St Lucia has its eye on a new development push, this time focused on the southern portion of the island.

The announcement was made by St Lucia Governor General Dame Pearlette Louisy during her recent Throne Speech.

“Government has already given a commitment that priority will be given to the Southern part of Saint Lucia in the initiation of new development programs,” she said. “The imbalance which exists in the development of different parts of Saint Lucia is a source of some of our social problems. Through its Constituencies Without Borders initiative, government will treat the entire southern part of Saint Lucia as a special development area so that the enormous potential that exists in that part of the country can be harnessed.”

The call was echoed by St Lucia Prime Minister Allen Chastanet.

“You cannot have economic growth if only a few people in your society benefit,” Chastanet said. “We have to review our policies and ensure that when we are implementing those policies that it is to the benefit of all.”

— CJ Staff