Saint Lucia: Deputy PM Ernest Hilaire shares glimpse of event to diversify tourism products

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister responsible for Tourism and Investment of Saint Lucia- Ernest Hilaire shared a glimpse of the event held in Saint Lucia for the diversification of tourism products and economic development

Saint Lucia: Deputy PM Ernest Hilaire shares glimpse of event to diversify tourism products
Saint Lucia: Deputy PM Ernest Hilaire shares glimpse of event to diversify tourism products

Castries, Saint Lucia: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister responsible for Tourism and Investment of Saint Lucia- Ernest Hilaire shared a glimpse of the event held in Saint Lucia for the diversification of tourism products and economic development. 

After another long night at the Sab enjoying Calypso Finals, Hilaire attended another event with the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority and the chairman of ISL. 

Read Here: Full statement of Deputy Prime Minister Ernest Hilaire

After another long night at the Sab enjoying Calypso Finals, I had to attend another event as Minister responsible for Tourism and Investment at 11 am. This one was going to be exciting for the diversification of our tourism product and our economic development. It was true to expectations. I was joined by the St. Lucia Tourism Authority and the Chairman of ISL.

An investment company led by Olmedo Villa has started, or should I say recommence, commercial coffee production in Saint Lucia, specifically in Migny, Soufriere (Fond St.Jacques). The plan is to develop a unique Saint Lucian speciality blend for commercial purposes. 

It is expected that about 13,000 plants with be cultivated by 2024. The coffee will be called ‘La Verrier’. Additionally, the coffee estate will host a museum on the history of coffee production in Saint Lucia. A museum on coffee production in Saint Lucia? Yes, Saint Lucia.

Villa indicated that he had done extensive research on coffee production in the world and in Saint Lucia, particularly. Here is a summary of what was presented by Villa. Read this carefully.

Coffee was first discovered in Ethiopia then moved to Yemen then Indonesia then eventually to Martinique and Saint Lucia. All the coffee grown in the West Hemisphere came from Martinque.

In the late 1700s, Saint Lucia and Martinique accounted for half of all coffee consumed in Europe. Yes, half. 

Saint Lucia had about 9 million coffee plants in the 1800s. Mostly grown around Zenon, Rablot and Ravine Clair totally about 300 acres. The largest producer was the Verrier family, hence the name of the coffee.

Migny has extraordinary conditions for coffee production – it is cool, shaded, volcanic soil and is infused with citrus and spices (nutmeg and cinnamon).

If all goes well, imagine our own specialty brand of coffee with a visitor experience added. The Government of Saint Lucia will be actively supporting this venture and creating new opportunities for economic diversification.