Saint Lucia Cruise Port Settles Over $17M Of SLASPA Debt

Saint Lucia Cruise Port (SLCP), the new operator of the cruise port at Port Castries, has settled outstanding cruise-related debts in the amount of over USD 17 million on behalf of the Saint Lucia Air & Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA). The substantial payment was a part of the terms of the cruise port management agreement made between the Government of Saint Lucia and Global Ports Holding, the world’s largest cruise port operator, which was finalized in April. Saint Lucia Cruise Port is a subsidiary of Global Ports Holding. The announcement regarding the debt repayment was made shortly after the ceremony marking the commencement of cruise port operations was held on April 30 at the Northern Wharf of Port Castries. In late April, the Saint Lucia Cruise Port team met with SLASPA executives to provide an update on the project plans, discuss the transition of various responsibilities, and identify opportunities for collaboration. Additionally, the team confirmed during the discussions that all stevedoring services will continue to be retained by SLASPA and handled through its contracted stevedoring company. SLASPA will also maintain responsibility for access to all ports of entry, including Port Castries. The SLASPA Port Police Department retains security oversight for...