This follows the Opposition’s request for better clarity on the GPH Port Redevelopment Project, describing the arrangements as a “secret deal”, despite the many disclosures by both the Prime Minister and the Minister for Investment.
The Opposition’s queries and the government’s responses are listed below:
OPPOSITION QUERY: “I have always known that from the time SLASPA was established or that the port has been in operation, we have the port police who is responsible for manning the gates at the ports, and security.”
GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: In keeping with the SLASPA Act 13 of 1983, SLASPA remains responsible for all official points of entry, including Port Castries. This responsibility does not change under the new agreement. The SLASPA Port Police Department retains security oversight for Port Castries and will ensure compliance with the prescribed International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) requirements.
OPPOSITION QUERY: Joseph says new information suggests that there will be joint management of gate operations and security between the two entities and questions whether security services of local ports will be handed over to a foreign company.
GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: SLASPA, through the Port Police, has the right to secure and control access via all access gates, including Gate 1 at Faux a Chaux and Gate 2 near La Place Carenage. GPH security responsibilities will be specific to La Place Carenage and the proposed Fishermen Village at Banannes Bay, focusing on the safety of cruise passengers within these areas.
OPPOSITION QUERY: The Deputy UWP Leader calls on Prime Minister Pierre as Minister for National Security to clarify the role of GPH in regard to the country’s port security to avoid any future risk.
GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: GPH has no role in any matters related to national security. As required by the SLASPA Act, the Port Police Department, through its Chief of Port Police, will oversee all port-related security and will interface with the Commissioner of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force accordingly. This arrangement will not change as part of the agreement with GPH.
OPPOSITION QUERY: Joseph also highlights another major concern, noting that the MOU states, Global Ports Holding will be responsible for providing water to cruise ships.
GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The agreement in Saint Lucia does not include the provision of water to cruise lines. The existing arrangements for water provision will remain unchanged.
OPPOSITION QUERY: He continues to share the responsibilities taken up by GPH as per the MOU, some of which he acknowledges will need further clarification, including the disposal of garbage.
GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The Government of Saint Lucia (GoSL) has moved beyond the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and has signed a Concession Agreement with GPH. Under this agreement, GPH will collect the USD 1.50 environmental levy on behalf of the GoSL and will remit this levy to the Solid Waste Management Authority.
OPPOSITION QUERY: “Electricity provision will be that of GPH. Why not LUCELEC? Isn’t LUCELEC the sole provider of electricity for sale in Saint Lucia?”
GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: GPH does not anticipate the need to provide shore power to cruise lines at Castries Sea Port. Any further development or interest in this regard will first be discussed with LUCELEC and will require approval from the Government of Saint Lucia (GoSL).
OPPOSITION QUERY: According to Joseph, the reconstruction of the Vendor’s Arcade is also included under the responsibility of the GPH, and questions whether or not the intention is to remove the current vendors following the arcade’s redevelopment.
GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: As part of the agreement and port development investment by GPH, the vendor's arcade will be redesigned to elevate the overall product and destination experience. However, the management of the arcade will remain the responsibility of the Castries City Council (CCC), which will retain authority over decisions regarding vendors within the facility. Additionally, the CCC will collect and own all rental revenues from the vendors.
Earlier this month, the Government of Saint Lucia and GPH executives held a ceremony to mark the commencement of GPH cruise port management services at the Castries Waterfront.