(CASTRIES, Saint Lucia, March 5, 2026) – On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, the first four (4) units of a highly anticipated 22-vehicle electric fleet were unofficially handed over to 3 departments of the Government of Saint Lucia by representatives of the GIZ, the German governmental agency for international cooperation. Receiving the vehicles were Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure Ms. Lorraine Matthew, Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force Police, Mr Wayne Charlery and Sargeant Leslie George and Technical Services Manager, WASCO, Mr Tera Victor.

The exchange which took place at the compound of J. Q. Charles Motors represents the first phase of the NDC-TEC Electric Vehicle (EV) pilot, an initiative dedicated to decarbonizing the transport sector and fulfilling Saint Lucia’s commitments under the Paris Agreement. Ms. Ina de Visser, NDC-TEC Programme Director, highlighted the importance of this milestone saying: “This pilot allows many services of the Government of Saint Lucia to gain experience with fully electric vehicles in their operations. Experience will be shared between the services, as well as with other Caribbean countries. Large scale uptake of EVs combined with solar charging will contribute to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transport and therefore contribute to the mitigation of climate change.”

In accordance with Saint Lucia’s National Energy Policy, this delivery supports the government’s commitment to ensuring 30% of its official fleet is electric powered by 2030. In accepting the E-Vehicle for her department, Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure, Ms. Lorraine Matthew noted: “By integrating these electric vehicles into our essential services, Saint Lucia is quite literally ‘walking the talk.’ This initiative aligns perfectly with our National Energy Policy and our updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). We are demonstrating that our transition to a green economy is well underway, starting with the very departments that serve our citizens every day.”The units assigned to the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force have been outfitted with professional sirens, lights, performance monitoring systems and communication technology.

While Monday’s activity marks an important operational hand-off, it serves as a precursor to a larger rollout. Over the coming months, the remaining 18 vehicles will be arriving in the country and handed over to additional government services, such as the Ministry of Education, SLASPA, Postal Services, Customs and Excise Department, Fire Service Department and more. Simultaneously, the project is installing solar-powered charging stations and integrated solar systems at the government services to ensure the fleet is powered by 100% clean, local energy.

Meanwhile, an official handing-over ceremony is being planned for mid-year, where the full 22-vehicle fleet and its supporting solar infrastructure will be formally commissioned.