Member of Parliament for Castries North Stephenson King has sought to reassure residents amid growing concern over a proposed hotel development on the northern end of the Vigie Peninsula, emphasizing that the project remains in its early stages and has not yet received full approval.
Speaking at a pre-Cabinet press briefing on Monday, March 2, King acknowledged that some constituents have raised issues, particularly regarding the potential impact on scenic views.
“It’s more towards the north of the peninsula. The problem that some residents have is that it is likely to block their view. And that is an issue anybody can raise,” King stated.
“If you enjoy a view for all your life and you see the sea every morning, you see the rising sun, etc., and you can see people on the beach and you can see the waves, then maybe you have an issue and you feel that people are going to be denied that opportunity,” he added.
The proposed development, dubbed “Selene by Marriott” and spearheaded by Marriott International, is expected to follow the footprint of the former Vigie Beach Hotel.
“But otherwise, it will follow the exact footprints of the former Vigie Beach Hotel. Before that, it was owned by a local, so it wouldn’t change in any way,” King explained.
He noted that while there had been past discussions about expanding the site into a larger tourism complex, those plans were never realized due to a lack of investment.
“At one time, the original owners were actually talking about putting in a plaza, a sort of unique plaza to provide almost like a mall, providing a range of services, not just accommodation, boutiques, restaurants, sporting facilities. They never did it because they couldn’t get an investor,” he said.
King clarified that the current developers have only secured approval-in-principle, which does not constitute full planning permission.
“They have not received approval for the actual design. So, approval in principle says yes, it is suitable for a tourism product. The next application is to submit to the DCA the actual design of the facility,” he explained.
He stressed that the Development Control Authority will conduct rigorous assessments before any final approval is granted.
“The design would take into consideration, if you’re going to put 100 or 200 rooms, do you have adequate sewage disposal facilities? And they can reject the project on that basis,” King noted.
“It would look at things like parking. A comprehensive social and impact assessment study would be done to see how it impacts the entire community and the environment,” he added.
Despite public concerns, King expressed confidence in the country’s regulatory systems and the government’s commitment to protecting national interests.
“I am not at all concerned. I believe that our systems and our institutions of government are strong enough to take decisions in the interest of the people,” he said.
“I believe that the government of the day is particularly sensitive about the well-being of Saint Lucia and if at any given time we are of the opinion that an initiative may affect the people of Saint Lucia, we will certainly have second thoughts about it. But I’m quite comfortable,” King concluded.