Plans for a major hotel development at Vigie Beach are generating a mix of anticipation and apprehension, as residents, developers and government officials weigh the potential economic benefits against concerns over access, infrastructure, and community impact.
The proposed development is the Marriott Selene Hotel, featuring two structures: a 10 storey and 6 storey; located on the eastern end of Vigie Beach, close to the George F. L. Charles Airport.
According to project designer Francisco Ortega, the development will comprise “a 150-room autographed hotel under the Marriott brand and a building for residences, all in a compound that is managed by Marriott”.
Ortega said the hotel is expected to play a significant role in boosting Saint Lucia’s tourism product, noting that it is not an all-inclusive resort. Instead, he described it as “a luxury brand that will bring high-end tourism to the area,” which he said could have a positive impact on the wider economy.
A recent public consultation brought together residents of the area, government representatives, and the project team, providing a platform for community members to voice their concerns. Tourism and Investment Minister Dr Ernest Hilaire described the meeting as productive and necessary.
“It was a really useful gathering, an opportunity for the designers, developers to hear first-hand from the residents what their concerns are,” Dr Hilaire said. He explained that those concerns touched on several issues, including “water, power usage, use of the beach, parking, noise and construction activity.”
Dr Hilaire added that the session allowed residents to speak openly. He said it gave the developers “a very good sense of what residents and users think of the development” as they prepare to seek final approvals.
Castries North Member of Parliament Stephenson King emphasised that while the project has already received approval in principle, that approval comes with clear expectations.
“That approval also includes a level of consultation with all concerned, our social partners and others, residents, and communities,” King said.
He stressed that his role will be to ensure continued dialogue, stating that his intention is “to continue to encourage consultation, and I refer to sustained consultation, attempting to address all of my concerns to their satisfaction and to the overall satisfaction of the solutions we use individually.”
As discussions continue, the proposed Vigie Beach development remains under close public scrutiny, with stakeholders balancing the promise of high-end tourism investment against the need to protect community interests and preserve access to the island’s prized coastline.