ST. LUCIA – Prime Minister the Honourable Stephenson King has signed a grant facility agreement with the Agence Francaise de Developpement (AFD). The grant in the sum of 250,000 European Dollars will go towards economic development, and capacity building in Saint Lucia.
“Saint Lucia has had the very fortunate opportunity over the years, of benefiting from assistance from the French through the AFD….as far back as the 1990s when it was then known as the Case Francaise Developpement, Saint Lucia benefited with its sewage project in the north of the island at Rodney Bay,” the prime minister said in welcoming the initiative.
The AFD has previously provided assistance with initiatives, such as the Economic Feeder Road Project and a comprehensive sewage study for the city of Castries. Prime Minister King expressed his gratitude to the French delegation for their continued cooperation and keen interest displayed in Saint Lucia’s overall economic development.
“And so we recognise the very critical role that the French have played in the social and economic development of our country. In this case, we are looking at two components of the financing and that includes a feasibility study for the George F.L. Charles airport,” the prime minister said.
The feasibility study, Prime Minister King said, is an integral part of the Castries redevelopment programme and the vision plan for the island’s progression. The other component of the grant is to achieve the sustainable development of Saint Lucia’s World Heritage site, and to promote eco-tourism.
