St Lucia’s Gros Islet has had its makeover . . . just in time to greet ardent followers of the 2007 Cricket World Cup. Not only has the Gros Islet’s Bay Street road and environs had a facelift, but a 180ft long and 80ft wide concrete and wooden jetty is in place for cruise ship tenders (or anyone else for that matter) to moor up to. And amazingly, it took less than a month to construct.
It’s intended that the cruise liners will be able to dock off nearby Pigeon Island (which they already do) and not only ease congestion on the roads, but also initiate much needed commerce to a community eager for the tourism dollar. Contractors C.O. Williams sub-contracted Barbados firm Marenco Ltd for the jetty work, and their diligence (and late hours) were for all to see . . . and hear!
The rigid concrete platform has a wooden deck and used some local labor to help on the lightning project. Marenco’s Project Manager Dave Seale said at the beginning of the project: “We might be a little over the three weeks previously planned but rest assured cruise ship cricket fans won’t have to worry over wet feet!”
More than a few eyebrows were raised skywards, all to be proved wrong.
The jetty is more than merely a one-off for cricket fans—it is hoped that visiting yachties will take advantage of the new facilities long after the last bowl has been bowled—and with a bridge also built to Pigeon Island, it should help confidence within the area.
“It’s not a temporary structure, it’s part of the future,” said Dave proudly pointing at the almost complete structure (at the time of going to press it still needed lighting.) And with a further couple of piers planned for the area it looks like the future is All At Sea . . . but you already know that!
