[dropcap]P[/dropcap]hase two of yet another reconstruction project is about to get underway in Soufriere thanks in part to the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan). During a small ceremony on Tuesday, in the company of Mr Nigel George, chairman of Soufriere Foundation, and media personnel, Taiwanese Ambassador Douglas C.T. Shen presented a cheque for EC$281,638.60 to planning minister Herod Stanislaus. The money will go towards the Hummingbird Beach Project.
On behalf of his government, Ambassador Shen declared a key reason for his country’s interest in the project: “It is my firm belief that it will not only contribute to the tourism industry of Saint Lucia but also provide a better quality of life for the residents of Soufriere.” The ambassador disclosed that he had visited the site and was happy with what he had seen.
Addressing the ambassador, minister Stanislaus said: “We appreciate and thank you immensely for facilitating this contribution towards the continued development of that area in Soufriere. I am very excited about the construction of this facility which will create a new beach hotspot for our people as well as visitors.”
The project was instated in 2011 as an initiative to revitalize the Hummingbird beach, which is situated close to the Soufriere Marina and the town’s main street.
By Mr. Stanislaus’ reckoning, the project is nearly 85% complete. Still to be finished are the electrical fixtures, landscaping, paving of the car park and screening of the floors. The area will feature a timber-frame deck to accommodate vending shops and washrooms, along with recreational and eating zones. The project is slated to be operational by August.
