Investment Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire confirmed that the project will proceed as planned, despite the objections raised by some community members and political actors.

At the heart of the issue is the living condition of roughly 80 households currently occupying the area. According to the minister, existing settlements are severely underdeveloped and lacks basic infrastructure.

Said Hilaire: “There’s only one person with running water in there. People have to buy a bucket of water for $2. The place barely has two toilets, and only about four or five people have electricity. People are taking electricity from each other.”

The development, spearheaded by Global Ports Holding, will oversee the construction of a fisherman’s village and will be connected with larger port edifices like a boardwalk.

In light of what has been described as a major overhaul of the Castries Cruise Port, Hilaire suggested that many of those instigating discontent have ulterior motives.

“Some of the people who are telling the residents not to move have never been there before. They’ve jumped on the political opportunity they think they see.”

Hilaire also addressed allegations that some individuals claiming to be fishers may not actually hold valid fishing licenses.

“Anyone who says they are not being treated fairly, ask them to show you their license.”

GPH has commenced redevelopment works with the dredging of the port and anticipates more visible changes to the port by year-end.