Understanding diabetes and how to care for people affected by the disease was the focus of a recent training workshop hosted by the Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM) in Saint Lucia in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs.
 
Twenty-six healthcare professionals, including five seed mentors, participated in the six-hour training that was held on Friday, November 28, 2025, at the Public Service Training Institute in Union. The training was part of the “Capacity Building Project for the Prevention and Control of Chronic Metabolic Diseases”, a four-year programme which was officially launched in May 2023 by the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs, in collaboration with the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF) and Cathay General Hospital.

Following registration and pretest, brief opening remarks were made by Mr. Ernest Norbal, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs, and Mr. Daniel Lee, Chief of the Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM) in Saint Lucia.

Norbal noted that the Ministry of Health remains committed to addressing non-communicable diseases through education and personal development. The workshop, he added, was another testament to working together to enhance patients’ outcome and to reduce the burden of diabetes on the health system.  
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“According to the STEPS Survey, diabetes ranks among the four main causes of mortality in Saint Lucia, reflecting its significant burden on our health system,” he told participants. “This workshop aims to strengthen national capacity in the management and control of diabetes-related complications, such as ulcers and wounds, while also highlighting the approaches for prevention.”

Meanwhile, Lee stated that the workshop marked yet another significant milestone in the longstanding partnership between Saint Lucia and Taiwan. He expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Health for its unwavering support and to Cathay General Hospital for their technical expertise in making the curriculum possible.
 
“We know that chronic diseases, particularly diabetes, pose a significant challenge to public health,” Lee said. “The complications, such as foot problems and wound healing issues, affect not just the patients, but their families and the entire community. That is why this training is so vital.”
 
Lee reminded the participants that they were the most critical part of the project, and that the knowledge they gain from the workshop — from understanding early signs of diabetic foot problems to mastering wound care techniques — was a powerful tool.
 
“I encourage you to absorb as much as you can from our expert facilitators,” he said. “You are the frontline. When you return to your health centres and communities, your enhanced skills will directly improve the quality of life for your patients. On behalf of the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I reaffirm our commitment to working side by side with Saint Lucia to build a healthier future.”

The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) of Saint Lucia wishes to inform the public that a document currently circulating on social media and other communication platforms, listing items eligible for Saint Lucia’s VAT-Free Day, did not originate from the IRD or the Government of Saint Lucia. Members of the public are strongly advised to disregard the circulating list and refrain from relying on its contents when making purchasing or business decisions.
 
All official changes to the taxes administered by the IRD, including any amendments to the VAT legislation, will be published exclusively through the following authorized channels:  The Government of Saint Lucia’s official communication channels; The IRD website; IRD verified social media pages.
 
Official press releases shared with the media Felicia Ellie, Acting Comptroller of the Inland Revenue Department, is urging the public to always verify the source of information before taking action. “We urge the public to rely only on updates from the IRD and other official government channels to make informed decisions.”
 
Details on Saint Lucia’s VAT-Free Day, including the approved list of eligible goods, as well as guidelines for consumers and the business community, will be made available through the official channels. For further clarification, please contact the IRD at: 468-4700 or email [email protected] Felicia Elie(Ms.) Ag. Comptroller Inland Revenue Department.