Micoud North MP and Minister for Home Affairs, Jeremiah Norbert, used his contribution to the 2026–2027 Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure on Wednesday, March 25, to outline a series of initiatives aimed at increasing economic activity in his constituency.
A central issue raised was the limited tourism flow into Micoud, which he argued has long been overlooked despite heavy movement of visitors across the island. Norbert noted that “95 percent of tourists commute from south to north and have absolutely no reason to stop in Micoud,” adding that “the time to change this is now.”
As part of efforts to address that gap, he pointed to community-based tourism initiatives such as Jazz en Vierge, which continues to attract growing interest. Inviting the public to the April 26 staging featuring reggae artiste Luciano, Norbert said the event is one that “you can really only appreciate… by experiencing it,” while indicating that the constituency is being positioned as a space for community-driven tourism.
Beyond tourism, Norbert turned to agriculture and fisheries, describing Micoud as a key agricultural area while acknowledging the need for stronger support systems. He said that while “the passion is still there,” increased inputs and incentives are necessary to help farmers improve their yield.
In fisheries, he outlined ongoing and planned investments, including a jetty, washroom facilities, and an ice machine for Micoud Bay. Assuring fishers that the project is nearing completion, Norbert urged them to “exercise a little more patience,” noting that the ice machine will soon be fully operational.
At the same time, he raised concern about the long-delayed Praslin fisheries facility, stating that “a decade later, we have not been able to open it,” and warning that it is becoming an eyesore that requires urgent attention.
He also highlighted the ongoing impact of sargassum on fishers and seamoss farmers, pointing to the need for equipment to be stationed along the east coast to better manage the issue.
On infrastructure, Norbert referenced rehabilitation works in La Pointe and Vieux Wallet, alongside drainage and river clearance projects. Pointing to improvements already made, he remarked that “the nicest concrete road you have in Saint Lucia right now is at Wallet Wing Road,” noting that residents now have better access to their homes.
However, he acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly along Mamiku Road and New Extension Road, where he said conditions are still poor and, in some areas, difficult to traverse.
Norbert also pointed to allocations for slope stabilisation, river management, and repairs to the Micoud Post Office, indicating that these works form part of broader development efforts within the constituency.
In the area of education, he called for upgrades to the Micoud Secondary School and suggested that it be renamed in honour of former MP Louis George. He maintained that he is “not willing to have the school named in its current condition,” stressing that any such move must reflect a standard befitting of the former parliamentarian.
He also raised concerns about the Mon Repos/Paix Bouche Combined School, noting that the institution currently lacks both a crest and a defined identity.
Turning to his ministerial responsibilities, Norbert highlighted increased funding for the Saint Lucia Fire Service, including support for resilience projects, new fire stations, and training initiatives.
At the Bordelais Correctional Facility, he outlined measures aimed at rehabilitation and improved operations, including Family Day programmes designed to support reintegration. Emphasising the importance of these initiatives, Norbert said that “prison is not necessarily the end of the road.”
He also referenced efforts to address contraband smuggling and reduce operational costs through agricultural activity within the facility.
In social development, Norbert pointed to continued support for persons with disabilities, including the establishment of a prosthetics centre, as well as funding for autism services, the National Council of Persons with Disabilities, and the Deaf Association.
He concluded by describing the budget as a guide for national development, stating that it represents “a statement of direction, not just where we are, but where we are going.”
