Saint Lucia officially reopened a beloved cultural and tourism landmark on Tuesday: the newly transformed “The View at the Morne,” formerly known as Morne Layby.
The facility, perched on Morne Fortune overlooking Castries, has long been a staple stop for visitors and locals alike. The revitalised centre now stands as a testament to community resilience, government commitment and sustainable tourism development.
The site was previously deemed structurally unsafe by the Department of Infrastructure, prompting a full closure and demolition.
Thanks to the combined efforts of the Ministry of Tourism, the Community Tourism Agency, the Development Control Authority, and private partners, the once-derelict area has been reborn. The new centre now houses 21 vendor booths, public facilities, oversized storage spaces and stunning architectural upgrades, all overlooking a panoramic view of the capital.
“This centre has long been a must-stop for travellers seeking to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of our island’s beauty, history, and warmth,” Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Donalyn Vittet, remarked. “And today we celebrate not only the reopening, but also the resilience, spirit, and community of the many persons who use it.”
Plans are also already underway to make full use of the upgraded space – day and night. Vittet shared a vision for broader economic activity. “We intend to use this space, even at night, as an outdoor restaurant… weddings, small events, even national events.”
She also acknowledged the vendors who endured the long wait and uncertainty during reconstruction.
The Caribbean Development Fund (CDF), which provided approximately US$613,000 (EC$1.24 million) toward the project, played a key role.
Rodinald Soomer, CEO of the CDF, noted that the facility reflects a regional push toward community-based tourism.
“In that regard, we are currently working on a regional approach aimed at providing support to the development of community-based tourism in other member countries of CARICOM; many of which are very impressed with the work that is being done in Saint Lucia,” he said. “…They like the fact that it brings benefits to local communities and increases value added, and spreads the benefits of tourism throughout the community.”
Under a previous phase of this initiative, the CDF provided US$4.7 million toward the development of community attractions at Anse La Raye and Gros Islet, as well as institutional support for the formation and implementation of the work of the Community Tourism Agency and access to funding for businesses through a special line of credit at the Saint Lucia Development Bank.
He said some of these elements are ongoing, so beneficiaries and small businesses can take advantage of the facility that is being established.
In addition to this, the CDF has provided over US$7 million in committed support to different community-based tourism programmes.