St Lucia: PM Chastanet excited about phase 1 of Village Tourism project

Prime Minister of St Lucia Allen Chastanet stated that he is extremely excited about Phase 1 of the Village Tourism project currently being implemented in Anse la Raye. He stated that the government is raising the standard of living for the residents whilst strategically positioning the village to benefit more from tourism activity. PM said that the project would cater for employment to locals during and after the completion. "A mini-hotel which will generate longer-term jobs and help circulate more money in the town is currently being built near the waterfront. We are bringing opportunities to the people," stated PM Allen Chastanet on Facebook. Following a government agreement with the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF), Anse La Raye's first tourism village got a cheque of US$ 1.9m towards the upgrading of vending stalls, the village square, the creation of waterfront seafood restaurants, bars and a café. The Village Tourism Project will convert eight surrounding areas into tourism destinations for locals and visitants from across the world.

The exceptional stages of the design will also see the transformation of the old police station, government offices, and also up-gradation of the jetty and installation of moorings.

Parliamentary Representative for Anse La Raye, Dominic Fedee stated the important project will change the community and create much economic stimulus.

"I think it is necessary to send a message to areas like Anse La Raye that you understand in them and that you believe in their warmth, their mystique, their charm and that you always believe in their beauty, it is one of the most attractive villages in the world," Fedee said.

Local entrepreneurs are promoted to position themselves to take benefit of the many possibilities that the project will bring.

According to Prime Minister Allen Chastanet, "The Village Tourism business grant is intended to assist entrepreneurs and property owners in each village to update their abilities and product offerings."