‘We’re extremely excited to work with key stakeholders across the Saint Lucian cruise and tourism sectors,’ said Colin Murphy, head of business development, Americas at Global Ports Holding. ‘We have received such a warm welcome and very positive responses from the groups we’ve spoken to.
‘We recognise that establishing strong relationships with key stakeholders is a critical part of ensuring that this partnership is successful for everyone, which is why we made having these conversations our immediate priority after signing the memorandum of understanding.’
‘A lot of work to do’
Last week, Murphy and Global Ports’ business development advisor Sean Matthews met with executives of the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Port Authority (SLASPA), tour operators including Cox and Company St. Lucia, executive director of St. Lucia’s Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture Brian Louisy, executives of the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association, as well as the leadership of Invest Saint Lucia.
Murphy and Matthews began brief interactions with taxi drivers and met with the Soufriere Fisherman’s Co-operative Society.
Murphy explained during the course of the meetings, ‘Over the last few days, we’ve shared our ideas and received great feedback about the needs and wants of the community and the things that we need to consider. We know that there is a lot of work to do, but we also know that we can’t do it alone. Your success is our success, and recognising that, everyone’s voice is important. There are many seats at this table.’
The sentiment was reflected by Matthews, who added, ‘This series of meetings marks the beginning of our community outreach efforts, which will include establishing a consultative committee of key local stakeholders to ensure that the goals of the project remain aligned with the priorities of the Saint Lucian people.
‘Our aim is to keep the lines of communication open so that we can all work together to achieve our collective mission – to bring more cruise passengers and more opportunity to St. Lucia to benefit our community and all involved in this effort. We need everyone’s participation to make this happen.’
Agreement between the government of Saint Lucia and Global Ports
The three decades’ long concession agreement relates to cruise operations at Castries and Soufriere Bay.
It will see Global Ports upgrade Berth 1 at Pointe Seraphine to accommodate the largest sized vessels, including Oasis-class ships, supporting an increase in cruise passenger volume to St. Lucia from its annual peak of 790,000 passengers to over one million per year.
Extensive cross-marketing opportunities to more than 18m passengers that flow annually through the 26 cruise ports within the worldwide Global Ports network will also prevail.
Easing congestion
The port operations company will also reduce traffic congestion and set out to improve the guest experience in and around Castries Harbour by introducing new ferries and ferry routes to Banannes Bay, La Place Carenage (currently managed by SLASPA) and Pointe Seraphine. This initiative will include adding new ferry and docking facilities at those locations and the construction of a seaside boardwalk.
Port infrastructure, and culture and heritage
Global Ports will make further investments in the expansion of cruise port infrastructure and cultural & heritage tourism sites through development of the Fisherman’s Village, Vendor’s Arcade and Soufriere Bay to create more opportunities for the community.
Taking over government debt
It will additionally provide substantial financial relief to the government of Saint Lucia and SLASPA by taking over approximately US$20m in SLASPA debt.
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