The Government of Saint Lucia has secured the services of Nancy Laatunen, a Resettlement and Social/Gender Safeguard Specialist with over 40 years of international experience, to complete the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) for the Millennium Highway and West Coast Road Reconstruction Project (MHWCRRP).Â
Funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Ms. Laatunen will ensure international best practices are followed for residents and businesses affected by road improvements in the Cul-de-Sac, Marigot/Roseau Highway, and Anse La Raye areas.
“This project’s success hinges on properly addressing the needs of affected residents. Ms. Laatunen’s expertise will help us turn disruption into opportunities for improved living conditions,” said Amos Hippolyte, MHWCRRP Project Manager. “This specialized expertise also ensures that the resettlement process adheres to the highest international standards while respecting local conditions.”
Ms. Laatunen brings extensive experience from her work in 61 countries across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. She has completed over 100 assignments for major international financial institutions including the World Bank and various development banks.
“The Resettlement Action Plan is designed to ensure fair compensation and livelihood restoration for all affected persons, with special attention to vulnerable groups such as female headed households, elderly individuals, persons with disabilities, and low-income families,” Ms. Laatunen explained. “Our goal is to ensure that no one is left worse off due to the project, and where possible, to enhance living conditions through thoughtful relocation planning.”
The Project Implementation Unit is working closely with Ms. Laatunen to engage affected communities, particularly vendors along the project route who will benefit from improved facilities including better kiosks, parking, and sanitary amenities at their new location.
The Resettlement Action Plan is expected to be finalized by the end of May 2025. Implementation will then proceed according to the approved plan. The Government of Saint Lucia is committed to ensuring that all project affected persons receive fair treatment and appropriate compensation as the US$43.3 million road project advances.