St. Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) and Chamber of Commerce Conclude Successful Meeting to Address Port Challenges and Enhance Efficiency
Castries, St. Lucia – November 7,2024 – On November 7, 2024, the St. Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) and the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce convened for a pivotal online meeting to address ongoing operational challenges and discuss strategic initiatives aimed at optimizing port efficiency. The meeting brought together key stakeholders from SLASPA, the business community, Customs & Excise, port agents, and other relevant parties, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts to resolve critical issues impacting the port's functionality.
The discussion focused on several high-priority areas, including infrastructure constraints, cargo handling inefficiencies, storage limitations, and the need for enhanced communication and coordination between port operators, Customs, and business entities. With the approach of the busy holiday season, the dialogue was designed to identify both immediate and long-term solutions to ensure seamless movement of goods and mitigate delays that have been affecting local businesses and leading to increased costs to consumers.
Key Takeaways from the Meeting:
Shed 7 Commissioning: SLASPA confirmed that Shed 7, will officially be commissioned by the second or third week of November to facilitate cargo (commercial and personal operations. This will allow for additional cargo handling space, alleviating congestion and enabling more efficient operations during peak periods. The expansion of this storage facility is expected to significantly improve throughput capacity, particularly for containerized cargo.
Automation and Efficiency Initiatives: SLASPA announced plans to implement an automated destuffing application process, which will streamline cargo handling and improve operational efficiency. Additionally, SLASPA indicated that they were examining the potential extension of port operating hours, with a proposal to extend hours until 11:00 PM for container deliveries.
Improved Communication Channels: SLASPA highlighted the development of a new portal that will allow business owners to request container receipt and delivery services directly, enhancing communication, transparency, improve scheduling, and reduce waiting times, allowing for more predictable and efficient operations at the port.
Collaboration with Customs & Excise Department: The meeting also underscored the importance of closer collaboration between SLASPA, and the Customs & Excise Department. Both entities committed to exploring options for extending operating hours, streamlining the clearance process, and ensuring better alignment between Customs inspections and port operations. An enhanced collaborative partnership is essential for enhancing the overall speed and efficiency of the import and export processes.
Addressing Infrastructure and Equipment Needs: SLASPA continues to phase in new equipment, including the replacement of aging machinery, to ensure greater reliability and operational redundancy. The Chamber of Commerce expressed support for these initiatives, recognizing the need for robust infrastructure to support economic growth.
Customer Feedback and Ongoing Improvement: As part of SLASPA's commitment to continuous improvement, the meeting included the announcement of a customer survey that will be conducted to identify service gaps and areas where further enhancement is needed. The results of the survey will guide future changes and recommendations.
Future Meetings and Follow-Up: A follow-up meeting will be scheduled for early December 2024 to assess the progress of the initiatives discussed and make any necessary adjustments. This meeting will offer an opportunity to review the impact of the measures taken and ensure that SLASPA continues to work towards seamless and efficient port operation.
Statements from Stakeholders:
Mr. Brian Lousy, Executive Director of the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce thanked everyone for their participation and contributions to the discussion. He also expressed gratitude to SLASPA for their positive attitude and for sharing with the Meeting the challenges the have been encountering and bring some positive solutions to the table.
Mr. Adrian Hilaire, SLASPA's Deputy General Manager of Seaports, expressed appreciation for the open dialogue, stating, "This meeting was a vital opportunity for SLASPA to engage with the business community, hear their concerns, and share our ongoing efforts to improve the port's efficiency. We are committed to finding sustainable solutions to meet the growing demands of the trade sector and to ensuring that St. Lucia remains competitive in the region.”
Looking Ahead:
Both SLASPA and the Chamber of Commerce are optimistic about the outcomes of the meeting and the progress made in addressing the port's challenges. The initiatives discussed are expected to have a positive impact on the efficiency of port operations, which will ultimately benefit the wider economy, reduce costs for businesses consumers, and improve the customer experience.
