Global Ports Holding (GPH) continued its engagement of local cruise and tourism sector leaders recently in a series of follow up meetings regarding the Saint Lucia Cruise Port Project.
In late 2022, executives from GPH initiated discussions with key industry partners about their intentions to enhance and expand port facilities in Castries and Soufriere.
Last week, consultations continued as the company presented its final drawings for the future of both destinations to participants for review.
Representatives of the Saint Lucia Craft and Dry Goods Vendors Association, Taxi Association, tour operators, fishermen, residents and vendors of Bananes Bay, the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association (SLHTA), St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Invest Saint Lucia, Soufriere Marine Management Association, Soufriere Regional Development Foundation, Soufriere Fishermen's Co-operative, and vendors of Baron's Drive attended the discussions and shared feedback.
Dr. Sean Matthew, GPH Business Development Advisor, commented on the discussions. "The feedback that we received in these meetings was critical to moving the project forward because the consultative process is a two-way dialogue. Our focus through this partnership with the Government of Saint Lucia is to invest in people, which cannot be done unless the people have their say. Now that we have presented the new renderings to many of our industry partners who will be directly affected by our plans, and responded to their feedback with updated drawings, we believe that the result will be the best version of the project for everyone involved."
"Upon approval by the Government of Saint Lucia, we will share the renderings publicly," he added.
Noorani Azeez, CEO of the SLHTA commented that, "The sentiment generally from our members is we sincerely do applaud this initiative and it really does have the blessing of the SLHTA."
The President of the Vendors Association, widely known as Ras Ipa, also explicitly stated that, "All we want to see right now is for this project to start. This improvement is very much needed, and the vendors association welcomes this project with open arms." He further added, "I don't want to shut my eyes and not see this project happen. What's appreciated more about this project is the whole consultation with the stakeholders meeting up with everyone and speaking to everyone, having everyone putting in ideas, so this approach is appreciated."
Global Ports Holding looks forward to creating a positive, sustainable partnership with the government and people of Saint Lucia through a 30-year port management and cruise tourism development agreement. GPH currently manages 27 ports in 14 countries.
SOURCE: Global Ports Holding Plc . Headline photo: Mr. Peter 'Ras Ipa' Isaac (second from right), President of the Saint Lucia Craft and Dry Goods Vendors Association, looks on as a member of the audience shares feedback about the Global Ports Holding project renderings.
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