September 16, 1997 - A new Think Tank Organization called the Tourism Advisory Council (TAC) has been set up by Cabinet. The TAC will seek to advise the Tourism Minister, Hon. Phillip J. Pierre, while taking the pre-emptive approach to problems facing the industry.

The Minister says the TAC was established based on recommendations from consultants appointed by government, to critically examine the industry, as well as the means of operations of the two main players - the Ministry of Tourism and the St. Lucia Tourist Board.

Meantime, the Ministry of Tourism has officially announced the composition of the St. Lucia Tourist Board. Its being led by Attorney at Law Peter Foster, with chartered Accountant Costello Mitchel as Deputy Chairman. The other members are Roger Sutherland, Joe Allain, Syvillus Jeffrey, Giles Romulus, Lenox Dupal, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Perceival Mc Donald, a representative from the St. Lucia Hotels and Tourism Association, the Director of Tourism, Agnes Francis and one other person to be named.

The new chairman, Peter Foster says currently he is familiarizing himself with the workings of the board, examining existing policies, marketing strategies and meeting the various players both locally and overseas.