Saint Lucia just had the best job numbers for the construction industry in 14 years. From footpaths in small communities to multi-story buildings and expanding real estate development, the construction industry in Saint Lucia is strengthening. 

In 2023, there were 9,102 people gainfully employed in the construction industry. That confirms the policies of the Pierre-led Administration are working to stimulate job creation in Saint Lucia. 

Government-backed capital projects are also contributing to an increase in jobs in the local construction industry. Several public sector projects broke ground last year. Some of these projects include:

• Renewable Energy Sector Development Project
• OECS Tourism Competitiveness Project 
• Community Tourism Project 
• Disaster Vulnerability and Reduction Project 
• St. Jude Hospital Reconstruction Project 
• Northern Divisional Police Headquarters Project
• Custody Suites Project 

The Prime Minister has declared 2024/25 the "Year of Infrastructure". He has committed $484.9 million to the Government's Investment Portfolio. Capital expenditures constitute $299.3 million of the total Investment Portfolio of the Government.

Foreign Direct Investment in Saint Lucia is on the upturn. Global brands and investment firms choose Saint Lucia to grow and expand their operations. Since July 2021, the Government of Saint Lucia, led by Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre, finalized several investment agreements. 

Eight international companies are bringing their capital to Saint Lucia to finance various development projects:

• Global Ports Holdings Cruise Port Development 
• Marriott Hotel   
• Dreams & Zoetry   
• Sandals La Toc (Expansion/Upgrade) 
• Hyatt Hotel 
• Cabot Residences  
• Secrets Resort and Spa Saint Lucia 
• Cas-en-Bas Beach Resort

Saint Lucian labourers, workers and service providers, like contractors, stand to benefit directly from the immediate economic impact of each construction project. Construction for some of these development projects commenced in 2023. More projects will break ground and get underway in 2024. 

Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the local construction industry will continue to expand. The government will initiate several more public sector projects in the upcoming year. These projects include:

• Road expansion and repair programmes
• School plant rehabilitation
• Government plant refurbishment 
• Construction works at the St Jude Hospital
• The commencement of works on the Soufriere Hospital
• The establishment of the Castries Urban Polyclinic
• The completion of works on the La Resource Wellness Center

Rehabilitation of sporting facilities:

• Daren Sammy Cricket Ground 
• Vieux Fort Stadium
• Mindoo Phillip Park
• Marchand Grounds
• Bellevue Playing Field
• Gros- Islet Playing Fields 
• National Aquatic Center 
• Housing development in Roseau, Cas-en-Bas and Choc 
• Expansion of energy projects - to seek alternatives that will diversify our energy needs and reduce our carbon footprint
• Laborie Market 
• Rehabilitation of Rudy John Beach Park 
• Grand Riviere Community Centre 
• Northern Police Headquarters 
• Northern Police Auditorium 
• Completion of Custody Suites 
• Cul De Sac Community Center 
• Community Centre for Castries North and Castries East 
• Completion of Control Tower at HIA 
• Commencement of terminal Building at HIA 
• Private Public Sector construction by GPH at Port Castries and Soufriere 
• Canaries Market 
• Micoud Jetty 
• Community Tourism Projects 
• Repairs to Fishing Complexes 
• Vieux Fort Entertainment Centre 
• Halls of Justice 

It's not just about numbers. The government is working to make the local economy more conducive for hiring and job creation to connect Saint Lucians with sustainable, good-paying jobs.