Major Redevelopment Planned for Marigot Beachfront

The Marigot area is set for a significant transformation, with dual projects to revitalise and upgrade the waterfront and beach facilities. 

During a recent press briefing, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism, Dr  Ernest Hilaire, provided an overview of the initiative, part of Saint Lucia’s broader strategy to modernise its tourism infrastructure while supporting local vendors.

The redevelopment includes a waterfront upgrade funded by a World Bank-supported project, as well as a separate private venture focused on restoring the eroding Labas Beach.

“The Marigot project is a project that actually did two projects for Marigot,” Hilaire explained. “One funded under the World Bank… and we’re going to upgrade the landward side… all the way to the end, and it would upgrade the entire waterfront.”   

He added that a boardwalk will be built along Chateau, and the entire waterfront will undergo redevelopment, including repair of the jetty.

On the beachfront, the minister confirmed that a private developer will lead shoreline restoration efforts and introduce modern amenities. “There is going to be a development to rebuild the beach to what it was,” he said. “And a beach bar facility with a vending facility will be built there by a developer.”

Crucially, Hilaire addressed concerns from vendors about their future on the beach. “They’ve been told that they will remain there, with upgraded facilities… at no detriment to themselves,” he said.

The minister also held a firm stance on improving the visitor experience and ensuring discipline in the area. “Everybody is welcome to come and … make a living, but it will have to be within some very clear principles and regulations.”

The vision, according to Hilaire, is not just physical redevelopment but raising service standards across the tourism sector. “We’re not about licensing people, we’re about certifying people, work with you to raise your standards… and to be able to deliver world-class service.”

Similar upgrades are planned across other communities, including Banannes Bay, Soufrière, Anse La Raye and Mon Repos, as part of a national move to empower locals to become active professional stakeholders in tourism.