Accompanied by Ms. Lorraine Matthew, Permanent Secretary (Ag.), and Mr. George Melchoir, Deputy Permanent Secretary (South), the Minister was welcomed by SLASPA’s Senior Management team led by General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Daren Cenac, and Chief Strategy & Business Development Officer/Deputy General Manager, Mrs. Grace Parkinson, alongside Senior Manager – Airports, Ms. Amy Charles; Senior Manager – Seaports, Mr. Adrian Hilaire; Chief Engineer, Mr. Jumaane Paul; and members of the engineering department.

Accompanied by Ms. Lorraine Matthew, Permanent Secretary (Ag.), and Mr. George Melchoir, Deputy Permanent Secretary (South), the Minister was welcomed by SLASPA’s Senior Management team led by General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Daren Cenac, and Chief Strategy & Business Development Officer/Deputy General Manager, Mrs. Grace Parkinson, alongside Senior Manager – Airports, Ms. Amy Charles; Senior Manager – Seaports, Mr. Adrian Hilaire; Chief Engineer, Mr. Jumaane Paul; Port Councilor, Mr. Tedburt Theobalds; and members of the engineering department.

The visit to Port Castries included a tour of the Ferry Terminal and on-site observations of operations at Sheds 6 and 7, along with engagement with frontline and support personnel who play a critical role in ensuring seamless port operations. Particular attention was given to Berth 4, which is nearing the end of its terminal design life and requires increased maintenance intervention, underscoring the importance of the Berth 4 Reconstruction Project, scheduled to commence in 2026.

The Minister also reviewed recent infrastructure improvements, including the newly implemented traffic management system at Gate 7, Castries Seaport, designed to improve efficiency and reduce congestion for truckers entering and exiting the port. He was further introduced to SLASPA’s recently acquired LHM 420 crane, Greyson, which replaces the long-serving LHM 320 crane, Blueboy, marking another milestone in the Authority’s ongoing equipment modernisation programme.

The visit continued at GFLCA, where the Minister toured the nearly completed Port Police Barracks, conducted a ramp walkthrough, and visited key operational areas, including Airport Fire Rescue, Immigration, and Customs & Excise. He also received briefings on the Streamlined Travel; Airport Renewal & Transformation Project (S.T.A.R.T.), an ongoing initiative focused on continuously reviewing and enhancing airport operations to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction. Planned expansions of the departure lounge, departure concourse, and other critical areas were also outlined.

Mr. Daren Cenac, General Manager and CEO of SLASPA, emphasized the importance of the visit, stating:

“This familiarisation tour provided a valuable opportunity for the Minister to observe firsthand the scope of our operations and the dedication of our team. Following the initial visit to HIA, this engagement offered a broader appreciation of SLASPA’s work across its network.”

The Honourable Shawn A. Edward welcomed the progress observed and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to infrastructure development, noting:

“What I have seen today reflects a clear focus on efficiency, safety, and long-term sustainability. Our seaports and airports are critical gateways to Saint Lucia’s economic growth, and initiatives such as the S.T.A.R.T Project demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to service delivery and customer satisfaction. I commend the SLASPA team for their ongoing efforts and professionalism.”

The familiarisation tour forms part of the Minister’s ongoing engagement with key infrastructure agencies, aimed at strengthening collaboration and ensuring that national assets are managed in alignment with the Government’s development priorities.