As November 1st and the opening of the 2024-2025 tourism cruise season approaches, concerns are growing in St. Lucia’s Mecca of Tourism. The Soufriere Waterfront, severely damaged by Hurricane Beryl in July, remains unrepaired, sparking worries about the potentially devastating impact this could have on the local economy and tourism industry.
Tourism, the main engine of the island’s economy, is the lifeblood of Soufriere, with thousands of people benefiting directly from the industry, including taxi providers, sites and attractions operators, tour operators, tourist vendors, restaurants, hotel employees, Airbnb properties, and site and attractions operators. Additionally, thousands more benefit indirectly, including farmers, fisher folk, shopkeepers, and local businesses. The Soufriere Foundation, a quasi-government organization, manages three of the four jetties and derives an annual income of approximately EC $500,000 in fees from their use. The jetty operation directly employs approximately 25 individuals, and the rehabilitation of the waterfront is vital to their livelihoods and the organization’s viability.
This year, Port Soufriere is expected to receive 37 cruise calls, including private luxury cruises, starting with the Royal Clipper on November 3rd and ending with the Emerald Sakara on April 6th, 2025. Furthermore, thousands of pleasure boat tours and party boat rides will take place throughout the year, all of which rely on the jetties for safe and efficient disembarkation of passengers.
However, with only one jetty in partial operation, (more than half of the structure was washed away by the waves created by the hurricane) and the other jetties out of commission, these vessels will be forced to find alternative and potentially unsafe means of disembarking their passengers. The Soufriere Foundation’s revenue will be significantly impacted as it will lose a substantial percentage of the income derived from fees collected for the use of the jetty facilities. Many boat tours will have no option but to beach their boats on the sand at Soufriere Beach Park. This practice is not only unsafe but also environmentally damaging. Beach landings belong to a bygone era in Soufriere. During the previous administration, this issue was effectively addressed through the renovation and operationalization of all the jetties in Port Soufriere, ensuring a safe welcome for visitors arriving by sea.
Hence, the reason why It is imperative that the government comes clean on this situation and takes immediate action to address the concerns of the affected stakeholders. The government must consult with all stakeholders to plan the way forward and ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out promptly. It is important that the government consults with all stakeholders and not just a select few, as it has done in the past. The people of Soufriere demand transparency and accountability from the government not more fancy talk and lip service.
It Is important to note that the government’s inaction poses a significant concern not only for the local community but also for the island’s reputation as a premier tourist destination. Destination Saint Lucia cannot afford the public liability or negative publicity that may arise from negligence on the part of the authorities. Many stakeholders are anxiously awaiting updates from the authorities regarding the status of Port Soufriere, and they seek clarity on the role and responsibilities of Global Ports Holdings (GPH) in this area.
A key question is whether GPH is partially or fully responsible for maintaining the infrastructure, such as the jetties, in Port Soufriere. Additional inquiries include the terms and conditions of the 40-year lease between GPH and the Government of Saint Lucia. The Parliamentary Representative for the constituency has referred to this agreement as a “secret deal,” a characterization that has raised eyebrows and fueled speculation about potential reasons for concealment, as well as concerns regarding the clandestine nature of the arrangement.
The designation of 2024 as the year of Infrastructure by the government only adds to the frustration and disappointment felt by the people of Soufriere. A government that promised to put the people first would have been more proactive in being transparent and open with the people. It would have prioritised the rehabilitation of such an important piece of infrastructure. A piece of infrastructure that is so vital to the socioeconomic well-being of the entire community. The people of Soufriere and the wider Saint Lucian community demand answers and action from the government.
The rehabilitation of the Soufriere Waterfront is not only a matter of economic importance but also a matter of public safety. It is time for the government to take responsibility and ensure that the necessary repairs are expeditiously carried out to avoid further delays and risks to the users and to the community.