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SLASPA Fires OECC as SLP Government’s decision sparks concerns over delays and rising costs for Vieux Fort’s redevelopment.
CASTRIES, St. Lucia —In what many are calling yet another politically motivated attack on Saint Lucia’s development, the Saint Lucia Air and Seaports Authority (SLASPA) has made headlines as SLASPA Fires OECC, terminating its contract with Taiwanese construction firm Overseas Engineering & Construction Co. (OECC). This decision, announced on November 30, 2024, has sparked outrage, particularly in the southern region of Vieux Fort, where the stalled Hewanorra International Airport (HIA) redevelopment project remains a glaring symbol of stagnation under Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre’s administration.
OECC, a globally recognized firm with an impressive track record, was contracted to construct the Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) under the HIA redevelopment. Now, with the contract terminated over alleged breaches in performance, health, and safety, critics are pointing fingers at the Pierre administration for sabotaging yet another crucial project initiated by the previous United Workers Party (UWP) government led by Allen Chastanet.
01
of 06A Pattern of Political Retaliation
The termination of OECC’s contract is viewed by many as part of a broader campaign by the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) to systematically dismantle the development agenda set in motion by the Chastanet administration. From the onset of its tenure, the Pierre administration has been accused of halting or delaying projects critical to Saint Lucia’s growth, particularly in the south, where Vieux Fort was poised to emerge as a hub of economic and infrastructural activity.
Under Chastanet, the HIA redevelopment was positioned as a transformative project to bolster tourism and economic activity. The airport expansion, along with complementary initiatives in the south, aimed to uplift Vieux Fort, which has long been overshadowed by developments in the north of the island. However, upon assuming office, Pierre’s government quickly moved to “review” these projects, citing financial concerns. The result has been a series of delays and now, with the termination of OECC, a significant escalation in the crisis.
02
of 06Daren Cenac and Stephenson King’s Roles in the Crisis
Daren Cenac, SLASPA’s General Manager, has been accused of playing politics in his handling of the OECC contract. Cenac, who was involved in negotiations with OECC, has been described as a “puppet” of the Pierre administration, allegedly acting to fulfill its politically motivated agenda.
Observers claim that the seeds of this crisis were planted during the Chastanet administration, with Cenac and others deliberately delaying progress on the HIA redevelopment. The situation was further exacerbated by Stephenson King’s defection from the UWP to the SLP—a move that many see as a betrayal to the south of the island and a calculated maneuver to dismantle Chastanet’s ambitious vision for Saint Lucia.
03
of 06Vieux Fort Left Behind
The termination of the OECC contract adds to a growing list of decisions by the Pierre administration that have left Vieux Fort residents feeling abandoned and disillusioned. The government’s recent agreement with Global Ports Holding (GPH), which critics argue guarantees no significant development in Vieux Fort for the next 30 years, has compounded fears that the region is being deliberately sidelined.
This latest action by SLASPA is expected to lead to legal repercussions, with OECC likely to mount a strong response. Such a development could further delay the airport project, potentially stagnating Vieux Fort’s redevelopment for years. What was once envisioned as a vibrant economic hub now risks becoming a “derelict ghost town,” as some have described.
04
of 06Double Standards in Development
Adding insult to injury, OECC continues to secure high-profile contracts in neighboring islands, such as St. Vincent, where it is spearheading major modernization projects. This stark contrast highlights the missed opportunities for Saint Lucia under Pierre’s administration. While other nations leverage OECC’s expertise to advance their infrastructure, Saint Lucia remains mired in controversy, delays, and a lack of visionary leadership.
Critics argue that SLASPA’s decision, while couched in claims of maintaining “high standards,” is reflective of the broader incompetence and short-sightedness of the current administration. The estimated cost of the HIA redevelopment, initially set at $145 million, has already ballooned to $175 million. With $35-$40 million spent to date and no clear resolution in sight, the Pierre administration appears unable—or unwilling—to steer the project to completion.
05
of 06A Call for Accountability
The termination of the OECC contract underscores the urgent need for greater accountability within the Pierre administration. What should have been a milestone in Saint Lucia’s development has instead become a cautionary tale of political vendettas and poor governance.
SLASPA General Manager Darren Cenac’s assurances that the termination will not incur additional costs ring hollow for many. Even if legal battles are avoided, the delays alone represent a significant cost to the nation in terms of lost opportunities and diminished confidence in Saint Lucia’s ability to execute large-scale projects.
06
of 06The Way Forward
As SLASPA prepares to launch a new tender process in 2025, there is little optimism among the public that the Pierre administration will deliver on its promises. The HIA redevelopment, once a beacon of hope for the south, now stands as a symbol of the political gamesmanship and developmental decay that have come to define the current government.
The people of Saint Lucia deserve better. They deserve a government that prioritizes progress over politics, that uplifts rather than undermines, and that delivers on its commitments to the entire nation—not just the north. As the legal and financial fallout from this latest debacle unfolds, one thing is clear: the blame lies squarely at the feet of Philip J. Pierre and his administration’s assault on development in Saint Lucia.
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