Public concern continues to grow over the future of Marie’s Fish Shack at Reduit Beach, a popular spot that many locals and visitors say has been a part of the beach’s lifeblood for 47 years.
In recent media interviews, the owner, Ann Marie Farrel, said she believes the future of her business is now in limbo, prompting an official response from the Department of Crown Lands and the Government.
Farrel received a notice, dated December 17, 2025, which stated that the land in Rodney Bay, Gros Islet (Block & Parcel 1255B 842) is Crown property and that her structure was erected there without authorisation, citing breaches of the Crown Lands Act and the Physical Planning and Development Act. Farrell had been given until January 5, 2026, to remove the structure; otherwise, the government will remove it at her expense.
In its statement, the Department said it understands the strong emotional and community connection to the long-standing establishment and aims to clarify misconceptions surrounding the Mount Pimard Beach Park development.
While acknowledging the role Marie’s Fish Shack has played in the community, the Government explained that the business operates on state-owned land without formal approval. The location is part of a wider development project aimed at enhancing the national tourism product and creating new economic opportunities.
Under the Crown Lands Act, anyone conducting business on Crown Land, including along the Kings’ Chain, must receive permission from the Commissioner of Crown Lands, regardless of how long they have been operating, officials say. They stressed that this legal requirement applies to everyone.
However, the Government was also quick to point out that Marie is not being evicted. Instead, plans are in place to relocate operations to an upgraded location on the same stretch of beach as part of the Mount Pimard Beach Park. The new space is expected to include improved facilities such as parking, security, bathrooms, showers, dining areas, recreational spaces and a playground, along with wider opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
According to the statement, Invest Saint Lucia worked with the developer of the A’ILA Resort from early on to ensure Marie’s future operations were considered. Initial designs for the beach park included a dedicated fish restaurant and were developed to allow greater participation by Saint Lucian business owners.
The Government said it values Marie’s contribution and wishes her continued success, but emphasised that all businesses must operate within the law to ensure fairness. Officials also encouraged others operating along the Kings’ Chain to contact the Department of Crown Lands to ensure they are properly approved.
Only now all that is realised? After the billionare ?? Woe woe be unto you hypocrits
Most tourists actually like eating at “authentic” places – it is part of the experience of travelling abroad. By creating developments on the island that are just part of the monoculture of what is found everywhere else in the world doesn’t really give a unique St Lucian experience.
I do agree though, that correct approvals need to be in place, otherwise another set of issues will arise.