Issue 38 | 14 Dec, 2019
Department of Physical Planning:
Sustainable Land Use and Better Management of Our Land Resource
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The Development Control Authority (DCA)
LIDAR Contract Signed
Soufriere on the Move! 03
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Herod Stanislas Planning With a Clear Vision in Mind
04-05 The Structure of the Department of Physical Planning
06-07 The Development Control Authority (DCA)
08-09 Designs and Finished Products 10
LIDAR Contract Signed
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Paradise Found
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Soufriere on the Move!
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News Bites
On the cover: Minister for Physical Planning Hon. Herod Stanislas (far right) with Chief Architect Augustine Poyotte and staff member of Ministry of Physical Planing on a project site. 2
Land Use Planning and Management
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and as a resource, is something that is often taken for granted. For many it is a valuable asset, and this is very important. But land is also an extremely important resource, which needs to be managed properly. This is even more so, with the negative impacts of Climate Change that is being felt globally, Saint Lucia not being spared. The Department of Physical Planning sees land-use planning as a very important one of its roles. Over the years the Department has been seen as a one stop shop for all issues pertaining to Land; Land Valuation, demarcation of land, obtaining land maps, applying for use of Crown Lands and applying for the use of Lands for construction and the erection of other structures. However, the Department is now going further to establish a land use policy in Saint Lucia in an effort to promote more desirable social and environmental outcomes and the more efficient use of this very precious resource. This policy will inform environmental conservation and concerns, best building practices, future housing developments, prevention of land use conflicts and strike a balance between rural and urban developments among other things. Proper land use planning will also seek to regulate land use in an efficient and ethical way, thus preventing land use conflicts. It will also mitigate poor planning and developments which could be impacted by landslides and other disasters. For Government, managing land use can help with better planning for the needs of the communities, while safeguarding natural resources; the land itself as well as our water resource which are interconnected. In the coming months the Government and the Department of Physical Planning will have greater engagements with the General public on the role of the department, Land use policies as well as the role each citizen can play for that precious resource; the land in our homeland Saint Lucia. This issue of “Our Saint Lucia� begins this campaign. Editor Toni Nicolas
Hon. Herod Stanislas Minister for Physical Planning at the 40th International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Assembly in Montreal Canada.
Planning With a Clear Vision in Mind
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he Honourable Herod Stanislas is the member of Parliament for the Constituency of Soufriere Fond St. Jacques. On 14 June 2016, he was appointed Minister within the Ministry of Economic Development, Housing, Urban Renewal, Transport and Civil Aviation. He was later appointed to serve as Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Physical Planning, Natural Resources and Co-operatives, and later given the responsibility of Minister for Physical Planning. Since taking up this mantle, the Minister and his team have embarked on restructuring the department with a view to improving its productivity as well as the improvement and efficiency of the services offered to the general public. The fact that Saint Luca has no clear land use policy coupled with the effects of climate change and other mitigating factors, has become the foundation for a clearer vision and mandate for the Department of Physical Planning, the Minister agrees. And so with this in mind, a policy that would inform better land use, guided by data and technology is now in progress.
Transitioning from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, (Physical Planning), Natural Resources and Co-operatives, has also equipped the Hon. Herod Stanislas with valuable information and experiences needed to formulate an effective land use plan. While Saint Lucia’s economic mainstay continues to be tourism, the importance of developing and growing the agricultural sector, which will inadvertently place more pressure for use of such lands and its socioeconomic consequences has stretched the Ministry of Physical Planning resources to come up with a more informed and equitable plan for this resource. Over the years, the Department of Physical Planning the Minister says has been seen as a place where citizens go to sort out land issues and grievances, apply for use of Crown Lands and submit plans for approval by the department and the DCA. However he sees the Department as having a more proactive role when it comes to land use and informing citizens of their rights and their obligations as such. Honourable Herod Stanislas says it is
also the aim of the Government to ensure that every citizen of this country be given an opportunity to own a piece of Saint Lucia, the land of their home. The Department of Physical Planning guided by the Minister has also been engaging the various stakeholders for a review of the building codes and the establishing of better policies to direct the demolition of derelict buildings which is part of the urban renewal drive for Saint Lucia. These buildings are seen as endangering lives, particularly in times of natural disasters. According to the planners there are many unsightly derelict buildings taking up valuable space all across the island. In the first instance it is being proposed that government work with the owners to demolish such structures, which is often cheaper than trying to repair them. The Government, the Minister says also believes in creating a balance in land use which will include more areas reserved for Green Spaces. This clear direction is seen as giving credence to the motto of Saint Lucia “the Land, the People, the Light.�
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The Structure of the Department of Physical Planning The Department of Physical Planning deals primarily with land administration and management and all the issues surrounding such. The Department’s vision is; achievement of overall sustainable development through judicious and appropriate short, medium and long term holistic and integrated physical planning in the public interest.
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ur Saint Lucia spoke with Hildreth Lewis, Deputy Permanent Secretary (DPS) in the Department of Physical Planning (DPP) who breaks down further for us the role of the department, its structure and some new initiatives being undertaken. “The Department of Physical Planning is made up of various sub departments, all working to achieve the overall goal of providing the best possible service to the public,” DPS Hildreth Lewis says. “This Department is a highly technical one by nature of the very work we do and is made up of various layers. Our Minister is Hon. Herod Stanislas, then you have the Permanent Secretary, the Deputy Permanent Secretary, supervisors and administration”.
Planning Division The Planning Division, the DPS informs us is made up of the Physical Planning Section and the Architecture Section. “Under the Physical Planning section you have the planners and the Development Control Authority (DCA). This is where review of all development applications, monitoring and enforcement of the laws takes place,” Lewis says.
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Land Administration Under the Land Administration Section there is the Survey and Mapping section. This unit is headed by the Chief Surveyor.
Crown Lands Section
valuation. And so we felt this was important an area enough to be deserving of a specific unit, within this framework of Government business”, he reterated. Valuation the DPS says, affects private property and informs the wider market. The Unit is made up of a Chief valuation surveyor and valuation surveyors.
Crown Lands refer to the domain of the state and is commonly referred to as “Government Land.” This Department is headed by the Commissioner of Crown lands.
Land Registry The Land Registry involves land registration titles. It is the repository of all documents pertaining to land in Saint Lucia.
Valuation Unit This Unit was formed just over a year ago and deals primarily with the valuation of land. “The Department always did valuation but we saw the need to give this area a separate Unit because of its importance,” Lewis says. “Because we also deal with the acquisition of private land for public purpose and this involves paying land owners for their land, there is this issue of
Initiatives “We have quite a few initiatives ongoing,” DPS Lewis says. “Currently we have three consultants on board looking at various activities to help the department position itself to better provide its services to the Government and people of Saint Lucia,” he indicated. One project presently being undertaken is part of the Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project (DVRP) funded by the World Bank. Under this project there is a consultancy for a National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI). Essentially it looks at spatial data; that is information related to location.
“So we have data, we have some persons who are trained, but we have varying levels of standards in terms of the quality of the data. The consultants are helping us bring our standards to a level where all data provided will be at a certain standard in terms of quality and frequency at which data is updated as well as the protocols involved in sharing data,” Lewis says.
nationals in Saint Lucia. “We are looking at a new regime to manage this process which is likely to take a new format and the possibility that it will be merged with the Citizens by Investment Program. However the Department of Physical Planning will still do the monitoring,” Lewis says.
LIDAR Acquisition
National Land Use Plan
Another project under the DVRP is the LIDAR acquisition for which a contract was signed recently. “With LIDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging we now have access to capture 3d images of the actual model and terrain of the earth, coastal areas and below sea level,” the DPS says. This initiative will be rolled out in January 2020.
As part of the DCA transition, the Department is looking at a land classification and land use plan. “We do not have a national land use plan at the moment and this has been identified as critical in helping us manage our limited resources, including land resources,” Lewis states. Further, “this is a resource that is constantly under pressure for varying uses. We use land for food Organization of Land Registry security and agriculture, for housing, for industry, for Land is very critical to the economic activity in Saint Lucia. Land is used for schools, for sporting facilities and recreational space, for institutional buildings and for water catchment areas mortgages, as collateral for loans, to send kids to school and for homes. and forest; all of which are very important. And so this “It is very important that we maintain the integrity of our land data and highlights the need for a national land use plan that improve the service that we provide to the public. This we intend to would dictate how we plan communities and create a do by improving the processes, training of our staff and digitizing our processes so that it may no longer be necessary for everyone to physically balance with this resource. come to the land registry for certain services,” Lewis says. The review of Under the UNOPS consultancy we will be getting a road this Department is currently being undertaken by a department of the map on land classification which is the first step towards University of the West Indies. a national land use plan.
The Development Control Authority (DCA) A decision has been taken by the Executive to remove the DCA from the Department of Physical Planning, to make it more autonomous and independent. “The Department is presently working with the United Nations Office for Projects Services (UNOPS), to provide technical assistance in this direction. It is expected that the transition will be complete by April 2020,” Lewis informed us.
New Legislation “As a result of the DCA transition we will have to get new pieces of legislation for the DCA. We are also looking at small amendments to the Land Registration Act,” DPS Hildreth Lewis explained. Under review as well is the Alien Land Holding License regime which deals with systems set up to regulate the “holding” of land by non-
Amidst all of these initiatives DPS Hildreth Lewis says public sensitization is of paramount importance. “We want to educate and inform the public not only about the work we do, but to understand the legal concepts pertaining to land in Saint Lucia. One problem he points out which has been a challenge, is the issue of squatting. “We continue to face a problem with squatting which is the occupying of Government lands illegally. We understand that affordable housing is a challenge, but we expect persons to do the right thing and to come in to us to seek permission to utilize such lands,” he says. The Commissioner of Crown Lands continues to hosts town hall meetings in various communities to deal with these matters. The Chief Surveyor also meets with the public each Friday to hear their complaints and to deal with matters pertaining to land use.
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The Development Control Authority (DCA)
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he Development Control Authority (DCA) under the Physical Planning and Development Act is responsible for the oversight of land development in Saint Lucia. The DCA is governed by the Physical Planning and Development Act N0. 29 of 2001 and its subsequent amendments & The Land Development (Interim Control) Act of 1971 and its subsequent amendments which were revised in 2016. The Physical Planning and Development Act No. 29 of 2001, states under Section 29; “Development to be in accordance with Approved Plans Permission must first be obtained from the Development Control
Authority (DCA) before carrying out any type of Structural or Land Development” Development includes: • • • • • •
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Residential buildings Commercial, Industrial or Infrastructural buildings Subdivision of Land Change of Land or Building Use Repairs and Renovations to Existing Buildings Erection of Tents
• • •
Display of Advertisements: Signs and Billboards Quarrying Operations Hotel Developments
ROAD RESERVES The DCA is also responsible for the Road Reserves in Saint Lucia. The function of the Road Reserves is to facilitate power lines, street lights, water distribution networks, sidewalks, traffic lights, traffic signs, bus stops, access to properties, road widening and vehicle laybys. In 2018 the DCA embarked on a cleanup campaign of the Road Reserves, after noticing that they had become inundated with illegal advertisements, signs and billboards. The Department of Physical Planning provides all of the technical expertise to the DCA. The officers are involved in all of the appraisals of applicants and monitoring of applications.
RESTRUCTURING A decision was taken recently to give the DCA full autonomy; removing the Authority from the Department of Physical Planning. This transition is being facilitated by the United Nations Office for Projects Services (UNOPS). UNOPS over the last several months have been providing technical assistance in this direction.
Among other things, the governance structure of the DCA is being reviewed, including the legislation that guides the Authority. The review of the legal framework is expected to allow the DCA to function in this new reality. It is expected that the transition will be completed by April 2020. A public awareness and public sensitization drive will also be a part of the strategy to keep the public not only informed of the work of the DCA, but also to take advantage of their services when embarking on any development, no matter the size. The DCA advises that if persons are not sure the activity they are about to undertake requires permission, to please feel free to seek advice from the office of the Development Control Authority located at the Greaham Louisy Administrative Building, Waterfront, Castries between the hours of 8.30 a.m. and 3.00 p.m. Monday to Friday.
The Architecture Department:
The Proof is in their Superb Work! Florencius Eudovique and Anthony Augustine of the architecture department looking over the designs for the Derek Walcott Square
Chief Architect Augustine Poyotte. On the Horizon
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he Architecture section of the Department of Physical Planning is responsible for reviewing designs as well as coming up with designs for public buildings and spaces. The chief architect heading this department is Augustine Poyotte. The architecture section has been working closely with other agencies and departments over the last few years, to enhance the urban areas in Saint Lucia. One such collaboration has been with the Castries City Council, for the designs of the Castries Market Redevelopment Project, Phase 1 of which is currently underway. In the Town of Soufriere, the Unit also worked very closely with the Mayor and Council to assist in the redesign of the Soufriere Town Square. According to the Minister for Physical Planning who is also the Parliamentary Representative for Soufriere/ Fond St. Jacques, the previous design did not conform to the vision, the economic strategic plan and cultural and historic preservation for Soufriere. The redesign he said; “is to achieve a public space for the Town of Soufriere, which appeals to the emotions of its user in a very direct way. It will do so by incorporating within the design, the history, culture and narratives of Soufriere.�
The architecture unit was totally behind the design for the Old Trafford Complex which is also in Soufriere. Phase 1 of this project was completed in August and includes the Soufriere farmers market and the Soufriere Bus Terminal. Both Prime Minister Allen Chastanet and Hon. Herod Stanislas, lauded the efforts and creativity of the Chief Architect and his department for their work. The architect unit has also been engaged for the redevelopment of the city of Castries, which will involve the redesign of public buildings, parks, boardwalks and green spaces.
The New Derek Walcott Square The unit in consultation with the office of the Mayor of Castries and the Office of the Prime Minister recently came up with the plans for the redesign of the Derek Walcott Square. The redevelopment of the DWS will be done in two phases and according to the architects, will maintain its historic value. Phase 1, which is expected to begin in January 2020, will involve the demolition of the perimeter walls around the Square, landscaping and improving of the sidewalks. The final phase and redesign, will see the relocation of the fountain, gazeebo and bust and will include benches facing both road and park, vending kiosks and more central green space for recreational activities among other amenities. The use of madras colours will be used to give the space a unique Saint Lucian feel.
Heroes Park For the Heroes Park proposed for the open space near the Sans Souci Bridge in Castries, the architecture department is working with the Department of Tourism and the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority. The idea of a Heroes Park has been mooted now for more than twenty years and will soon become a reality. The new design will take into consideration the original concept for the Heroes Park and will include improved seating and walkways, improved shading, a monument and an information kiosk.
The unveiling of the Soufriere Town Square took place on July 31, 2019 to glowing reviews, for its aesthetics, usefulness and fit within the town space.
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Design of the old trafford Complex in Soufriere
The recently opened Phase 1 of the Old Trafford Complex in Soufriere
Here are some of the Designs and Finished Products from the Architecture Unit in the Department of Physical Planning Design for the New Castries Market
Old Trafford Complex in Soufriere
Soufriere Town Square Redesign
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the Recently opened Soufriere Town Square
Castries Market Phase 1 design
Castries Market Redevelopment Rendering
Castries Market Phase 1 nears completion
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Lidar signing: Supervising Consultant Emese Landtwing and Hildreth Lewis, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Department of Physical Planning signs LIDAR contract
LIDAR Contract Signed Saint Lucia to benefit from data-driven planning and disaster mitigation initiatives.
Lidar mapping: Taking Mapping to a different level with LIDAR
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contract for LIDAR data collection of Saint’s Lucia’s entire landmass and coastal zone was signed under the Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project, DVRP, as one of the highlights of the World Bank’s project supervision mission from November 18-22, 2019. LIDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing technology that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure variable distances to the Earth. LIDAR data can be used to create highresolution 3D models and maps of landscapes and environments and is being used in many countries to inform policy makers on how best to utilize
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scarce resources and better plan to protect citizens from the impacts of weather-related disasters. In particular, for instance, LIDAR data can be applied to inform better land use planning, transportation and infrastructure planning, cellular network planning, agricultural planning, forestry and environmental management, tourism asset management, industry investments, flood modelling and adaptation to climate change. The LIDAR contract was signed with Woolpert-GDS Joint Venture, and will be managed by the Department of Physical Planning. “One of the benefits of having such data from LIDAR” says Hildreth Lewis, Deputy Permanent Secretary (DPS) in the Department of Physical Planning (DPP), “is that in combination with other data sets, it allows for the assessment of areas prone to natural hazards like flooding and landslides, as well as the tracking of the island’s coastline. Such information is useful for policies pertaining to land use
and other issues of national development and disaster risk reduction.” Supporting the Government of Saint Lucia with quality control during the contract’s duration, Supervising Consultant, Emese Landtwing, says “the information gathered from the DVRP-funded LIDAR project can be used in many different ways. For example, information derived from LIDAR can be used to identify areas which require more water or fertilizer and helps farmers save on their cost of labor, time, and money.” The data presented by the LIDAR exercise will be useful for several other DVRP initiatives, including development of a Flash Flood Guidance System, sea level rise modeling, flood modeling, and other measures geared towards mitigating the impact of climate change in Saint Lucia. The LIDAR consultancy, which involves the use of special aircraft island wide, is expected to culminate in September 2020.
Paradise Found:
Saint Lucia Preserving Beauty Through Data and Policy Action
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f ever an island justified the label “paradise” that tourist brochures liberally apply to destinations, it is Saint Lucia.
Combat Desertification and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, under which the Paris Agreement falls.
Shaped like a teardrop, this tiny Caribbean nation has everything. Crescent moon beaches of white sand. Jagged volcanic mountains jutting up from the azure waters. Eclectic biodiversity that manifests in a riot of colour, no more so than in the Saint Lucia Amazon, a spectacular parrot found only on the island.
In August 2018, the island took a big step forward. Working with UN Environment on a Global Environment Facility-funded project, the Saint Lucian government launched its first national environmental information system. Information on the three big treaties is available to ministries, the private sector, academia, multilateral environmental treaty focal points and the public.
Unfortunately, as is the case in so many places, human activity is endangering this beauty and the benefits it brings to humanity. The threats are many, including extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change, forest habitat loss from land-use change and over-exploitation of marine resources. We can deal with these challenges, as the return of the Saint Lucia Amazon, or Amazona versicolor, shows. In the 1970s, only around 100 of these birds remained. Thanks to a conservation programme, the species is now on an upward trend. While still classed as “vulnerable” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List, the last census of the bird, carried out between 2007 and 2009, found a stable and viable population of 2,258 individuals. The Government of Saint Lucia, with the support of UN Environment, is determined to repeat this success for all the island’s natural resources while ensuring a better future for its estimated 180,000 residents. The nation is signed up to global treaties, including the three Rio Conventions: the Convention on Biological Diversity, the United Nations Convention to
“This is certainly an encouraging endeavour, as it will allow Saint Lucia to work closely with UN Environment,” said Gale Rigobert, Minister for Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development. “We acknowledge the crucial role environmental information continues to play in helping us meet our national and multilateral environmental agreement obligations.” As part of the project, 17 major environmental data providers signed an agreement to cooperate on the development and use of the system, ensuring that the bigger picture will be as complete as possible. Meanwhile, the project developed a set of core sustainable development and environmental indicators for the Rio conventions, which all derive directly from the 1992 Earth Summit. According to Teshia Jn Baptiste, who managed the project, the system and associated common data storage facility have “significantly improved collaboration among the public and private sectors”. “If we reach our targets, the livelihoods of fishermen and others depending on marine resources will be protected in
the face of climate change impacts,” said Allena Joseph, Fisheries Biologist in Saint Lucia’s Department of Fisheries. “We can do this through better-informed decisions in areas relating to biodiversity conservation and resilience building.” The government has previously called for an end to illegal logging, which has led to habitat loss and landslides. Karl Augustine, a research officer in the Forestry Department, believes that the new system will help claw back some of the damage. “We see a positive impact on human and wildlife cohabitation and a transition to forest in areas historically affected by land degradation,” he said. For species such as the Amazona versicolor and the people of Saint Lucia, this can only be good news. – www. unenvrironment.org
USE OF CROWN LANDS What are Crown Lands? Crown land is the term used to describe land owned by the Government. As a former British Colony, the term “Crown Lands” referred to land belonging to the British Monarchy. How does one obtain use of Crown Land? An application obtained from the department of Crown Lands, Graeham Louisy Building in Castries, must be completed. The application is then assessed, before an agreement can be arrived at. The Crown Lands Commissioner deliberates on leases of less than 2 years. For leases beyond two years, a memo is prepared to for Cabinet for deliberation.
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Soufriere on the
Move!
gratitude on behalf of the Government Donation of Schools Supplies for their “fearlessness, relentless efforts, contributions to national development, and the safety and security of our citizens”. The refurbishing of the Soufriere Police Station was facilitated by the Soufriere Regional Development Foundation. Youth Symposium Ahead of the start of the new school year in September, Hon. Herod Stanislas presented school supplies to the Principals and Teachers in his Constituency. The supplies were welcomed by all the schools and were later distributed to students who are in need.
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s the Parliamentary Representative for Soufriere Fond St. Jacques, Honourable Herod Stanislas goes by the saying “not about legacy but serving and enhancing the livelihood of my constituents”. He has matched his words with actions by ensuring that not only the physical space of Soufriere is enhanced and kept pristine, but that developmental projects are sustainable and can contribute to the livelihood and personal development of residents. Our Saint Lucia takes a look back at some of the developments in Soufriere in 2019 under the leadership of Hon. Herod Stanislas, aided by his Mayor, the Soufriere Regional Development Foundation, the Town Council and constituents. Renovated Soufriere Police Station
On November 19, Soufriere police were handed a refurbished Police Station, after years of complaining about a mold infested and dilapitaded station. The Ministry of Home Affairs and National Security along with the MP for Soufriere/Fond St. Jacques Herod Stanislas, hosted the handing over ceremony. The MP urged officers to take care of what he described as their “second home” and expressed
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On November 2, Hon. Herod Stanislas addressed young persons in the community during a youth symposium. The activity was organized by the Youth Department of the Soufriere Foundation and the Ministry of Youth Development. The intention was to give young persons of all ages an opportunity to have an open discussion with the parliamentary representative, to share their thoughts with him and hear about the plans for their development.
Playing Fields Upgrade Work continued in earnest on the rehabilitated of the Fond St Jacques Playing Field and Court. The project is expected to compliment other sporting projects in Ruby as well as the Soufriere stadium. Work on the stadium which falls on the National Sports Programe with upgrades to several facilities around the island, is also progressing smoothly. Old Trafford Complex Opened
Marine Training In September a new maritime training program was launched in Soufriere. The Government of Saint Lucia, in collaboration with the Saint Lucia Social Development Fund (SSDF), launched the training program for the yachting sector, targeting young men in Soufriere more commonly known as “boat boys.” The aim is to build and expand the capacity of the Soufriere Yacht Service Association (SYSA) in order to generate economic benefits. The project was co-funded by Government of Saint Lucia and the Caribbean Devlopment Bank (CDB) via the Basic Needs Trust Fund. Some 45 persons are currently benefitting from this maritime training program.
After being commissioned at the end of July, The first phase of the Old Trafford Complex was officially opened on August 15, 2019. This first phase comprises a Farmers Market for provision and fruit vendors and a Bus Terminal to accommodate the Mini Buses doing transfers for the Soufriere/Castries Route, Soufriere/Vieux Fort Route and the Soufriere/Fond St. Jacques. Picturesque Soufriere Square Opened On July 31 the Soufriere Town Square was officially opened along with the unveiling
of the Freedom Monument, the centerpiece of the square. Besides the monument, a modern water fountain, seating and attractive flora and fauna adorn the square. The Soufriere Town Square also features free Wi-Fi and access for the disabled.
Government of Taiwan, the Government of Saint Lucia and the SRDF features gift shops, restaurants, a bar, a café, showers, wifi and other amenities. During the stage of construction several residents were employed on the project. Since completion several tenants now manage the various booths employing dozens of residents.
Soufriere Carnival a Success Edmund Forest/Enbasaut Waterfall
In June, the community of Soufriere saw the staging of another very successful carnival for the third year in a row. The event has been fully supported by MP Herod Stanislas who congratulated the Events Committee, the bands, revelers and spectators, whom he said all contributed to the success. Town Clean Up In June a major clean-up campaign was held in Soufriere. “Community upkeep and beautification is a critical component as we develop our constituency,” the MP said adding; “It adds value and creates a more attractive environment for our residents and visitors.”
In March, work began on the Edmund Forest/Enbasaut Waterfall main road. The area was badly affected by the passage of Hurricane Tomas in 2010 and has been left in a deplorable condition ever since. This road also serves the farmers of Migny, Fond St. Jacques/Desrache. The rehabilitation works when complete will provide access to the rain forest for tourists and bring much needed economic activity to the community of Fond St. Jacques. New Pools at Sulphur Springs In February The Soufriere Regional Development Foundation (SRDF) announced the opening of three additional pools to its operational site at the Sulphur Springs Park. Soufriere Beauty is Miss Independence
New Cricket Ground at Ruby Commencement work began in May for a cricket ground in Ruby, Soufriere. The project is expected to give cricketers in the community a new home where they can practice and host competitions. Easter Hampers It has become traditional to give gifts and hampers at Christmas time. But for Hon. Herod Stanislas, Easter is also a special time for giving. And so he did just that by presenting several hampers to the less fortunate in his constituency in April. Opening of Soufriere Beach Park On April 5 the long awaited Hummingbird Beach Park was officially opened. The park which was funded by the
Saint Lucia observed its 4oth Independence Anniversary this year with a number of activities being held as part of the celebrations. One such activity was the Miss Independence pageant on February 15, which was won by Sancia Charlemagne the representative for Soufriere. The contestant was supported and endorsed by the MP for Soufriere Hon. Herod Stanislas as well as the office of the Mayor of Soufriere.
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News Bites
measures put in place over the past three years are delivering results. The statement was released by the IMF mission who visited Saint Lucia during October 29-November 8, 2019, stating that Saint Lucia’s near-term growth prospects are “favourable, supported by large infrastructure investments and robust tourist inflows.”
Upcoming Road works The Government of Saint Lucia, has announced that in the coming days, road rehabilitation projects will commence in Dennery South, Micoud South and Soufriere. Other major road rehabilitation projects which are currently in progress include Cas en Bas in Gros Islet, Ti Morne in Babonneau, Forestierre in Castries South East and Saltibus, Choiseul. Recently, Economic Development Minister, Guy Joseph conducted a site visit in the community ofBelair to view the ongoing progress with the rehabilitation of the community road. Earlier this year, the Department of Infrastructure said it hads activated the delivery mechanism for successful implementation of its US$42 million Road Improvement and Maintenance Program (RIMP IV).
Prime Minister Encouraged by IMF Statement The International Monetary Fund’s 2019 Article IV Mission statement is an encouraging report for the Government of Saint Lucia. Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Economic Growth, Job Creation, External Affairs and the Public Service, Honourable Allen Chastanet, has explained that the report is further evidence that the Government is on the right track and fiscal and policy
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Prime Minister Chastanet has described the report as proof that Saint Lucia is “turning a corner.” The Prime Minister said that the Government is further encouraged by the decline in unemployment, from 25% to 18% with youth unemployment down 10 percent, from 44 percent to 34 percent.
CARICOM, Ambassador H.E. Irwin LaRoque. “Congress is very interested in understanding how the correspondent banking and derisking has impacted us in the region,” noted PM Chastanet at the post Cabinet press briefing last week.
New Music Association Launched As music month was winding down here in Saint Lucia in November, one of the events slated for the month unfolded in the final week. On Thursday November 28, an association to represent musicians and producers was launched at the Derek Walcott Square. It is called AMPP SLU, the Association of Musicians, Producers and Performers. The interim committee which heads the association, says that the organization is more than forty years in the making. While ECCO represents the copyright interest of songwriters and composers, the role of AMPP is to serve the general interests of music producers and performers.
PM Tours Forensic Lab
Correspondent Banking and De-risking Discussed
Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Honourable Allen Chastanet, on November 19 attended a meeting in Washington hosted by representative Maxine Waters, Chair of the United States House of Representatives Financial Services Committee. The purpose of the meeting was a discussion on financial services and specifically correspondent banking that featured senior executives from US financial institutions doing business in the Caribbean region. Also in attendance from the Caribbean were Prime Minister Honourable Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda, Minister Dale Marshal from Barbados, Minister Stuart Young from Trinidad and Tobago, and Secretary General of
On February 24th, 2017 as promised, The Government of Saint Lucia reopened the Forensic Laboratory which had been closed in 2015. After a few months of operation additional issues were discovered which required further intervention. Government invested EC$700,000 to address issues such as leaks, structural faults, security issues and mold. Upon completion of the rehabilitative work at the Forensic Lab, operations at the facility recommenced. OnNovember 28, 2019 Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet was given a tour of the facility by the Director Ms. Fernanda Henry to see first hand the interventions and improvements at the Lab. “I was thoroughly impressed with the professionalism of the staff and the results which they have been able to achieve. Several crimes have been successfully prosecuted due to the work carried out at this vital facility,” noted the Prime Minister.
Dr. Gale T C Rigobert
www.facebook.com/galerigobert758
November 16 Congratulations to the recipients of this year’s Queen Birthday Awards, especially Mon Repo’s very own; Mary Joan Smith, known to many as ‘Teacher Joannie.’ She was made a Member of the British Empire (M.B.E) for her services in entrepreneurship and business.
Allen Chastanet
www.facebook.com/allenmchastanet www.twitter.com/allenmchastanet
November 18: Our friends from Taiwan have come through for Saint Lucia once again. Representatives from the Taiwanese Embassy here in Saint Lucia headed by Ambassador His Excellency Douglas Chen made a presentation of 30 Asus Laptops to the Saint Lucia Boys Training Centre located in Massade, Gros Islet.
Fortuna Belrose
www.facebook.com/fortunabelrose758
November 18 Castries East residents took time to visit the DSHProject and St. Judes Hospital reconstruction project on Sunday 17 November 2019. The team was ecstatic as they were warmly received by the management of both compounds. We certainly thank the teams for their warm hospitality. Vieux Fort is on the move.
Ezechiel Joseph
www.facebook.com/ezechieljoseph758
November 15 Farmers graduate from production enhancement programme The Government of Saint Lucia in collaboration with the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), recently hosted a graduation ceremony for farmers who participated in a production enhancement programme for fruits and vegetables.
Bradly Felix
Herod Stanislas
Stephenson King
Edmund Estephane
Sarah Flood Beaubrun
Hermangill Francis
Guy Joseph
Dominic Fedee
www.facebook.com/bradlyfelix758 www.facebook.com/stephensonking www.facebook.com/sarahfloodbeaubrun758 www.facebook.com/guyjoseph
www.facebook.com/herodstanislas www.facebook.com/edmundestephane758 www.facebook.com/heremenegild.francis www.facebook.com/dominicfedee
Mary Isaac
www.facebook.com/maryisaacslu
Lenard “Spider” Montoute
www.facebook.com/lenardspidermontoute
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