SLASPA- Beyond Air and Sea!

Issue 28 | 06 July, 2019

SLASPA

Beyond Air and Sea! 1

Port Call on Sod Turning HIA Redevelopment Project The HIA Redevelopment Project: Ready for Take Off!

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Pointe Seraphine Berth One Extension Opens

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03. Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority

04. Remarks by Hon. Stephenson King Minister of Infrastructure, Ports, Energy and Labour

06. General Manager (Ag) Remarks 08. The HIA Redevelopment Project: Ready for Take Off!

10. Fixed Base Operation for HIA 11. Shopping and More!

12. Pointe Seraphine Berth One Extension 14. News Bites

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SLASPA

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he critical role that seaports and airports play in developing a nation’s economy is often overlooked and sometimes misunderstood as many think of Port Authorities as mere regulatory bodies, or even mere entry and exit points of persons travelling. While these are both important, airports and seaports are also vital gateways for developing local business and consequently they are pivotal to the local economy and critical to the nation’s financial health.

Without the existence of well managed and developed airport and seaport facilities, sustained economic growth cannot be achieved. To cite examples, the Tourism industry which is the main foreign exchange earner is heavily dependent on good airport and seaport infrastructure, so is the Customs and Excise Department, one of the lead agencies for collection of state revenue.

In addition, several local businesses depend directly on the airports and seaports, these would include shipping companies, brokers, airlines, trucking companies and ground handling companies to name a few. Beyond the airport and seaport perimeter, other companies that rely on the ports would include supermarkets, clothing stores, construction companies, manufacturers and other companies involved in importation or exportation of goods or facilitation of travelers.

The Saint Lucia Air and Seaport Authority (SLASPA) is a statutory body mandated to manage and develop the island’s air and sea-ports (in Vieux Fort and Castries) and their attributing facilities such as the berths at Pointe Seraphine and La Place Carenage. SLASPA has embraced the role of contributor to the nation’s financial health fully, through the development of well-defined operational objectives and future business development initiatives.

The economy in which ports operate is constantly evolving, and as such, demand will continue to grow.

SLASPA has therefore positioned itself to meet those demands through communication, world class customer service, employee development, technological advancement and meeting the demands of an ever developing world economy.

In this issue of “Our Saint Lucia” we take a look at the role of SLASPA, the ports, their services and some of the recent developmental plans as the trajectory for Economic Growth is positive for Saint Lucia, both in terms of demands in tourism as well as greater efficiency from importers and exporters. So travel with us at this port of entry for a snapshot of SLASPA.

Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority

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Mission Statement

Affiliation

o maximize air and sea-borne traffic and related services through safe and efficient operations, performed by a highly motivated work force contributing to the sustainable, social and economic development of Saint Lucia.

SLASPA also works closely with the Saint Lucia Tourist Board and the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association to mount effective marketing campaigns for the island of Saint Lucia

Overview The Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) was established by an Act of Parliament in 1983, it is responsible for running the island’s two principal seaports, Castries and Vieux Fort, and the George FL Charles and Hewanorra International Airports, as well as the smaller points of entry: Soufriere, Marigot and Rodney Bay Marina. SLASPA also manages the duty free facility La Place Carenage.

Operating from modern headquarters in Castries, SLASPA was created out of the merger of the Saint Lucia Ports Authority with the Airports Division of the Ministry of Communications and Works. This merger has created a unique position for the island by providing avenues to generate initiatives to maximize the assets held in its name and offer value-added services to its clientele.

The organization is managed by a wellqualified team headed by a General Manager who reports to a Council appointed by the Government. Its mandate is defined as the provision of coordinated and integrated systems of airports and seaports.

Under Shipping Act No. 11, 1994 SLASPA established and houses a Maritime Affairs Unit, for the purpose of the licensing of ships, matters relating to the safety of crew at sea and for matters incidental thereto. Consequently, it is charged with ensuring the highest quality of services at its air and sea gateways.

Our Core Business SLASPA handles approximately 600,000 tonnes of cargo, facilitates over 800,000 travellers safely lands 40,000 aircraft and berths over 1000 vessels per year. To put it into perspective, everything Saint Lucians and visitors eat, wear or drive from foreign markets and the inputs or machinery needed for local manufacturers actually comes through one of the ports of entry managed by SLASPA. Similarly SLASPA plays an integral role in the export of locally produced goods to foreign markets. With such an important role, SLASPA ensures that Saint Lucia’s ports of entry are well managed and has therefore invested heavily in service delivery over the past few years.

Products and Services SLASPA diversified its investment portfolio with the construction of La Place Carenage, a fully air-conditioned, duty free shopping mall featuring a mix of shopping, dining and entertainment overlooking the Queen Elizabeth II Dock and the Castries Waterfront. La Place Carenage was further expanded in 2004.

Another success story for SLASPA has been the CIP (Commercially Important Persons) Lounge at the Hewanorra International Airport.

SLASPA also manages a Ferry Terminal which caters to the growing number of Ferry passengers from Martinique to the island.

SLASPA is also in charge of Moule A Chique and Vigie Lighthouses. Moule A Chique is reported to be the second highest lighthouse in the world and Vigie Lighthouse boasts a 360 view of the north of the island and surrounding environs.

Our People SLASPA’s largest investment is in its human resources, and we take a keen interest in the well-being of the total person. In 2015 the SLASPA established an Employee Wellness Programme; employees are given the opportunity to participate in a diverse set of seminars facilitated by various professionals.

Employees are encouraged to be a part of many post work activities. SLASPA also invests in the children of its employees as they can be a part of the annual Scholarship Program.

Staff motivation and morale are important and SLASPA does not fail to award its well deserving employees.

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Hon Stephenson King speaking at sod turning ceremony

S od Turning HI A R edeve lo pme n t P r oj ec t Rem arks by Ho n ou ra b l e St ep henson Ki ng Ministe r for I n f rast ru ct u re, P orts, En ergy and L abou r at HI A R e d e v e lo pm en t P roject sod t u rni n g.

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oday’s sod turning ceremony is an activity which signifies the continuation of that journey which started in 1941 when the United States Government, activated Bean Field as it was called then, with the mission to defend Saint Lucia and the Panama Canal against enemy attack. At that time the airport was being used by the United States Air Force sixth Air Forces during World War II, as a military air field.

Later, following its closure in 1949, the former Air Force base was refurbished and converted into a commercial airport called Bean Field airport.

amenities to facilitate international air traffic and aviation.

That was the year of Saint Lucia’s D-day - development day, which saw the establishment of the East Coast highway, the Vieux Fort industrial estate, the Vieux Fort Sea Port, Hewanorra International Airport and the largest international hotel at the time Halcyon Days Hotel, now converted to Coconut Bay Resorts.

Bean field airport served Saint Lucia as its sole connection international air commercial infrastructure, primarily facilitating airlift between the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Saint Lucia.

Since 1974, Hewanorra International Airport has undergone many improvements mainly to its terminal building, particularly in 1993, when Vieux Fort was declared the new frontier. At that time, the vision of Sir John Compton was redefined; his commitment to build a stronger nation reinforced and his determination to transform this country was demonstrated indeed.

However, as our father of the nation father of independence Sir John Compton set his sights on the horizon, with his vision of building the country’s economy on the tripod of agriculture, manufacturing and tourism, the need for a more modern international airport was more than necessary. In 1971 with grant funding from the Government of Canada, Bean Field was redeveloped, with a new modern terminal building, resurfaced runway and airport control tower, together with aeronautical

Today’s activity is a continuation of the journey started by Sir John and reminiscent of his vision of a brighter, modern and progressive independent nation, playing its part on the world stage. Today is also a momentous day for the Government and people of Saint Lucia. This sod turning ceremony marks the culmination of a very lengthy and meticulous process, years of identifying our shortcomings, considering our challenges, and charting towards a new and efficient alternative. We are at the

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Hon. Stephenson King, President of the Legislative Yuan of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Honourable Su Jai-Chyuan and Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet

transit point of take-off, as we continue on the journey of yet another leg into our future.

The road has not been an easy one as we have experienced our fair share of setbacks and interventions, but thankfully we are here at this desirable stage, and it is with heightened anticipation, the Government, SLASPA and the People of Saint Lucia look towards this new reality, the Hewanorra International Airport Redevelopment Project. The Hewanorra International Airport Redevelopment Project commenced over a decade ago as part of the vision of this administration.

As the county continues to make steady progress, our facilities need to be augmented to suit the ever present and ever growing demands of the economy, to better serve our people. It is therefore mandatory, that we improve the levels of services afforded the populace, ultimately benefitting us all, but most importantly the thousands of visitors who annually grace our island to be inspired by our beauty and immerse in the true hospitality which define us as Saint Lucians.

Over the years we have managed to cater to the needs, maintain the required local and international standards of the aviation sector, through the diligence and competence of SLASPA. With that being said, we are also cognizant of the domino effect, which are magnified by our illustrious tourism product and we acknowledge that in

order to continue to compliment those needs, investments must be made in our infrastructure. This fact has been further personified through consistent growth of tourism arrivals for the past ten years, in both air and cruise ship arrivals particularly in 2017 and 2018.

Now is the opportune time for such investment in air and sea ports infrastructure. As a responsible Government, we have invested in the cruise sector with the expansion of Berth number 1 at Pointe Seraphine, and the proposed ultra-modern cruise ship home port facility in Vieux Fort soon to be commissioned.

The upgrading of the Hewanorra International Airport will not only advance our capacity for aircraft but will also depict how we say hello.

In this the 75 year of operating as a commercial facility, coinciding with our fortieth year of Independence, what better time to introduce such a national economic development project, a facility that defines our maturity as an Independent nation.

Once complete, Saint Lucia can boast an airport facility that will stand apart and rival even, the more recent in the entire Eastern Caribbean, as we venture into transforming the blue print into a masterpiece. Government envisions this project as an ideal one for the town of Vieux Fort, its neighbouring districts and communities but also to the wider populace of Saint Lucia. With this

redevelopment, Saint Lucians, will have an opportunity to work on a world class project, enabling them to utilize the skills and apply their trades.

It would be remise of me if I were to end this address without highlighting the significant role played by our genuine loyal and trusted international friends from the far east, the Republic of China on Taiwan. For the most part of Saint Lucia’s diplomatic relations with Taiwan, Saint Lucia has benefitted tremendously from grant funding from Taiwan, in education, health, youth development, sports, agriculture, science and technology, community development and now in a much greater way through their import/export bank, the financing of the airport redevelopment project, road infrastructure, schools and housing.

Taiwan I must admit is a true friend and to the President Tsai Ing-wen and Ambassador Douglas Chen, Saint Lucia says thanks and promises you that it is all greatly appreciated.

I would like to commend the staff of SLASPA, the airlines and the airport community particular the council, for their requisite competence while working through the challenges at this airport. I pledge that I, along with my ministry will offer our unwavering support in ensuring that this project comes to fruition and I anticipate that at its completion, our final product will be regarded as the envy of air transportation in the Caribbean, one to be proud of and to behold.

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HIA

Redevelopment Project Remarks

BY DAREN CENAC, GENERAL MANAGER (Ag.) – SLASPA

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his is an exciting day for TEAM SLASPA. It is particularly important for our southern team at the Hewanorra International Airport and by extension our valued partners within the airport community at HIA. Ladies and Gentlemen, on behalf of the Ports Council and Management, I would like to publicly thank them for their contributions over the years, in ensuring the effective and efficient operation of our current facility, despite the many existing challenges. Our staff I describe as miracle and magical employees. You see, the aviation industry operates with a myriad of ever-changing safety and security standards and protocols governed by local, regional and international bodies.

Our team has endeavored to ensure that HIA operates and functions to these industry defined standards. This project will address the technical and physical infrastructure challenges that currently exist as well as improve the customer experience for anyone entering and leaving our beautiful country.

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Overview of the HIA Redevelopment Project The HIA Redevelopment project, proposes a master plan developed with a 30-year lifespan that will complement the trajectory of the global travel and tourism industry, as well as our national economic outlook. To satisfy this, it will encompass the three critical components of an aviation facility that together make it an airport.

Following numerous reviews, consultations and discussions with aviation industry experts, and considering the existing space and land use, this new facility will move west from the existing location to the end of the disused runway. This new green field location will facilitate a world class airport infrastructure with available land for future expansion. The Hewanorra International Airport Redevelopment will incorporate the airside; terminal building, landside and road infrastructure and traffic management systems.

by their Miami, Florida office. Their understanding of the industry and the demands of the aviation sector, coupled with longstanding relationship with SLASPA which spans over a decade, makes the architectural firm ideal for this project.

On the airside, we plan on introducing a new taxiway, which will connect a new parking apron to an improved turning bay.

This addition will significantly reduce the wait time for both arriving and departing aircraft. Still on the airside, we will construct a new air traffic control tower, replacing the current structure which was constructed in 1971. It will be equipped with the latest aviation technology, and will completely alleviate the many challenges experienced by our air traffic controllers and Aeronautical Information Services (AIS) team. A revamped airfield will add up to six new parking aprons that would cater for multiple aircraft types all served by passenger boarding bridges.

Overall, we are poised to realize a more efficient airfield operation at our new HIA. With a new two-storey modern terminal building measuring approximately 337,000 sq. ft., the new terminal at HIA is expected to rival that of our regional counterparts, maximizing efficiencies and providing the ultimate customer experience in keeping with IATA/ACI airport service quality standards. We will significantly expand the retail, food and beverage, and sitting areas throughout Departures. The plan for Arrivals is to equip the baggage claim area with four new baggage carousels in a spacious customs hall, which will be connected to a fully air conditioned meet and greet area.

The car park and ground transportation system is a major component of this project. We propose to more than double the parking stalls to what currently exists, and in collaboration with the Taxi Association, we will revamp the existing dispatch and ground transportation system. The planned road network, will join with the road network presently

under construction by the Government of Saint Lucia. With this, we envisage simplifying the access to and from our new HIA.

FUNDING The proposed redevelopment project is estimated to cost 175 million US Dollars.

The structured financing package is one of the most competitive available in the market and is procured in two tranches, the first, 100 Million USD with a 5 year moratorium on principal payments, an interest rate of 12 month LIBOR plus 1.5% and a 20 year tenure. The second tranche in the amount of 75 Million USD is expected to be on terms that are similarly competitive.The model used allows for the full payment ofthe debt service required using the allocated airport development charge, with no financial pressures on the previous operating cash flows of the Authority. These financial terms allows for full build out of the facility.

Project Time Frame We envisage delivering on this project within a timeframe of approximately 30 months. To achieve this, we have put in place what we believe is an effective project team. We will work towards ensuring that this project is delivered on time and within budget. This is a premise on which SLASPA is founded, one that our management team and staff continue to deliver on.

Project Design & Construction This project is designed by the CBRE| Heery Incorporated and will be managed

As part of the loan guarantee agreement, the Overseas Engineering & Construction Corp (OECC) under a government bilateral, cooperation agreement and contract will construct this project.

We know OECC to be a professional construction company founded by the Overseas Investment & Development Corp. (OIDC) in 1997. This Taiwan based OIDC was established in 1995 in response to the Republic of China Taiwan government’s call to assist with the enhancement of the government’s bilateral and diplomatic relationship towards fulfilling its international obligations. OECC has a reputation throughout the region in delivering projects within budget and on schedule.

Assisting SLASPA with the oversight of this project is Executive Consulting and Management Services (ECMS) under the direction of Dr. Sean Matthew who will providecoordination of all services and functions for the project. Dr. Matthew, a distinguished son of the soil, assumes this role as an experienced executive with an extensive background spanning over 35 years in engineering, port management, business development, legal and finance matters.

On behalf of team SLASPA, I would like to express profound gratitude to the Government of Saint Lucia for acknowledging our request and for the loan guarantee towards realizing this new phase. Honorable Su Jia-Chyuan, please convey our gratitude to Her Excellency President Tsai Ing-Wen and the Government and people of the Republic of China (Taiwan) for financing this very important project. Your friendship and assistance in that way is significant to us transforming how we say hello to the world. Finally, I wish to thank the SLASPA team who worked diligently, in putting this event together. I wish to acknowledge your efforts and hard work in making today possible. Your support is recognized and deeply appreciated.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to close by pledging SLASPA’s commitment to delivering a new HIA that we will ALL be proud of, connecting people, partners and the world.

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The HIA Redevelopment Project:

Ready for Take Off!

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he final deliverables for the HIA Redevelopment Project will consider a significantly improved airside and airfield operations that will involve new taxi ways and a brand new air traffic control tower that elevates well beyond 100ft. The creation of the new airport terminal increases the total square footage from 110 376 to 337,000 approx ; the designs of which is inspired by our very own national plant-the calabash-and the lushness of our rain forest that is central to the design.

The masterplan extends to the landside, which involves an upper ramp road system to departures, as well as a larger car park which opens to a new road network, currently being constructed. With this 30 year masterplan, the new HIA facility will allow Saint Lucia to boast one that will stand apart and rival even the more recent in the entire region.

Overall, the new airport will: • • • • • • •

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Serve as a modern gateway Enhance passenger and airline expectations Meet international aviation protocols and standards Underpin broader macroeconomic development goals Develop a state-of-the-art facility that synchronizes with the growing tourism industry Resolve gate inflexibility for embarkation & disembarkation Accommodate wide body aircrafts and address insufficient apron parking

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Modernise the archaic tower & technical block Provide apron/airfield development for older generation aircrafts Provide dual taxiways to feed runway system and to alleviate bottlenecks Modernize Air Traffic Control tower with state-of-the-art equipment and technology Improve airfield operations

Why NOW? • • • • •

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Case for this investment: HIA has outgrown improvement of 1993 and is not sustainable over the long term.

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The trajectory for Saint Lucia’s tourism industry for the next 15 years suggests a positive growth The island needs world class air transport infrastructure that will serve as a modern gateway Passenger and airline expectations are increasing Urgent need to have a facility that meet international Aviation protocols and standards.

Facility that underpins broader macro-economic development goals of the Government of Saint Lucia.

Not meeting airline and passenger expectations can negatively affect tourism.

Develop a state of the art facility that synchronizes with the growing tourism industry.

Current HIA infrastructure does not support its customer experience aspirations and requires urgent upgrade to meet prescribed industry standards.

The Government of Saint Lucia remains committed to developing Saint Lucia • •

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Government has particular focus on creating opportunities for the people of Vieux Fort.

This development in particular is expected to bring in jobs during its construction phase and will also allow for skills transfer Opportunities for future generations.

Completion of the La Resource Road

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Fixed Base

Operation for HIA

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SLASPA signs agreement for FBO

he Saint Lucia Air and Seaports Authority (SLASPA) in May of 2019 signed an agreement to set up a Fixed Base Operation (FBO) at the Hewanorra International Airport (HIA).

This is the result of a process, which commenced three years ago, and will complement the proposed master plan for HIA. The new fixed-base operation at HIA will raise the service profile of the airport.

Caribbean aviation services provider I.A.M. Jet Centre Group has been selected by the Saint Lucia Air and Seaports Authority (SLASPA) to establish the FBO at Hewanorra International Airport. I.A.M.—which operates IS-BAH Stage 2-registered facilities at Barbados, Jamaica, Grenada, and Tortola—currently coordinates private aircraft handling and fuel services through the HIA commercial terminal.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Chairman Paul Worrell, expressed his excitement in collaborating with SLASPA and adding value to the local aviation industry.

“I.A.M. Jet Centre Saint Lucia is very pleased to team up with SLASPA and the local tourism industry to create a remarkable experience for travelers arriving and departing. Saint Lucia is known for its lovely accommodation, natural beauty and beaches and our intention is for our presence at HIA to accentuate the island as a prime destination. We are particularly pleased that our timing coincides with the commencement of works towards a new modern commercial terminal facility. The two projects will take Saint Lucia tourism to a whole new level,” Worrell said.

SLASPA’s Acting General Manager Mr. Daren Cenac said: “The construction of the new facility is part of a 30-year master plan that will create several opportunities for Saint Lucia. This is particularly true for the tourism and travel industries, specifically providing a unique experience for premium class passengers”.

Construction of this project is geared to be completed at the end of 2019.

The facility will consist of a 7,000-sq-ft terminal with dedicated in house customs and immigration processing, premium lounge spaces, meeting room, crew rest area, and security screening.

Cruise Sector Training

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he Saint Lucia Tourism Authority in May collaborated with the Ministry of Tourism, Invest Saint Lucia and the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority to ensure continuous enhancement of the island’s cruise tourism product.

A record 760,306 cruise passengers visited Saint Lucia during 2018, owing to an expansion of Berth No. 1 at Pointe Seraphine, which allowed Port Castries to accommodate Vista-, Quantumand Freedom-class vessels. With 2019 projecting to be an even greater year for cruise, the aim is to ensure that onshore businesses deliver to international standards.

Training participants

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On May 7 and 8, 240 officers, ranging from onshore businesses to the health sector, convened at the Bay Gardens Hotel for training exercises. Under the guidance of trainer and international business development manager, Claudine Pohl of Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence, the officers became certified frontline experts in customer service. The training exercises catered to 120 participants on each day and was facilitated by the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Customer Service and Frontline Training Initiative.

Shopping

and More!

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Duty Free shopping in the city

esides the main air and seaport facilities, SLASPA also has responsibility for Saint Lucia’s premier duty free facility La Place Carenage, the Berths at Pointe Seraphine, the Ferry Terminal in Castries and the Iyanola Executive Lounge at HIA.

La Place Carenage The La Place Carenage Duty Free Shopping facility is located in the city of Castries.

Opened in December 1996, SLASPA’s thinking behind this development was two-fold: firstly, as part of its mandate to carry out projects designed to stimulate social and economic growth and secondly because there were no duty free facilities to serve the increasing number of cruise ships berthing on this side of the port.

Enjoying lunch at La Place Carenage while looking out into port Castries

Today, La Place Carenage is one of Saint Lucia’s premier shopping facilities. Its colonial styled façade and fully air-conditioned three story interior is home to 24 shops including a restaurant and bar. It offers a perfect mix of shopping, dining and entertainment, catering to both tourists and locals. The shops feature a range of products from jewelry, perfumes and clothing to arts and craft pieces.

Castries Ferry Terminal

A throng of visitors at Pointe Seraphine

The Castries ferry terminal is located at Port Castries near Faux- a- Chaud.

The Ferry services operate from Saint Lucia to Martinique, Guadeloupe and Dominica. The Ferry Terminal includes arrival and departure areas, immigrations and customs plus a baggage screening and claim area.

Iyanola Executive Lounge, Hewanorra International Airport Escape and relax before your flight in the lounge at the Hewanorra International Airport. Unwind with your favourite beverage or a light snack in air conditioned comfort.

Relaxing in the iyanola Lounge at HIA

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View from the Northstar Gondola 300 feet above the water. Pointe Seraphine can be seen to the left

Pointe Seraphine Berth One Extension Opens

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he Pointe Seraphine Berth One extension was formally opened on January 13, 2018 welcoming Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas, with a 5000 passenger capacity, making her the first-ever mega ship to anchor at Port Castries.

The upgrading of the cruise facility was undertaken by the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA), in keeping with the government’s outlook for improving the tourism product, and in response to several calls by cruise lines to accommodate larger vessels.

Acting General Manager of SLASPA, Daren Cenac, said that internal research indicated that both classes of vessels had parameters greater than that of the design capacity of the previous berths at Port Castries.

“In 2014, Royal Caribbean International indicated their intention to introduce the Freedom and Quantum Class Vessels to the Southern Caribbean for the 2015/2016 cruise season as well as plans to make Saint Lucia an anchor call for that voyage,” he said. “In response to that opportunity and noting the cruise industry’s trend of increasingly larger vessels, SLASPA saw it necessary to ensure Port Castries’ ability to accommodate mega vessels such as the Anthem of the Seas, if Saint Lucia were to maintain its preferred cruise status within the region.”

In welcoming the new $18.8 million investment, the Prime Minister, Allen Chastanet, said that this is just the beginning of several other investments in tourism.

The Point Seraphine Berth one Extension is expected to significantly impact not just the local tourism sector but the national economy as a whole.

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Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet addresses the official opening of Berth one

Anthem of the Seas alongside Berth #1

Construction spanned eleven months and was undertaken by Ballast Nedam International Projects, with construction oversight and management supervision being provided by the local company, Engineering Construction and Management Consultancy Ltd.

Cutting of the ribbon to officially open Berth #1 extension

Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet, in welcoming the new US $18.8 million investment, said this is just the beginning of several other investments in tourism.

“We have entered into a partnership which we will be announcing shortly with regard to the redevelopment of the commercial activity here at Pointe Seraphine, which will also include the construction of a new hotel at this site,’ he said. “We’ve got to use Pointe Seraphine for more than just the cruise ship passengers, a regular call for locals, business people, and the guests staying at the other hotels.

SLASPA said its looks forward to harvesting the bountiful fruits of this investment, which at the time was the largest investment undertaken by the Port Authority within the last 20 years.

(L-R) Prime Minister of Saint Lucia Hon. Allen Chastanet, SLASPA Acting Manager, Daren Cenac Hon. Stephenson King Minister of Infrastructure and ports

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News Bites

Saint Lucia Hosts 40th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of CARICOM

The Fortieth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was held in Saint Lucia from 3rd to 5th July 2019, under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister the Honourable Allen M. Chastanet, who assumed the Chairmanship of the Conference for the period 1 July to 31 December 2019.

CARICOM Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque co-hosted a forum with the Saint Lucian Youth Ambassadors

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McAllister Hunt and Ezbai Francis to discuss current issues of significance to upcoming leaders and young activists around the region on July 1st.

Ambassador LaRocque also engaged the media during a special briefing on 2nd July.

Following the official opening ceremony on July 3rd the heads of Government met in Plenary and Caucus from 4 – 5 July to deliberate on matters related to the implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) and Crime and Security in the Region. The 40th CARICOM Conference was also pleased to host the Prime Minister of Norway and the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Saint Lucia Carnival Underway The main carnival in Saint Lucia will culminate in the city of Castries on July 15 and 16 with the parade of the bands.

However a number of activities are being held all over the island including community carnivals leading up to this date. July 5, saw the crowning of a new national carnival Queen. Sunday July 7 is Junior Carnival, while Saturday July 6 is the night of the Groovy and Power Soca Monarch finals. The Power Soca Finalists are; Ambi, Ezra, Isla Man, J Buz, Kisha, Mantius, Pablo, Soca Psycho and Umpa.

Ricky T is the defending Monarch.Groovy Soca Finalists; Ezra, Invader, Keytinna, Kisha, Mantius, QPid, Ricky T, Shemmy J, Vye Twizeen Boys.

Reigning Groovy King Arthur has decided not to compete.

Saint Lucia Begins Trial Shipment of Bananas To French Market A three-week trial shipment of bananas from Saint Lucia to the French market began last week.

One thousand boxes weekly will be shipped during the trial period and once the trial is successfully completed, 3000 boxes are expected to be shipped weekly, it has been reported.

For his part, the Agriculture Minister explained that while the government is committed to ensuring wider market access for farmers, the farmers in turn must take steps to keep production consistent and up to standard that would make the exports competitive.

Connect with US!

Office of the Prime Minister www.facebook.com/opmsaintlucia www.instagram.com/opmsaintlucia

Government of Saint lucia

www.facebook.com/saintluciagovernment

Allen Chastanet

www.facebook.com/allenmchastanet www.twitter.com/allenmchastanet June 30- Extremely proud of our Culinary Team’s Outstanding performance at the 2019 Taste of the Caribbean competition in Miami.The team won Gold for Pork Shoulder Grande Champion, Best Pastry Chef of the Year, Caribbean Junior Chef of the Year and Best Rum Cocktail Award and Caribbean Bartender of the Year Honorary Mention - Craig Andes.The team won silver in categories of Caribbean Chocolate and Caribbean Seafood.

Lenard “Spider” Montoute

www.facebook.com/lenardspidermontoute July 2 - Site preparation for the construction of the Grand Rivière community playing court

Guy Joseph

www.facebook.com/guyjoseph June 30- Progress update on the Rehabilitation of the Forestierre Main Road.Drainage improvements are currently being implemented along the entire length of the road with repairs also being made on sections of the road which have been compromised. The duration of this project is expected to be 6 months.Everyone employed on the project is from Forestierre or from nearby communities.

Herod Stanislas

www.facebook.com/herodstanislas June 29 - In the Culinary World , young persons from my Constituency are excelling and perfecting their skills. At the Taste Of The Caribbean Culinary Competition held in Miami, two upcoming chefs were victorious winning Gold in their various categories. Mr. Zyhim Cadette in the Junior Chef Competition and Ms Emmany Hippolyte in the Pastry Competition.

Congratulations to Team Saint Lucia. Soufriere Comprehensive Secondary School retained their title in the Chefs in Schools Cook off Competition held by the SLHTA for a consecutive year.

Stephenson King

Mary Isaac

Sarah Flood Beaubrun

Edmund Estephane

Fortuna Belrose

Dominic Fedee

www.facebook.com/stephensonking www.facebook.com/sarahfloodbeaubrun758 www.facebook.com/fortunabelrose758

Ezechiel Joseph

www.facebook.com/maryisaacslu www.facebook.com/edmundestephane758 www.facebook.com/dominicfedee

www.facebook.com/ezechieljoseph758

Dr. Gale T C Rigobert

www.facebook.com/galerigobert758

Beware of Fake Facebook Accounts and Profiles. Use only the official accounts as seen here to follow our Ministers.

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