Global Ports presents final drawings for St. Lucia Cruise Port project

In late 2022, executives from Global Ports initiated discussions with key industry partners about their intentions to expand port facilities in Castries and Soufriere. Last week, consultations continued as the company presented its final drawings for the future of both destinations to participants for review. 

Feedback is essential

‘The feedback that we received in these meetings was critical to moving the project forward because the consultative process is a two-way dialogue,’ explained Sean Matthew, business development advisor, Global Ports Holding. 

‘Our focus through this partnership with the government of Saint Lucia is to invest in people, which cannot be done unless the people have their say.’ 

Final renderings still under wraps 

He added, ‘Now that we have presented the new renderings to many of our industry partners who will be directly affected by our plans, and responded to their feedback with updated drawings, we believe that the result will be the best version of the project for everyone involved.’

Matthew advised that the renderings will be shared publicly on approval by Saint Lucia’s government. 

Local key figures have their say 

The president of Saint Lucia Craft and Dry Goods Vendors Association, Peter ‘Ras Ipa’ Isaac, said during the discussions, ‘All we want to see right now is for this project to start. This improvement is very much needed, and the vendors association welcomes this project with open arms.’ 

He also remarked, ‘I don’t want to shut my eyes and not see this project happen. What’s appreciated more about this project is the whole consultation with the stakeholders meeting up with everyone and speaking to everyone, having everyone putting in ideas...’

Noorani Azeez, CEO, Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association, asserted, ‘The sentiment generally from our members is we sincerely do applaud this initiative and it really does have the blessing of the SLHTA.’  

The discussions furtther involved the participation and feedback of representatives from the Taxi Association, tour operators, fishermen, residents and vendors of Bananes Bay, St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Invest Saint Lucia, Soufriere Marine Management Association, Soufriere Regional Development Foundation, Soufriere Fishermen’s Co-operative and vendors of Baron’s Drive.