General

Local tourism officials and key stakeholders gathered on Thursday for a preparatory briefing ahead of the upcoming Saint Lucia Citizenship and Investment Summit.

The session, held at the Vigie offices of the Citizenship by Investment Programme, forms part of ongoing efforts to ensure a coordinated and informed approach as the island prepares to host the major regional event.

Minister responsible for the programme, Dr Ernest Hilaire, emphasized the importance of maintaining strong international partnerships and responding decisively to global concerns.

“We have an obligation to do so. We have a responsibility to do so,” Hilaire said. “So, any one of our partners who raises an issue of concern, we immediately assess, analyze and collectively try to come up with a solution.”

He pointed to past actions taken in alignment with international partners as an example of the programme’s responsiveness.

“When Russia invaded Ukraine and our partners indicated they wanted to take international action against Russia and Belarus, we joined them in ensuring that those persons could not apply to our programmes,” he explained.

Chairman of the CIP Board, Julian Charles, highlighted the significance of the upcoming summit in fostering collaboration across jurisdictions.

“The summit will allow policy makers, regulators, market participants and staff of CIP countries to come together to exchange ideas and see how we can strengthen the programmes,” Charles said.

He described the event as a valuable opportunity for both Saint Lucia and the wider region.

“This is a great opportunity for our programme and for all the other programmes in the region,” he added.

The summit is expected to bring together regional and international stakeholders to examine best practices, address emerging challenges and enhance the integrity and competitiveness of citizenship by investment programmes.

An eleven-month-old baby boy and an unborn child have been left without a father following a fatal shooting in Conway, Castries on Wednesday evening.

The victim has been identified as 29-year-old Michael Charlery, marking the island’s 15th homicide and adding to mounting concern over violent crime across the country.

According to reports, the incident has left family members devastated, with loved ones recounting the moment they learnt of the tragedy.

“I was in town. When I came back home, my sister called me and told me they shot him,” the victim’s partner said.

Relatives also spoke of the emotional toll the killing has already taken on the young child left behind.

“What is more touching me now is that every day there is a call for the little baby on video call, saying ‘look daddy, look daddy’,” a loved one shared. “And today the baby is there and not even hearing the voice of his father.”

The relative expressed concern for the future, noting the difficult conversations that lie ahead.

“When that boy comes of age, I do not even know what we will have to tell him about that,” the individual added.

Another family member highlighted the need for support for the grieving family, particularly the partner and children.

“I do not know, maybe she will get the help,” the relative said. “I have always been seeking help for them. He still has his mother, so maybe they could take good care of her. I hope so.”

The latest killing underscores the continuing human cost of violent crime in Saint Lucia, with families and communities left to cope with loss, trauma and uncertainty in its aftermath.

Saint Lucia has taken a major step toward addressing long-standing delays within its justice system with the official opening of a Criminal Backlog Reduction Court at the Monplaisir Building.

The new facility is expected to accelerate the processing of criminal matters and ease pressure on the courts, as authorities move to improve efficiency and restore public confidence in the administration of justice.

Prime Minister and Minister for Justice, Philip J Pierre, highlighted the scale of the issue, revealing that a significant number of cases have been pending for years.

“I am informed that of the 1,138 cases pending as of March 31, 2026, 587 of them, or 51.6 per cent, have been there for over six years,” Pierre said. “By any measure, this is unacceptable and justifies the saying that justice delayed is justice denied.”

He noted that the backlog has been a key concern for the government since taking office.

“This mounting backlog of cases has been a pressing issue for my administration since assuming office in July 2021,” he added.

Acting Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, Margaret Alison Price Findlay, described the initiative as a critical evolution in the justice system.

“The establishment of this court is not merely an administrative development, it is a declaration of purpose,” she said. “It is a statement that the administration of justice must continually evolve to meet the expectations of the people it serves and the demands of the rule of law.”

She emphasized the broader role of the courts within Caribbean democracies.

“Across our Caribbean region, our courts stand as guardians of constitutional democracy. They are institutions where rights are vindicated, disputes are resolved and the rule of law is given practical meaning,” she stated.

Director of Public Prosecutions Daarsrean Greene warned that prolonged delays undermine the integrity of the justice system.

“The maxim justice delayed is justice denied has stood as a pillar upon which justice systems in all democratic societies are built,” Greene said. “Inordinate delay inevitably erodes its fundamental meaning and results in the loss of public confidence.”

He added that delays in both criminal and civil matters amount to injustice.

“Delay in the disposition of matters clearly amounts to injustice,” he noted.

Attorney General Leslie Mondesir acknowledged longstanding frustrations with the system and the need for reform.

“For far too long, the backlog and delays in our criminal court system have frustrated the delivery of justice in Saint Lucia,” Mondesir said.

He explained that the new court forms part of a broader, targeted strategy.

“The increased number of cases demanded a holistic approach to ensure that justice is not only done, but done in a timely manner,” he added.

The establishment of the Criminal Backlog Reduction Court is expected to play a key role in reducing delays, improving case management and strengthening the overall effectiveness of Saint Lucia’s judicial system.

Residents of Dennery and surrounding communities now have improved access to oral healthcare following the reintroduction of dental services at the La Ressource Wellness Centre.

The initiative by the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition forms part of a broader effort to decentralise healthcare services and bring treatment closer to communities across the island.

Health Minister Moses Jn Baptiste said the move reflects the government’s commitment to expanding access while improving convenience for residents.

“When you bring dental services to the Dennery Valley at the La Ressource Wellness Centre, which last year we re-established, refurbished and rebuilt, it says that you are expanding dental care services but also making it accessible to the people of the Dennery Valley,” he said.

He noted that many residents previously had to travel to other facilities to receive care.

“Most of these people would have accessed dental care at the Dennery Hospital and we are now bringing the services closer to them,” Baptiste added.

Senior Dental Surgeon at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Sherry Ephraim-Le Compte, said the dental team is prepared to deliver a wide range of services to patients of all ages.

“Our dental team is very competent and they are excited to provide services not just to children but to everybody, to all age groups,” she said.

She emphasised that the programme will not only focus on treatment but also prevention and education.

“Their main goal is to raise awareness and provide dental education to improve and promote good oral health behaviours,” she explained.

Dr Ephraim-Le Compte added that essential procedures will be made readily available to the community.

“They are also going to provide examinations, cleanings, fillings and extractions, those services that are tremendously needed in the community,” she said.

Parliamentary Representative for Dennery North, Shawn Edward, welcomed the development but stressed the importance of sustained outreach and public education.

“I know we have had a lot of dental health issues in the Mabouya Valley and we have the statistics to prove it,” Edward said.

He called for continued engagement beyond clinical services to ensure residents fully benefit from the initiative.

“Much more than just coming here on the days when patients will be screened and attended to, I want there to be a community outreach programme, an education programme that would speak of the availability of the service and the benefits that can be derived,” he stated.

The restoration of dental services at the La Ressource Wellness Centre is expected to improve access to care, promote preventive health practices and reduce the burden on centralised medical facilities.

The opposition United Workers’ Party (UWP) has raised fresh concerns about several national issues, including water shortages, the Citizenship by Investment Programme, public borrowing and the loss of visa-free access to the United Kingdom.

Speaking at a press conference on March 18, party representatives argued that the current administration has failed to adequately address critical challenges affecting citizens and businesses.

Opposition Leader and Micoud South Parliamentary Representative, Allen Chastanet, was noticeably absent from the press conference.

UWP candidate for Gros Islet, Marcella Johnson, described the ongoing water situation as a crisis impacting daily life, particularly in northern communities.

“Water is not a privilege. Water is a basic, very basic necessity,” Johnson said. “Families in the north have to endure daily rationing, emergency outages and the uncertainty about when water will run in their taps.”

She noted that the shortages are also affecting the private sector.

“Businesses in the north operate under disruption, creating many financial challenges. Communities are left in distress,” she said. 

Johnson further criticised the government’s handling of the island’s main water source, the John Compton Dam, which she said has seen its capacity significantly reduced.

“The John Compton Dam has been burdened with millions of cubic metres of silt that has reduced its capacity by over 50 per cent,” she stated.

According to Johnson, efforts to address the issue had begun under the previous UWP administration but were halted after the change in government.

“Under the UWP administration, work had begun on the desilting programme. But when this government took office in 2021, they stopped the desilting work.”

Meanwhile, UWP candidate for Anse La Raye and Canaries, Dominic Fedee, raised concerns about transparency and reporting within the Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP).

“It therefore means that this controversial programme which is globally monitored has now not seen two years of reports,” Fedee said.

He called on the government to release outstanding reports to restore confidence among international partners.

“I would like to take this opportunity to call on the government to come forward with the outstanding reports so that there could be a resurgence or repair of confidence in the management of our CIP programme,” he said.

Fedee pointed to available data indicating significant activity within the programme.

“A quick glance at the CIP website would show that between 2021 and 2024 the government has approved some 2,000 applications and received over 7,000 applications,” he noted.

He questioned the absence of updated reporting and called for greater scrutiny of the programme’s financial operations.

“The question that looms large this morning is what are the outstanding amounts in escrow accounts overseas,” Fedee said. “How much have developers collected, how much have they drawn down and how much have they spent on specific projects?”

Fedee also urged the government to provide an update on the proposed Rock Hall housing project.

UWP candidate for Babonneau, Titus Preville, said the party’s interventions are part of its responsibility as the parliamentary opposition.

“This press conference is not meant to score cheap political points,” Preville said. “There is an opposition in Saint Lucia and it has a duty and responsibility to speak to all Saint Lucians on issues that will affect them.”

Preville also raised concerns about the level of borrowing undertaken by the government, comparing it to figures from the previous UWP administration.

“Between 2017 and 2019, the United Workers’ Party accumulated a total borrowing of $370.4 million,” he said. “The average borrowing per year was about $123 million.”

He contrasted this with borrowing figures for the current administration.

“Between 2022 and 2024, the Saint Lucia Labour Party borrowed $921.3 million,” Preville stated.

He further highlighted that some of the debt includes government-backed guarantees, including financing linked to the Saint Lucia Air and Seaports Authority (SLASPA).

“The Saint Lucia Air and Seaports Authority is going to undertake borrowing in the region of $121.5 million,” he said. “Because the government will be guaranteeing that debt, it will be reflected as part of our national debt.”

Preville also questioned the rationale behind planned investments in port infrastructure, particularly in light of proposals to relocate cargo operations.

“With plans to move cargo operations to Cul-De-Sac, one must ask why SLASPA is undertaking such a significant investment on berth four,” he said.

He further raised questions about revenue arrangements tied to cruise operations and existing agreements with private operators.

The UWP said it will continue to raise issues of national concern as part of its role in holding the government accountable.

Acting Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, Margaret Alison Price Findlay, has underscored the importance of judicial independence, integrity and public engagement, as she was featured in a special interview marking International Women’s Day.

Born in Diego Martin, Trinidad and Tobago, Justice Price-Findlay received her early education at the Holy Name Convent Secondary School before pursuing legal studies at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus in Barbados, where she earned a Bachelor of Laws degree with honours in 1985. She later attended the Hugh Wooding Law School, obtaining her Legal Education Certificate in 1987, the same year she was called to the Bar of Trinidad and Tobago.

Her legal career began as an associate at the law firm of James Brathwaite between 1987 and 1988. She was appointed a High Court Judge in 2009, serving in Grenada, before being assigned to Saint Lucia from 2015 to 2022, where she presided in the Criminal Division of the High Court. In September 2022, she was elevated to the Court of Appeal Bench, bringing extensive experience in both trial and appellate jurisdictions.

Reflecting on her current role, Justice Price-Findlay described the unique challenges of leading a regional judiciary that spans multiple jurisdictions.

“You are the head of the judiciary and also the face of the judiciary,” she said. “Unlike any other Chief Justice in the Caribbean, you preside over nine states and territories.”

She noted that the position requires a high level of diplomacy and engagement with a wide range of stakeholders.

“You deal with nine Prime Ministers, nine Directors of Public Prosecutions and nine Solicitors General,” she explained. “It causes you to be very diplomatic and to learn how to approach each individual and each situation with tact.”

Justice Price-Findlay added that achieving consensus across jurisdictions is often complex.

“All nine states and territories are not always on the same page,” she said. “It requires a lot of interaction, networking and discussion to get certain things done.”

On the issue of judicial independence, she stressed that maintaining public confidence in the justice system is paramount.

“Judicial independence is important because at the end of the day we serve the public of the Eastern Caribbean,” she said. “The public has to have confidence in the judicial system.”

She emphasised that decisions must be guided by law and principle rather than popularity or personal relationships.

“You do not make a decision that is popular. You make a decision that is right,” she stated. “You do not favour somebody because they are your friend. You make the decision because it is the right thing to do.”

Justice Price-Findlay credited the strength of the court to the calibre of its judicial officers over the decades.

“We have been very fortunate in recruiting men and women who have brought to the bench the highest ideals of integrity and honesty,” she said.

While acknowledging that the judiciary is sometimes subject to criticism, she pointed to established avenues for appeal within the legal system, including the Caribbean Court of Justice and the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.

“If a decision is not correct or you are aggrieved, you have the option of going to a higher court,” she noted.

Justice Price-Findlay also highlighted the need for greater public understanding of how the courts operate.

“I think sometimes members of the public do not necessarily understand how exactly a court functions,” she said. “It may be for the court to have more public outreach and to explain how our processes work.”

As the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court approaches its 60th anniversary, Justice Price-Findlay expressed confidence in the institution’s future, grounded in its continued commitment to fairness, integrity and service to the public.

Saint Lucia is intensifying its efforts to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, as key agencies participate in a sensitization workshop hosted by the Attorney General’s Chambers in collaboration with the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF).

The training forms part of the island’s preparations for the fifth round of mutual evaluations, which will assess not only the strength of its legal framework but also how effectively those laws are enforced.

Deputy Executive Director of the CFATF, Wendell Lucas, underscored the shift in focus for the upcoming round of assessments.

“The fifth round is based on effectiveness,” Lucas explained. “Apart from having all the laws and policies and enforceable means, this round judges your effective implementation, that you are actually doing the work.”

He noted that the CFATF continues to support member states in strengthening their systems ahead of evaluation.

“The CFATF undertakes to work with all our member countries to ensure that they have a successful fifth round mutual evaluation,” he said.

Lucas also cautioned that despite the Caribbean’s relatively small size, the region remains vulnerable to global financial crimes.

“While we in the Caribbean might be a bit sheltered, we are still exposed because we are a subsystem of a wider society,” he stated. “The standards have taken these things into consideration and there will be aspects of that being assessed by member states.”

Permanent Secretary in the Attorney General’s Chambers, Juliana Alfred, echoed those sentiments and highlighted the importance of national preparedness ahead of Saint Lucia’s scheduled evaluation in 2028.

“Saint Lucia will be assessed in 2028 and all of us need to be aware of what the changes are and what it means for us,” Alfred said.

She emphasized that the evaluation would scrutinize how effectively institutions carry out their responsibilities, rather than simply whether laws are in place.

“In the fifth round, the focus is going to be on effectiveness, not just about our legislative framework, but how effective we are as a country in terms of meeting these recommendations,” she explained.

Alfred noted that several key institutions will come under close review, including law enforcement, the judiciary, and prosecutorial bodies.

“The work of the police in terms of investigations will come under focus. The work of the judiciary and prosecution will come under focus,” she said.

She added that evaluators will also examine tangible outcomes within the justice system.

“How many cases have we been able to successfully execute in the court systems?” Alfred asked. “Where and what exists in terms of beneficial ownership information, and is that information readily available?”

Officials say the workshop is designed to ensure that all relevant agencies understand their roles and responsibilities as Saint Lucia works to strengthen its compliance with international standards and improve its overall effectiveness in tackling financial crimes.

Women and young people in the community of Aupicon are gaining new economic opportunities through a grassroots training initiative aimed at transforming locally grown Seamoss into value-added products.

The programme, supported by the British High Commission, is equipping participants with the technical skills needed to produce professional-grade soaps using seamoss cultivated in the south of the island.

Political Officer at the British High Commission, Leandra Pinelle, said the initiative reflects the United Kingdom’s commitment to supporting sustainable livelihoods and community development.

“The British High Commission in Castries, on behalf of the UK Government, is pleased to be here today,” Pinelle said. “We are very excited that we have the opportunity to fund the Aupicon seamoss farmers to deliver this project.”

She noted that the programme places a strong emphasis on engaging women and youth in the growing seamoss industry.

“We believe the initiative is very important to engage the youth and women in seamoss farming,” she explained. “Seamoss farming has great potential in the south and we think that offering this support will be a stepping stone for farmers to go into agro-processing or to make their livelihood a bit more sustainable.”

Pinelle added that the High Commission is encouraged by the opportunity to contribute to the sector’s development.

“We are just happy to be able to support them,” she said.

Vice President of the Aupicon Seamoss Association, Brian Walker, said participation in the training has been strong, with turnout exceeding expectations.

“We have about 90 per cent of the attendance which we anticipated,” Walker said. “On the part of the British High Commission, it was a very good initiative where they gave us the association the funds directly.”

He explained that the project extends beyond training, incorporating additional components aimed at youth engagement and climate resilience.

“We know we have two other components of this project which would target the youth,” Walker said. “We also have a component which targets climate adaptation, where we are looking to build some rafts and deploy them.”

According to Walker, the planned rafts will improve working conditions for seamoss farmers.

“This would assist with a resting station, where when you are out there you can take a break and not be in the seawater the whole day, which is not good for your health,” he explained.

Consultant Yafalia Fulgence, who is facilitating the soap-making training, said participants are being introduced to practical techniques that allow them to diversify the use of seamoss.

“We are using the same base for soap making with oil and lye as per usual, and we are using seamoss as our base today,” Fulgence said.

She noted that trainees are being exposed to different methods of incorporating seamoss into the production process.

“They will be using both gel and powdered seamoss so that they can see the difference in the way that we make the soap,” she explained.

Fulgence added that the ultimate goal is to empower participants to create their own products and expand their economic prospects.

“We are hoping that after we give them the base, they can now create their own and make their own creations, so that they can use seamoss in several different ways,” she said.

The initiative is expected to strengthen the local seamoss industry while providing participants with practical skills to generate income through value-added production.

Police have not yet identified the island’s 14th homicide victim following a fatal shooting in La Pansee, Castries on Monday night.

The incident, which occurred around 9:20 p.m. on March 17, claimed the life of a young male and has left residents of the community shaken, with growing calls for enhanced security measures.

According to a resident who spoke anonymously, there are concerns that the incident may be linked to activity in neighboring communities.

“It is probably linked to something on the other side, which would be the Bois Patat to Mon Du Don area,” the resident said.

The resident expressed fear over the potential risks posed to innocent bystanders, particularly given the frequent use of connecting pathways between communities.

“I am concerned about it because the linkage with the gap between Mon Du Don and Bois Patat is something that people in the area use throughout,” the individual explained. “It is sad that it could have been one of the young ladies or gentlemen coming from work at that time in the evening who could have been caught in that crossfire.”

In the aftermath of the shooting, residents are now urging authorities to implement measures aimed at improving safety and limiting escape routes for perpetrators.

The anonymous resident suggested that surveillance infrastructure and physical barriers could help deter criminal activity.

“I would like for the minister to at least put some cameras in the area,” the resident said. “I was also thinking the linkage on the bridge coming from the village, if a gate could be installed there just to protect the residents.”

The latest killing adds to ongoing concerns about violent crime in Saint Lucia, as communities continue to call for stronger interventions to protect residents and restore a sense of security.

Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Philip J Pierre, has presented a motion in Parliament seeking authorisation to borrow an additional US$10.813 million from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to assist in completing the Millennium Highway Reconstruction Project and the West Coast Road Project.

The motion was laid during the March 10 sitting of the Parliament of Saint Lucia, as the government acknowledged that the long-delayed project has been affected by cost overruns and delays since construction began.

The highway rehabilitation programme has drawn considerable scrutiny from Saint Lucians. Originally scheduled to begin in July 2021 and conclude in January 2024, the works have faced setbacks linked to the global disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, along with supply chain challenges affecting the procurement of materials and equipment.

The project itself stems from a grant secured from the United Kingdom government in April 2018, valued at £30 million, approximately EC$115 million. According to a statement issued at the time by the Ministry of Infrastructure, the reconstruction was to be financed through the United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (UKCIF).

That announcement was made by then Minister for Infrastructure, Stephenson King during the 2018–2019 Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure debate.

During the debate on the new borrowing motion, Pierre outlined the origins of the UKCIF arrangement and the earlier vision for the funds.

“The UKCIF, Mr. Speaker, was negotiated with Dr. Kenny Anthony when he was Prime Minister and Minister of Finance,” Pierre told Parliament.

He explained that the initiative formed part of a broader infrastructure funding programme offered by the British government to Caribbean states.

“At that time, the thinking of the government, and not only in Saint Lucia but throughout the region, was that the UK government would give a grant to help with infrastructure development,” Pierre said.

He noted that the initial concept involved constructing a cross-island highway linking the north of Saint Lucia to Vieux Fort.

“At that time, the government decided that that money would have been used for the construction of what is called a Chimi Royale, a highway from the north of the country to go across the island and land in Vieux Fort,” he stated.

Pierre said a feasibility study conducted by the Caribbean Development Bank informed those early discussions. He also recalled that the opposition parliamentarians had been invited to consultations on the study.

“When that study was done, the member for South East Castries, who was in opposition at the time, was invited to have a discussion on that feasibility study at the Bexon School,” Pierre said. “I spent five years in opposition, and I was never invited to have a discussion on anything.”

Following a change in government, the plan for a cross-island highway was abandoned and the funds were redirected towards upgrading the Millennium Highway and sections of the west coast road.

“The government changed and the then government decided that they were no longer pursuing that venture,” Pierre explained. “They decided that they would put that money into the Millennium Highway, starting from Faux à Chaud and building the road up to Soufrière.”

He told Parliament that subsequent revisions placed the project cost at approximately US$64.9 million, equivalent to EC$172.8 million.

Pierre also revealed that the government had to seek extensions from the UK CIF programme due to project delays.

“The Ministry of Finance had to be literally begging UKCIF to extend the grant agreement because we were running out of time,” he said. “You have to use these grants over a particular time and we were losing time.”

According to Pierre, the combination of delays and rising construction costs left the government facing a financing gap.

“As in all these things, the cost of the project increased,” he told the House. “We found ourselves in a position where we were 10 million US dollars short. So, we had to go to the CDB to borrow 10.8 million US dollars to supplement the UKCIF grant to complete the road.”

Under the motion presented to Parliament, the government is seeking approval to amend the existing loan agreement with the Caribbean Development Bank to secure the additional funding.

The proposal states that the additional loan will carry a variable interest rate of 5.6 per cent per annum, replacing the earlier fixed rate of 4.8 per cent on the relevant portion of the facility.

It will also include a commitment charge of one per cent per year on unwithdrawn funds and will be repayable over twelve years following a five-year grace period. Repayments will be made in forty-eight equal or approximately equal quarterly instalments.

Despite the delays, Pierre expressed optimism that the long-running project is nearing completion.

“I am pleased that the road finally looks like it is going to be completed,” he said. “Finally, it looks like that road is going to be completed from Faux à Chaud to Soufrière.”

He added that the completed roadway, together with the reunification of the roundabouts and proposals to name a section the Julian Alfred Highway, would create an impressive corridor when finished.

Current Transport Minister Stephenson King, who previously served as Infrastructure Minister when the project was initiated, said the nearing completion of the highway represents personal vindication.

“The completion of this road to me is one of vindication and validation,” King told Parliament.

“Vindication for all those who felt that I was useless, that I did not understand what was needed, that I was not efficient enough to get it done.”

King said the project also validates the necessity of upgrading the west coast transportation network.

“For those who are now driving on it, not just the Millennium Highway but going to Anse La Raye, Soufrière and Choiseul, I am sure they are quite pleased with what is coming out of this road,” he said.

The minister also emphasized that the upgraded road was designed with resilience and durability in mind.

“The road should last maybe 20 years with a pavement strength of 20 and one that has taken into consideration resiliency and the whole question of climate change,” King explained.

He pointed to the inclusion of a Japanese-built bridge designed to withstand severe weather.

“It was built to withstand hurricanes one in 50 years. Much higher than what was there before, so no hurricane will ever paralyze the west coast and its economic and social activity in the event of another Hurricane Tomas or Debbie.”

If approved, the additional loan will provide the financing required to close the funding gap and bring the long-delayed infrastructure project to completion.