MEDIA

08 Apr 2025

Olympic Champion Julien Alfred Joins Saint Lucia Cruise Port to Promote Cruise Tourism at Seatrade Cruise Global

On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, Saint Lucia’s Olympic Women’s 100m Champion, and the world’s fastest woman, Julien Alfred, participated in a press conference at Seatrade Cruise Global to promote the growth of cruise tourism in Saint Lucia. The event was a collaborative effort between Saint Lucia Cruise Port (SLCP) and its parent company Global Ports Holding (GPH), the world’s largest cruise port operator, which highlighted the multi-million-dollar cruise port upgrades currently in progress and the strategic initiatives being created to elevate the Saint Lucian cruise tourism experience.

Unprecedented Cruise Sector Expansion

The Saint Lucia Cruise Port team emphasized its commitment to enhancing port infrastructure to accommodate more cruise calls, providing a richer experience for visitors and boosting the local economy. The transformative SLCP cruise port project is slated for completion by October 2026. The multi-million dollar investment includes major upgrades to Port Castries, Pointe Seraphine, and Soufriere, encompassing berth enhancements at Port Castries and Pointe Seraphine; a new boardwalk linking the cruise terminals for seamless passenger flow; the creation of a Fishermen’s Village at Banannes Bay; a new tender dock and upland facilities in Soufrière.

Boosting Opportunities for Saint Lucia’s Youth

In recognition of Julien Alfred’s exceptional contributions to sports and her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact, Saint Lucia Cruise Port also announced that it recently made a $10,000 donation toward the launch of her upcoming charitable foundation. This significant contribution underscores the port’s dedication to supporting local athletes and empowering youth in Saint Lucia. Through the foundation, Julien aims to provide resources and opportunities for the next generation of athletes, ensuring that her legacy extends beyond the track to inspire future leaders and changemakers.

“We are thrilled to partner with Julien in our mutual desire to champion societal progress in Saint Lucia through this donation,” said Lancelot Arnold, General Manager of Saint Lucia Cruise Port and Director, GPH Eastern Caribbean. “These kinds of donations can make a huge difference in people’s lives, and we want to be a part of any effort that helps Saint Lucians advance, especially our youth.”

He added, “Through our collaboration with Julien, we also aim to increase awareness of the groundbreaking changes to Saint Lucia's cruise port facilities, which will greatly enhance the growth and potential of our cruise industry.”

Saint Lucia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Dr. Ernest Hilaire, also expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, "The modernization of our cruise facilities is a game-changer for Saint Lucia. These upgrades will allow us to cater to an increasing number of cruise visitors while enhancing the island's reputation as a top-tier destination. The involvement of global figures like Julien Alfred underscores our commitment to driving tourism forward.”

Ms. Alfred, who is also an official tourism ambassador of Saint Lucia, shared her excitement about the donation and her role in the growth of the island’s tourism sector. “I am very thankful to Saint Lucia Cruise Port for supporting the launch of the Foundation. Collaboration with corporate partners will be instrumental to our success, and we applaud their commitment to invest in our youth.”

“As a proud Saint Lucian,” she continued, “I’m excited to see how the development of our cruise industry will bring more visitors to our shores, creating opportunities for locals and showcasing the beauty of our island. I’m honored to be part of this momentous occasion.”

More Commitments to Community Development

As part of its commitment to enhancing community partnerships and positioning the company as a key advocate for community development, SLCP launched the Saint Lucia Cruise Port Scholarship in February 2025, aimed at supporting local students pursuing higher education. By investing in these scholars, the port is committed to developing a skilled workforce that will drive the future success of Saint Lucia. To date, the program website has received over 3,200 views and over 700 application page views, demonstrating strong interest and potential among Saint Lucia’s youth to contribute to the island’s expanding opportunities.

The multi-million cruise port development project is expected to generate long-term value for local businesses and stakeholders, offering economic growth and an elevated cruise experience for travelers. As Saint Lucia continues to position itself as a leading destination in the Caribbean, the reinforcement of strategic partnerships between Saint Lucia Cruise Port, Global Ports Holding, and key industry partners will ensure the island nation remains at the forefront of cruise tourism.