A ‘transformational’ bill will come before parliament soon, to bring tourism benefits to more Saint Lucians.
“We need to create a framework in the country where more Saint Lucians can participate and own the tourism industry,” Tourism Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire explained.
He was addressing reporters at a news conference last week.
The Tourism Development Bill intends to include more Saint Lucians as participants and owners in the tourism industry.
The government expects the bill to change the tradition of providing incentives primarily to large hoteliers.
“We believe as a government that the tourism industry, the benefits of tourism should accrue to as many Saint Lucians as possible,” Tourism Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire explained.
He also spoke of the need to create a framework for more locals to participate, own the industry, and move away from the notion that tourism belongs to a few who benefit from it.
Hilare said that’s why there is emphasis on community tourism and support through the Community Tourism Agency to help Saint Lucians invest in tourism.
“The Tourism Development Bill will change the entire framework,” the Minister stated.
” As it stands now, the incentives legislation is primarily for accommodation. We want to be able to offer incentives to all sectors in the industry,” Hilaire said.
He declared that the government would ensure that Saint Lucians at all levels get support to invest in tourism to become owners in the sector.
Hilaire noted that all local attractions, including waterfalls, beaches, and forests, are part of the heritage of Saint Lucians.
“Therefore, if that’s what’s bringing the attraction to Saint Lucia – the warmth of the people, then the people should benefit more from the tourism industry,” the Minister asserted.
Dear Dr Ernest Hilarie, a couple own a Airbnb just off Gais Bais Road, a lady owns an art studio just off Gais Bais Road, two tourist families got stuck on Gais Bais Road. One of those families SAVED A LIFE here in St lucia. Jobs could be made for locals, tourists could visit historical sites just off Gais Bais Road bringing much needed money to locals and the economy HOWEVER the road for these local Balca people is deadly so please get the government to sort this out before tourists go else where.
Mr Minister it would be nice to allow feedback from the general public before tabling the proposed bill in parliament. This I hope would allow for public participation in the said piece of legislation.
Now who will be against this ??? Give them before the day is out
What is the wording of this bill, can you make public the draft copy so we can hold you to your words. very often you ppl talking about putting people first but it is only talks
Mr. Low grade, explain the bill.
Very good initiative,Mr.Minister, I’m hoping all of us gravitate in that direction , than bashing and trying to discredit the programme,it will be beneficial to the Country
First you came on the news speaking about a bill with no details and that made news headlines…new bill intends to bring tourism benefits to st.lucians am reading not seeing anything about the bill …so I will speculate this bill is for slp friends family and foreigner I see the minister for Gros islet guess house is done RF Houses will benefit Ernest brothers and best friends will get they cut and average Lucians will get the low cost jobs … Anything slp change is to benefit slp mark my words jobs for the boys…take GPH for example one the board slp members one slaspa slp members like Leo clerk bank of st.Lucia Ernest and friends Lucian low grade where are you
Cant wait to vote them out of government. Gros islet is far from everywhere, not sure why put such a facility here. someone wants treatment and imagine you now add two hours bus ride journey from the airport. Thats a major turn off. people want convenience. this was a project for the south or close to soufriere but the volcano stink so it should have been close enough to there … lucian politicians are crap. call elections please to get rid of hilaire and his ilk. cant wait.
Too little too late.Raise the current slave wages to $10+ per hour to the current workers so they can get a loan to start their own business.. We need a proactive approach now pass the wages bill asap..
Dats the worst tourism minister i never see you no nun about tourism so get your facts straight putting 6 police offficers at point seraphine like its a crime zone dats the last election you will win
The current infrastructure of the tourist industry is a replica of the slave plantation system eg full employment vehicle at starvation wages, foreign hotel owners owning ancillary services eg transportation, laundry services etc. These should be reserved for locals. Repatriation of profits while enjoying big concessions. Financial institutions favoring foreign investors over locals. Foreign investors must come with foreign financing . Local banks must favour local people (investors) cause its their deposits. A profitable industry , however it must be structured in a way that the Looshans can get a more equitable share . Remember during slavery there was full employment
But the slaves remained in abject poverty and pernicious misery.
Please don’t bring no tourist to Grave Yard !!!