Port congestion, infrastructure maintenance, and long-term development priorities are under renewed focus as Infrastructure Minister Shawn Edward outlined current challenges and potential solutions ahead of Tuesday’s sitting of Parliament.
Addressing concerns about overcrowding at Port Castries, the minister acknowledged that capacity constraints are already affecting operations.
“The only difference is that instead of storing the containers in Port Castries on the wharf, we store them in a location that we believe is close enough. That would not seriously impede the operations of the port, in terms of the vessels that would dock in Port Castries and to transact business,” he explained.
He added, “Yes, this is something that the government has been considering for some time now. We are just about to embark on a feasibility study. Everybody knows that Port Castries has outgrown the volume of business that it receives, whether you are talking about cruise passengers and cargo operations. We are definitely constrained by space, and the government is considering an alternative for cargo vessels.”
Minister Edward also highlighted the ongoing discussions regarding the transformation of Cul De Sac into a cargo port.
“It has been some time now since the discussion started with respect to Cul De Sac being transformed into a cargo port,” he said, signalling that the government is actively exploring long-term alternatives to address operational bottlenecks.
Reflecting on his appointment, the minister expressed optimism about the work ahead.
“I feel good being the Minister for Infrastructure. This is something I wanted to do in conversation with Prime Minister Pierre when the Cabinet was being configured. We did agree that I would be assigned to the Ministry of Infrastructure. The reception has been phenomenal. I work with some very professional individuals who discharge their duties with commitment, with pride, with passion. And very importantly, there has been this conversation ongoing between myself and the senior minister, whom I succeeded in the Ministry of Infrastructure,” he said.
Minister Edward noted that the scope of his responsibilities goes beyond daily operations. “So I am very pleased with the assignment. I am buoyed by the volume of work that we have to undertake. And more than just the daily operations of the ministry, I work with some of the larger statutory entities in the country, in particular, and it keeps me on my toes. There is a lot to learn, but I am very excited in terms of what we have to deliver to the people of Saint Lucia in the coming years,” he added.
The minister’s comments underscore the government’s commitment to easing port congestion while pursuing strategic infrastructure projects that support trade, tourism, and long-term national development.