Prime Minister Chastanet Returns From Overseas Trips

Prime Minister Allen M. Chastanet returned to Saint Lucia on Monday, September 5, 2016, following a series of meetings overseas.

In August, the Prime Minister travelled to the People’s Republic of China at the invitation of major investor and Chairman of Desert Star Holdings Limited, Mr. Teo Ah Khing. Desert Star Holdings signed a Framework Agreement with the Government of Saint Lucia in July for the estimated US$ 2.6 billion investment project “Pearl of the Caribbean” that is earmarked for Vieux Fort.

Accompanied by Chairman of Invest St Lucia, Mr. Pinkly Francis, the Prime Minister had the opportunity to gain insight into DSH operations and plans for other developments such as the one intended for Saint Lucia as well as meet with joint venture partners.

The Prime Minister also visited the Republic of China (Taiwan) in August along with Minister in the Ministry of External Affairs, Sarah Flood-Beaubrun. The two met with officials in Taiwan to discuss areas of mutual benefit. The Prime Minister and Minister Sarah Flood-Beaubrun also met with St. Lucian students studying in Taiwan.

“The students are in very good spirits,” said Prime Minister Chastanet. “We were pleased and impressed with their level of sophistication and know that they are learning skills that will benefit Saint Lucia in the future such as the areas of medicine and engineering.”

Prime Minister Allen Chastanet then proceeded to Canada where he had further meetings with potential investors. Overall, the Prime Minister said that the discussions and meetings over the last few weeks have been essential to ensuring Saint Lucia is attracting the right investors and is working with countries such as Taiwan to ensure continued collaboration.

On his return to Saint Lucia, the Prime Minister got back to business by meeting with his Cabinet of Ministers on Tuesday.