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43.13. (...) it is important to highlight that the sector [manufacturing] continues to face perennial challenges which constrains its export potential, such as high cost of inputs, high energy cost, high cost of trading across borders, exogenous shocks from the pandemic coupled with the devastating impact of natural disasters on the economy.

43.26. Following from the National Information and Communication Technologies Policy and Strategy 2013-2018, the Government of Saint Lucia saw the need to review and refresh its commitment to the sustainable national development through ICT [Information and Communication Technology]. This has given rise to the Saint Lucia Digital Development Strategy.

45.1. Saint Lucia's Fourth WTO Trade Policy Review is being undertaken at a time of unprecedented socio-economic hardship created by global externalities including the adverse impact of the COVID-19 virus outbreak, the war in Ukraine, financial sector regulations and cross border pollutants, and also at a time of great uncertainty in international markets.

46.1. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) with all the inherent challenges, such as a narrow economic base and high vulnerability to external shocks and natural disasters. (...)

46.2. The country is currently at a crucial period of development as it struggles to emerge from the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic, the explosive eruption of the La Soufriere Volcano, the impact of hurricane Elsa and the global economic downturn occasioned by geopolitical unrest and market failures. These financial, economic, political and other factors, including natural disasters, have adversely affected the quest to improve the welfare of its citizens. Indeed, these man-made and/or natural challenges, exacerbated by volatility in global oil prices, and hikes in commodity prices especially for staple foods, are unprecedented in their scope. These exogenous trends, coupled with natural phenomena, present the country with momentous challenges that calls for bold, decisive, yet well-ordered planning.

46.6. Since the last Trade Policy Review in 2014, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has sought to build on the development path espoused in the NESDP[National Economic and Social Development Plan] 2013-2025. (...) This development path includes inter alia the: (...)
• Aggressive thrust for alternative energy through geothermal exploration and other green energy sources;
(...)

46.8. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has experienced force majeure events from challenging circumstances, internationally, regionally and locally, some of which are highlighted below:
(...)
• A series of severe natural disasters, practically every year from 2010 onwards, which cumulatively have caused loss and damage in excess of XCD 700 million or approximately 40.0% of GDP;
• The grave and gathering menace of climate change and its associated costs, has become a direct threat to growth and development prospects for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and the wider Caribbean;
(...)

46.10. On 9 April 2021, the La Soufrière volcano began the first of 32 category 4 explosive eruptions. Emissions from the volcano reached the stratosphere and sulphur dioxide circled the globe. Our volcanic emissions were traced to Asia, Europe and Africa. The explosive eruptions had crippling impact across the country. The volcano ejected over 500,000 tonnes of ash, much of it coating roads, homes and public infrastructure across the country. One-fifth of our population was evacuated and was accommodated in schools, community shelters, churches and private homes for approximately six months. Lahars and pyroclastic flows destroyed buildings and farms across the northern third of the country. Over 770 homes were damaged or destroyed.

46.11. On 2 July 2021, hurricane Elsa struck, destroying scores of homes, damaging public buildings and infrastructure, and displacing over 200 Vincentians. While full assessment of the damage has been difficult to disaggregate from volcano-related destruction that took place just three months earlier, conservative estimates place loss and damage from the hurricane in excess of XCD 40 million. The impact of hurricane Elsa was a distant third on the list of extraordinary challenges to befall the country in 2021. The majority of the residents in the hurricane-affected area were already safely in shelters as volcano-displaced persons.

46.12. Despite these exogenous setbacks, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines under its Post-Disaster Recovery Needs Assessment, has quantified recovery needs and formulated a realistic recovery framework based on national priorities and capacities. These are built around three broad and achievable objectives aimed at enhancing the country's economic development agenda in an inclusive and comprehensive manner. These are achievable by ensuring the sustainability of the productive value chains that incorporate new and better technologies, the development of effective and efficient governance mechanisms, human capacities and support services, and the strengthening of the financial sector.