Caribbean Regional Air Transport Connectivity Project - Saint Lucia

02/10/2026

CATCOP Updates Minister of Infrastructure, Port Services and Energy on HIA Runway Rehabilitation Project

Today, the Caribbean Regional Air Transport Connectivity Project – Saint Lucia (CATCOP-SL) team met with the Mr. Shawn Edward Minister of Infrastructure, Port Services and Energy at the IAMJET Centre at Hewanorra International Airport (HIA) to provide an update on the HIA Runway Rehabilitation Project.

The sit-down provided the Minister with an opportunity to hear first-hand from members of the CATCOP team about the progress being made on this major infrastructure investment, including key developments as the project moves toward implementation.

The engagement also allowed for meaningful discussions on the project’s importance to airport safety, operational efficiency, resilience and the continued development of Saint Lucia’s air transport infrastructure.

The HIA Runway Rehabilitation Project is a significant component of CATCOP-SL and represents an important investment in strengthening the resilience and long-term sustainability of Saint Lucia’s aviation infrastructure.
CATCOP-SL | Connecting Saint Lucia to a stronger, safer and more resilient future.

24/09/2026

CATCOP Engages the Vieux Fort Community on HIA Runway Rehabilitation

The Caribbean Regional Air Transport Connectivity Project (CATCOP), recently engaged members of the Vieux Fort community to provide information and updates on the upcoming rehabilitation of the runway at Hewanorra International Airport (HIA).
The community meeting was held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the Vieux Fort Arts and Entertainment Centre. It provided an important opportunity for residents, businesses and other stakeholders, particularly those in and around the Bacadere, to learn more about the planned runway rehabilitation works, the anticipated benefits of the project, and potential impacts that may arise during construction.

Key areas discussed included employment opportunities for local residents, opportunities for local businesses and service providers, traffic and access considerations, construction-related impacts, community health and safety, and measures to minimize disruption during the works.

Grievance Redress Mechanism
The community was also introduced to the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) established under CATCOP. The GRM provides an accessible channel through which individuals and communities can submit questions, concerns, complaints or feedback related to the project.

Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to use the GRM to raise concerns throughout project implementation. The mechanism supports the timely recording, review and response to grievances and helps promote transparency, accountability and continued dialogue between the project and affected communities.

The meeting also emphasized the importance of continued communication between CATCOP, SLASPA and the community. Residents and stakeholders were encouraged to ask questions, raise concerns and share their local knowledge and experiences to help inform project planning and implementation.
CATCOP remains committed to meaningful stakeholder engagement and ensuring that communities affected by the project are kept informed throughout its implementation.
The HIA Runway Rehabilitation Project forms part of CATCOP’s broader objective of strengthening Saint Lucia’s air transport infrastructure and improving the resilience, safety and efficiency of the country’s aviation sector.

CATCOP and SLASPA — Working with Communities for a Safer and More Resilient Aviation Sector.

19/09/2026

18/09/2026

All community members are invited to this important meeting.

04/09/2026

CATCOP-SL Engages Vieux Fort South Constituency Council

The Caribbean Regional Air Transport Connectivity Project – Saint Lucia (CATCOP-SL) recently conducted a sensitization meeting with the new Mayor of Vieux Fort, together with members of the newly appointed Vieux Fort South Constituency Council Board as part of its ongoing stakeholder engagement programme.

The meeting provided an opportunity to share updates on the planned Hewanorra International Airport (HIA) Runway Rehabilitation Works and to discuss matters that may affect communities, businesses and road users in the Vieux Fort area.

Key areas discussed included:
🔹 An overview of the HIA Runway Rehabilitation Project
🔹 The anticipated impacts of the works on surrounding communities
🔹 Traffic management and measures to minimize disruption during construction
🔹 Stakeholder communication and community sensitization
🔹 The Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) and how members of the public can raise questions, concerns or complaints related to the project
🔹 The importance of timely communication and collaboration between the project team and local communities.

Understanding the Grievance Redress Mechanism

A key component of the discussion was the Grievance Redress Mechanism, which provides a structured process through which affected persons and stakeholders can submit concerns, complaints or feedback regarding project activities.

The GRM is intended to ensure that concerns are heard, documented, assessed and addressed in a timely and transparent manner, while providing stakeholders with an accessible channel for communication with the project team.

CATCOP-SL recognizes that meaningful stakeholder engagement goes beyond providing information. It also means listening to communities, responding to concerns and ensuring that feedback is incorporated into project implementation wherever possible.
The project team extends appreciation to the Mayor and the Vieux Fort South Constituency Council for its participation, valuable input and continued cooperation.

Through continued dialogue and collaboration, CATCOP-SL is working with stakeholders to support the successful implementation of the HIA Runway Rehabilitation Project while minimizing impacts on surrounding communities.

Together, we are connecting Saint Lucia for the future.

29/07/2026

📢 Attention Vieux Fort Business Community!

SLASPA and the CATCOP Project invite you to a stakeholder meeting.

📆 TODAY, Wednesday, July 29,
🕑 2:00 p.m.
📍Vieux Fort Arts & Craft Center.

Learn about the CATCOP Project, receive progress updates, explore business and community opportunities, and share your questions and feedback. Your voice matters as we work together to build a stronger Vieux Fort.

We look forward to seeing you there!

17/07/2026

Your Business. Your Community. Your Airport. Your Voice Matters!

Vieux Fort Business Community

This is your opportunity to:
✅ Learn about the upcoming runway rehabilitation works
✅ Understand the potential impacts on businesses and daily operations
✅ Hear about mitigation measures to minimize disruptions
✅ Ask questions and share your feedback with the project team

Your participation is essential as we work together to strengthen Saint Lucia's Aviation infrastructure while supporting the needs of our business community.

We look forward to seeing you there!

10/07/2026

CATCOP Hosts Successful Bidders' Conference for the Hewanorra International Airport Runway Rehabilitation Project

The Caribbean Regional Air Transport Connectivity Project (CATCOP), through the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority - Slaspa, successfully hosted a Bidders' Conference for the Runway Rehabilitation Works at Hewanorra International Airport

The conference provided an opportunity for prospective bidders to gain a comprehensive understanding of the project scope, procurement requirements, technical specifications, and implementation expectations. Participants also had the opportunity to ask questions, seek clarifications, and engage directly with the Project Implementation Unit and technical specialists.

This important milestone demonstrates CATCOP's commitment to a transparent, fair, and competitive procurement process while ensuring that qualified contractors are equipped with the information needed to prepare responsive bids.

The runway rehabilitation project represents a significant investment in strengthening Saint Lucia's aviation infrastructure by enhancing safety, improving operational efficiency, and increasing the resilience of Hewanorra International Airport for years to come.

CATCOP extends its appreciation to all participants for their interest and engagement and looks forward to the successful delivery of this transformative project.

✈️ Building stronger airports. Connecting communities. Supporting sustainable development.

10/07/2026

Every investment in airport safety makes a difference.

The Caribbean Regional Air Transport Connectivity Project (CATCOP), recently handed over specialized wildlife management equipment to the Wildlife Management Unit at Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority - Slaspa to support safer airside operations at Hewanorra International Airport and George F. L. Charles Airport.

Effective wildlife management plays a vital role in reducing the risk of wildlife strikes, protecting passengers, aircraft, and airport personnel while promoting environmentally responsible practices.

This initiative reflects CATCOP's ongoing commitment to enhancing aviation safety, strengthening airport operations, and supporting the modernization of Saint Lucia's air transport infrastructure.

▶️ Watch the video to see highlights from the handover ceremony and learn how this investment contributes to safer skies for everyone.

14/05/2026

CATCOP Provides ARFFS Project Status Update to Fire Services 🚨

On Friday, May 8, 2023, the Caribbean Regional Air Transport Connectivity Project – Saint Lucia (CATCOP-SL) team conducted a comprehensive project status update with the Fire Services Department regarding the ongoing Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (ARFFS) Project.

The meeting formed part of CATCOP’s continued stakeholder engagement efforts aimed at ensuring transparency, collaboration, and effective coordination throughout project implementation. During the session, the CATCOP team presented updates on components and milestones achieved to date, outlined upcoming activities, and discussed the project timeline and operational considerations associated with the ARFFS facility improvements.

Discussions also focused on the critical role of the Fire Services Department in supporting enhanced aviation safety standards at Hewanorra International Airport and strengthening emergency response capabilities within Saint Lucia’s aviation sector. Stakeholders were given the opportunity to provide feedback, raise operational concerns, and discuss areas for continued collaboration as the project advances.

The ARFFS Project represents a significant investment in the modernization and resilience of airport emergency infrastructure and forms part of the wider CATCOP initiative aimed at improving regional air transport connectivity, safety, and operational efficiency.

CATCOP-SL extends sincere appreciation to the Fire Services Department for their continued partnership, active participation, and commitment to advancing aviation safety and emergency preparedness in Saint Lucia.