By Reginald Andrew
Port Castries, Banannes Bay and Port Soufriere have not been sold by the Government of Saint Lucia to Global Ports Holding or Saint Lucia Cruise Port (SLCP).
“We do not own these facilities; we are stewards and tenants for the people and government of Saint Lucia,” said Lance Arnold, General Manager of SLCP.
Saint Lucia’s cruise ports are set to undergo a transformative multi-million-dollar redevelopment, marking a significant step forward for the sector.
The Saint Lucia Cruise Port (SLCP) and Global Ports Holding (GPH), have officially broken ground on this ambitious initiative, which encompasses Port Castries, Banannes Bay, and Port Soufriere.
“This is the beginning of an exciting new chapter in Saint Lucia’s maritime story,” Arnold declared during the sod-turning ceremony last week.
He emphasized, “This ceremony represents a bold declaration of intent, signaling progress toward a vision of inclusive growth, meaningful partnerships, and comprehensive transformation within our cruise tourism sector.”
He reiterated that SLCP’s role is to manage with integrity, facilitate purposefully, and support the realization of a more dynamic cruise industry that benefits everyone. The developments are specifically designed to benefit Saint Lucians, including vendors, tour operators, taxi drivers, and artisans.
In 2023, the Government of Saint Lucia, the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA), and GPH (Saint Lucia) Ltd. signed a 30-year concession agreement granting GPH responsibility for financing, developing, managing, and maintaining cruise infrastructure at Castries and Soufriere.
This agreement focuses on enhancing the visitor experience and maximizing local economic participation.
Arnold highlighted that Pointe Seraphine, Berth 1, will be upgraded to accommodate Oasis-class vessels—among the largest cruise ships in the world—allowing Saint Lucia to meet the increasing global demand.
“This project is aimed at future-proofing our port to match the evolving needs of the cruise industry,” he stated. Additionally, a new tender jetty will be constructed near the Vendor’s Arcade to improve safety and efficiency for ships anchoring offshore.
Enhancements to the boardwalk between Pointe Seraphine and the Arcade will include vital lighting and safety upgrades.
The now-demolished Customs Building in Castries will clear the way for a new public space that connects La Place Carenage, the Arcade, and city streets, promoting seamless flow between the port and the city while fostering economic activity.
“The Vendor’s Arcade will undergo a complete transformation, not a mere refurbishment,” Arnold asserted, emphasizing that it will serve as a cultural gateway, showcasing Saint Lucian creativity.
This new space will offer visitors an authentic introduction to the essence of Saint Lucia. The Castries City Council (CCC) will manage operations here.
A bold vision also includes redesigning Banannes Bay into a Fishermen’s Village, featuring restaurants, kiosks, restrooms, picnic areas, and a slipway—driven by community input from local fishers and stakeholders.
In Soufriere, the waterfront will be revitalized with a new amphitheater, retail kiosks, pedestrian greenways, and improved berths.
Arnold stressed that this development is not only for cruise days; it is intended for evenings, weekends, and for both locals and tourists alike. “This initiative is for a Soufriere that thrives long after the last ship departs,” he stated.
“Our commitment is to ensure these improvements primarily serve Saint Lucians, including licensed taxi operators, tour guides, boat operators, and vendors. They are the foundation of our vision, not an afterthought,” he said.
Mehmet Kutman, GPH Chairman and CEO, announced that the development phases will commence in Soufriere, specifically at Baron’s Drive, and expressed confidence in completing construction by next July, barring unforeseen disruptions.
He stressed that GPH’s investments aim not just to beautify Castries or Pointe Seraphine, but importantly, to enhance relations with visitors coming to Saint Lucia.
Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre acknowledged GPH’s confidence in undertaking this project, despite criticisms. He asserted that the project’s primary objective is to develop the ports without imposing additional debt on the people of Saint Lucia.
In addition, Prime Minister Pierre stated that the port development project will provide Saint Lucia with increased “global exposure” and will feature “a modern complex and facilities.”
SLASPA’s General, Daren Cenac, described the project as “a testament to a shared vision and a celebration of strategic collaboration, renewing our commitment to elevating Saint Lucia’s cruise tourism sector to world-class standards.”
He added, “The benefits of this Public-Private Partnership (PPP) extend beyond what is immediately visible. SLASPA has reduced its debt exposure, creating the fiscal space needed to address national infrastructure needs, particularly our upcoming berth rehabilitation project aimed at improving cargo operations.”
Beyond the sod-turning ceremony, Cenac stated emphatically, “We are turning a new page in the evolution of our cruise industry and in the broader narrative of our nation’s growth.”
Cenac continued, “Let us not just build ports, but also platforms for prosperity, community, and future generations.”
While construction timelines and projected economic impact figures have not yet been released, officials assert that community engagement will remain a central aspect throughout the development phase.