That is the essence of the theme for this year’s Independence anniversary: Douvan Ansanm – building a nation through unity, resilience and creativity,” remarked Prime Minister Pierre in his address to the Saint Lucian diaspora in the United Kingdom.
The Prime Minister, who was out of state since May 16th, concluded his two-week-long travel itinerary in London, to meet with Saint Lucians by birth and descent.
In London, he gave the diaspora an account of his Administration’s management of the economy, highlighting crucial development projects currently in the pipeline.
“There is local confidence in our economy and there is international investor confidence in Saint Lucia. You here, in Britain, should therefore not be hesitant to participate in the economic opportunities in Saint Lucia or be afraid to return to our island home,” assured Pierre.
Key to this “international investor confidence” is the total investment figure of XCD 4 billion to date, with brand new hotels being constructed, the landmark GPH Port Redevelopment Project and the Year of Infrastructure.
The GPH Project has received much criticism from the Opposition, which claims that the government has sold Port Castries and the Soufriere Waterfront.
At the Gala, the Prime Minister sought to clarify.
“Contrary to what is being propagated by the Opposition, I want to assure you that Port Castries and Port Soufriere have not been sold and remain public assets under the management of the respective port management agencies.”
According to statistics from the Air and Sea Ports Authority, the year-round Cargo operations of Port Castries generate about 90% of SLASPA’s revenue. Per the agreement, Cargo operations will remain under the full control of SLASPA.
GPH will be in charge of the seasonal Cruise operations at the Port, which generates about 10% of SLASPA’s revenue. GPH has also agreed to pay SLASPA’s outstanding loan balances of USD 20 million.
The developers will lease both Port Castries and the Soufriere Waterfront for 30 years, after which they will return to the control of the government.