GOVERNMENT OF SAINT LUCIA AND SAINT LUCIA CRUISE PORT ISSUE XCD $500,000 IN INTERIM SUPPORT TO CASTRIES ARCADE VENDORS
(Castries, Saint Lucia, September 22, 2026) – The Government of Saint Lucia (GOSL), in partnership with Saint Lucia Cruise Port (SLCP), acknowledged the impact of construction delays at the Castries Vendor’s Arcade and announced the issuance of interim ex-gratia payments to temporarily displaced vendors as redevelopment work continues.
A total of over XCD $500,000 was distributed to 96 arcade vendors, with each vendor scheduled to receive over XCD $5,000 to offset income disruption caused by unforeseen construction challenges and extended timelines. The payments were presented during a ceremony attended by the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, the Honorable Phillip J Pierre; Senior Minister with Responsibility for Local Government, Honorable Stephenson King; Mayor of Castries, Her Worship Geraldine Lendor Gabirel; General Manager of Saint Lucia Cruise Port, Mr. Lancelot Arnold; and other government officials.
The Vendor’s Arcade redevelopment forms a key component of the wider Castries Waterfront revitalization. SLCP assumed operational control of the entire Vendor’s Arcade site on 20 May 2026 to accelerate construction and ensure readiness ahead of the upcoming 2026/2027 cruise season in November. The upgraded facility will reorganize vendors into streamlined cluster units and deliver a modern, accessible environment that enhances the shopping experience for residents and visitors.
Key improvements include:
• Space for 120 vendor units across dedicated zones for apparel and accessories, crafts and artisan goods, food and beverages, specialty services (such as braiding and manicures), and souvenirs and gifts.
• Additional entrances and exits to improve accessibility and visitor flow.
• A cohesive layout designed to increase visibility for vendors and ease of navigation for customers.
During the presentation, Mr. Arnold underscored SLCP’s commitment to ensuring vendors are compensated during the displaced period, with interim financial assistance delivered by SLCP in collaboration with the GOSL. He emphasized that SLCP’s investment extends beyond infrastructure to include the growth and upskilling of arcade vendors. Upcoming training programs, facilitated through SLCP and partner agencies, including a collaboration with Export Saint Lucia to create new sourcing avenues for local products for vendors, will further support business viability. Vendors will continue to receive regular construction updates and timeline information through scheduled meetings. “The arcade will not only serve as a building but as a space to reflect your value as members of the tourism industry and support the growth of your business.” Mr. Arnold stated.
Minister King outlined the payment structure, noting that vendors current with rental fees received full compensation, while outstanding fees were deducted before disbursement to those with arrears.
Prime Minister Pierre commended the GOSL-SLCP partnership and urged vendors to take full advantage of the training and additional services being introduced to strengthen their skill sets and long-term business sustainability.
The Government of Saint Lucia and SLCP remain committed to completing the Vendor’s Arcade ahead of the start of the new cruise season. This redevelopment aims to strengthen local economic opportunity, elevate the visitor experience and ensure the long-term sustainability of businesses on the Castries Waterfront.
