The Catholic Church has expressed unease regarding the Government’s Halls of Justice project near the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Castries.
United Workers Party (UWP) leader Allen Chastanet spilled the beans during Sunday’s opposition livestream.
“We’re going to wait for them to pile, and for the damage to be done to our church? And if the Catholic Church does not want to speak for themselves out loud, we will speak for them! No! Sa pas bon!” Chastanet declared.
The concern relates to the location of the Halls of Justice, set to rise directly in front of the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception on Micoud Street.
Chastanet expressed outrage over the project’s scale, urging the public to imagine the impact of such a large structure overshadowing the iconic church, comparing its scale to the Orange Grove Plaza in Bois D’orange.
“That building is 100,000 square feet, the three floors…so I want you to pick up that building, and put it now in Constitution Park- and add one more floor. That is the size of the Halls of Justice they putting there. Pas bon ! It cannot be!” Chastanet said.
The concerns are not limited to political rhetoric.
A Catholic Church official confirmed that the Archbishop had quietly penned a letter to the government.
The church’s leadership has expressed that the towering structure could diminish the presence and significance of the Basilica, which is considered a spiritual symbol and historical centerpiece of Saint Lucia.
“Conversations have taken place, and the Archbishop has written to the Prime Minister… expressing our concerns of not just the proximity, but the size of the Halls of Justice in relation to the church,” a church official revealed.
Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre commented at Tuesday morning’s press briefing.
Pierre pointed out that the designated area was historically intended for court use and acknowledged the City’s space constraints.
According to Pierre, “The building that we intended to go there… it’s a five-story building. All the courts are going there… There’s some discussion that probably it may overshadow the church, but I’ll tell you something. Go to every City in the world. City space is a valuable space right now. What we’ve done is we are in discussions to see if we can create enough buffer, so both the church and Halls of Justice can coexist. But the idea of building a tall building is something we have to deal with because of our development and because of the scarcity of space in Castries. We hope we can end up in a win-win situation.” the PM told reporters.
Both sides hope for a resolution that balances urban development with respect for the nation’s cultural and religious heritage.
The Halls of Justice, part of a Build Own Lease Transfer (BOLT) agreement between the Government of Saint Lucia and Themis LTD, will house three key judicial divisions: criminal, civil, and family.
The facility will comprise 14 courtrooms, six Magistrate chambers, nine Judge’s chambers, 11 witness rooms, ten administrative offices, a law library, one 26-seater conference room, one police post, holding cells, and a high-security defendants dock in the criminal court.
Headline photo: Artists impression of completed Halls of Justice (l) and Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (r)
What the “Lodge” says PM Pierre will listen.
Umh … won’t the old Minisry of Education Building be demolished, why is National Trust so quiet, is there nothing historic about that building …, isn’t National Trust going to add its two cents in that government and church “discussion” … Mwen meme … I see … 🤔
To be fair, the structure will definitely affect the aesthetics of constitution park. First, the size of the building in relation to the area on which the building will sit will be out of kilter. When you design a building, it should fit into its surroundings effortlessly and complement the area. Great consideration must be taken into consideration when designing a city. I do support the halls of justice but it’s share size in the centre of our city is not proportionate. Take a look at Paris for instance, the designers of that city knew exactly what they were doing. Every building, every tree, every lamp pole, every green space, every tile has its place that contribute to the overall aesthetics of the city…hence Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world which also enhances the experiences of the citizens and visitors alike. To be very clear, Pierre and his government don’t think in terms of general city aesthetics. They just believe you put a new building here and it’s ok….but that kind of attitude is backward, tunnel visioned and not in keeping in building a city that takes the wellbeing of the citizens in mind. It’s a shame that men who have degrees to their name lack such sensitivity when it comes to the aesthetic beauty of our city. Yes we need the Halls of Justice but the building must complement the city surroundings, complement other buildings already established like the Cathedral and must give the citizens a sense of wellbeing when they visit the city. I believe Castries should become a Garden city where there is more green space for the people to enjoy especially being in the tropics with such a hot climate. If you a going to build, the design must adhere to strict standards in aesthetics, citizen wellbeing, function and complementing other infrastructure. Sadly, the people who lead our nation are clueless. They will quickly fill Castries with concrete buildings without consideration of the general appearance of the city or future plans for the city. Of course they were quick to jump on the plan with the developers without even asking the citizens to give an opinion. Again I am all for the Halls of justice but the building will be just a monstrosity in the centre of the city. Does the city have a building height restriction? If you look at the buildings at the waterfront, they are ideally placed for their size and area given the waterfront this unique look. At nights the waterfront looks majestic. Sometimes I wonder who is advising the government. What the government needs to consider is why are there two playing venues in the city? The Sab and mindoo Philip park. Would it not be better to make mindoo Philip park state of the art playing arena for the city and use the Sab area for other developments, perhaps consider moving the halls of justice there? Of course that can only be done when all factors are considered but it’s just a observation. It is worrying when you see the lack of sensitivity to detail but it is also a sign of how poor our leaders are in their thinking.
C wiz….I actually agree with you. Wow! Anyways the bottom line is that Pierre and his admin are literally creating history…..a legacy on how to destroy a city! The location for the halls of justice is bad…..the plywood vendors booths are bad developments…small thinking, not looking at the bigger picture…not leaving a a city for our children and grand children. Pierre I not supporting you on that one uh!
When the last administration was in power everybody felt comfortable publicly disagreeing with “everything” that was done good or bad. Now this administration are shoving things down our throat and the church has “quietly written a letter” Not a word from Calixte George et tal and the National Trust
This city is a disaster. The old “historic” buildings were never maintained well enough to keep. Lucians can’t take care of anything. We almost lost central library a few years ago. Most of these old buildings need to go because there is no upkeep. CASTRIES is so disgusting. Uneven sidewalks, smell of pee, dog shit every single place, you have to walk with your head down to avoid it, instead of looking out for your safety, drunk ppl and loud music every pay day, and to top of the disgusting behaviour, we must walk on the road because the sidewalk is a sale spot! Another thing, aggressive begger. Blue Coral reminds me of the days when all the guyanese sold leather by voyager.
The Shitty is cramped and has no space. Why not place the building outside the Castries Basin? Faux a Chaud? Quick access to the Millennium Highway. Vigie?
Can this structure be placed where the old cdc was demolished
Disagree, the Halls of Justice is vital to abating the crime situation on island that is more important than the aesthetics of a few persons.
What about the Majesty’s Prison site that was previously allocated for this purpose? Yes, it may have been the Chastanet administration’s brainchild, but the related amount of money spent was that of the taxpayers/people of this country, then why can’t it be used … Mwen Las 😫
So in summary: One big BOX.
Seriously!
@C-WIZ, This is the one time I agree with everything you wrote. Many times before I’ve written objecting to placing this Halls of Justice bang in the center of Castries. It’s a nightmare for Traffic in that area and for parking. You wait till the Card Board Tents that sell everything from local chou, drinks etc. here comes the Rats etc by night. I have written earlier in the year of a location in Castries, just across the Bridge on Bridge Street, at the Site of the Old Police Station, that was demolished under the previous Government, where there is more than enough space for all of that, and not having to upset the ‘ the Roman Catholic Hierarchy’. As a politician I wouldn’t risk it.
But there is a Bountry; Castries & Castries South go figure. What has happened to the Min: of Planning? does anything goes, too scared to challenge the big boys? wait till I start on the unfinished Construction of the ‘Modern Hospital in the South’ & why is this kept quiet.
In all this ‘May St. Lucia be Blessed’ and be protected by the ALMIGHTY.
Pm Pierre don’t budge one bit . We won’t short sell no more for the Catholic Church. So what if the building is taller???….,Oh no the church must always be taller…..the “ dominant structure “ in all towns on this rock like it has it’s been for generations their fortified fortress of continued mental slavery on a body of people . People check where these churches are located thru out St Lucia they are fixated on the most prime lands in each town….most of the time overlooking each to town this is no accident, it’s by design to reinforce their dominance…..so fast forward generations later we decide we would like to build a Halls of Justice to bring our Judiciary in the 21st Century and stop paying rent in private buildings for government services, much to the dismay of stiff upper lippers who owns these buildings and has been enriching themselves from the government coffers for generations. So what have they done they got UWP Boot lickers to voice displeasure on this much needed essential building. Note the Words of Allen Tropical Trump Chastanet “ if the church will not voice opposition to the building “. He would shout it Loud and Proud” of which the church had not until this boot licker gas lit the issue…..and why you ask praytell ?? Bad mind at its finest….This is not his initiative they are not the ones building for the people. Remember when they were mistakenly given power they immediately stop completion of the St Jude’s hospital, government offices in VF and The Soufriere Waterfront Redevelopment Project. This man believes everything should be built his way, so this comes as no surprise to those of us who are woke to his prolific mindset for everything and anything in St Lucia. Prime Minister remain steadfast with this project, that cult has taken much space from our people to enforce their principles and ideology, we are building a modern building to enhance the city skyline,
A.a….look it. Even God’s people telling PIP that he is wrong for putting that thing there..(not referring to Chas btw). PIPs project going to disturb GOds house! Let me grab some popcorn to see how this unfolds
It was thought the building would have been constructed at the site of the former Royal Gaol!
All i can say with another 5 yrs of these guys am sacred they will choose who resides where and who doesnt. Those guys meet in their lodge chambers and decide to change laws, enact policies etc. with one aim- Plz themselves and make their ppl happy. To hell with the rest of us. We hv 2 sites. Constitution Park or where Custody Suites was. Is there someone that’s gonna honestly say that the better site was chosen by PJP and his merry women of followers. Put colour aside. The decisions by these ppl are so autocratic and selfish. WHAAHHHH. Anyways we black ppl like the wip on our backs.
What is glaring in this editorial is that Pierre is claiming if you look at cities worldwide, every city space is a valuable space. Pierre is saying much without saying much. Yes, it’s obvious every city space is a valuable space due to the fact that it’s the city but it’s because every city space is a valuable space that great considerate must be given to planting buildings in every value inch of city space. In order words Pierre, just planting that monstrosity in that space next to the Cathedral will not enhance city aesthetics and so because that space is valuable, you must treat that space with the highest consideration in ensuring what ever infrastructure goes there is in harmony with the surrounding. Most big cities have huge spaces to plant buildings and yet they still have to consider what kind of architectural design sits well with the city and landscape and how that new building will compliment what is already established. Now if you have a small city like Castries by comparison, with tight spaces and small roads, you can’t build infrastructure that will further reduce the small space that’s already there. Or build a infrastructure in an already tight space. The people will feel clusters and crowded by such building in a small space. Add traffic to that then you have a bottleneck nightmare among other things. Given that the cathedral is already there and there’s nothing we can do about it, development must take into consideration what is already established. I actually like the cathedral for it’s architectural beauty and aesthetics. The cathedral is one of the most iconic in the Caribbean and we must not damage that image. The cathedral does enhance our already dilapidated city. Even though I don’t care two hoots about the church and it’s practices, one has to give Caesar his due. The cathedral is an asset to the beauty of our city and any building that is being erected in an already tight space, next to a cathedral that size must be given very careful considerations. The Central library is a relatively tall building but it’s distance from the cathedral allows both the library and the cathedral to compliment each other….it’s the distance that allows the eyes to appreciate such relationships between buildings. The Halls of justice with it’s greater size will be too close to the cathedral damaging the aesthetic harmony of the city. We should develop a city for the enjoyment and wellbeing of the people and not because we need a Halls of justice we just plonk it down in the heart of the city without due consideration of other factors. Perhaps the Halls of justice can be in constitution park but the design should be reconsidered to harmonize with the area and it’s design should help the cathedral enhance the aesthetics of the city. When you listen to the government, it’s obvious they don’t understand these nuances. It’s the mental laziness that has us in this mess where our leaders are just plain poor in their thinking. If Pierre is asking us to look at other cities, he would do well to hid his own admonition and realise that other cities do take very great care in the way they design and build in their cities cause once that building goes down, there is no turning back. I say redesign the Halls of Justice if it has to be built in constitution park and ensure the design harmonizes well with the surrounding buildings and landscape.
Blessed is Pierre who was chosen and not select !!!!
In all your ways acknowledge your God and he shall direct your paths..
Forgo your work plans with productivity !!!!
Rewriten coment :
For God dose not put his pleasure in the catholique church neither put his delight in idoles statues craved caving images which cannot saved,
As Paris city of lights yet men are fear for their lives as many cooks spoiled the broth so as follower fashion makes the donkey loose it tail !!!!!
Consider St jude hospital one big box !!!!
It is GOD’S plans forgo plans and working will continue shall not stop !!!
A church is a place of worship,(a)familly you belongs to, for God dwells in the heart of man and not man’s building..
It is heartening to see the comments dealing with the proposed project, not the politics. Some still think like Saint Lucians, with the interest of our island in mind. That’s the only way we can go forward.
I will add one concern to the mix. PARKING. We all seem to have forgotten that vital factor. With potentially hundreds of people working and conducting business in the building daily, what is the solution for the inevitably large numbers of vehicles?
Traffic in Castries is already a nightmare as it stands. Will every available parking spot be blocked off to tax-paying, license-paying citizens? Will Castries become a forbidden zone? I can go on, but I think a reasonable person would get the picture right away.
These are some of the issues which have concerned me about this project from the outset. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I can’t recall hearing anyone addressing them.
Are we going to act the ostrich and put our collective heads in the sand and hope the problem goes away on its own volition?
I’m not being pessimistic when I say it’s not going to happen. It must be addressed.
castries has so many derelict areas that can be cleaned up to make space for the building, including old CDC place. but the church has a point. the parks in the city need to be rehabilitated. govt can pay workers monthly to actually take care of those places. the public can police them and complain if the place dirty. next, parts of the vieuxfort to castries route should be lined with flowering trees. flambouyant and purple jacaranda. govt should pay workers to take care and clean. the side facing the sea should maintain the ocean view though. we should aim for having the least ghetto city in the caribbean. this is what foresight and policymaking look like. not the marjee u all doing in govt with fete on fete.
Build a taller building and ignore the ones that can’t think vertically..
Some dead brain cells in some of the components..Let’s stay Focused and build a better relationship..thank you for sharing this with me
Any level headed development planner or urbanist would see that there are more negatives than positives with that thing being in the proposed location! This basic analysis is what that drives objective decisions in choosing locations for major projects like these, so where is the impact assessment that justified placing it there? Where is it? Maybe if this is shared, people like me will shut up and stop criticizing.
The church’s concern about the new building height is unjustified. However, concern about damage to their structure due to piling is valid. After all, the church’s building is an iconic structure in the city. I was surprised that the design of new building doesn’t incorporate the existing iconic structures around it such as the library and the church. It’s a total departure from old things. It’s all about modernity. I get it. That being said, I would expect all future construction in the immediate area to be modern looking structures. This would be like many cities around the world that have a new section and an old one. If the big idea is to have one modern building then it’s going to stick out like a sore thumb.
My greatest concern is the security aspect of the project. This is a traffic nightmare waiting to happen. If Pierre knew an iota of security, this is the last condition he would have voluntarily made. He has created a cramped area which is an anathema to security planners. He doesn’t give security personnel enough maneuver room… dangerous stuff. For security reasons, he should have placed the structure away from that downtown location. If a prisoner escapes, it’s also easier to meld with the public. It’s too late at this point because the the die is already cast.
I was thinking the same a put those rifraff criminals mixing with the public. Put that halls of justice somewhere that u can’t see them or create some entrance that is well guarded and shielded from public view. These criminals can’t live in society so keep them away from it. Everyone has a brain if your yours is telling u to do bad. Take your bad and govt should lock u up from public view.
I’m very pleased to read the comments except that of this mongrel called Lucian something (high or low grade). From the time I heard of this project I said Pierre and his victory protectors are being childish again. The contents of this hall of justice is the same contained in the one proposed by the former administration to be built on the old prison and headquarters complex. Why not just continue with it. This is a much more ideal site for this project and it did contain about 30 parking lots which this one does not have. This site is actually a disaster waiting to happen. Forget about the cathedral and its significance to the aesthetic of the city, parking, security, public disturbances were these factors taken into consideration. There are funerals at the cathedral from 9am, isn’t that court time. How easy it would be for a prisoner to escape and blend into a funeral. Was that considered? These big men called politicians need to show the younger generation better examples. It is perfectly acceptable to continue on a project started by another administration that is beneficial to the country even though you criticized it in opposition. Do like Helaire and say you didn’t have the information you have now back then as a justification or Pierre take a page from your own book and say you didn’t know how much the economy depended on tourism. At present you should be more than aware the disaster you have created with St. Jude’s hospital. Vieux Fortians and the wider public should have been enjoying our new hospital today if you had just continued with what you considered to be the box. The current one that you trying to salvage will not be ready before August of next year. Rethink this halls of justice location. If you don’t want to choose the Chastenet site go to Cul de Sac.
@I don’t know I have been waiting for you Mr Fareed Zakaria exhibit (A) The quintessential UWP Boot Licker. You seem readily equipped with your cons and zero pros in retrospect to this project. Who are you…apart from been a cohort and comrade, the role of project assessment manager seems fitting to add to your raster. So since you are their cohort/ comrade/ project manager/ why do you believe “this is an accident” waiting to happen ? Both structures can coexist at its present location there is no reason why….. this is the usual rabble rousing we the people has grown custom to. Then you jump back to that “box” another failed disgraced Chastanet Initiative……I guess if this government should take the overgrown weed infested race track and build affordable housing on it you would think this would be wrong wouldn’t you ?? Of course you would, the Chastanet way is the only way. The hospital will be completed, it would have been complete up and running if it was it stopped and “box” the Chastanet Way.