Statement by National Trust on Cabot Development

14th February 2022

By Saint Lucia National Trust

The Government of Saint Lucia will continue to encourage and welcome investors to Saint Lucia and expects them to preserve and protect the nation’s patrimony as well as the wishes of residents.

So said Senior Minister, Honourable Stephenson King when he appeared on the popular television talk show State of the Nation on Wednesday February 2, 2022. During the discussion Minister King stated that the Cabinet of Ministers has taken this policy position, and in the context of the Cabot Saint Lucia development, the government has decided that public access to Secret and Donkey beaches will be preserved and there will be motorable access to Cas en Bas beach.

He also stated that the ancient Amerindian site will be protected and indicated that these arrangements will require continued State ownership of the adjoining Queen’s Chain. Since 2019 several organisations and individuals have been advocating for the protection and sustainable management of the heritage assets within and adjoining the Cabot development. The Honourable Minister’s pronouncements are consistent with the recommendations of these advocate groups and in keeping with the notion that there should always be a balance between development and conservation.

We welcome these policy decisions and urge the government to approve relevant policies and enact legislation to give them the force of law for the benefit of the State, its residents and the wider global community. This will give potential developers clear guidance and guidelines on how development may proceed and avert future disagreements between them, conservation interests and the people of Saint. Lucia. The Saint Lucia National Trust looks forward to continue working with the Government and people of Saint Lucia to ensure the protection and conservation of our patrimony.