Two major projects likely to remain intact

According to a press release on HTS on December 15th by the Minister of Infrastructure, we learned that the team appointed to review the HIA Terminal have apparently concluded and submitted their findings. The Minister further indicated that the plans created by the former administration appeared to have met the expectations of the current administration.  The Minister further reiterated that on completion of the project, St Lucia will be well poised to handle the ever-growing increase within the tourism sector.

The decision not to stop the project is most heartening at a time that most nations in the region are currently enhancing their terminal facilities.  This way St Lucia will not be left behind.  One worrisome comment by the Minister was the possibility of Government revisiting the concessionary arrangement which means that St Lucians capable of manning that section of the project could be undermined and sidelined. One of the reasons for embarking on these facilities was to give some one hundred St Lucians the opportunity of integrating themselves into the tourism industry.

It is also our understanding that the report of the advisory team for the Rodney Bay Roundabouts and road expansion have been completed and the project is likely to recommence in January 2022.  It is a pity that we St Lucians were not able to have the project completed by December 2021, but I guess, satisfying various egos appeared to have taken precedence over economics which is indeed sad when additional costs come at a very high price.  Unfortunately, there has been no word on the three housing projects which was stopped at a time when the construction workers could well do with some work and revenue during this time of the year.  This decision along with the stoppage at St Jude Hospital has placed hundreds of workers on the breadline.

These unfortunate decisions have registered at most of the various financial institutions and which has been most noticeable in the last thirty days.  With the presence of the new Omicron virus, we must remain vigilant from both a medical and economic standpoint as the last drawback we need at this time are further lockdowns.  Further, there is no better moment than now in reminding all St Lucians to get vaccinated for their own benefit and the benefit of their friends and families.  Some two days ago, the UK government took drastic action by way of appealing to all its citizens to stay away from office, work from home and party at home over the season.  This was a rather unexpected decision when all looked so promising for a gratifying Christmas, but this only shows the unpredictable times we dwell in, consequently, we must do all in our power to live sensibly and do our part by way of valuable contributions both politically and as citizens of our country.