Saint Lucia has officially launched its National Underwater Sculpture Park, marking a significant milestone after years of research, planning, and branding efforts.
Last weekend, a large crowd of Saint Lucians gathered for the grand opening at the Odsan Warehouse , in Odsan. The event featured a live exhibition that allowed attendees to view the sculptures up close, learn their stories, take photographs, and connect with a vital piece of the island’s history before it begins its new life beneath the waves.
The turnout on both Saturday and Sunday was remarkable. Attendees experienced moments of pride and reflection, particularly during the unveiling of a sculpture honoring Dame Pearlette Louisy- a ‘living heroine’ present at the event – as well as recognizing the families and representatives of Saint Lucia’s change-makers whose legacies are captured in these works.
Donalyn Vitae, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, shared insights into the Underwater Park’s features. “Our goal is to create high-breed reefs in a sustainable manner, recognizing the importance of this project on multiple levels,” she noted.
Vitae stressed the project’s objectives: to reduce pressure on existing reefs to facilitate rejuvenation, to create a major tourism attraction for Saint Lucia that will have a lasting impact, to generate livelihoods for local communities, and to develop a unique product that tells the story of Saint Lucia and its people.
She also reflected on the significant efforts that went into establishing the Saint Lucia Dive Festival and the first Underwater Wedding held on the island a few years ago. “The journey towards this Underwater Sculpture Park has been a collaborative effort by a dive committee and various agencies to promote the Blue Economy,” she stated.
However, she acknowledged the challenges faced in this endeavor, highlighting that since 2024, negotiations for the facility’s creation have taken place. Based on feasibility studies, it was determined that the structure would stretch from the Millennium Highway to Canaries.
The Ministry has branded the initiative as a “legacy project,” emphasizing that all Saint Lucians should contribute to its development.
To vividly portray Saint Lucia’s story, the Sculpture Park will be developed in three distinct parts:
– Part 1: A themed Dive Sculpture Park located at Anse La Verde, focusing on Saint Lucia’s history.
– Part 2: A Snorkel Park, also located at Anse La Verde, themed around the island’s culture.
– Part 3: A Dive Conservation Park at Anse Fere, Ciceron, which will also serve as an Underwater Observatory at Lookout Point.
The History Dive Sculpture Park in Canaries will measure approximately 65 feet by 365 feet and feature five galleries with 200 iconic sculptures. “Each piece tells a story,” Vitae added. “The park will convey a multitude of narratives that captivate visitors.”
Management and operations of the Underwater Parks will be overseen by community members from Anse La Raye and Canaries under the Canaries/Anse La Raye Development Authority.
Wayne Girard, MP for Anse La Raye/Canaries, acknowledged the broader implications of the project. “When we talk about tourism, we often focus on visitors, investment, and infrastructure, but it’s vital to ask how this development enhances the lives and livelihoods of our communities.”
He noted the importance of involving local fishermen, stating, “The Underwater Sculpture Park offers a unique opportunity to blend tourism, environmental protection, community development, and prosperity.”
Girard emphasized that the project’s true value lies not only in what visitors will see underwater but also in what is built above water and within the community, particularly regarding knowledge transfer and community ownership. “Our fishermen possess invaluable knowledge about the water, currents, reefs, and the changing marine environment,” he said. “They should be central to this development as custodians, guides, educators, monitors, and beneficiaries.”
Tourism Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire described this venture as “a journey of vision—starting with faith, moving through research, public consultation, design, fabrication, training, and ultimately leading to this remarkable opening.”
Prominent attendees at the recent event included Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, cabinet members, government officials, dignitaries, and representatives from local communities.
During the event, PM Pierre emphasized that the future of Saint Lucia’s tourism industry must center on its people, asserting that “the people must receive direct benefits” from tourism.
In on line post , highlighting the significance of this initiative, John Paul Estephane, Minister within the Ministry of Tourism, remarked, “This week marks an exciting new chapter in Saint Lucia’s tourism journey with the unveiling of the National Dive Sculpture Park.”
He expressed gratitude for the contributions of Tourism Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire and the dedicated staff at the ministry and the Government of Saint Lucia for turning this bold vision into reality.
Minister Estephane further emphasized that the National Dive Sculpture Park, set to be located at Anse La Verdue in Canaries, is part of a broader underwater corridor that will include a Dive Park, Snorkel Park, and Conservation Park.
He stated, “Created through collaboration among talented Saint Lucian artists and community members, these sculptures will embody our history, culture, and heritage beneath the waves, providing residents and visitors with a powerful new way to experience our nation’s story. This initiative represents another vital step toward diversifying our tourism offerings while celebrating the creativity, resilience, and identity of our people.”