Winfresh Limited, National Fair Trade Organisation (NFTO) and Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) confirm that effective August 29, 2016, the loading of bananas on the Geest Line vessels for export will take place at the Castries Seaport.
The loading operation which currently takes place at the Vieux Fort Port will be relocated to the Castries Seaport for reasons of operational and economic efficiency, the three organizations said in ajoint press release.
The Castries Seaport is a multipurpose port which is more than adequately equipped to handle banana loading operations in keeping with the requirements of the shipping line.
The release added: “The impending relocation is as a result of a business decision by Geest Line to undertake one, instead of two port calls to the island. The shipping line has cited operational as well as economic reasons for the decision, partly as a result of the declining cargo volume in and out of Port Vieux Fort.”
Mr Ben Emmanuel, SLASPA’s Senior Manager- Strategic Initiatives said: “We are aware of the potential challenges this relocation may cause in the immediate future and Winfresh, NFTO and SLASPA remain steadfast in our commitment to serving the banana farmers of Saint Lucia and will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure that the bananas are loaded for export as efficiently and effectively as possible and it a timely manner in order to reach destination markets with little or no difficulties.”
Stakeholder sensitization of this impending change is expected to continue as the organisations seek to ensure that all parties are adequately informed and prepared for this relocation.
For further enquiries, kindly contact any of the agencies at the following contact information:
• SLASPA at 457-6109 or email [email protected] or visit website at www.slaspa.com
• Winfresh at 457-8600 or email [email protected] or visit website at www.winfresh.net
• NFTO at 451-6847 or [email protected]