Prime Minister Pierre’s Lack of Confidence in Saint Lucians: A Critique of Port Castries Deal

Saint Lucia’s, Prime Minister Philip J Pierre has chosen to hand over control of Port Castries and the Soufriere waterfront to a foreign developer for a staggering 30 to 40 years. This decision not only undermines the hard work and dedication of Saint Lucians who currently manage these vital ports but also reflects a troubling lack of confidence in the capabilities of local talent.

The Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) has long been entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing the operation and management of Port Castries and other key ports in the country. The men and women who work tirelessly at SLASPA have demonstrated their commitment to excellence and their ability to effectively manage these critical infrastructure assets. Yet, Prime Minister Pierre’s decision to relinquish control to a foreign developer sends a clear message that he lacks faith in the capabilities of Saint Lucians to manage their own ports.

Furthermore, the terms of the deal with the foreign developer are cause for concern. By granting control of Port Castries and the Soufriere waterfront for such an extended period, Prime Minister Pierre is effectively locking Saint Lucia into a long-term agreement that may not be in the best interests of the country or its people. The financial implications of this decision are significant, with the developer set to earn millions of dollars in revenue annually at the expense of Saint Lucians.

What is perhaps most troubling about Prime Minister Pierre’s approach is the missed opportunity to invest in and empower Saint Lucians. Instead of outsourcing control of Port Castries and the Soufriere waterfront to a foreign entity, the government could have chosen to invest in training and capacity-building initiatives for local staff at SLASPA. By providing Saint Lucians with the necessary resources and support, the government could have fostered a culture of excellence and innovation within SLASPA, ensuring that the ports are managed efficiently and effectively for years to come.