A delegation from the British Caribbean Chamber of Commerce recently visited Saint Lucia and met with Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony and other members of cabinet.

PRESS RELEASE - The leadership of the British Caribbean Chamber of Commerce in Saint Lucia has held a series of meetings with government officials and business principles with the hope of seeing more investments out of the United Kingdom.

Meetings have been held with Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony who declared Saint Lucia open for business as green shoots of economic recovery were now evident here.

The Prime Minister gave the delegation an upbeat report on signs of economic growth and potential, while the BCCC Saint Lucia Chamber members expressed their optimism at increasing investment trends out of the UK.

In particular the meeting addressed the opportunities for Agro-Commerce and stimulating and reviving the under-utilised agricultural sector. Discussions were also held with Commerce Minister Emma Hippolyte and McHale Andrew, CEO of Invest Saint Lucia.

During discussions with Minister Hippolyte, Dr Ian Kelly raised the prospects of including Saint Lucian participants in future cultural events in the United Kingdom as a way of raising awareness of brand Saint Lucia.

GIS - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Port Services and Transport Hon. Philip J. Pierre said that the most recent road improvement project is expected to result in a sound and modern road network, with myriad benefits.

Speaking at a signing ceremony for the Choc Bay-Gros Islet and Secondary Roads Improvement Project, Minister Pierre indicated that upon completion, the project will enhance Saint Lucia’s investment climate, and result in substantial growth-inducing opportunities.

“This vision of a new, modern, resilient, and traffic friendly roadway from Castries to Gros-Islet was born out of a vision of the Hon. Prime Minister. The project proposes the rehabilitation of approximately seven kilometers of road, and the improvement of [several] secondary roads which will create new growth opportunities in the north and alleviate the traffic bottleneck,” he said.

“On completion, it will reduce traffic congestion in the busiest part of the island and will improve the environment for doing business in our country by reducing travel time. It will also improve the quality of life of our people.

“Government envisages a sound, modern road network that reduces travel time, while opening up large areas of land for future development.”

According to Minister Pierre, the government also anticipates substantial growth inducing opportunities, knowledge transfer, enhancement of employment skills and transfer of knowledge in the technology and construction industries.

He added that because road safety is a major priority of the Ministry of Infrastructure, traffic monitoring and data gathering devices will be installed to assist with remote monitoring of traffic, in order to improve emergency responses.

Other components of the project include the addition of two lanes from Choc Bay to the Gros Islet junction that will complement the already existing two lanes from Vigie to Choc converting the entire road into a four lane carriageway; seven overhead pedestrian bridges; the construction of roundabouts for junction improvements in congested areas; and filter lanes for improved traffic flow.

A public education campaign will precede the project, slated to commence by mid-2015, and expected to be completed by 2018.

CHINA POST - Taiwan has successfully helped the St. Lucian government to obtain its first ISO 27001 certificate by assisting its ally in establishing information security management systems and improving management standards, the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF) announced yesterday.

Speaking during a news briefing yesterday, Chen Ai-chen (陳愛貞), deputy secretary-general of the ICDF, said that St. Lucia’s government has been hoping to learn from Taiwan’s experience of e-government to build an electronic document system and improve the efficiency of its operations.

Previously, St. Lucian government departments generally communicated with each other through paper-based documents.

Chen said the ICDF has been working with the Computer Centre Ltd. of the St. Lucian government over the past year to enhance government efficiency by establishing standardization and systematization of public document storage systems and exchange mechanisms.

The ICDF also helped the St. Lucian government to introduce an electronic document system and establish document formatting and metadata standards, and assisted the St. Lucian government to convert processes involving paperwork into electronic processes and to integrate document exchange between ministries.

The assistance has been proven successful as SGS Taiwan Ltd., the largest verification, testing and certification organization in Taiwan, announced on April 13 that the Computer Centre Ltd. of the St. Lucian government has been granted the ISO 27001 certificate.

This is the first time a St. Lucian government unit has been granted the certificate.

The ICDF is a semi-official Foreign Ministry-funded nongovernmental organization responsible for international aid.

PRESS RELEASE - Five OECS Member States, Antigua and Barbuda; the Commonwealth of Dominica; Grenada, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have successfully launched a Multidimensional project on reducing poverty in the OECS.

The Government of Chile is funding the project top to the tune of EC$2.7 million dollars.

Addressing the launch at UN House in Barbados on April 30 2015, OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules noted that the multidimensional approaches to reduce and eradicate poverty will include a paradigm shift which gives respect and voice to the experience of the poor.

Expressing their commitment to the programme the United Nations Development Programme UNDP reemphasized why the move towards multidimensional approach to poverty reduction is essential, particularly given that income was the traditional tool for measuring poverty.

The launch of the OECS/UNDP Multidimensional Approaches to Poverty Reduction follows the signing of the two year project agreement between the OECS Commission, UNDP Barbados and the Government of Chile.

Youth and civil society organisations, ministers, permanent secretaries, a delegation from the government of Chile and representatives from the OECS Commission and the UNDP were part of the gathering at the UN House Barbados for the official launch.

The OECS Commission and the UNDP-Barbados office facilitated the April 30th 2015 event.

CFL volunteers with Police Officers and Grande Rivere School Principal.

In October 2014, a group of Super J IGA Unity in Community Volunteers collaborated with officers of the Babonneau and Gros-Islet Police Stations, carpenters of the NHC, teachers, and parents of the Grande Riviere Primary school and community volunteers to commence work on a Walk-Under Roof Project for the Grande Riviere Primary School.

This project will be officially unveiled to the public on Thursday, May 7th, 2015 from 9:00am during a school assembly at the Grande Riviere Primary School.

Super J IGA’s Unity in Community Programme continues to make its mark in communities cross Saint Lucia by providing financial support and voluntary services to projects geared at enriching lives and improving communities. The Programme was launched as part of CFL’s tenth anniversary celebrations. It places emphasis on community building through volunteerism.

Hewanorra International Airport. * SLASPA photo

CARIBBEAN JOURNAL – St. Lucia’s government is planning to allow its Hewanorra International Airport to be managed independently.

The country announced this week that a bill would be laid in Parliament to allow the airport to be run by an “independent entity” on the basis of competitive bidding.

“The Saint Lucia Government has plans to improve operations at the Hewannorra International Airport through a public/private partnership,” the government said in a release.

According to St. Lucia Governor General Dame Pearlette Louisy, the aim is to “ensure that redevelopment of the airport does not come at an unmanageable cost to the state.”

“Government is being assisted by the International Finance Corporation, an entity owned by the World Bank, in developing this framework,” Louisy said.

The proposed public-private partnership would “redefine the role of the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority,” she said.

“This approach will relieve SLASPA of some of their responsibilities while allowing the new entity to utilize SLASPA’s employees to manage and redevelop the airport without causing a strain on the public purse,” she said. “This will offer a greater level of service to the traveling public, and provide an international gateway that all Saint Lucians may be proud of.”

The newly-constructed Bois d’Orange Bridge. * Voice SLU

PRESS RELEASE - In the 2015/2016 Budget Statement delivered by Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony on Tuesday, May 12, 2015, several achievements of the Government of Saint Lucia in the area of infrastructure development were highlighted.

Dr. Anthony reported that number of roads, bridges and culverts were repaired or reconstructed and investments were made to improve the school plants in two constituencies.

In his address, the Prime Minister gave account of the activities of the Ministry of Infrastructure, noting that work had been undertaken across the island to rebuild vulnerable bridges and improve the safety of roads. According to Dr. Anthony,

“A major project completed and opened in 2014/15 was the Bois D’Orange Bridge, costing $9.25 million. This represents the most significant investment in upgrading the bridge infrastructure undertaken by this Ministry thus far. We also completed the implementation of its ALBA-funded Bridges Construction Project. Two major bridges were constructed, The De Mailly Bridge in Vieux Fort North and the ALBA Bridge along the Castries-Vieux Fort Highway at Grande Riviere, Dennery. Two other bridges extensively rehabilitated were the Rouane Bridge in Vieux Fort South and the Sans Souci Bridge in Castries. A new bridge at Derriere Morne was also completed as the previous structure was severely damaged by the Christmas Eve Trough of 2013.”

A significant investment in road infrastructure was made in the southwestern part of the island. Whereas the Vieux-Fort, Fiette and Morne Jacques roads have been completed, work continues on the Darban and Balcar roads. It is expected that these roads will be completed this financial year. The Prime Minister reported,

“During the last fiscal year, the Ministry of Infrastructure proceeded with the rehabilitation of critical roads in the south of the island using a Design-Finance-Construct Model.

Projects included the complete reconstruction of the Darban, Balca, Fiette, Morne Jacques Roads and roadside drainage works at Parke Estate. The rehabilitation of the Southwest Coast Road from its junction with the St Jude Highway to Clarke Street, Vieux Fort was completed.

These projects are being undertaken at a cumulative cost of $22.6 million. The future financial commitments of these projects were tied to the conclusion of existing DFC projects, ultimately ensuring that existing repayment obligations remained constant.”

The Prime Minister also informed that works are nearing completion on the Bocage-Chabot-Sunbilt & Entrepot Hill-Independence City Road Rehabilitation Project and should be completed this month.

In 2014/2015, $2.6 million was spent on the extension of the Micoud Primary School to accommodate students from the Micoud Infant School. The Canaries Infant School, which was damaged by the Christmas Eve Trough, is currently being rehabilitated through the construction of a new concrete block.

Slope stabilisation and road reinstatement works on Slides 6, 7, 9 and 10 along the Barre d’isle were also completed.

Hewanorra International Airport.

GIS - It was recently announced that the Hewanorra International Airport would undergo redevelopment through a Public Private Partnership (PPP).

The Hewanorra International Airport Redevelopment Project aims to execute infrastructural and operational improvements that will facilitate an expected increase in passenger arrivals and aircraft landings.

Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony, said the new framework will also allow for improvements in quality standards and adherence to international best practices.

“SLASPA  and  the  Government  of  Saint  Lucia  will seek  to  leverage  private  sector  investment  and  expertise through  a concession agreement which legally binds the private concessionaire to financing, constructing, operating and maintaining the airport for a specified period,” Dr. Anthony explained.

A 30-year plan has already been developed along with a diligence and transaction report, with assistance from the International Financial Corporation (IFC).

“The  IFC  has  advised  that  the  bidding  process  will  commence  this  month (May) and should conclude with the awarding of a contract by October 2015,” Dr. Anthony continued. “In line with the master  plan,  SLASPA  will  commence  as  early  as  June  2015,  a  program of initiatives  that  will  signal  the  start  of  the  redevelopment  of  the  airport,  but equally seeks to address capacity concerns and safety considerations.”

Independent senator Dr. Stephen King expressed support for the PPP.

“We need more of that kind of thinking that requires the knowledge that Gene Leon was talking about. We don’t always have to borrow to build. We can partner, mobilize private capital, and make it so.”

Senator King emphasized the potential of public-private partnerships in other sectors of the economy.

“In the health sector [it is] the same. A multi-national lab [is willing to] do a PPP with full state of the art equipment. It would be cheaper, and [will] give access to precision diagnostic medicine – in other words the genetic testing molecular testing that we need.”

The Hewanorra International Airport Redevelopment Project includes the realignment and extension of the runway turning bay, the construction of a new technical tower, and the development of an additional parking apron.

Hewanorra International Airport.

CJ- The bidding process for St Lucia’s airport redevelopment project is slated to begin this month, according to the International Finance Corporation.

The project will be undertaken through a public-private partnership, according to the government.

The project will include “infrastructural and operational improvements that will facilitate an expected increase in passenger arrivals and aircraft landings,” the government said in a release.

A 30-year plan has been developed for the airport, with help from the IFC.

“The  IFC  has  advised  that  the  bidding  process  will  commence  this  month (May) and should conclude with the awarding of a contract by October 2015,” Prime Minister Dr Kenny Anthony said. “In line with the master  plan,  SLASPA  will  commence  as  early  as  June  2015,  a  program of initiatives  that  will  signal  the  start  of  the  redevelopment  of  the  airport,  but equally seeks to address capacity concerns and safety considerations.”

Among the project’s features will be a realignment and extension of the airport’s runway turning bay, the construction of a new technical tower and an additional parking apron.

GIS - Efforts to advance land and urban management in the Caribbean region is underway, as the Caribbean Urban Forum (CUF) seeks to address specific policy issues with the Caribbean urban sector.

At the fifth CUF held on Wednesday, Minister for Physical Development, Housing and Urban Renewal, Senator Hon. Stanley Felix said urban development must be examined within the context of the island system.

“This examination must take into consideration factors such as our resource based population growth and distribution, social needs, housing status and employment demands,” he said. “Our urban centers must be responsive to the demands of the population as well as the desires of visitors and commercial opportunities. The success of our urban centers will therefore be measured by the number of persons who voluntarily choose the city as the best option to live work play and visit. This then brings us to the much focused area of land use planning.” Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Physical Development, Joanna Raynold-Arthurton highlighted the benefits of CUF5 to the Saint Lucian public.

“As the Ministry of Physical Development embarks on the launch of major initiatives such as the National Sight and Services Program, the revision of the 2007 National Land Policy, the development of the National Land Use Plan and the revision of the Draft Building Code, this forum creates opportunity for professional development for Saint Lucian planning professionals and students that will enhance their capacity to make more meaningful contributions. The forum will also set the stage for increased awareness and education of the public on the importance of land management and other land use planning issues.”

The theme for the CUF5 is “Island System Planning.” The theme takes into account the unique pattern of urbanization in the Caribbean, and the tailored solutions that are needed to address them.

Community Square.

PRESS RELEASE – The Ministry of Social Transformation, Local Government, and Community Empowerment in collaboration with the Ministry of Physical Development, Housing, and Urban Renewal and the parliamentary representative for Laborie, Hon. Alva Baptiste, recently held a presentation ceremony where plans for a park and market facility in Laborie were unveiled.

Ms. Juliana Alfred, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Transformation, gave the assurance of the Ministry’s support to the project and the importance of getting feedback from residents on the project design.

“Funds have been made available for this project, and today we are here for two basic reasons: the Ministry of Physical Development wanted to share its progress with the community; and we would like to get feedback on the project, whether it be through council or through the Social Transformation officers, on the way forward.”

The new park design has a stage at the front and a two story market building at the back.

Mr. Poyotte explained: “We plan to raise that building and create an upper floor. A restaurant will be placed on the upper floor and that same space can be used as a meeting area or recreational area. The market activities will happen on the ground floor within an open space.”

Minister Baptiste stated that the Laborie market is near to his heart and that the new design will be in sync with the historic architecture of the Laborie village.

“For a very long time now I have been asking for a new market and square in Laborie,” he said. “Now that I am in office I felt that it was time to make it happen. I believe in time all the buildings in Laborie will have a consistent architecture – one that will be in consonance with what is Laborie. I do not want the design to affect the scenic history of the Laborie village.”

Residents commended the parliamentary representative for the project.

“The old market was not good,” one resident said. “The roof was leaking. This is a good thing for the people of Laborie who have been asking for a new market.”

Construction on the newly refurbished Laborie Park and Market facility will commence during the 2016/ 2017 financial year. The project cost is EC$1,334,410. The presentation ceremony was held on Thursday, Aug. 6.

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PRESS RELEASE  – Moves are afoot locally to help protect and save lives of residents who may become at risk to intense flooding.

The possible loss of lives is a shocking reality for St Lucia and other Small Island Developing States (SIDS) that will be most affected by Climate Change, which will fuel a greater intensity and frequency of adverse weather systems like hurricanes and flash floods.

St Lucia`s Water Resource Management Agency (WRMA) within the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Energy, Science and Technology (MSDEST) is implementing an Early Warning System and Hydrological Monitoring for Water Management and Disaster Risk Reduction project, funded by the Australian Government.

There are three components to the project with one component specifically focused on enhancing meteorological and hydrological data collection, as well as establishing flood early warning systems in Castries, Anse la Raye and Canaries.

This component will utilize data captured by rain gauges and automatic weather stations. The data will be communicated via Very High Frequency (VHF) to a control station and will be monitored by staff of the Saint Lucia Meteorological Services (SLMS) and the WRMA.

When rainfall has reached a threshold to trigger warning for flood, the software from the control station will communicate to the siren via VHF to produce the audio alarm.

Two thresholds for flooding will be set: warning of possible flood; and flood evacuation. Over time, data from stream gauging stations will be analysed with rainfall data in order to improve the flooding threshold.

Community meetings with residents of Castries, Anse la Raye and Canaries are scheduled to take place between 24th August – 11th September to discuss the establishment of the Flood Early Warning and Siren Systems.

On Wednesday August 26, 2015 residents of Canaries are invited to join the discussion at the Canaries Community Centre from 6:30pm.

Consultations will be held with residents of Anse La Raye on September 3 & 24 at the Community Parish Hall from 6:30pm.

The Water Resource Management Agency within the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Energy, Science and Technology hopes to implement Flood Early Warning and Siren Systems in all flood valnurable communities around the island.

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PRESS RELEASE – The United Nations has sought the input of the people of Saint Lucia ahead of the formation of its upcoming agenda to provide assistance to the Caribbean region.

A National Consultation on the creation of the United Nations Multi-Country Sustainable Development Framework was hosted by the Government of Saint Lucia on Thursday September 3rd, 2015.

Hon. Harold Dalsan- Minister for Social Transformation, Local Government and Community Empowerment said “The representation here today from various government ministries, non-governmental organizations, civil society, faith based organizations and the private sector is very heartening. It is a testament of our commitment as a nation to address our developmental challenges as we seek to improve the lives of our people.” The Minister lauded the undertaking to build synergies among the Caribbean region’s countries who share very similar challenges.

Mr. Stephen O’MalleyUnited Nations Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the OECS said “In this region- although the United Nations has been present with a sub-regional office in Barbados for more than 30 years- The first United Nations development assistance framework for Barbados and the OECS was created in 2011 to cover the period 2012 to 2016.

So that document is still operative. As we reflected on the progress we have made with that document, as well as the challenges encountered, we looked across the region at the other 5 UN country teams serving the English speaking Caribbean. We examined the Development Assistance Frameworks we had separately created, and realized- just as the Minister stated- there are more commonalities than differences. ”

Mr. O’Malley said this presented an opportunity to combine efforts to embark upon the creation of the Multi-Country Sustainable Development Framework.

Minister Dalsan asserted that development should be an inclusive process that seeks to empower people to actively participate in nation building: “We must give people a voice- an opportunity to articulate their needs and aspirations, their hopes and dreams, and how they envision their country in the years to come. Too often, as development practitioners, politicians and technocrats, we believe we have all the answers and that we know what the people want. We can only know what they want when we have taken the time to actively engage them. ”

Participants of the consultation were asked to analyze and identify Saint Lucia’s main development challenges in the context of the UN’s post 2015 agenda and the proposed Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs.

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PRESS RELEASE – The Ministry of Social Transformation Local Government and Community Empowerment will be hosting a World Bank mission to St. Lucia from Tuesday September 15th to Friday September 18th 2015.

Representatives from the World Bank and UNICEF/UN Women are scheduled to be on island for a joint donor coordination meeting on Wednesday September 16, 2015 as part of activities during the mission week.

The objectives of the mission week are to bring all stakeholders up to date regarding the progress made towards St. Lucia’s Social Safety Net Reform and to chart the way forward by highlighting the next steps for the project.

In 2009, a Social Safety Net Assessment (SSNA) was undertaken, by Dr. Lorraine Blank for the Government of Saint Lucia. The Assessment served to evaluate the existing Social Safety Net programmes to determine whether they were indeed protecting the poorest and most vulnerable from multiple risk factors. The Assessment confirmed that these social interventions and agencies suffer from a number of constraints and challenges in protecting the poor and vulnerable.

This initiated the Social Safety Net Reform, the aim of this Reform has been to achieve minimum standards of living for the most vulnerable, guarantee systematic human capital investments, and promote participation in the labour market. The Social Safety Net Reform consists of two phases and the Ministry of Social Transformation, Local Government and Community Empowerment has taken the lead in executing the Reform.

Phase One of the Reform focuses on the consolidation and strengthening of the Social Safety Net Programmes and development of mechanics for improved efficiency and effectiveness.

Phase Two focuses on wider reforms for establishing a coherent and integrated Social Protection System, including social security.

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PRESS RELEASE  – Urban and social transformation professionals will this week participate in a Sustainable Cities Course exploring practical opportunities and advancements in sustainable cities.

The Government of Saint Lucia continues to recognise advancements in plans and projects for the sustainable development of the capital city, villages and communities around the island.

In fact the cities of the Americas are experiencing dramatic and accelerating changes. Significant demographic variations and technological advances are having an increasingly powerful impact on how people live in the region.

The Sustainable Cities course provides an integral overview of the different aspects that contribute to building sustainable communities, targeting different topics emanating from the First Summit on Sustainable Development in the Americas held in Santa Cruz de la Sierra in December 1996.

The four day course September 15 – 18, 2015 will provide theoretical and practical knowledge of the different elements that contribute to the development of sustainable cities to government officials and members of civil society involved in planning processes and urban development

The course will include theoretical presentations that combine the instructors’ inputs with student participation. Case studies will be presented and discussed in order to develop practical skills. In addition the course will combine theory with practical exercises in which the students will experience the content of each module applied to real life situations through lectures, readings, field trips group exercises and discussion.

The Sustainable Cities course is organised the Organization of American States (OAS), in partnership with the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Energy, Science & Technology and the Saint Lucia National Trust.

With a cadre of trained professionals this initiative will greatly support government`s agenda for ensuring a sustainable future for all.

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PRESS RELEASE – The Ministry of Social Transformation Local Government and Community Empowerment will be hosting a World Bank mission to St. Lucia from Tuesday September 15th to Friday September 18th 2015.

Representatives from the World Bank and UNICEF/UN Women are scheduled to be on island for a joint donor coordination meeting on Wednesday September 16, 2015 as part of activities during the mission week.

The objectives of the mission week are to bring all stakeholders up to date regarding the progress made towards St. Lucia’s Social Safety Net Reform and to chart the way forward by highlighting the next steps for the project.

In 2009, a Social Safety Net Assessment (SSNA) was undertaken, by Dr. Lorraine Blank for the Government of Saint Lucia. The Assessment served to evaluate the existing Social Safety Net programmes to determine whether they were indeed protecting the poorest and most vulnerable from multiple risk factors.

The Assessment confirmed that these social interventions and agencies suffer from a number of constraints and challenges in protecting the poor and vulnerable.

This initiated the Social Safety Net Reform, the aim of this Reform has been to achieve minimum standards of living for the most vulnerable, guarantee systematic human capital investments, and promote participation in the labour market. The Social Safety Net Reform consists of two phases and the Ministry of Social Transformation, Local Government and Community Empowerment has taken the lead in executing the Reform.

Phase One of the Reform focuses on the consolidation and strengthening of the Social Safety Net Programmes and development of mechanics for improved efficiency and effectiveness.

Phase Two focuses on wider reforms for establishing a coherent and integrated Social Protection System, including social security.

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PM Anthony and Taiwanese Ambassador to St. Lucia Ray H. W. Mou. Photos: Office of the Prime Minister.

The Government of Saint Lucia today received a cheque worth EC$9,837,886.88 which will go towards the second phase of 2015 Constituency Development Programme (CDP).

Out of this amount, EC$53,806.07 (US$20,015.65) is for purchasing a conference system for the House of Parliament, to replace the former one that was damaged by Hurricane Tomas.

Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony expressed his government’s gratitude to the people of government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and reiterated the benefits of the CDP.

Newly-appointed Taiwanese Ambassador Ray Mou said the CDP programmes have provided construction services to all 17 constituencies’ residents, such as concrete roads, footpaths, drainage and human resource centres.

“Since 2012, 480 various Constituency Development Program projects have brought benefits to the communities around Saint Lucia, including the creation of nearly 6000 opportunities of employment,” he added.

Ambassador Mou said he firmly believes that more and more people will benefit as a result of the meaningful cooperation programmes between Taiwan and Saint Lucia.

“I would like to emphasize, once again, our strong support to St. Lucia through mutual cooperative projects including the CDP will continue to create jobs for the people, bring benefits to the communities, and further strengthen the relationship between Saint Lucia and Taiwan,” he ended.

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PRESS RELEASE – The Ministry of Infrastructure, Port Services and Transport wishes to inform the general public that road repairs will commence in Cedar Heights on Thursday 3rd December 2015. These road repairs will last for a six (6) week period.

Consequently, residents and motorists are advised to pay attention to the warning and directional signs. Motorists are advised to drive with due care and caution.
The Ministry regrets any inconvenience caused.

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PRESS RELEASE – Residents of Fond Cacao in Babonneau were very grateful for the efforts of the Government of St. Lucia and the Ministry of Infrastructure, Port Services and Transport to provide improved road conditions in their small community.

Some of the residents who have lived there for as many as twenty years recalled that this was the first time that their road has been attended to since they have been residing in that community.

On Thursday 26th November 2015, the Ministry of Infrastructure, Port Services and Transport hosted a community meeting to discuss the imminent construction of one (1) km of concrete road and road furniture in Fond Cacoa, Babonneau. In attendance were (1) Parliamentary Representative Hon. Alvina Reynolds, (2) Permanent Secretary Mrs. Allison A. Jean and (3) Engineer of the Ministry of Infrastructure Ms. Mary Augustin.

Permanent Secretary Mrs. Allison A. Jean reminded the residents that the new road was being built to enhance access and motorability, and implored the residents to take ownership. She also informed the residents that there are more needs to be met than the available resources allows the Ministry of Infrastructure to attend to, and therefore, residents must assist in maintenance of what they are now receiving.

In addressing the residents, Parliamentary Representative Hon. Alvina Reynolds expressed on behalf of the residents’ her appreciation for this new road project. She clearly recollected that at her last Town Hall meeting with Fond Cacao Residents, the issue of the road was their main concern; and ever since she made strong representation to her colleague Minister to consider their request for rehabilitation of the road.

The residents expressed very favorable testimonials of the new road construction, from how they can now purchase a new vehicle, to hopes of seeing the Mini Buses returning to the community; they anticipate increases in property values and a means for improving their social and economic conditions.

Rehabilitation of the Fond Cacao road commenced on Monday 30th November 2015. The new road is built through a finance and build arrangement at a cost of $1.64 Million.

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PRESS RELEASE – The Ministry of Infrastructure, Port Services and Transport wishes to inform the General Public that road works for the rehabilitation of the Ciceron main road are expected to commence on Tuesday 8th December 2015.

Motorists and Pedestrians are asked to pay attention to the directional signs and drive with due caution. These road works will last for a period of approximately three (3) months.

The Ministry regrets any inconvenience caused as a result

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