Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has dismissed claims from Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet that the government sold the Constitution Park for $1.00.
At a recent public forum hosted by the United Workers Party (UWP), Allen Chastanet claimed, “Do you know that the government of Saint Lucia sold Constitution Park to the Trinidadian contractors for $1.00?” in reference to the company managing the Halls of Justice (HOJ) project.
The Prime Minister in response stated, “Selling land is not comparable to buying a pair of shoes at S&S.” He noted that anyone selling land must be a registered owner in the country’s Land Registry, and the ownership of Constitution Park can be readily confirmed there.
“Anyone who sells land in Saint Lucia must register it, including the Crown,” he asserted clearly at a pre-cabinet meeting on Monday.
Concerning the HOJ project, which might require land expansion into the nearby Constitution Park area, the Prime Minister revealed that the government is in discussions to obtain the former Adjodha property lands. He noted that conversations had already occurred with the church regarding the relocation of the building from its original site near the Cathedral in Castries.
He recalled that the parties had come to an agreement that the HOJ structure would be built “in the area occupied by the old Court House …and I do not intend on getting involved in any argument with the Catholic Church.”
He explained that following discussions with the Catholic Church, the decision was made to move the building further away, which may result in the use of the Adjodha lands where Gaiety Cinema once stood.
“If we acquire the Adjodha land that will be an asset of the State, adding another valuable piece of real estate to Saint Lucia,” Pierre asserted.
Regarding Constitution Park, PM Pierre emphasized plans to develop an open ‘Green space’ in the area, possibly transforming it into a national park filled with trees and lush greenery.
In addressing Chastanet’s assertions regarding the park’s sale, Housing Minister and MP for Castries Central, Richard Frederick, emphasized that “a sale of land must be accompanied by a deed of sale.” He explained that in order to sell land, it is necessary to obtain a land register, which includes important information such as the property description, block and parcel number, and the owner’s details.
Frederick presented a copy of the Land Register document and stated, “As of March 24, 2025, the property (Constitution Park) is invested in the Crown, so it is unequivocally absurd to claim that Constitution Park was sold for $1.00.”
He emphasized, “This government has not sold Constitution Park. It remains in the Crown’s ownership, meaning it is still owned by the government and people of Saint Lucia, free of any incumbencies.”
In response to concerns regarding the closeness of the HOJ structure to the Catholic Church, he emphasized that following thorough discussions with clergy and stakeholders, the government is dedicated to creating a project that promotes a harmonious atmosphere, taking into account the perspectives and wishes of everyone involved.