Minister for Local Government and Parliamentary Representative (MP) for Central Castries Richard Frederick is confident that the upcoming cruise season will deliver significant economic benefits for the newly refurbished Serenity Park.
Strategically located adjacent to the Sans Soucis bridge, Serenity Park is recognized as a sanctuary for relaxation and reflection, providing an escape from the daily hustle and bustle.
At a formal opening ceremony last Friday, Frederick highlighted the impressive upgrades to the facility, which now includes an amphitheater, changing rooms, a standardized fountain, and new vending booths, among other enhancements.
During a media briefing on Monday, Frederick outlined how Serenity Park is ready to enhance the tourism offering as the country anticipates a robust cruise ship season.
“Serenity Park was established around 14 years ago and opened in 2011. While it has always been a safe space, it required substantial upgrades to fulfill its potential,” he stated.
He announced that, beyond the Castries Constituency Council (CCC) mandate, a dedicated Committee will be established to oversee the maintenance and promotion of Serenity Park.
Minister Frederick emphasized that Serenity Park was designed to host weddings, with the Gazebo serving as a venue for ceremonial events. This committee will also focus on promoting the park and elevating its profile to attract a wider audience.
Frederick emphasized the significant potential of this facility: “This government is committed to enhancing our tourism product as tourism is vital for our foreign exchange. We must ensure that what we offer to visitors and locals is of the highest quality.”
“Serenity Park is one of the first experiences visitors encounter upon disembarking from the port. It complements the newly-built Anchorage, which embodies beauty and artistic flair,” he added.
He also mentioned the recently opened Jeremie Street Plaza, which features upgraded facilities.
“The government is dedicated to crafting a comprehensive environment that encourages visitors to spend money, generating economic activity within the tourism sector that benefits local vendors and taxi drivers,” Frederick stated.
He revealed that reports indicate this year is poised to be the largest in terms of cruise arrivals in history. “We must create an environment that ensures our visitor experience is memorable, effectively turning them into enthusiastic advocates for our destination,” he noted.
Frederick insisted, “We are committed to creating an exceptional visitor experience, and I have directed the city police to ensure a strong police presence in Castries during peak cruise arrival times.”
He disclosed that the CCC has sourced 200 new CTV cameras, collaborating with the Saint Lucia Small Business Association (SLISBA) to provide these cameras to businesses within the Castries basin for enhanced crime management and detection.
At last Friday’s re-opening ceremony at Serenity Park, Castries Mayor Geraldine Lendor-Gabriel articulated a clear vision for the management and promotion of the venue. She asserted that although the facility occupies limited space, they have successfully created an environment where the community can gather, school children can engage with nature, and artists have a dedicated platform to perform and express themselves.
“This event signifies more than just the opening of a park; it represents the opening of new possibilities. The hosting of events like Junior Jazz demonstrates what can be achieved through more frequent programming at the park,” she stated.
Mayor Lendor-Gabriel concluded, “We have established a vibrant stage for the community and an environment that enables artists to shine.”
R.A.