• About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
Friday, May 9, 2025
Unitedpac St Lucia News - Header Logo
ADVERTISEMENT
  • St Lucia News
  • News
    • All
    • Agriculture
    • Caribbean News
    • Crime
    • Justice
    • Local News
    • Obituary
    • Religion
    • Weather Alerts
    Pope Leo XIV appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica for his first blessing after being elected as the first American pope

    Pope Leo XIV Elected: First American to Lead Catholic Church

    Graphic related to triple homicide in Barre Denis, 2025 crime update

    Triple Homicide in Barre Denis as Third Victim Succumbs

    Stock image representing deadly shooting linked to Barre Denis ambush

    Barre Denis Ambush Leaves Two Dead, One Critical

    Breaking news graphic with red and blue police lights and bold white text reading “Deadly Shooting,” used to illustrate a reported fatal shooting in Jacmel, St Lucia

    Shocking Report of Fatal Shooting in Jacmel

    UNC election victory in Trinidad and Tobago 2025 celebrated during campaign event

    UNC Election Victory in Trinidad and Tobago 2025: Massive Sweep

    Senior St Lucia officer and Commissioner Verne Garde pictured amid sexual misconduct probe into senior St Lucia cop.

    Sexual Misconduct Probe into Senior St Lucia Cop Partially Complete

    Trending Tags

    • Government of Saint Lucia
    • Saint Lucia Crime News
    • Saint Lucia Agriculture News
  • World
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Entertainment
    • All
    • Saint Lucia Events
    • Sports
    Aerial view of Point Hardy Golf Club’s dramatic cliffside green at Cabot St Lucia, ranked among Golfweek’s Top 5 international courses.

    Cabot St Lucia Debuts in Golfweek Top 5 for Point Hardy Golf Club

    Jady Emmanuel crosses the finish line to win 100m sprint gold for Saint Lucia at CARIFTA 2025

    Jady Emmanuel makes history: Double gold for St Lucia at CARIFTA

    Emrand Matthew deepens Dennery SLP divide with Facebook outburst

    Explosive Dennery SLP Divide? Fond D’Or Jazz Shakeup Sparks Infighting

    Julien Alfred 21.88s 200m victory at Tom Jones Invitational 2025 in Gainesville

    Julien Alfred 21.88s Triumph Sets 200m Record in Explosive Debut

    Julien Alfred sets national record in the women’s 300 meters at the 2025 Miramar Invitational, representing St Lucia.

    Julien Alfred Sets National Record in Miramar 300m Victory

    Julien Alfred defeats Shericka Jackson in a headline matchup previewed with past images of both athletes ahead of the 2025 Miramar 300m.

    Julien Alfred defeats Shericka Jackson in 300m thriller at Miramar

    Trending Tags

    • Julien Alfred
    • West Indies Cricket
  • Lifestyle
    • All
    • Culture
    • Health
    • Travel
    Best towns and resorts in St Lucia – view of Petit Piton from Soufriere

    Best towns and resorts in St Lucia

    Cruise ships docked in St Lucia harbor, representing overstated tourism earnings in St Lucia amid IMF review.

    Eye-Opening Overstated Tourism Earnings in St Lucia: IMF Review Highlights Major Flaws

    Aerial view of Point Hardy Golf Club’s dramatic cliffside green at Cabot St Lucia, ranked among Golfweek’s Top 5 international courses.

    Cabot St Lucia Debuts in Golfweek Top 5 for Point Hardy Golf Club

    Micoud Street in Castries, St Lucia, 1979 — a snapshot of Generation X era life

    Generation X: The Last Great Unplugged Era

    Tui axes St Lucia direct flights as aircraft seen at Hewanorra Airport

    Tui axes St Lucia direct flights from Gatwick, sparking tourism alarm

    Family photo of Tommy Taylor-Mclean before tragedy struck; baby boy dies in St Lucia during family holiday.

    Baby boy dies in St Lucia after tragic fall on first day of holiday

    Trending Tags

    • OKEU Hospital
    • Saint Lucia Health
  • Tech
  • Commentary
  • Press Releases
No Result
View All Result
  • St Lucia News
  • News
    • All
    • Agriculture
    • Caribbean News
    • Crime
    • Justice
    • Local News
    • Obituary
    • Religion
    • Weather Alerts
    Pope Leo XIV appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica for his first blessing after being elected as the first American pope

    Pope Leo XIV Elected: First American to Lead Catholic Church

    Graphic related to triple homicide in Barre Denis, 2025 crime update

    Triple Homicide in Barre Denis as Third Victim Succumbs

    Stock image representing deadly shooting linked to Barre Denis ambush

    Barre Denis Ambush Leaves Two Dead, One Critical

    Breaking news graphic with red and blue police lights and bold white text reading “Deadly Shooting,” used to illustrate a reported fatal shooting in Jacmel, St Lucia

    Shocking Report of Fatal Shooting in Jacmel

    UNC election victory in Trinidad and Tobago 2025 celebrated during campaign event

    UNC Election Victory in Trinidad and Tobago 2025: Massive Sweep

    Senior St Lucia officer and Commissioner Verne Garde pictured amid sexual misconduct probe into senior St Lucia cop.

    Sexual Misconduct Probe into Senior St Lucia Cop Partially Complete

    Trending Tags

    • Government of Saint Lucia
    • Saint Lucia Crime News
    • Saint Lucia Agriculture News
  • World
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Entertainment
    • All
    • Saint Lucia Events
    • Sports
    Aerial view of Point Hardy Golf Club’s dramatic cliffside green at Cabot St Lucia, ranked among Golfweek’s Top 5 international courses.

    Cabot St Lucia Debuts in Golfweek Top 5 for Point Hardy Golf Club

    Jady Emmanuel crosses the finish line to win 100m sprint gold for Saint Lucia at CARIFTA 2025

    Jady Emmanuel makes history: Double gold for St Lucia at CARIFTA

    Emrand Matthew deepens Dennery SLP divide with Facebook outburst

    Explosive Dennery SLP Divide? Fond D’Or Jazz Shakeup Sparks Infighting

    Julien Alfred 21.88s 200m victory at Tom Jones Invitational 2025 in Gainesville

    Julien Alfred 21.88s Triumph Sets 200m Record in Explosive Debut

    Julien Alfred sets national record in the women’s 300 meters at the 2025 Miramar Invitational, representing St Lucia.

    Julien Alfred Sets National Record in Miramar 300m Victory

    Julien Alfred defeats Shericka Jackson in a headline matchup previewed with past images of both athletes ahead of the 2025 Miramar 300m.

    Julien Alfred defeats Shericka Jackson in 300m thriller at Miramar

    Trending Tags

    • Julien Alfred
    • West Indies Cricket
  • Lifestyle
    • All
    • Culture
    • Health
    • Travel
    Best towns and resorts in St Lucia – view of Petit Piton from Soufriere

    Best towns and resorts in St Lucia

    Cruise ships docked in St Lucia harbor, representing overstated tourism earnings in St Lucia amid IMF review.

    Eye-Opening Overstated Tourism Earnings in St Lucia: IMF Review Highlights Major Flaws

    Aerial view of Point Hardy Golf Club’s dramatic cliffside green at Cabot St Lucia, ranked among Golfweek’s Top 5 international courses.

    Cabot St Lucia Debuts in Golfweek Top 5 for Point Hardy Golf Club

    Micoud Street in Castries, St Lucia, 1979 — a snapshot of Generation X era life

    Generation X: The Last Great Unplugged Era

    Tui axes St Lucia direct flights as aircraft seen at Hewanorra Airport

    Tui axes St Lucia direct flights from Gatwick, sparking tourism alarm

    Family photo of Tommy Taylor-Mclean before tragedy struck; baby boy dies in St Lucia during family holiday.

    Baby boy dies in St Lucia after tragic fall on first day of holiday

    Trending Tags

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

St Lucia Airports Foreign Control: Shocking Deal Sparks Outrage

SLP government moves to place St Lucia’s two airports under foreign control, linking key players to past financial scandals.

Unitedpac by Unitedpac
March 10, 2025
in Local News, Business, Politics
Reading Time: 6 mins read
553 5
A A
0
Saint Lucia Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre and Finance Minister Wayne Girard side by side in parliament amid controversy over St Lucia airports foreign control.

Saint Lucia Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre and Finance Minister Wayne Girard side by side

124
SHARES
1.2k
VIEWS
Share Share Reddit

After the GPH secret deal, St Lucia Airport’s foreign control sparks fresh outrage.

CASTRIES, Saint Lucia – Saint Lucia’s economic sovereignty is once again under threat as Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre’s administration moves to place the island’s two international airports under foreign control. The latest revelations about the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) have ignited fierce public outrage, as concerns grow that St Lucia airports foreign control will lead to a loss of national assets, benefiting foreign financiers with a track record of corruption and financial scandals.

This comes after the controversial secret deal with Global Ports Holding (GPH), which saw Saint Lucia’s main seaport and the Soufrière port fall into foreign hands. Now, Saint Lucians fear that their airports, Hewanorra International Airport and George F.L. Charles Airport, are about to suffer the same fate, marking yet another massive surrender of national assets.

ADVERTISEMENT

Foreign Takeover: First Our Seaports, Now Our Airports

The Philip J Pierre administration has been widely condemned for its handling of Saint Lucia’s critical infrastructure, particularly after the secretive deal with GPH, which resulted in the foreign company assuming control over Castries’ main seaport and the Soufrière port. This agreement, which was brokered without full public disclosure, handed over Saint Lucia’s major maritime gateway to foreign management, raising fears of economic dependency and reduced national oversight.

In a previous report, Unitedpac St. Lucia News exposed the troubling details of the GPH deal at this link, sparking widespread concern over the lack of transparency and the government’s willingness to relinquish national assets to external interests. Now, with airports next on the chopping block, critics say this follows a disturbing pattern of selling out Saint Lucia’s most valuable assets to questionable foreign entities—often under shady, undisclosed terms.

The Freedom Bay Scandal: A Red Flag Ignored?

Robert Witten’s name is already infamous among British pensioners who lost their savings in the failed Freedom Bay development project in Soufrière. In 2019, an investigation by Goodwin Barrett exposed how Witten’s company, Malgretoute Hotel Development Ltd, misled British pensioners into investing in Freedom Bay under fraudulent terms.

ADVERTISEMENT

The project, which was pitched as a five-star eco-resort, promised guaranteed returns, fractional ownership, and a refund clause—but none of these materialized. The resort was never completed, and British investors, many of whom had invested their life savings through Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPP), lost everything.

Even worse, Witten’s company left millions in unpaid debts, including:

  • $54 million owed to secured creditors, with $45 million linked to Heritage, a Guernsey-based trust company that took in pension funds.
  • $12 million owed to the Government of Saint Lucia for the crown lands acquired for the Freedom Bay project.
  • Multiple unpaid contractors who were left stranded as the project collapsed.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK later determined that Freedom Bay should never have been sold to retail investors, calling it an unregulated high-risk investment that violated financial guidelines.

The full details of this damning investigation into the Freedom Bay pension scandal can be found here.

Why Was Robert Witten Allowed Back Into Saint Lucia?

Despite this internationally exposed financial disaster, Robert Witten is now quietly being placed in control of Saint Lucia’s Sovereign Wealth Fund, which will hold crown lands, airports, and government buildings—an alarming move that critics say defies all logic and accountability.

“If Witten defrauded British pensioners and left Freedom Bay unfinished, why is he now being given authority over Saint Lucia’s most valuable national assets?” an opposition figure questioned.

The government has remained silent on the background of Witten, raising concerns that Saint Lucia’s national wealth is once again being handed over to a foreign investor with a track record of financial scandal.

Wayne Girard’s Alleged Ties to Disgraced Investor

At the center of the Freedom Bay controversy is Wayne Girard, Saint Lucia’s Minister for Finance, who was directly involved in managing the project before entering politics. Despite Freedom Bay’s catastrophic failure, Girard has now positioned Witten as a key player in the Sovereign Wealth Fund, effectively giving him control over Saint Lucia’s airports, government buildings, and crown lands.

The Multi-Million Dollar Freedom Bay Hotel Project Launch That Became An International Scandal (Credit DBS St Lucia)

In October 2020, the United Workers Party (UWP) called on Wayne Girard to come clean about Freedom Bay’s failure, the missing pension funds, and the $54 million debt owed to secured creditors. The UWP stated:

“Girard told the Nation that Freedom Bay never opened its doors because Prime Minister Allen Chastanet whispered to his partners that he, Girard, ought not to be part of the Project and so to protect himself and the investors a decision was taken ‘to put the Development into receivership.’ This is not just ludicrous but an insult to all Saint Lucians.”

The full details of the UWP’s demand for accountability on Freedom Bay can be found here.

A Pattern of Corrupt Deals?

The proposed Sovereign Wealth Fund is just one in a series of asset transfers under the Pierre administration that have sparked concerns of corruption, favoritism, and foreign control. Critics argue that the government has:

  • Handed over Saint Lucia’s main seaport and Soufrière port to GPH without full public consultation.
  • Sold thousands of Saint Lucian passports through the Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP), often to unknown foreign buyers.
  • Now, placed the airports and government buildings under the Sovereign Wealth Fund, effectively ceding control to foreign financiers with shady backgrounds.

“This is not leadership,” an economic analyst stated. “This is an auction, and the people of Saint Lucia are the ones paying the price.”

Demand for Transparency as Public Outrage Grows

Saint Lucians are demanding full transparency from the government regarding the Sovereign Wealth Fund and the individuals behind it. Citizens and opposition leaders are calling for answers to the following critical questions:

  • Who exactly will control the Sovereign Wealth Fund?
  • What terms are being negotiated with foreign financiers?
  • What safeguards, if any, exist to prevent mismanagement or corruption?
  • Why is Robert Witten—who oversaw a failed and fraudulent investment—being given another chance to control Saint Lucian assets?

Despite the growing uproar, the Pierre administration remains silent, refusing to directly address concerns about the transfer of Saint Lucia’s strategic assets to foreign control.

Saint Lucia’s Future at Stake

With both of Saint Lucia’s airports now at risk, many believe the island’s future is being compromised beyond repair.

Will the government finally come clean, or will Saint Lucia’s airports be the next national treasures lost to foreign control?

Stay connected with Unitedpac St. Lucia News for continuing updates on this developing story and other breaking news affecting our nation.

Tags: airport privatization st luciagph seaport takeoverphilip pierre leadership controversySaint Lucia government corruptionSLP government scandalsovereign wealth fund scandalst lucia airports foreign controlst lucia investment fraudst lucia political news 2025wayne girard freedom bay

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

Unsubscribe
ADVERTISEMENT
Previous Post

SLP Supporters Brutally Attack Police During Anse la Raye Meeting Chaos

Next Post

RSLPF Massive Drug Bust: Arrests and Ammo Seized

Unitedpac

Unitedpac

Unitedpac St. Lucia News is Saint Lucia's leading online source for breaking news and top stories. Discover daily videos on local news, events, government, business, sports, entertainment, and culture. Explore stunning scenery and hear stories from the people of St. Lucia. Stay updated with Unitedpac St. Lucia News.

Related Posts

Hand holding a Malta passport in front of the European Court of Justice with the EU flag waving, symbolizing the EU court golden passport ruling.

EU court golden passport ruling crushes Malta’s citizenship for sale scheme

May 2, 2025 - Updated on May 8, 2025
323
Graphic related to triple homicide in Barre Denis, 2025 crime update

Triple Homicide in Barre Denis as Third Victim Succumbs

April 30, 2025
5.3k
Stock image representing deadly shooting linked to Barre Denis ambush

Barre Denis Ambush Leaves Two Dead, One Critical

April 30, 2025
4.8k
Breaking news graphic with red and blue police lights and bold white text reading “Deadly Shooting,” used to illustrate a reported fatal shooting in Jacmel, St Lucia

Shocking Report of Fatal Shooting in Jacmel

April 29, 2025
1.7k
UNC election victory in Trinidad and Tobago 2025 celebrated during campaign event

UNC Election Victory in Trinidad and Tobago 2025: Massive Sweep

April 28, 2025
484
Senior St Lucia officer and Commissioner Verne Garde pictured amid sexual misconduct probe into senior St Lucia cop.

Sexual Misconduct Probe into Senior St Lucia Cop Partially Complete

April 28, 2025
1.6k
Next Post
Heavily armed RSLPF officers secure a crime scene in Castries during the RSLPF Massive Drug Bust, detaining suspects and seizing drugs and ammunition as part of a major crackdown on illegal activity.

RSLPF Massive Drug Bust: Arrests and Ammo Seized

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

Stay Connected

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

Top Stories

Best towns and resorts in St Lucia – view of Petit Piton from Soufriere

Best towns and resorts in St Lucia

May 1, 2025
274
Jacmel man Justin Raphael shot dead in Marigot St Lucia

Jacmel Man Justin Raphael Shot Dead in Marigot

April 28, 2025
1.7k
Police officers secure a crime scene in St Lucia amid homicide on the decline in St Lucia.

Homicide on the Decline in St Lucia Says RSLPF

April 28, 2025
802
US faces empty shelves as product shortages hit grocery stores, with eggs and essentials in short supply

US faces empty shelves as Trump’s China tariffs bite

April 26, 2025
301
Unitedpac St. Lucia News logo

Unitedpac St Lucia News is Saint Lucia's leading online source for St Lucia news, breaking news, and top stories, with updates from the Caribbean, US, and around the world. Our platform offers in-depth coverage of local events, government, business, sports, and culture, paired with daily videos that bring Saint Lucia's vibrant scenery and community to life. We are committed to delivering reliable, engaging news and sharing stories that matter most to our readers. Stay connected with Unitedpac St Lucia News for updates that inform and inspire.

Follow Us

Browse by Category

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

Recent News

Pope Leo XIV appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica for his first blessing after being elected as the first American pope

Pope Leo XIV Elected: First American to Lead Catholic Church

May 8, 2025
Hand holding a Malta passport in front of the European Court of Justice with the EU flag waving, symbolizing the EU court golden passport ruling.

EU court golden passport ruling crushes Malta’s citizenship for sale scheme

May 2, 2025 - Updated on May 8, 2025
Best towns and resorts in St Lucia – view of Petit Piton from Soufriere

Best towns and resorts in St Lucia

May 1, 2025
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

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

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.