Technical Workshop Partner in St. Lucia’s Development

Friday, November 30, 2007 - A major workshop for Technical professionals, contractors and development partners opened at the conference room of the National Insurance Corporation, today November 30^th at 9:00 a.m.

In his address to the workshop, Senator Ausbert d’Auvengne, who is the Minister of Economic Affairs, Economic Planning, Investment and National Development, outlined the vision which had analyzed the geographical regions in St. Lucia into four quadrants for the future development of the island. This workshop, the Minister pointed out, is a follow up to the Development Conference that was held in July this year. He said while some may describe the plans as bold and ambitions, the government has already identified partners who had committed themselves to financing the projects envisaged in the transformation of the economy, and already Memoranda of Agreement had been signed with international financial institutions and development partners.

The Minister said one of the main objectives underlying the plans for development is that government intends to forge partnerships with both local and international entrepreneurs, which will empower nationals who will be invited to participate in government’s plans.

The major presenter at today’s workshop is Mr. Hugh Darley of IDEA Inc., an International Consultant who has presented development concepts to Disney World and some of the largest developers in the world.

Mr. Darley gave a visionary presentation of the transformation that is envisaged for the areas identified for development. He noted that the first approach that was considered in designing a concept was to look at St. Lucia’s position in relation to the other Windward Islands and its place in the wider Caribbean.

The main focus for development will be the Castries re-development project incorporating the Castries Harbour, the airport and the surrounding areas.

Mr. Darley noted that St. Lucia was unique in the other islands in the region, because of its spectacular natural harbour with three-miles of berthing taking in the Trou-Garmier area. He said that in keeping with St. Lucia’s slogan of “Simply Beautiful” that its port of entry must fulfill that image. In this regard tourist visitors coming through St. Lucia’s front door should not be greeted by containers of cargo. This he said, was not a welcome sight to visitors. That is why the plan is to beautify Port Castries into a cruise ship Mecca, and build a cargo facility in Cul-de-Sac.

The plan also envisages the transformation of Castries into a City of Light and already participation form Disney World, the Sandals Group and Royal Caribbean had been ensured, to make Port Castries mirror the experience that passengers enjoyed on the ships by building luxury shops, boutiques, condos, and restaurants along the waterfront.

A major engineering task will be undertaken to build a ring-road which will alleviate the congestion from traffic coming into the city. To complement this plan, a tram system along the lines of the system that exists in San Francisco, in the United States, will be constructed, to accommodate locals and visitors alike, with parking facilities located on the outskirts of the City.

It was also revealed that there is a plan to extend the Virgie Airport a further 300 feet, and the relocation of the passenger arrival terminal from the eastern side near the beach, to the western side of the runway.

Throughout the day’s proceedings, participants, who have been drawn from the local, regional and international investment sectors will also be addressed by personnel drawn from the Economic and Planning Departments of Government.

The workshop concludes today with discussion and round-table sessions, which will concretize the ideas and suggestions coming from the participants at the gathering.

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