Sustainable Development Minister Honourable Shawn Edward says the government will appeal the ruling, with the objective of protecting the heritage site.
“There has been a ruling, it is the intention of the government to appeal. We are working with all international agencies we believe that can lend assistance to ensure the preservation of the world heritage site.” the Minister disclosed. He added that, “there’s a meeting in September and Saint Lucia will be represented at that meeting.”
According to The Globe and Mail Newspaper, based in Canada, the 3,500-square-foot home is owned by a senior Dollarama executive. According to the details from the developer’s expansion application, an additional 6,500-square-foot house to the initial development was being requested. Although the Developmental Control Authority had denied the developer’s application, the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court ruled that the D.C.A was wrong to do so.
In his 85-page ruling, Court of Appeal Judge, Shawn Innocent, urged the government to create laws for the protection of the island’s heritage sites, as oppose to only having guidelines. By relying on guidelines, Judge Innocent asserted, the D.C.A’s denial was unfair. “Saint Lucia may very well lose its standing as a World Heritage Site under the [U.N] Convention”, the Judge warned. Sustainable Development Minister Honourable Shawn Edward, however, asserts that the government is doing its best to protect Gros Piton, as well as other heritage sites. One major issue, he notes, is the private ownership of much of the lands around heritage sites.
“I think we’re doing the best we can to protect the heritage site. One thing you must take into consideration is that a substantial amount of the demarcated area that constitutes the world heritage site is privately owned.”
He clarifies, however, guidelines exist which govern the type of developments which may occur. “But that notwithstanding, we have guidelines in place guiding what can happen.” Edward says the government will continue working to protect the site from any evolving threats. “Our government is committed to do whatever is necessary within the confines of the law to protect the world heritage status”.
Former Sustainable Development Minister, James ‘Jimmy’ Fletcher has issued increased responsibility for both the government and the developer. He urges the government to enshrine guidelines governing these kinds of developments into law. “If we don’t allow someone to put up a family home adjacent to the Taj Mahal, why would we allow someone to do the same to the Pitons?” Similarly, Fletcher says the developers should find common ground with the government, and help protect the heritage site. “It’s incumbent on them to return to the government of Saint Lucia and say, ‘Okay, you know what, how can we correct this? We don’t want to be seen as unwelcome visitors.’” Citizens expressed their disapproval of the development by signing a social media-cirulated petition, which garnered over twenty thousand signatures.