Minister of Tourism Ernest Hilaire has apologised to the public and to the developers of A’ila Resort, acknowledging that agencies such as the National Conservation Authority and Invest Saint Lucia failed to inform residents about restricted access to Reduit Beach during the beach park works.
“The simple truth is that our agencies failed on this occasion to really perform some of their basic functions,” he told Monday’s pre-cabinet press briefing.
According to Hilaire, construction of the beach park is now complete. The project was developed by A’ila Resort as part of an agreement with the government while the company builds its resort on nearby Mount Pimard.
The minister said beach improvement works are now underway and that the space is being customised to accommodate vendors, including Marie’s Fish Shack, a long-time fixture on the beach before the hotel development.
“To undertake the beach improvement works, there will be heavy equipment, sand, a lot will be going on; the developer has to protect the public, you don’t want anybody going there to get injured,” he said.
“It is the responsibility of the NCA and Invest [Saint Lucia] in this case to let the public know that the beach will be closed for two weeks for beach improvement works; they ought to do it. They’re supposed to do it. And they were told to do it.”
The issue drew attention last week when Marcellus Stiede, an independent candidate in December’s general election, posted video footage of himself on Reduit Beach next to a large fence restricting access to the beach park, expressing his disapproval of beachgoers being kept out.
In a subsequent video posted a day later, Stiede appeared at the same location with the fence removed and holding a wire cutter, telling the camera, “As promised, I removed up to the water line this morning, the fence is down, people can walk through, construction area can still continue.”
Following his apology, Hilaire deemed Stiede’s behaviour unacceptable. According to the minister, he had called Stiede to explain the situation prior to his decision to cut the fence.
“We have to apologise to the public that were inconvenienced but I cannot, under any circumstances, accept the behaviour of that individual,” Hilaire said.
Regarding possible legal action, Hilaire said he was unsure how the police would proceed.
Also speaking at the briefing, Gros Islet Parliamentary Representative Kenson Casimir told reporters he understood that people have varying perspectives on development and encouraged residents to express their views within the bounds of the law.
“What you are seeing in the community is just a mammoth amount of development – on our shores, the infrastructure, the people – and as a parliamentary representative, I really encourage free speech [and] free expression of thought … at the end of the day I don’t necessarily think it’s coming from a negative place…,” Casimir said.
If stiede didn’t take the fence down, it would be up for Christmas
What’s about the one erected by Sandals at Pigeon Point? Can Hilaire say some thing about it.
Many thanks to Stiede for doing what most of us want to do, what most of us think of doing but cannot due to personal and political reasons. Many SLP supporters are ALIGNED with Stiede on this issue. No beach upgrade construction requires closing off access up to the waterline! As a nation, we have to take stock of the intense rate of hotels being developed on our tiny island. At this rate, the visitor population will surpass locals in a maybe a decade. Hilaire is a very good Minister- Tourism has boomed under his tenure but he ignores the dis-benefits of the tourism sector; look at out water supply, take a look at environmental degradation, look how locals are strategically displaced along the shores of Vigie Beach, Pigeon Island. Look at the traffic brought about by tourism transport. We as a people through heroes like Stiede just want to take a stance and put brakes on developments that show the slightest signs of infringements on our rights. Lucians one day will wake up!
Another case where the minister, and in general, the government & their agencies operate under the maxim that “it is easier to ask for forgiveness, than to ask for permission!”
It is simply alarming and frightening that in your 238 square mile radius effective communication seems to be non existent. While I do not condone any individual who takes matters into their own hands. I must state that your agencies are literally sleeping on the job (question ??? how many individuals dropped the ball) —- It is extremely sad that both the National Conservation Authority and Invest Saint Lucia failed to inform the citizens as stated in your article.
I quote your article — “It is the responsibility of the NCA and Invest [Saint Lucia] in this case to let the public know that the beach will be closed for two weeks for beach improvement works; they ought to do it. They’re supposed to do it. And they were told to do it.”
By the way – I am neither SLP nor UWP – but you all have serious communication issues in St. Lucia for sure. Let me just give you guys an idea – perhaps when an agency/government approves any development you can put up a large bulletin board to reflect the following – see example
Project Authorization Permit #00000 authorized by name (s) of approving department in St. Lucia under section 999999
[Your Company Name]
[Your Company Address]
Date: October 16, 0000
John Doe
Project Coordinator
This project aims to enhance our beach facilities and enable our marketing vendors to improve their respective structures while simultaneously creating an environment which provides effective customer/client service. A temporary fence will be installed in order to facilitate this enhancement by (name company).
Project Overview:
• Project Start Date: November 1, 0000
• Project End Date: December 31, 0000
• Project Manager: John Doe
• Team Members: Jane Doe, Bob Doe and Carmen Doe
Objectives and Responsibilities:
The primary objectives of this project include:
1. Develop a ——–
2. Increase customer ——–
3. Launch ———
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to Paul Brown at the approving department at 000-000-000. Sorry for any inconvenience. Thank you.
Quote:
“The simple truth is that ….
This is NOT simple Mr Heliar!
You are also passing the buck to the NCA and Invest St Lucia for their blatant “error” – two entities who should know better. As a government official, together with Casimir, you both should really come down on these two entitiies, as well as the neocolonisers!! I am so glad Mr Steide brought this behaviour out to the public!! St Lucia should be owned by St Lucia.
If it’s not you is me followed by JMC,Kenny, Chastnet, Pierre and many orders to come…st lucia nice foreigners inn and st lucians OUT..
ST LUCIA SOLD !!!!!
But the beach is mine !