SVG cruise port expansion to be guided by sustainability, minister says

By Val Matthias. Updated 9:05 a.m., Thursday, June 11, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

The planned expansion and modernisation of the Kingstown Cruise Port will be guided by principles of sustainability and environmental responsibility, according to Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Sustainable Development, Dr Kishore Shallow.

Speaking at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Global Ports Holding (GPH), the world’s largest cruise port operator, Dr Shallow said the administration remains committed to ensuring that economic growth does not come at the expense of the country’s environment.

The minister said the agreement provides an opportunity to modernise the nation’s cruise infrastructure while maintaining a strong focus on sustainable development.

“As the Minister responsible for Sustainable Development, this project gives me a level of comfort knowing that we are going to be modernising our infrastructure,” Dr Shallow said. He added that the development would be guided by “principles of sustainability and environmental responsibility”, describing this as “absolutely critical”.

Dr Shallow stressed that while the government is pursuing economic growth and greater investment in tourism, environmental protection remains a priority.

“Yes, we are committed to economic growth, but it is not going to be at the expense of our environment,” he said.

The minister described the partnership with GPH as a major step in strengthening the country’s tourism infrastructure and positioning St Vincent and the Grenadines as a leading cruise destination in the Caribbean. He said the interest shown by the international company reflected growing confidence in the country’s tourism potential.

He expressed confidence that the partnership with GPH would support long-term growth in the cruise sector and wider tourism industry, while remaining consistent with the country’s sustainability goals.

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About the Author

This article was written and submitted by freelance journalist Mr. Val Matthias, a trained communicator with more than two decades in the media sector. All supporting materials for this story have been presented, vetted, and verified. Mr Matthias can be reached at valmatthias188@gmail.com.