We have videos, we have pictures of those discussions taking place,” said Tourism and Investment Minister Ernest Hilaire as he defended the relocation process of Banes Bay residents.

Hilaire has described the government’s plans to relocate the Banbane’s Bay residents as “respectful and consultative” in contrast to what he says was the former administration's attempt to displace residents without consideration for their well-being.

The Bananes Bay community, located along the Castries coastline, is slated for redevelopment as part of a broader transformation of Saint Lucia’s cruise port facilities under Global Ports Holding (GPH). The plan includes the construction of a new fisherman’s village, spearheaded by the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA), which also oversees the relocation process.

Hilaire accused the former United Workers Party (UWP) administration of attempting to remove residents without community consultation.

“They wanted to remove the people and beautify the area because they felt the people living there were an eyesore. Who was the chief economist in the economic development ministry when that was done? There was no consultation with the youths in Goodlands. There was no consultation with the residents of Bananes,” he said.

The Minister also questioned the motives of his new political opponent for the seat of Castries South, Tommy Descartes. Descartes was the former Chief Economist during the tenure of the last administration.

“Who was Guy Joseph's chief advisor? The same person who wants to contest the seat now for the United Workers' Party government. He didn't do any consultation.”

In response to opposition critiques, Hilaire asked: “How can anybody be against us improving the Bananes Bay area? Why would you be against it?”

Residents have defended the position of the government acknowledging that the land does not belong to them and welcomed the packaged deals being offered by SLASPA.