Public concern has arisen after a video circulated showing part of Reduit Beach fenced off near the Mount Pimard development site – but developers say the temporary barrier is a safety measure tied to relocating vendors and upgrading the beachfront.
The explanation came in a joint statement from the developers A’ILA and Invest Saint Lucia.
As part of the development and to promote a positive environment for development within the community, Invest Saint Lucia engaged the developer to construct the Mount Pimard Beach Park facility, which has since been completed. As such, work is underway to transition Marie’s Fish Shack (and other vendors) to the facility.
The temporary fencing and other measures will ensure public safety and allow for remedial work and upgrades to the beachfront area, the statement said. The improvements are intended to enhance the appearance and functionality of the beachfront for both Saint Lucians and visitors. The work is expected to be completed within two weeks of the relocation.
“We reaffirm that public access to Reduit Beach will not be restricted,” a spokesperson for A’ILA was quoted as saying. “Beach vendors are actively operating and both locals and visitors are presently using the beach without interruption. Reduit Beach has long been an important public space for Saint Lucians, and it will continue to remain accessible to the public.”
The Mount Pimard development represents a $1.3 billion, multiphase investment that will include a family hotel, an adults-only resort, luxury villas, residences, a shopping boulevard and one of the largest conference centres on the island. The project is expected to generate significant employment during construction and even more opportunities once operational. The first phase, The LifeCo holistic wellness resort, is expected to open soon.
Minister for Tourism Ernest Hilaire has welcomed the development, saying it will help to fill the demand for more hotel rooms.
I dare reporters to go on site and find out how many St.Lucians are working there.
With all stake holders knwowing the intense sensitivty around this subject i.e. the unlawful restriction of access to Crown (public) lands, someone well positioned and paid could have easily avoided this debacle.
The above message could been transposed to a PSA to sensitise the pulblic prior to commencement (on the basis all necessary permits were in place) with emphahsis the fence being temporary.
Transparency>
This is either incompetence or *political showmanship!
I hear some people say that this fence is to protect the public as this is an active construction zone….that’s bull! There is no construction ” beach upgrade” that requires hoardings all the way into the water, unless you are building a jetty or some marine structure. That fence I realize is to test locals!!! Developer : ” let’s see how they react, because we need to find a way to keep them out”