LARGE GATHERING AT GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY IN VIEX FORT – ST. LUCIA
October 29, 2008
EDWARD HARRIS AT LARGE!
LARGE GATHERING AT GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY IN VIEX FORT – ST. LUCIA
Mr. David Singh a native of Guyana who migrated to Canada almost 35 years ago is bullish on investing in St. Lucia. He signaled his intention to build a multi-million dollar Ultra Modern Medical School in Vieux Fort at a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday 29th October, 2008. Construction is expected to commence by November 1, 2008. The project is located next to the Windward and Leeward Brewery Limited (producers of the internationally famous Piton Beer) on the St. Jude’s Highway, about a quarter of a mile from the St. Jude’s Hospital.
Attendees included the Prime Minister, members of his Cabinet, Government and Private Sector Officials, Entrepreneurs and Professionals who witnessed the unveiling of the architectural design of the project. The opportunity was also taken to announce that Destiny Group of Companies will donate to the Victoria Hospital a Mammography Machine to assist in the early detection of Breast Cancer in women.
The Destiny University School of Medicine & Health Sciences is currently operating as a distance learning university at renovated premises formerly the Sandy Beach Hotel. When the University facilities are fully established in 2010, St. Jude’s Hospital could benefit substantially from its presence in the area.
While there are signals that suggest a slowing down in the economy and in particular the construction sector, the Destiny University Medical School and Health Sciences project will begin long awaited construction activity in the south of the island, while the start of the Ritz Carlton project is being eagerly awaited.
There is evidence of another Medical School that is currently operating in Vieux Fort is likely to construct their own facility in the new year. A sign on the adjacent land indicates their interest in establishing their own campus facility.
It has been a long time coming and the year 2009 is very likely to be the year that will change View Fort for the better, fulfilling its role as the new development frontier. The infrastructure was put in place several years ago but until now is greatly under utilised. If it can happen, it will and it is about time that prosperity returns to Vieux Fort.
St. Lucians continue to closely monitor the trends in the financial markets and the oil price in particular which has been moving steadily downward. However, the price of gasoline and diesel at the pumps is still EC$12.95 / US$4.77 per gallon. Citizens have not been too vocal in demanding that prices at the pumps be adjusted due to the fact that the Government subsidized petrol at the pumps for a few months and is heavily subsidizing cooking gas, flour and a few other basic food items.
There are lots of developments at the regional and sub regional level and St. Lucia is fully committed to participating in these initiatives. OECS and Trinidad & Tobago Economic Union, OECS Economic Union, European Partnership Agreement, Caricom – Canada Trade Agreement and Caricom Single Market are all very much on the front burner.
Regional and international meetings are once again being hosted at the level prior to the oil crisis and increased airfares. It is difficult these days to secure conference facilities to host workshops, conferences and meetings. Hotels are benefiting as they are keep their employees during the slow periods. We are expecting a great cruise ship season but Senator, The Honourable Allen Chastanet, Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation continues to grapple with the issue of airlifts. With the declining oil prices, the possibility exists for a re thinking of the routes by the major airline companies and our own regional carriers like Air Jamaica and Caribbean Airways. God knows we can do with some cheaper airfares.
I cannot conclude my article without noting the developments taking place in the Presidential Campaigns in the USA. History is in the making and with an Obama WIN; the world will be a better place. Let us pray for a people’s victory on November 4, 2008. I will be watching and cheering and shouting just as much as you as I participate in a special election watch which is being organized by the newly formed American Chamber in St. Lucia.
Keep the Faith, God is in Charge, Dream Big and Expect Miracles Everyday!!!
Edward Harris
Real Estate CyberSpace Specialist (RECS)
Freelance Journalist, Biblicist, Business & PR Consultant, Realtor, Networker, Private Sector & CSR Advocate, Motivational Speaker
Email: eaharrisdestiny@gmail.com
Website: http://www.stluciasimplybeautiful.com