Saint Lucia Govt launches Phase 1 of Rodney Bay Marine Project with EC$320M investment

Government of Saint Lucia, on April 21, held the official Sod Turning Ceremony for Phase One of the Rodney Bay Marine Development

Sunday, 28th April 2024

Major constructions ongoing in Saint Lucia under the Rodney Bay Marine Project (PC - Facebook)

The Government of Saint Lucia, on April 21, held the official Sod Turning Ceremony for Phase One of the Rodney Bay Marine Development. This development will include the 102-room hotel, 20 condominium units, restaurants and bars, offices, Cineplex, a supermarket, jetties, and a boardwalk. The development will also host the Headquarters for Republic Bank. A total of EC$320 million is being invested in this project. While announcing the development, Prime Minister Philip J Pierre said that the country is witnessing an unprecedented increase in local and foreign investment interest. This surge in investments is because of the transparency in government negotiations with investors as well as the government keeping the interest of Saint Lucia first. In this regard, PM Pierre was pleased to inform that during the Financial Year 2024-2025, the government will put before parliament legislation striving to attract and enable ‘Mega-Investments’ via special incentives to businesses and sectors. He said that these will likely have a major impact on the local economy. These projects are expected to increase Saint Lucia’s high-quality room stock to meet the growing increase in stay-over arrivals. As of now, the construction on all the below-mentioned projects, is ongoing in Saint Lucia: 1. The Courtyard Marriott at Pointe Seraphine is currently under construction. (Total investment - EC$113M). 2. At Canelles Micoud, construction of two (2) luxury all-inclusive hotels has started and is ongoing. (Total investment - EC$1B). 3. Cabot Saint Lucia at Gros Islet- I am pleased to report that after extensive discussions and renegotiations with the developer, this project is expected to provide mutual benefits.(Total Investment - EC$405M). 4. The Cas En Bas Beach Resort in Gros Islet – a 90-unit hotel to be managed by Hyatt. (Total Investment - EC$31.8M). 5. Sandals - The new rooms at Halcyon Beach Club are complete and a new Village concept resort at Sandals Regency La Toc comprising 20 suites is under construction and is expected to be completed in 2024. (Total investment –EC$68M). 6. “Secrets Resort and Spa Saint Lucia”. Work on the renovation, refurbishment, and revitalization of the former 334 room-St. James Club is continuing. (Total Investment –EC$216M). There are more hotel projects that are being negotiated with many Sod turning ceremonies to be held by year-end. These include:

The Grand Hyatt Hotel in Sabwisha will finally begin with a new investor. Road works on a new by-pass road will begin next month and a formal Sod Turning Ceremony will be held by the end of May 2024 (Total Investment - EC$810M).

2. A’ILA Resort & Spa Saint Lucia at Mount Pimard (Total investment – EC$ 2.3B). 3. “Cote de Reve” at Black Bay Laborie. (Total Investment – US$180million/ EC$489M) 4. A resort development on the Reduit Beach - After months of protracted negotiations, Sunwing Group (Royalton) and Rex Resorts Group will finally begin construction of a 500-room ultra-luxurious resort offering both European Plan (EP) and all-inclusive accommodation options. (Total investment –EC$540M) Other Investments 1. GPH/Government of Saint Lucia – This investment will see the upgrade of Port Castries and Soufriere Waterfront. This project will require dredging at Pointe Seraphine, the building of a Boardwalk from San Soucis Bridge to the Vendors Arcade, rebuilding and expanding the Vendors Arcade, building of finger piers at the Arcade, demolition of the old Customs Building and rebuilding of a new Customs Building, creation of parking lots, constructing a Fishermen’s Village at Bananand the total upgrade of the Soufriere Waterfront. (Total Investment - US$50m/EC$135m). 2. Faye Gastronomie Restaurant in Vieux Fort has now fully expanded into its existing space in Vieux Fort as an artisan restaurant and food distribution outlet. The owners have purchased adjoining lands to build a modern storage and warehousing facility to complement the expansion of their main business. Construction is to commence this year. (Total investment - US$2.8M/ EC$7.5M) 3. In the BPO sector, ItelCX will expand its operations in Saint Lucia with the occupation of an additional building in the Freezone. 4. ASCENSION International Ltd, the island’s first locally owned BPO/KPO operation has opened in Soufriere, offering back-office support to US-based Corporation. Following the announcement of these major projects, PM Philip J Pierre said that everyone will agree that opportunities abound for employment and wealth creation for the people of this country.