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A Newly built Gros Islet park infrastructure falls apart, sparking outrage over alleged corruption.
Gros Islet, Saint Lucia—The controversy surrounding the crumbling Gros Islet park infrastructure has escalated, with explosive allegations of corruption, kickbacks, and fraud now linked to parliamentary representative Kenson Casimir and other officials within the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP). The revelations suggest not only incompetence but also deliberate misuse of public funds and manipulation of World Bank procedures for personal gain.
Images of the park, which feature crumbling walls, uneven grounds, and tilted fences, have circulated widely on social media, prompting residents to demand immediate action. The deteriorating state of the infrastructure has become a flashpoint for criticism of the SLP and parliamentary representative Kenson Casimir, who represents the constituency.
“This is unacceptable,” said one Gros Islet resident. “These structures were just built, and they’re already falling apart. How can this happen unless corners were deliberately cut? It feels like we’ve been robbed of our hard-earned tax money.”
The park’s fencing, which collapsed alongside other poorly constructed elements, was reportedly built by one of Kenson Casimir’s favored contractors. This is the same contractor who oversaw projects at the Darren Sammy Stadium, funded by an $80 million loan allocated to the National Lotteries Authority (NLA). Sources allege that this funding, meant to enhance sporting facilities including the Darren Sammy Stadium, lacked accountability and has left the NLA bankrupt. It is further alleged that millions in kickbacks from these funds were funneled to Kenson Casimir, who is now reportedly investing in real estate ventures.
Adding to the scandal, credible sources claim that the contractor purchased a brand-new $400,000 pickup truck for Casimir. “It’s a blatant misuse of public resources,” one whistleblower said. “This park and other projects have become nothing more than vehicles for personal enrichment.”
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of 04World Bank Project Manipulated
The Gros Islet park project was initially funded by the World Bank and designed under the former United Workers Party (UWP) administration. However, according to investigations, when Kenson Casimir assumed office, he fast-tracked the contract, allegedly eyeing the opportunity for kickbacks.
Documents obtained during an investigation revealed that the contractor involved in the project did not meet World Bank approval standards. To circumvent this, it is alleged that false documentation was submitted to ensure their qualification.
“This is fraud at the highest level,” said one political commentator. “Falsifying documents to secure a World Bank-funded project undermines Saint Lucia’s credibility and risks future international funding.”
Opposition voices have seized on the controversy, highlighting what they describe as systemic issues within the current administration. “This park is a perfect example of what happens when corruption trumps good governance,” said an opposition spokesperson. “The people of Saint Lucia work hard to fund these projects, and they deserve infrastructure that lasts, not this embarrassment.”
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of 04Systemic Failures in Public Infrastructure
This incident is not isolated. Recently, the Castries Polyclinic, a flagship healthcare project, experienced a roof leak just days after its grand opening. The leak, which disrupted operations in the new facility, has fueled growing concerns about the quality of construction and oversight in government projects. Residents and healthcare advocates have questioned how such a critical infrastructure project could fail so soon, citing it as evidence of rushed timelines and inadequate quality control.
The situation has sparked fears about the reliability of other public works under the current administration, raising broader questions about the long-term sustainability of Saint Lucia’s healthcare infrastructure and the prioritization of public welfare in project planning and execution.
Residents have also expressed fears that other recently completed projects in the constituency may suffer the same fate, raising questions about the overall quality of public infrastructure under Kenson Casimir’s leadership. Many are now demanding independent audits and investigations into the project, including how contracts were awarded and whether proper oversight was conducted during construction.
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of 04A Web of Corruption
Allegations have also surfaced that Kenson Casimir is part of a broader corruption network within the SLP, alongside Housing Minister Richard Frederick and Deputy Prime Minister Ernest Hilaire, both of whom have faced previous accusations of ethical breaches. Investigators claim that Donalyn Vittet, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, and Hilaire himself received kickbacks from the Gros Islet park project.
Adding insult to injury, the Ministry of Sports, under Kenson Casimir, recently failed to fund track and field sports this year, citing redirected funding for Julien Alfred’s homecoming celebrations. Many now question if the supposed lack of funds was due to mismanagement and corruption tied to this and other projects.
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of 04Public Demands Accountability
The public is calling for swift action to address the deteriorating state of the park infrastructure and to hold those responsible accountable. For the people of Gros Islet, this issue has become a rallying cry for better governance, transparency, and a renewed focus on community needs.
Exposed foundation and eroded support under Gros Islet park wall, underscoring weak construction integrity.
As the backlash grows, the Gros Islet park project is becoming a symbol of the public’s frustration with a government increasingly accused of corruption and mismanagement. Civil society and opposition leaders alike are demanding thorough investigations, accountability, and a reassessment of how public funds are utilized in Saint Lucia.
Stay tuned to Unitedpac St. Lucia News for continued coverage of this unfolding scandal and other breaking news from across Saint Lucia.
