Olympic gold medalist and world’s fastest woman Julien Alfred joined the Saint Lucia Cruise Port (SLCP) and Global Ports Holding (GPH) at Seatrade Cruise Global on Tuesday to spotlight major developments in Saint Lucia’s cruise tourism sector, including a sweeping multi-million-dollar upgrade to port infrastructure.
The Saint Lucian sprint champion headlined a press conference at the international cruise industry event, where SLCP and its parent company GPH — the world’s largest cruise port operator — unveiled their vision for transforming the cruise experience on the island. The upgrades, set for completion by October 2026, will span Port Castries, Pointe Seraphine, and Soufrière, and include a new boardwalk, improved berths, a Fishermen’s Village at Banannes Bay, and a new tender dock and upland facilities in Soufrière.
“We are thrilled to partner with Julien in our mutual desire to champion societal progress in Saint Lucia through this donation,” said Lancelot Arnold, General Manager of Saint Lucia Cruise Port and Director of GPH Eastern Caribbean. “These kinds of donations can make a huge difference in people’s lives, and we want to be a part of any effort that helps Saint Lucians advance, especially our youth.”
During the event, SLCP also announced a $10,000 donation to support the launch of Alfred’s upcoming charitable foundation — a move that reflects the port’s broader commitment to community engagement and youth development. Alfred, who also serves as a Saint Lucia tourism ambassador, aims to use her foundation to inspire and support the next generation of Saint Lucian athletes.
“I am very thankful to Saint Lucia Cruise Port for supporting the launch of the Foundation. Collaboration with corporate partners will be instrumental to our success, and we applaud their commitment to invest in our youth,” Alfred said.
“As a proud Saint Lucian,” she added, “I’m excited to see how the development of our cruise industry will bring more visitors to our shores, creating opportunities for locals and showcasing the beauty of our island. I’m honored to be part of this momentous occasion.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism Dr. Ernest Hilaire echoed Alfred’s optimism, describing the cruise port upgrades as a turning point for the island’s tourism industry. “The modernization of our cruise facilities is a game-changer for Saint Lucia. These upgrades will allow us to cater to an increasing number of cruise visitors while enhancing the island’s reputation as a top-tier destination. The involvement of global figures like Julien Alfred underscores our commitment to driving tourism forward.”
Beyond infrastructure, SLCP has also invested in local capacity building through the Saint Lucia Cruise Port Scholarship, launched in February 2025. The initiative supports local students pursuing higher education and has already garnered strong interest, with over 3,200 site views and 700 applications.
With its dual focus on world-class infrastructure and community upliftment, the port’s development strategy is poised to deliver long-term economic value while reinforcing Saint Lucia’s standing as a premier cruise destination in the Caribbean.
