Strong resistance continues to mount against a proposed quarry development near Anse Cochon, as residents and key stakeholders warn of serious environmental, economic, and social consequences if the project proceeds.
At the second town hall meeting, held on April 14th, Anse La Raye residents overwhelmingly rejected the proposal, raising concerns over pollution, threats to marine life, and the potential destruction of livelihoods tied to tourism and fishing.
An individual close to the project, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the consultation with residents was a follow up to one held in October 2025, aimed at engaging a wider cross-section of residents. However, the outcome remained unchanged.
“The general consensus is nothing different to what we heard at the first meeting…there is strong opposition,” the source said, noting that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process is nearing completion and will soon be submitted to the Development Control Authority (DCA) for a decision.
Residents who attended the meeting described chaotic scenes as emotions ran high and frustrations boiled over.
One resident, who asked not to be named, said the meeting was “packed,” with widespread opposition from villagers. “There was noise, confusion, and strong objections. People are worried about dust pollution, water contamination, and the destruction of the marine environment,” the resident said.
Another resident directly challenged claims by consultants that mitigation measures would be effective.
“They said silt traps would be put in place to stop runoff into the rivers and sea. But CO Williams was there for so long and nothing was done, and now you want us to believe that?” the resident said.
The resident added that similar developments have already devastated marine life in community.
“That is why the waterfront is dead. You can’t get octopus, you can’t get lobster, you can’t get fish there anymore, and the same thing will happen in Anse Cochon.”
Business owners in the area also voiced firm opposition, warning that the quarry threatens the very foundation of the local tourism economy. “There is no debate as to whether we want this quarry or not, the answer is no,” one businesswoman declared. “We’ve already seen what quarries have done in Anse La Raye. We cannot allow that to happen here again.”
Last year, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Investment and Creative Industries Ernest Hilaire publicly expressed concerns about the proposed quarry development, highlighting the significance of Anse Cochon Bay as one of Saint Lucia’s premier dive sites and a proposed location for one of the island’s underwater sculpture parks.
Other residents questioned the long-term accountability of developers, citing past experiences with abandoned quarry sites. “Where are the plans to rehabilitate the land?” one irate resident asked. “We’ve seen quarries shut down and leave lasting damage. Why should we trust that this will be any different?”
The Saint Lucia Hospitality & Tourism Association has also strongly objected to the proposal. “The project, if approved, poses an imminent and irreversible threat to responsible tourism development, the livelihoods of hundreds of Saint Lucians, and the fragile marine ecosystems that underpin our island’s sustainable tourism model,” the association stated.
The Development Control Authority has confirmed receipt of the application but stressed that no approval has been granted at this time.
As the EIA process moves toward completion, residents say they remain firmly opposed, warning that approval of the quarry could cause irreversible damage to both the environment and the island’s tourism-driven economy.
