Castries, Saint Lucia: The Prime Minister, Philip J Pierre, addressed people during his New Year speech in 2024. It is to be noted that he discussed their last year’s progress and outlook for 2024.
In his address, PM Pierre discussed that his government is consistently working on economic stabilisation, growth stimulation and citizen empowerment, which suffered a downfall in 2018-2020, but fortunately, it registered growth in 2021-2023.
As per World Bank Data, the Saint Lucia’s GDP is as follows,
2018- 2.9 per cent
2019- 0.7 per cent
2020- 24. 4 per cent
2021- 12.2 per cent
2022- 15.9 per cent
2023- 3.2 per cent
Last year, in 2023, the government of Saint Lucia extended social support to the less fortunate persons in the Federation. They have expanded educational opportunities and enhanced health care services.
It is to be noted that in September 2023, the Ministry of Education, Sustainable Development and Innovation announced the support and assistance to the participants of the Post Primary Alternative Pathway Programme (PAP).
In the same month, four secondary schools in Saint Lucia started to operate as technical institutes. The Angier, Piaye, John Odlum and Grand Riviere secondary schools have now shifted their focus to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
Shawn Edward, the Minister of Education, believed that this form of skill investment would benefit both the students and the country.
Outlook for 2024
In 2024, the prime focus of the government of Saint Lucia will be to prioritise investments in infrastructure, housing development, airports, seaports, and road rehabilitation.
Moreover, Global Ports Holding (GPH) will soon commence work on the redevelopment and modernisation of the Cruise Infrastructure of Port Castries and the Soufriere Waterfront.
Importantly, ten per cent (10%) of SLASPA’s revenue is generated directly from the Cruise Ship operations, and it will fund the development of a revenue-sharing agreement.
Further, the government is looking to allocate significant technical and financial resources to road rehabilitation and construction.Â
A treat for people to access affordable housing for low and middle-income earners as the government and private investment will take place in the housing development.
Notably, the construction of the Hewonorra International Airport Terminal Building will be done in 2024.Â
The work is continuing on the Control Tower Building, and work on the runway, airfield, and ground lightning system will commence this year.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members