St Lucia Gov’t inks deal for $47 Million (ECD) renovation to Cruise Ports

By Sherrica Thompson

Staff Writer

#St.Lucia, October 29, 2022 – The St. Lucian government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with one of the world’s largest independent cruise port operators, Global Port Holdings (GPH), to undertake the enhancement of two of the country’s waterfronts, the Castries Harbour and the Soufriere Waterfront.

The project, which is valued at an estimated EC$47 million, will see Port Castries being able to accommodate the world’s largest cruise ships. Also, the reimagined Soufriere Waterfront will feature enhanced docking facilities and new retail spaces for local vendors.

In speaking at the signing ceremony on October 20, the Chairman of GPH, Mehmet Kutman, said he hopes to complete the project by 2024.

“Honourable prime minister, it’s my personal promise assuming we sign the concession in January 2023, I’ll finish everything by 2024,” Kutman said.

Phillip J. Pierre, Prime Minister of St. Lucia said he is happy that both parties are developing the partnership, noting that he wants his country and people to benefit from the project.

The completion of the enhancement project is expected to lead to a rise in passenger volumes to over one million in the medium term, according to GPH.