New Financial Complex Under Construction

   Scores of skilled and unemployed nationals have and will continue to receive employment opportunities on the multi million construction of a Financial Centre at Pointe Seraphine.

In addition, the state-of the-art facility will save government millions in annual rental fees, as the various departments in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs will be in one central location.

Speaking Tuesday April 10, 2012 at the project sod turning ceremony Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Honourable Dr Kenny Anthony said the project which was started by the previous administration will result in greater efficiency in government.

“The honour for this investment properly belongs to the former Government of Saint Lucia and more importantly former Prime Minister Stephonson King. Currently the government pays $33.5 million in rental cost per annum and that is a phenomenal amount of money, and the principle difficulty with that arrangement is the tendency for government offices to be fragmented and located in various locations resulting in little control of day to day activities. When all departments are located in one area I am certain it will be far better to achieve accountability and allow for efficiencies to prevail in the operations of the Government of Saint Lucia”. Dr. Anthony said.

The six storey financial centre on 64,000 square feet of land is expected to be complete in 22 months under the Built Operate Lease Transfer or BOLT arrangement financed by the National Insurance Corporation.

NIC Director Mr Mathew Mathurin said the project is a significant investment in the country at this time of global economic uncertainty.

“This project is not merely an investment for the National Insurance Corporation it is just as important a contribution towards national development-the project provides the dual benefit of generating economic activity as well as being a safe addition to the investment portfolio of the NIC,” Mr. Mathurin said.

The Financial Centre is touted to be the greenest office building in St Lucia, informed by the guidelines of the US Green Building Council. It is being constructed by NH International Caribbean Ltd.