As plans for the redevelopment of the Bananes Bay area move forward under the Government of Saint Lucia and Global Ports Holding (GPH), Tourism and Investment Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire has sought to assure residents that the relocation process will remain fair, respectful, and responsive to individual concerns.

Speaking ahead of Tuesday morning’s sitting of Parliament, Hilaire said the relocation, facilitated by the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA), has been guided by principles of “respect and consultation,” rejecting claims by the opposition that the government is not doing enough for the residents, all of whom are said to be squatters on government land.

“SLASPA is the entity responsible for the relocation. In the early part of the discussions, various options were being put forward. I’m compiling the data: how many houses exist, how many are occupied, how many families are affected—so we can get a holistic view.”

Hilaire emphasised that while the government remains committed to accommodating legitimate concerns, claims must be grounded in fairness and honesty.

“Any individual who believes the arrangement SLASPA has offered them is inadequate, I am prepared to sit with them,” he said. “We will not let anybody be disadvantaged. But someone who built a shack last December cannot now demand house, land, and a million dollars just because the opposition said so.”

The minister’s comments come after Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet suggested that Bananes Bay residents be awarded a house and land package, along with EC$1 million in compensation.

“That’s in effect what he said during his visit to the market,” Hilaire remarked. “But these kinds of statements aren’t grounded in reality or fairness.”

Hilaire, who also serves as MP for Castries South, urged residents to raise concerns directly with him rather than through the media or political intermediaries.

“You don’t have to go to the media and complain. I’m your parliamentary representative. Come to me and we'll solve the problems. That’s how we do it.”

The redevelopment of Bananes Bay forms part of a wider transformation of Saint Lucia’s cruise tourism infrastructure. The project includes the construction of a new fisherman’s village and upgraded port facilities, with relocation plans overseen by SLASPA and financial literacy training already underway for affected residents.