Construction to commence on Pearl of the Caribbean project
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
by Office of the Prime Minister
It is anticipated that the project will be a catalyst for further investments.

DSH Caribbean Star's Pearl of the Caribbean is expected to commence construction in 2017.

The southern-based $2 billion project is a fully-integrated, equestrian-oriented development that includes the Royal Saint Lucia Turf Club and related entertainment, leisure and accommodation amenities.

A sod-turning ceremony on Nov. 25 detailed the impact of the project.

“Saint Lucia’s Pearl of the Caribbean project will be constructed with the people and for the people," said Teo Ah Khing, chairman of DSH Caribbean Star Ltd and China Horse Club. "It will drive new opportunities in established industries like international tourism, business, leisure, retail, digital media and real estate. It will create a new equine industry with the building of a state of the art race course. We believe the Pearl of the Caribbean will move this country forward in line with the government’s vision that Saint Lucia will truly become a premium tourist destination.”

Prime Minister Allen Chastanet described the project as “bold, courageous and different.”

“The horse racing track is just the beginning,” he said. “Jobs will be created for the multitude of young people, particularly here in the south. When you see the rich history of horse riding in Saint Lucia you see the love of horses. You see the young men as entrepreneurs on the beach getting tourists to ride their horses. This will create an opportunity for them to become professionals, an opportunity for them to become world class.”

The Prime Minister also spoke of the potential for development in Vieux Fort.

“We have a world class deep water harbor, an international airport and over 10,000 acres of undeveloped flat land. There is nowhere in the Caribbean where that opportunity exists better than it exists here in Vieux Fort."

He also spoke of other development initiatives for the south including a cruise ship terminal and the redevelopment of the Hewannora International Airport.

Invest Saint Lucia CEO Mc Hale Andrew said Saint Lucia is poised to witness the transformation of the south.

“Let me reiterate that the protected and environmentally sensitive Mankôté Mangroves have, by mutual agreement, been excluded from the scope of this project. Let me also reassure all of Saint Lucia that while DSH has received the Development Control Authority’s approval in principle, this by no means constitutes permission to commence construction. With a project of this magnitude there are a number of obligatory processes that must be satisfied prior to the actual commencement of construction. We are now at the stage where this project, despite the fact that it has not yet received CIP approval, is forging ahead to fully fund, through the developer’s equity, the construction of the horse racing track. It is anticipated that, subject to satisfaction of the stipulated requirements, CIP approval will be forthcoming in the desirable time frame and will help to finance the remainder of the project. Invest Saint Lucia is proud to be associated with Desert Star Holdings Ltd. and is satisfied that this investment will be a key driver for the south and a catalyst for further investments.”

The Pearl of the Caribbean sod turning ceremony was attended by His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales, Prime Minister Hon. Allen M. Chastanet, ministers of government, the chairman of the China Horse Club International Advisory Council and Bloodstock Advisor for HRH Queen Elizabeth II, Hon. John Warren; the chairman of DSH Caribbean Star Ltd and China Horse Club, Teo Ah Khing; the Board of Directors and management of Invest Saint Lucia, and other invited guests.

Artist renderings of the project and presentations were made to HRH Prince Harry who also took part in the turning of the sod.