Government has an ambitious agenda to upgrade and enhance the functions of the island’s air and sea ports for both commercial and non-commercial purposes.
The Minister for Infrastructure, Ports, Energy and Labour, Hon. Stephenson King,
spoke recently about government’s intention to improve Saint Lucia’s ports.
“We do have the responsibility for ports, and this government has a very ambitious agenda to continue its program which was started in 2006/2007,” Minister King said. “We intend to improve and redevelop the Hewanorra International Airport, to upgrade the George F. L Charles airport, and also to enhance and redevelop Port Castries both as a commercial and tourist port.
“But most significantly, we intend to assess the potential of Port Vieux Fort as a commercial port, and also the potential for expansion to a tourist port within which there will be transfers of passengers from the airport to cruise ships for cruises.”
Additionally, the minister commented on the critical role and responsibilities allotted to his ministry. The minister said his aim is to ensure that all aspects of the ministry’s portfolio are addressed proactively, methodically and efficiently.
“My mandate calls for a comprehensive review of where we are, ongoing programs, ongoing projects, and also a realization of the commitment of this new government to grow the economy, to be able to design the necessary programs and engineer these programs in response to economic growth on the island. So it is one that calls for not halting, but proceeding with the existing agenda, and at the same time, for a review in order to reposition ourselves to respond effectively and efficiently to this new government’s agenda.”
Hon. Stephenson King said the ministry has a duty to respond to and satisfy the needs of the people.
