A RECENT MOU PROPOSES IMPROVED BERTHING FACILITIES, A NEW FISHING VILLAGE AND FERRY FACILITY IN BANANNES BAY, AND A BOARDWALK FROM LA PLACE CARENAGE TO POINTE SERAPHINE.

Saint Lucia’s lucrative share of the regional cruise market has attracted one of the world’s leading cruise port operators - Global Ports Holding (GPH). GPH led by its Chairman, Mehmet Kutman, continues to expand its international footprint and has dropped anchor in the Caribbean. The GPH management team presented to Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre and members of his Cabinet, its ambitious development proposal to transform both the Castries and Soufriere waterfronts.

General Manager for the GPH’s Bahamas cruise port, Mike Maura Jr., detailed how the company’s vision for the Castries and Soufriere waterfronts can elevate cruise passenger arrivals to the island, increase cruise passenger expenditure and reestablish Saint Lucia as the premier cruise destination of the sub-region.

GPH and the Government of Saint Lucia took the first step to realizing this multimillion-dollar venture on Oct. 20, when Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre; Tourism and Investment Minister, Hon. Dr. Ernest Hilaire; Chairman Kutman and Mike Maura Jr. signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The MOU could pave the way for the construction of improved berthing facilities to accommodate oasis class cruise liners, upgraded vending and duty-free shopping zones, a new fishing village and ferry facility in Banannes Bay, a new dock in Soufriere and, an almost one-mile-long boardwalk along the Castries Waterfront from La Place Carenage to Pointe Seraphine.

Global Ports Holding's redevelopment proposal invites greater participation in the local tourism sector, and can create new business opportunities for Saint Lucia’s tourism industry stakeholders.