The National Integrated Planning and Programme Unit (NIPP) in the Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), is hosting community consultations to articulate the Castries Vision 2030 redevelopment plan.

Stakeholder consultations have been integral to the development of the plan, with the aim of gathering suggestions from a wide cross section of society. The aim of redeveloping is to make Castries more resilient to climate change by aligning with international conventions.

The planning team held one such consultation with staff and students of the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC).

Director for NIPP, Haward Wells, said the interaction with the students was vital.

“The students were able to get involved, air their views, and express what they envision for the future of Castries,” he said, adding that the students highlighted issues with traffic congestion, minibus access, the Castries market, flooding in parts of the city and other environmental concerns.

Mr. Wells stated that as the planning phase moves ahead consultations are scheduled to take place with residents and land owners from Castries to glean direct feedback on the Castries Vision 2030 project.