Saint Lucia’s newly established National Tripartite Advisory Committee officially convened its inaugural meeting on May 18, 2026, marking another important step in strengthening social dialogue and inclusive labour consultation within the country.

The Committee, which is chaired by Labour Minister Hon. Emma Hippolyte, was formally launched by the Government of Saint Lucia on April 29, 2026, alongside the ratification of International Labour Organization Convention 144 on Tripartite Consultation.

Speaking following the inaugural meeting, Permanent Secretary in the Department of Labour, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs, Shelia Imbert, explained that the Committee is intended to promote greater consultation, consensus-building and cooperation in addressing labour-related matters on a national level, before advancing Saint Lucia’s position internationally. 

“The Committee is a formal way of the Government promoting social dialogue. By tripartite, we mean representatives of employers, workers and Government coming together to ensure that matters related to labour are addressed in an inclusive and consultative manner,” Imbert noted.

During the inaugural meeting, members reviewed the Committee’s terms of reference, discussed its mandate and objectives, and agreed on operational procedures moving forward. The Committee also agreed to meet every other month as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders.

Officials say the intention is for the Committee to serve as a platform where labour-related issues can be discussed openly, constructively and holistically, while seeking broad consensus on matters affecting workers, employers and national development.

The National Tripartite Advisory Committee comprises representatives from Government, organized labour and employers.

Government representatives include: Hon. Emma Hippolyte (Chairperson); Permanent Secretary - Shelia Imbert; Arthur Compass and Nicolai Lansiquot

Workers’ representatives include: Julian Monrose; Lisa Goodman and Doreen Obodoechina.

Employer representatives include: Goretti Paul; Amy Henry-Demille and Vernesa Joseph-St. Clair.

During the meeting, Mr. Julian Monrose and Ms. Goretti Paul were elected as Vice Chairpersons of the Committee.

The Department of Labour views the establishment of the National Tripartite Advisory Committee as reflecting Saint Lucia’s continued commitment to participatory governance, industrial harmony and meaningful stakeholder engagement in labour and social development matters.

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