By Pharez McTair. Updated 5:45 p.m., Sunday, October 26, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
The government of St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) officially opened the Modern Kingstown Port on Saturday, 25 October 2025, marking one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in the nation’s history.
At the heart of the ceremony was Lenski Douglas, the Project Coordinator and Assistant Project Manager for the Port Modernization Project, who delivered a speech that blended technical insight with national pride, gratitude, and reflection on a journey that began 1,212 days earlier, on July 1st, 2022.
Honoring the Pioneers and the Journey
Mr Douglas opened his remarks by honoring three of the nation’s late greats, Mr. Jeffrey Cato, Mr. Morris Slater, and Mr. BentleyBrowne for their lasting contributions to national development.
“May they all continue to rest in peace,” he said solemnly, before adding that the project stands as part of the legacy they helped inspire.
He quoted the words of Vibrating Skates, a beloved local artist:
“In this moment of history, tell it in every community.”
Douglas continued, “The gates of this modern port stand wide, anew chapter in our national story begins.”
Building on Partnership and Leadership
He described the port’s success as the result of strong partnership, technical excellence, and determined leadership, noting that the facility was built even on reclaimed land, a feat of modern engineering and resilience.
The strategic objectives of the project, he said, were to Improve infrastructure and working conditions; Stimulate economic growth and trade; Increase livelihoods and reduce poverty; Enhance safety and climate resilience, and; Strengthen the nation’s maritime competitiveness.
“Big things are ahead for St Vincent and the Grenadines,” Douglas declared.
A $720 Million Vision, Delivered Under Budget
Douglas revealed that an EC$720 million investment was committed to the project, sourced from multiple partners, namely The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB); Grant support from the United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Fund (UKCIF), and Resources secured by the Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines.
The main contractor, Aecon Construction Group, executed over 1.6 million work hours across 42 months, with an excellent safety record and no environmental incidents, a major achievement for a project of this scale.
“Even in the face of challenges, Aecon maintained world-class safety standards and introduced the Women in Construction program, a proud step for gender inclusion.
The supervision consultants, Sell-horn, were also recognised for preparing feasibility studies and providing engineering oversight.
Douglas expressed gratitude to Julian Francis, Hon. Benarva Browne, and the Project Implementation Unit team, noting that the top three female administrators on the project were Laura Anthony Browne, Yvette Pompey, and Hon. Benarva Browne.
Phased Construction and Technical Triumphs
Douglas detailed the project’s technical phases, landreclamation, foundation preparation, and construction, highlighting that the port’s extended length allows multiple vessels to dock simultaneously, enhancing both efficiency and national resilience.
He recounted how Hurricane Beryl tested the structure, validating the team’s belief in its durability. Modern materials were used throughout, improving energy efficiency, climate resilience, and cybersecurity protections.
Despite global and local disruptions, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 volcanic eruption, hurricanes, and supply chain challenges, Douglas said the team delivered the project under budget, spending EC$650 million, saving the government EC$70 million in allocated funds.
“This is the second largest capital project ever implemented in St Vincent and the Grenadines,” he said proudly. “We delivered it through resilience, professionalism, and faith.”
Local Impact and Employment
The project generated widespread local participation, Over 500 Vincentians were employed and Local workers made up more than 45% of the on-site workforce throughout construction.
Douglas emphasized that the Rose Place community, whose residents were displaced due to the project, were “assisted thoroughly” and supported through the relocation process.
He also celebrated nature’s own role, noting that the Argyle borrow source, from which sand and other materials for the land reclamation were extracted, was “naturally replenished by the environment itself.”
A New Era of Urban Transformation
The Modern Kingstown Port, Douglas explained, is more than an infrastructure success; it is a catalyst for urban transformation that will reshape the capital’s waterfront and strengthen St Vincent’s logistics, tourism, and trade sectors.
He thanked all contributors, engineers, workers, government ministries, and partner agencies for their collective effort in bringing the project to life.
A Symbol of National Resilience
The port now stands as a cornerstone of St Vincent’s economic future, a modern facility capable of handling larger vessels, boosting export competitiveness, and improving trade logistics.
END
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