Infrastructure and Ports Services Minister Shawn Edward has pledged that Saint Lucia will receive a new Hewanorra International Airport, a $121 million upgrade to Port Castries and the groundwork for a new container port at Cul De Sac before the end of the Saint Lucia Labour Party’s current term in office.
Addressing supporters during the Saint Lucia Labour Party’s fifth anniversary victory rally at the Castries Market Steps on July 30, Edward said the Hewanorra International Airport Redevelopment Project remains on schedule and will be delivered before the Government’s term expires.
He disclosed that construction of the airport’s new control tower is already 90 percent complete, while additional works under the Civil Aviation Technical Cooperation Programme (CATCOP) will include runway rehabilitation, drainage improvements and upgraded equipment and facilities for airport firefighters.
Edward also said the redevelopment project will create employment opportunities for residents in Desruisseaux, Micoud, Vieux Fort, Laborie and Choiseul as construction progresses.
The Minister also announced that Government has signed a $121 million contract with a Dutch company to improve infrastructure at Port Castries.
However, he acknowledged that the island’s main port has reached the point where it can no longer efficiently accommodate both cargo operations and cruise passenger traffic because of increasing demand.
To address that challenge, Edward revealed that Government has already sought parliamentary approval to finance a feasibility study for the construction of a new container port at Cul De Sac. The proposal would relocate container operations from Port Castries, allowing the existing facility to focus primarily on cruise tourism.
Edward attributed the growing demand on the island’s port infrastructure to increased economic activity and confidence in the country’s economy.
He also defended the Government’s performance, urging supporters to judge political parties based on what they achieved while in office rather than political rhetoric.
The Minister said the administration remains focused on delivering its development agenda and infrastructure commitments before the end of its current term, adding that continued public support strengthens the Government’s resolve to implement projects aimed at improving the lives of Saint Lucians
