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Thursday, December 7, 2006 – Minister for Tourism Honourable Philip J.
Pierre has praised the developers of the recently opened Discovery at Marigot
Bay for their invested confidence in the island's economy and tourism industry.
The World Class property caters to the high end visitor, a sector which Mr.
Pierre said government has deliberately attempted to attract, through the
adoption of new policies over the last few year.
“We know that the development of that property was difficult, but I am sure that
the over 600 people employed in the construction phase and the people who are
going to be employed in this hotel will benefit, the economy will benefit and
St. Lucia will be at the cutting edge of tourism development,” said the minister
to a large audience at the property's opening.
Government over the last 10 years, Mr. Pierre said, has been faced with the
challenge of transforming the economy from a decaying agricultural based economy
to a vibrant service based economy led by the tourism industry.
He said, “The tourism industry is very important to St. Lucia. Last year it
earned nearly one billion in foreign exchange and the economy of St. Lucia grew
by five point five percent, and that growth was led by our industry. I am
particularly pleased that the government policy of encouraging high end hotels
has began and has bore fruit in this property.”
The minister said the continued growth of the tourism industry is the answer to
reducing the level of poverty on the island. However, he says, it can't be
achieved without creating linkages with other sectors mainly agriculture.
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