Soufrière has taken another significant step in strengthening its cruise tourism offering with the inaugural call of the expedition cruise vessel Hebridean Sky to Port Soufrière.
The vessel called at Port Soufrière on Friday, January 16, brought together the Soufrière Regional Development Foundation (SRDF) and key partner agencies for a brief onboard engagement with the ship’s captain and crew.
According to Corporate Communications and Marketing Manager at SRDF, Lovely Saint-Aimé Joseph, Saint-Aimé Joseph noted the SRDF has already engaged in several consultations with Saint Lucia Cruise Port and confirmed that works on the long-anticipated L-shaped jetty are set to commence shortly. She cautioned marine users to be mindful of safety measures during the construction phase.
Member of Parliament for Soufrière Emma Hippolyte also welcomed the developments, describing them as part of a new phase for the constituency. She confirmed that discussions with Saint Lucia Cruise Port had taken place and that construction for the jetty was scheduled to begin on January 19.
“We take this opportunity all the time to engage all our stakeholders, to inform them that it’s a new dispensation, that we are taking all the necessary steps for safety and everything else,” Hippolyte said.
From the perspective of Saint Lucia Cruise Port, the L-jetty project is expected to deliver both aesthetic and economic benefits. Representatives highlighted that construction will continue until the entire project is completed and described the initiative as particularly exciting for the port authority.
“We are going to be enhancing the overall beauty of the waterfront, of the already beautiful waterfront, and a direct impact to those we really care about, our taxi drivers, our vendors, the local business community,” the statement said, pointing to the wider benefits for residents and visitors alike.
Officials believe the expansion of the waterfront and increased cruise activity will create new opportunities for Soufrière’s business community, while allowing visitors; local and international to experience what they describe as “the gem that Soufrière truly is.”
