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St Lucia Left Behind as stalled airport projects and disastrous policies halt national progress and regional competitiveness.
CASTRIES, ST. LUCIA— On December 7th, St. Lucian pilot Tevin Belasco proudly landed his first American Airlines flight at Hewanorra International Airport, marking a historic moment for the island. However, this achievement shines a glaring light on the stark reality of St Lucia Left Behind under Prime Minister Philip J Pierre’s leadership. What should have been a celebration of national pride has instead underscored the disastrous policies and lack of vision that have stalled progress and hindered development in key sectors, most notably the long-delayed Hewanorra International Airport redevelopment.
As our neighbors in St. Vincent and Dominica surge ahead with bold infrastructure projects that promise economic transformation, St. Lucia is shackled by a government that has abandoned progress in favor of mediocrity and political spite.
01
of 06The Collapse of Leadership
That very morning, Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, took to Facebook to boast, “Where there’s no vision, the people perish… SVG is winning.” His words sting not just because of their truth but because they highlight what St. Lucia has lost under the SLP government. St. Vincent now boasts three daily American Airlines flights at its Argyle International Airport—an infrastructure project that has catapulted the island into a competitive position in regional tourism and commerce.
In Dominica, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit proudly broke ground on a world-class international airport. At that ceremony, St. Lucia’s own Prime Minister Philip J Pierre stood smiling and applauding, seemingly oblivious to the irony of celebrating the progress of another nation while presiding over his own country’s decline.
As for St. Lucia? “Well, let’s just say our economic and infrastructure story starts with, ‘Once upon a time…’” Under Philip J Pierre, dreams of progress have become little more than fairy tales. St. Lucia, once poised for greatness, now struggles to keep up as its neighbors leave it behind.
02
of 06A Symbol of National Shame
The neglect of the Hewanorra International Airport redevelopment is not just an embarrassment; it is a barrier to economic growth and national pride. Months ago, Tevin Belasco himself voiced frustration over the sorry state of St. Lucia’s airport. His sentiments echo the disappointment of many St. Lucians who have watched their country, once a leader in Caribbean tourism, fall to the back of the pack.
The recent termination of the OECC contract by the Saint Lucia Air and Seaports Authority (SLASPA) has only deepened this shame. The Taiwanese firm, which was responsible for constructing the airport’s Air Traffic Control Tower, saw its contract terminated on November 30, 2024. While SLASPA cited performance issues, critics argue that this is yet another politically motivated decision aimed at undoing progress initiated by the previous UWP administration. The delays caused by this decision further tarnish St. Lucia’s reputation and exacerbate the frustration of Vieux Fort residents, who feel increasingly neglected.
03
of 06Our Neighbors Are Winning—We Are Losing
While St. Lucia remains mired in mediocrity, our neighbors are surging ahead. St. Vincent’s Argyle International Airport has transformed their tourism industry, attracting airlines, investors, and visitors. Dominica, despite its smaller population and limited resources, is investing in an international airport that will undoubtedly bring long-term economic rewards.
What do we have to show for the last 3.5 years? An SLP government that stopped progress in its tracks, a crumbling airport that embarrasses locals and visitors alike, and a nation stuck at the back of the line. St. Lucia’s position as a leader in Caribbean tourism is being rapidly eroded by the shortsightedness of its leaders.
04
of 06The Cost of Stagnation
The consequences of this failure are staggering. Tourism accounts for a significant portion of St. Lucia’s economy. A modern airport would have attracted more airlines, increased visitor arrivals, and bolstered local businesses. Instead, we watch helplessly as tourists choose destinations like St. Vincent and Dominica, where leaders have invested in infrastructure that meets global standards.
This is not just a loss of economic opportunity—it is a loss of national pride. St. Lucians deserve better than to be left behind while our neighbors surge ahead. The SLP government’s decision to halt the airport project is not just a policy failure; it is a betrayal of the people they were elected to serve.
05
of 06No More Excuses
For 3.5 years, the SLP has made excuses, pointed fingers, and offered no solutions. But excuses cannot cover the glaring truth: this government has no vision, no ambition, and no plan for the future. Ralph Gonsalves is right—where there is no vision, the people perish. And under the SLP government headed by Philip J Pierre, St. Lucia is perishing.
We must ask ourselves: how much longer will we tolerate this? How much longer will we allow our leaders to squander opportunities, dismantle progress, and settle for mediocrity? The time for excuses is over. St. Lucians deserve leaders who are bold, visionary, and committed to building a better future.
06
of 06A Time for Change
Today, as we celebrate the achievements of Tevin Belasco, let us also reflect on what could have been. Imagine a St. Lucia with a world-class airport, bustling with activity, welcoming visitors from around the globe. Imagine a St. Lucia that leads the Caribbean in innovation, infrastructure, and economic opportunity. That vision was within our grasp—and it still can be.
But it will require change. It will require leaders who put the people before politics, progress before pettiness, and vision before vanity. Philip J Pierre and the SLP have proven they are not those leaders.
As St. Lucians, we must demand accountability. We must demand progress. And we must demand a future that matches the potential of our people. St. Lucia deserves better.
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