Tourism Minister Dr Ernest Hilaire defended the government’s handling of relocating longtime beach vendor Marie Farrell and of arranging her compensation. He said officials acted fairly, openly and with compassion during the process.
On Monday, Hilaire responded to public concerns about moving Farrell’s fish shack to make way for the Mount Pimard Beach Park project.
The minister said government agencies worked with Farrell to support her as they moved ahead with a project to boost Saint Lucia’s tourism and create more jobs.
“From the outset, our objective was to ensure that Ms Farrell was treated fairly, respectfully and compassionately,” Hilaire said.
He said Farrell met with officials from the Department of Crown Lands, Invest Saint Lucia, and the National Conservation Authority. She was able to pick the spot she wanted for her shop in the new beach park.
Hilaire said the government took extra steps to help her business. At Farrell’s request, they built a barbecue pit. Once the new place was ready, she also got cupboards and better security, just as she had asked.
On compensation, the minister said Farrell’s original structure was valued at EC$32,000. However, the government agreed to pay her EC$58,000, the estimated replacement cost, even though they were not legally required to cover the expenses.
Hilaire said she received the full amount.
The minister also said that because construction disrupted Farrell’s business, she spoke with officials about her earnings and expenses. Based on this, the government agreed to pay her EC$4,450 each week for eight weeks to cover lost income.
Hilaire pointed out that Farrell did not have a formal agreement with the National Conservation Authority or Crown Lands to use the site. Still, he said the government took a supportive and cooperative approach.
When asked about transparency, Hilaire said Farrell’s nephew, Anthony Jordan, who has a paralegal background, joined her in all discussions.
The minister said all compensation documents were reviewed with both Farrell and her nephew before any payments were made. They both signed to show they agreed to the terms.
“Throughout this process, the Government’s approach was guided not only by legal considerations but also by a commitment to fairness and good faith engagement,” Hilaire said.
He admitted that development projects can create uncertainty for those affected, but said the government remains committed to balancing national goals with the needs of small business owners.
The Mount Pimard Beach Park project, set to open soon, is part of a larger effort to improve Saint Lucia’s tourism and make public beaches better for both residents and visitors.
Hilaire said he is confident that the process shows the government’s commitment to responsible development and good relationships with stakeholders.
“What about transparency”. Really ??? The joke of the day. You had no permission to use the property to begin with and getting compensation for using it been paid almost twice what the structure was worth a weekly stipend for the lost of sales if that’s not startling enough she gets to pick her relocation AGAIN FOR FREE and her moving expenses paid by the government FOR FREE and clowns in their delusional mindsets are still asking about “transparency” ?? Ahhhh I don’t know anymore…..only in St Lucia this could occur
Bro understand politricks.. they wormed their way to achieve what’s belongs to their pocket at the expense of tax payers, until we can legitimately jail these crooks the conning and deception will never stops.
These vendors woman should not have been give so much. Did she have permission to set up a business on the beach? She would not have got such a deal with Chadtanet. Bring bank the UWP. Let us reclaim our side walks and beaches. Castries is a SLUM
She got a great deal to me because she has no claim to the land she occupied.
She was grossly over paid. It proves squatting does pay well.
She was making money the whole time she squat there. Now she win the lottery, to not be allow to squat there. I need to set up a Roti shop in the middle of Choc roundabout, lets see my payout. LOL
The soil was of this land belongs to the people and not at politicians choices. The deal is just nasty to the core. Why move the people of your land to benefit colonial choices.. in exchange for cash? This is how one expose themselves from academics to ghetto university, more so wickedness at it best