Development along Saint Lucia’s west coast is moving at an increasingly high rate, with the newly-built Soufriere Beach Park, farmers market, porte-cochere, and the newly-opened Soufriere Square.

The redesigning of the Soufriere Square included the installation of urban umbrellas, a water fountain and the Freedom monument.

Parliamentary Representative for Soufriere, Hon. Herod Stanislas, said he was happy to deliver a state-of-the-art facility in the heart of the sulphur city.

“The people of Soufriere ought to feel equally proud to have such a facility right here in downtown Soufriere,” he said. “The new design should enhance Soufriere’s sense of place, be memorable, and appeal strongly to the emotions of both visitors and locals.”

The Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Hon. Allen Chastanet, said the developments in Soufriere will directly affect the economies of surrounding communities.

“Soufriere has a rich history. People want to know that story and we wanted attractions to be developed that tell that story.”

The renovation of the Soufriere town square which began in 2016, was funded by the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) under the Constituency Development Programme.

Counsellor Bill Huang, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) said the project’s completion is due to the dedication of government.

“If it wasn’t for the relentless efforts and dedication of the prime minister and minister Stanislas, I wouldn’t have been here today,” he said. “I believe there are more opportunities for Saint Lucia and Taiwan to work together.”

The opening ceremony of the Soufriere town square took place on July 31.