A new chapter has begun for one of Saint Lucia’s popular waterfront destinations with the official opening of the Mount Pimard Public Beach Park on Friday, June 26. The new facility is expected to enhance public access to the beach while creating economic opportunities for local vendors and strengthening the island’s tourism product.
The project forms part of the government’s wider effort to develop modern public recreational spaces that benefit both residents and visitors, while encouraging sustainable tourism and orderly commercial activity.
Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre said the development demonstrates how tourism infrastructure can serve the interests of local communities without compromising the visitor experience.
“The locals must be allowed to enjoy the beach. The locals must be allowed to make some money, if possible, on the beach. But it’s got to be controlled,” Pierre said.
He stressed that the facility was designed to create opportunities in an organized manner.
“It’s got to be controlled because everyone can’t have a booth and everyone cannot vend on the beach. So this investment by the owners of this hotel is an example of how we can strike the balance between, one, sustainability, and two, the vision of benefits, benefits for everyone,” the Prime Minister stated.
He added that the goal is to ensure all stakeholders benefit from the development.
“So everybody, so we should end up in a win-win situation. The vendors will be in an orderly, in a well-organized manner, in proper surroundings, can earn a living. The locals can use the facilities, and our visitors can enjoy the beach, or even all three. And that is what we are looking for,” he said.
Pierre also addressed concerns surrounding the relocation of a longtime beach vendor, assuring the public that compensation had always been part of the government’s plans.
“We made the point that this lady had to be compensated. It was never our intention not to compensate the lady. It was never our intention,” he said. “We always knew that with time and with a little bit of patience, everything would have worked out.”
He also pledged continued support for beach vendors across the island.
“I want to assure the vendors in Saint Lucia that the government will always ensure that they have an orderly existence. The word is orderly. The word is structured, the word is organized. And the government will ensure that happens,” Pierre said.
General Manager of the National Conservation Authority, James Perineau, outlined the amenities available at the new beach park, noting that it has been designed to serve both recreational and commercial purposes.
“Amongst its amenities is a children’s playground. It creates a space where families can gather and children can enjoy wholesome recreation,” Perineau said.
He explained that the facility also provides opportunities for small businesses.
“The facility also features 13 commercial booths, including two restaurants and bars… and 11 vending booths… which will provide opportunities for entrepreneurship and economic development,” he said.
According to Perineau, public interest in the vending spaces has already been encouraging.
“We have been encouraged by the strong interest shown by members of the public. Several individuals thus far have already submitted applications for vending spaces,” he revealed.
He also highlighted the inclusion of one of the area’s best-known businesses.
“We are especially delighted that Marie’s Fish Shop, which the Prime Minister alluded to, a favorite fixture at the Reggie Beach, has been provided with upgraded space with amenities befitting of the standards expected within the tourism industry,” Perineau said.
“Marie’s Fish Shack has been a long part of the authentic Saint Lucian experience, and it is fitting that this establishment now has a modern facility that reflects the quality and hospitality for which Saint Lucians are renowned.”
Chief Executive Officer of Invest Saint Lucia, Octavian Charles, said the project demonstrates the importance of ensuring that investment delivers tangible benefits for communities.
“At Invest Saint Lucia, we recognize that our success is deeply committed to the well-being of the communities in which we operate,” Charles said. “As we continue to invest in the growth and development of Saint Lucia, we remain committed to ensuring that progress creates opportunities and benefits for everyone.”
He also acknowledged the contribution of the private sector.
“I would also like to recognize the significant contribution of A’Ila Resorts, whose commitment to responsible and inclusive development made this project possible,” Charles added.
Tourism and Investment Minister Dr Ernest Hilaire described the facility as part of a broader strategy to improve public beach infrastructure across the island.
“Can we continue to speak about being a world-class destination? Can we speak about being one of the best places in the world to go to? And we cannot provide any beach facilities for our people, far less the visitors,” Hilaire said.
He announced that another public beach facility will soon open at Reduit Beach.
“The Permanent Secretary will tell you, next week or the week after, we will be opening… a beach facility at the Reduit Park, which will have beach facilities like this one, as well as vending facilities,” he said.
The minister noted that the new facility will feature murals and upgraded amenities, adding that within a few years the stretch of coastline will include multiple modern public beach parks.
“So now, within about four or five years, on this stretch of the beach, we’ll have two public facilities. Two. There was already one at Pigeon Point, and I think at Vigie,” Hilaire said.