• About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • LIVE TV
Sunday, October 5, 2025
Unitedpac St Lucia News - Header Logo
  • St Lucia News
  • All News
    • All
    • Agriculture
    • Caribbean News
    • Crime
    • Education
    • Justice
    • Local News
    • Obituary
    • Religion
    • Weather Alerts
    Jay Collimore, also known as Juice Box, identified as the victim in the fatal shooting in Dennery

    Fatal shooting in Dennery leaves 1 dead, Soufrière man critical

    Thick smoke rising from the Deglos landfill fire in St Lucia, October 2025

    Deglos landfill fire sparks health advisory in St Lucia

    UWP candidate Marcella Johnson overlaid on Gros Islet Corinth back road scene where No Right Turn signs sparked commuter backlash

    Marcella Johnson demands recall of Gros Islet No Right Turn sign

    UWP PRO Lenard Montoute speaks in front of the opposition crest and Saint Lucia flag as UWP accuses SLP of hypocrisy on crime, policing and free speech

    UWP accuses SLP of hypocrisy on crime, policing and free speech

    Electra Fernand, the Creators Alliance kingpin charged in St Lucia Ponzi scheme probe.

    Creators Alliance kingpin charged

    Police raid in George Charles Boulevard with Royal St Lucia Police Force vehicle and officers present in Marchand.

    Police raid in George Charles Boulevard leads to arrests

    Trending Tags

    • Government of Saint Lucia
    • St Lucia Crime News
  • World
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Entertainment
    • All
    • Saint Lucia Events
    • Sports
    • Video News
    Julien Alfred road to Tokyo captured in focus as she prepares on the track wearing headphones and training gear.

    Julien Alfred road to Tokyo: From dark struggles to Olympic glory

    “Julien Alfred Diamond League victory in Zurich as the St Lucian Olympic champion powers to win the women’s 100m in 10.76 seconds.

    Julien Alfred Diamond League victory in Zurich 100m

    Melissa Jefferson-Wooden Diamond League 100m win in Brussels 2025 crossing finish line

    Melissa Jefferson-Wooden Diamond League 100m win Brussels

    Allen Chastanet addresses the nation on the St Lucia crime crisis with police lights in the background.

    St Lucia crime crisis: Chastanet slams Pierre over deadly surge

    Jason Holder hits the winning shot in thrilling West Indies T20 victory over Pakistan in Florida

    Jason Holder Heroics End West Indies T20 Losing Streak

    Hulk Hogan flexing in red Hulkamania shirt before crowd – Hulk Hogan dead at 71

    Hulk Hogan dead at 71 after suffering cardiac arrest

    Trending Tags

    • Julien Alfred
    • West Indies Cricket
    • St Lucia athletics
  • Lifestyle
    • All
    • Culture
    • Health
    • Travel
    Thick smoke rising from the Deglos landfill fire in St Lucia, October 2025

    Deglos landfill fire sparks health advisory in St Lucia

    Poolside view at Sugar Beach resort in St Lucia with Pitons in the background – Forbes ranks best resorts in St Lucia

    Forbes ranks best resorts in St Lucia, highlights others

    CTO champions sustainable transformation: headshot of Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper for World Tourism Day 2025.

    CTO champions sustainable transformation on World Tourism Day

    Teri Helenese urges sustainable tourism growth in a professional portrait wearing a black-and-white blazer against a light blue background.

    U.S. Virgin Islands official Teri Helenese urges sustainable tourism growth

    Large white cruise ship sailing in the Caribbean Sea near a rocky shoreline, illustrating concerns over Caribbean cruise ship revenue.

    Caribbean cruise ship revenue lags globally, World Bank warns

    Janelle Hopkin and Lady Betty Hopkin celebrate AAA Five Diamond Award with Spice Island Beach Resort team in Grenada

    AAA Five Diamond honor awarded to Spice Island Beach Resort for 9th year

    Trending Tags

    • OKEU Hospital
  • Tech
  • Commentary
  • Press Releases
No Result
View All Result
  • St Lucia News
  • All News
    • All
    • Agriculture
    • Caribbean News
    • Crime
    • Education
    • Justice
    • Local News
    • Obituary
    • Religion
    • Weather Alerts
    Jay Collimore, also known as Juice Box, identified as the victim in the fatal shooting in Dennery

    Fatal shooting in Dennery leaves 1 dead, Soufrière man critical

    Thick smoke rising from the Deglos landfill fire in St Lucia, October 2025

    Deglos landfill fire sparks health advisory in St Lucia

    UWP candidate Marcella Johnson overlaid on Gros Islet Corinth back road scene where No Right Turn signs sparked commuter backlash

    Marcella Johnson demands recall of Gros Islet No Right Turn sign

    UWP PRO Lenard Montoute speaks in front of the opposition crest and Saint Lucia flag as UWP accuses SLP of hypocrisy on crime, policing and free speech

    UWP accuses SLP of hypocrisy on crime, policing and free speech

    Electra Fernand, the Creators Alliance kingpin charged in St Lucia Ponzi scheme probe.

    Creators Alliance kingpin charged

    Police raid in George Charles Boulevard with Royal St Lucia Police Force vehicle and officers present in Marchand.

    Police raid in George Charles Boulevard leads to arrests

    Trending Tags

    • Government of Saint Lucia
    • St Lucia Crime News
  • World
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Entertainment
    • All
    • Saint Lucia Events
    • Sports
    • Video News
    Julien Alfred road to Tokyo captured in focus as she prepares on the track wearing headphones and training gear.

    Julien Alfred road to Tokyo: From dark struggles to Olympic glory

    “Julien Alfred Diamond League victory in Zurich as the St Lucian Olympic champion powers to win the women’s 100m in 10.76 seconds.

    Julien Alfred Diamond League victory in Zurich 100m

    Melissa Jefferson-Wooden Diamond League 100m win in Brussels 2025 crossing finish line

    Melissa Jefferson-Wooden Diamond League 100m win Brussels

    Allen Chastanet addresses the nation on the St Lucia crime crisis with police lights in the background.

    St Lucia crime crisis: Chastanet slams Pierre over deadly surge

    Jason Holder hits the winning shot in thrilling West Indies T20 victory over Pakistan in Florida

    Jason Holder Heroics End West Indies T20 Losing Streak

    Hulk Hogan flexing in red Hulkamania shirt before crowd – Hulk Hogan dead at 71

    Hulk Hogan dead at 71 after suffering cardiac arrest

    Trending Tags

    • Julien Alfred
    • West Indies Cricket
    • St Lucia athletics
  • Lifestyle
    • All
    • Culture
    • Health
    • Travel
    Thick smoke rising from the Deglos landfill fire in St Lucia, October 2025

    Deglos landfill fire sparks health advisory in St Lucia

    Poolside view at Sugar Beach resort in St Lucia with Pitons in the background – Forbes ranks best resorts in St Lucia

    Forbes ranks best resorts in St Lucia, highlights others

    CTO champions sustainable transformation: headshot of Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper for World Tourism Day 2025.

    CTO champions sustainable transformation on World Tourism Day

    Teri Helenese urges sustainable tourism growth in a professional portrait wearing a black-and-white blazer against a light blue background.

    U.S. Virgin Islands official Teri Helenese urges sustainable tourism growth

    Large white cruise ship sailing in the Caribbean Sea near a rocky shoreline, illustrating concerns over Caribbean cruise ship revenue.

    Caribbean cruise ship revenue lags globally, World Bank warns

    Janelle Hopkin and Lady Betty Hopkin celebrate AAA Five Diamond Award with Spice Island Beach Resort team in Grenada

    AAA Five Diamond honor awarded to Spice Island Beach Resort for 9th year

    Trending Tags

    • OKEU Hospital
  • Tech
  • Commentary
  • Press Releases
No Result
View All Result
Unitedpac St Lucia News - Mobile Logo
  • St Lucia News
  • All News
  • World
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle
  • Tech
  • Commentary
  • Press Releases
  • LIVE TV
Home Politics

SLASPA Fires OECC: Another Damaging Blow to Vieux Fort Development

SLASPA Fires OECC sparks controversy as the SLP government faces backlash over delays and rising costs in HIA redevelopment.

Unitedpac by Unitedpac
December 6, 2024
in Local News, Business, Politics
Reading Time: 6 mins read
250 6
A A
0
SLASPA General Manager Daren Cenac discusses the HIA redevelopment as SLASPA Fires OECC amid controversy over project delays

SLASPA General Manager Daren Cenac discusses the HIA redevelopment as SLASPA Fires OECC amid controversy over project delays

57
SHARES
568
VIEWS
Share Share Reddit

Table of Contents

  • 1. A Pattern of Political Retaliation
  • 2. Daren Cenac and Stephenson King’s Roles in the Crisis
  • 3. Vieux Fort Left Behind
  • 4. Double Standards in Development
  • 5. A Call for Accountability
  • 6. The Way Forward

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.

Allen Chastanet administration meets with OECC representatives and Taiwanese ambassador amid SLASPA Fires OECC controversy.
Allen Chastanet administration meets with OECC representatives and Taiwanese ambassador

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 06
A 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.

Stephenson King and then Prime Minister Allen Chastanet at the groundbreaking ceremony for HIA redevelopment amid SLASPA Fires OECC controversy.
Stephenson King and then Prime Minister Allen Chastanet at the groundbreaking ceremony for HIA redevelopment

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 06
Daren 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.

SLASPA Terminates Contract With Taiwanese Construction Firm, Delaying Airport Project Until 2025

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 06
Vieux 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.

Construction workers at Hewanorra International Airport redevelopment project during Allen Chastanet administration, tied to SLASPA Fires OECC controversy.
Construction workers at Hewanorra International Airport redevelopment project during Allen Chastanet administration

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 06
Double 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.

OECC team in Belize discusses progress on the Corozal-Sarteneja Road Upgrading Project amid SLASPA Fires OECC controversy.
OECC team in Belize discusses progress on the Corozal-Sarteneja Road Upgrading Project

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 06
A 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 06
The 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.


Stay Informed with Unitedpac St. Lucia News
For more breaking news, updates, and in-depth reporting on the issues that matter to you, follow Unitedpac St. Lucia News. Stay connected and stay informed!

Tags: Allen Chastanet projectsHewanorra International Airport redevelopmentOECC contract terminationSaint Lucia political newsSLASPA Fires OECCSLASPA updates 2024SLP government controversiesSt. Lucia development issuesSt. Lucia infrastructure delaysVieux Fort stagnation

Get real time update about this post categories directly on your device, subscribe now.

Unsubscribe
ADVERTISEMENT
Previous Post

St. Lucian Tevin Belasco to Pilot American Airlines Flight 3076 to UVF – A Remarkable Milestone

Next Post

Remembering Norbert Alvin Williams: The Remarkable Legacy of the Beloved Bow Tie Man

Related Posts

Jay Collimore, also known as Juice Box, identified as the victim in the fatal shooting in Dennery

Fatal shooting in Dennery leaves 1 dead, Soufrière man critical

October 4, 2025
406
Thick smoke rising from the Deglos landfill fire in St Lucia, October 2025

Deglos landfill fire sparks health advisory in St Lucia

October 4, 2025
189
UWP candidate Marcella Johnson overlaid on Gros Islet Corinth back road scene where No Right Turn signs sparked commuter backlash

Marcella Johnson demands recall of Gros Islet No Right Turn sign

October 2, 2025
261
UWP PRO Lenard Montoute speaks in front of the opposition crest and Saint Lucia flag as UWP accuses SLP of hypocrisy on crime, policing and free speech

UWP accuses SLP of hypocrisy on crime, policing and free speech

October 2, 2025
180
2025 U.S. State Department Trafficking in Persons Report cover highlighting human trafficking in St Lucia downgrade to Tier 2 Watch List.

Human trafficking in St Lucia leads to US Tier 2 Watch List downgrade

October 2, 2025
209
Police raid in George Charles Boulevard with Royal St Lucia Police Force vehicle and officers present in Marchand.

Police raid in George Charles Boulevard leads to arrests

October 1, 2025 - Updated on October 2, 2025
665
Next Post
Remembering Norbert Alvin Williams Signature flyer of the 'Keeping It Real' show, hosted by the beloved Bow Tie Man.

Remembering Norbert Alvin Williams: The Remarkable Legacy of the Beloved Bow Tie Man

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Stay Connected

  • 22.4k Fans
  • 873 Followers
  • 13.5k Subscribers
  • 2.6k Followers
  • 41 Followers
  • 2.3k Followers
ADVERTISEMENT

Top Stories

Electra Fernand, the Creators Alliance kingpin charged in St Lucia Ponzi scheme probe.

Creators Alliance kingpin charged

October 2, 2025
1.1k
Police Welfare Association president Cameron Laure speaks on camera as the PWA raises concern over unpaid insurance and delayed benefits.

PWA raises concern over unpaid insurance and delayed vests

October 1, 2025
254
Volunteers gather at Yamacraw Beach for the Blue Lagoon Island coastal cleanup, marking 40 years of community action against marine debris.

Blue Lagoon Island coastal cleanup marks 40 years

September 30, 2025
173
CTO champions sustainable transformation: headshot of Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper for World Tourism Day 2025.

CTO champions sustainable transformation on World Tourism Day

September 30, 2025
212
Unitedpac St. Lucia News logo


Unitedpac St Lucia News — Your trusted source for St Lucia News Online. Get breaking news today on politics, crime, tourism, and community stories across St Lucia, the Caribbean, and worldwide.

Follow Us

Browse by Category

  • All News
    • Agriculture
    • Caribbean News
    • Crime
    • Education
    • Justice
    • Local News
    • Obituary
    • Religion
    • Weather Alerts
  • Business
  • Commentary
  • Entertainment
    • Saint Lucia Events
    • Sports
    • Video News
  • Lifestyle
    • Culture
    • Health
    • Travel
  • Politics
  • Press Releases
  • Tech
  • World

Recent News

Jay Collimore, also known as Juice Box, identified as the victim in the fatal shooting in Dennery

Fatal shooting in Dennery leaves 1 dead, Soufrière man critical

October 4, 2025
Thick smoke rising from the Deglos landfill fire in St Lucia, October 2025

Deglos landfill fire sparks health advisory in St Lucia

October 4, 2025
Poolside view at Sugar Beach resort in St Lucia with Pitons in the background – Forbes ranks best resorts in St Lucia

Forbes ranks best resorts in St Lucia, highlights others

October 4, 2025
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • LIVE TV

Copyright © 2025 Unitedpac St Lucia News - All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • St Lucia News
  • All News
    • Agriculture
    • Local News
    • Justice
    • Crime
    • Caribbean News
    • Obituary
    • Religion
    • Weather Alerts
    • Education
  • World
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Entertainment
    • Sports
    • Saint Lucia Events
  • Lifestyle
    • Culture
    • Travel
    • Health
  • Tech
  • Commentary
  • Press Releases
  • LIVE TV

Copyright © 2025 Unitedpac St Lucia News - All Rights Reserved.

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.