A day after a group of truckers staged a silent protest in Castries to highlight long-standing issues at Port Castries, the Saint Lucia Air and Seaports Authority (SLASPA) has announced a series of immediate steps aimed at alleviating congestion and improving operations.
The protest, which involved a slow drive through the capital near the waterfront, caused some disruption to traffic.
Truckers say the demonstration was a last resort after months of delays in finding a workable solution to the overcrowding of imported cars and cargo at the port. They have expressed that congestion at the port has left them without designated queuing areas, often forcing them to park along public roads – a move that has led to police intervention.
Following Tuesday’s protest, truckers could be seen queued along the Millennium Highway on Wednesday – a solution proposed by police, according to truck driver Owen King. “The road is wide enough. I’m going to have some talks with my fellow truckers and see if that’s going to work,” King said.
In response to the protest, SLASPA issued a statement outlining immediate interventions. “SLASPA has initiated immediate measures to reduce congestion at Port Castries and is working closely with key stakeholders on sustainable solutions,” Wednesday’s statement read.
Among the steps being taken:
- Relocation of used vehicles to Port Vieux Fort to free up space at Port Castries
- Enhanced clearance processes for empty containers
- Designation of additional truck queuing areas to reduce road-side parking and traffic disruptions
“These actions form part of a wider collaboration with customs, shipping lines, and trucking associations to streamline port operations,” SLASPA said.
Truckers do make the world go round! Without these Hard working men and women there would be no containers period!!!.
This is crazy all this could have been done but it took this kind of protest to do it a d so fast. This tells us one think it’s not the truckers they care about but rather their reputation out there. So their concern is all about caring when people knows it. Sad reality
Another well-thought crisis created by “de authorities.” Applause! This is what they do best.
If GPH was going to occupy the space used by the truckers, then it would be elementary to find another location for truckers. This is kindergarten stuff. After being alerted to the problem by the truckers, why does it take so long to get it right?
There is a sad culture in the place of creating disasters. I have seen narrow bridges without rails crossing rivers. They have been in place for years. Dangerous stuff considering that public buses cross them. Just a matter of time before people get killed or hurt. It’s coming. When it finally happens, expect the usual chorus, “they did them dat.”
Enhanced clearance processes for empty containers – What does this even mean…
SLASPA is the main hindrance of trade in this country.!
At SMH, the unloading of empty containers after it has been destuffed. The Container is returned to port. This has been a time consuming process.
Surprised somebody hasn’t accused the truck drivers of being politically motivated. Remember how Roseaus protestwas politicized when the residents were simply protesting a perennial problem . St Lucians need to do this more, cross party lines and protest nonsense regardless of which side! Only then will the powers that be respect us!
Not now slaspa ( cargo) supposed to move to cul de sac. Yol just stifling poor Castries. Move nuh!