One longstanding issue for citizens has been finding adequate space on beaches during peak cruise arrivals. The Minister says the hope is to have both visitors and locals use the beaches without impeding the other. Other issues related to the beach experience in Saint Lucia will also be tackled, he explained.

“We’ll be taking a very special look at the beaches especially on cruise days, when we have about two or three giant cruise ships and you can imagine what happens on [our] beaches. We’re going to try to manage them better because our locals want to use the beaches, guests at hotels want to use them and at the same time you have hundreds of cruise passengers also wanting to use that same space,” Dr. Hilaire remarked. The Minister says the overcrowding experienced can dampen the beach-going experience.

“The NCA has been asked to take a look at the beaches and to manage them in a way which makes sure everybody can get space to enjoy themselves,” the Minister revealed.

Part of the beach management agenda, he added, is the redevelopment of some of the island’s seashores. “We are going to be redeveloping some of the beach sites to expand the options that are available. It’s also an opportunity for our local entrepreneurs to earn some money - those who sell drinks on the beach, the barbecues, the vendors. The more beaches we can develop the better it will be,” Hilaire said.

Another addition coming to beaches are lifeguards and toilet facilities.  “[Lifeguards are] something the NCA wants the capacity to do. Moving forward with developers we are going to make it a requirement that they have lifeguard services,” he said. Over the past week, there have been four reported drownings across the island, with the latest one being a Soufriere woman.

Hilaire added, “We are very close to [implementing toilet facilities]. We are finalising the designs for Reduit Beach. It’s something that we have to do and we’ll definitely be moving ahead with it, so you should see some action in this regard early next year.”

According to the Minister, these upgrades are to ensure the comfort of both locals and visitors.