according to the minister, form part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to address longstanding social gaps and improve quality of life for vulnerable groups. They also signal a policy direction focused on equity, inclusion and direct economic support for working families.
The announcements come as the government continues to roll out initiatives aimed at strengthening social protection systems and delivering targeted relief across key sectors
