Tourism Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire has provided an update on the Le Paradis project which for years now has been abandoned due to financing issues.
The minister, who met with the developers and other stakeholders on Friday, told reporters that “we’ve been very particular about it to make sure all stakeholders (are) on the same page.”
“We had a meeting with the DCA, Invest Saint Lucia, the Ministry of Tourism and the parliamentary reps for the area where we looked at the proposals that they put forth in terms of the development of the project. It was quite a lengthy meeting but we made sure we covered all aspects of it. The parliamentary reps can now go back and speak to their constituents,” Hilaire said, adding that the Development Control Authority (DCA) was updated on what was proposed “and the developer now will take it to the next stage.”
The unfinished resort, which is located in Praslin Bay, Dennery, has been an eyesore for years.
According to Hilaire, “it’s the loss of hope of what could have happened for those coastal communities so we’re very determined to work with a developer to make it real, but at the same time we’re equally committed to make sure that we observe all the necessary protocols and all the necessary precautions that will safeguard the area for what it is.”
Le Paradis, which was halted in 2008, was advertised as a luxury resort that would feature 286 units, a five-star boutique hotel, a world-class spa, marina village, a Greg Norman signature golf course, multiple restaurants, commercial centre, and kids club, amongst others.
But that vision is yet to manifest. Still, there is hope on the horizon.
“For us it’s a very critical project,” Hilaire said on Monday.
Les Paradis was only halfway in its first stage when it encountered issues.