PRESS RELEASE – OPPOSITION Parliamentarian for Castries South, Dr. Ernest Hilaire, has called on the Allen Chastenet Government to be transparent and involve the Parliamentary Representative for and the people of Castries South in any development plans for the constituency.
Dr. Hilaire noted that the Prime Minister’s Office issued a press release which indicated that ambitious development plans have been completed for the Banannes Bay area. The MP noted that the press release said that the Prime Minister made the announcement at a meeting in Banannes which was attended by officials. It was also announced that members of the public will witness a gradual transformation of that area in the coming weeks.
Dr. Hilaire is strongly supportive of any intention to redevelop the Banannes Bay area, having announced during his campaign in 2016 that this was a priority area for the Saint Lucia Labour Party, if re-elected. However, he is advising the Government to include the families, fisher-folk and business-people who will be affected in any project conceptualization and implementation.
The MP says it is totally unacceptable that as Parliamentary Representative he has not been informed nor consulted in any way on the project. It is even worse that the people to be most affected have not been consulted nor included in any of the planning for the improvements.
The MP appeals to the Government and Mayor of Castries not to be dismissive of the people as any sustainable development must be for people and with people. Dr. Hilaire further notes that sustainable development is best achieved when Government and officials approach projects without the arrogance and disdain that is shown in this case.