September 1, 1997 - Officials from a wide cross section of the business community met Wednesday August 28th, 1997 with the island's Prime Minister in the southern town of Vieux Fort, to chart the way forward for the economic development of what is being described as St. Lucia's New Frontier.

They came by the dozens....literally from all spheres of economic activity, business owners, managers and company representatives, all with a common goal - to explore the development of the island's southern belt.

And none was more optimistic than the guest of honour himself, Parliamentary Representative for the area and Prime Minister - the Hon Dr. Kenny Anthony, who sought to actively involve southern businessmen in the economic development of the town of Vieux Fort.

In doing so, Dr. Anthony would outline a number of measures, chief among them would be the setting up of a Southern Business Association, not a break-away from the private sector umbrella body of the Chamber of Commerce, but rather, a sought of extension, a chapter, with particular emphasis on promoting business development in the south.

The developmental phase Dr. Anthony told his captive audience, would hinge on a comprehensive plan of action for the south, along with a functional entity that would oversee the plan's timely implementation.

And for the business officials in attendance, word of a new Administrative Center located in Vieux Fort, designed to ease the hassles of journeying to Castries for simple everyday matters, would spark interest.

The human aspect of development would also be touched on, where according to Dr. Anthony, land would become made more readily available to Vieux Fort residents, for either private or commercial use, via the divesting of certain lands previously under the authority of the National Development Corporation, to the new Southern Business Association. The provision of basic amenities like easy access to water and electricity are also to get underway, along with an overall beautification exercise.

And a means of seeing the many proposals come to fruition, the Prime Minister spoke of government enacting legislation, or creating a frame work, to provide incentives to encourage development of special areas.