Throughout 2009, we shared much information with you about the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA). From the very basics in terms of who we are and what we do as an organization to some more intricate details of our Airport and Seaport operations. Recognizing the key role that we play in St. Lucia, through our weekly editions of Portfolio, we will endeavor to keep you informed on the happenings at the Port through 2010. We’re off to a great start in 2010 as we are on the heels of launching several public information initiatives.

As with 2009, the provision of information to the public will also remain a key activity for SLASPA. One of the first of such activities is the much awaited launch of the La Place Carenage’s website. Joining the already popular SLASPA’s website, www.slaspa.com and the recently launched St. Lucia Marine Terminals Ltd. (Port Vieux Fort) website, www.slmtl.com, the La Place Carenage, www.carenagemall.com will be launched on January 19, 2010. This website will feature information on the stores at La Place, specials and sales promotions being undertaken and a detailed location map and contacts. As with the SLASPA’s website, there will be a photo gallery with pictures of shopping within the mall, Desmond Skeete Animation Center and the ever popular Tea Time Jazz which is a fringe activity on the main Jazz Festival Schedule. We have also made use of the social media by opening a Facebook account for La Place Carenage and soon one for our Portfolio fans.

In addition, we developed a unique monthly e-publication called RE-Port that is disseminated to all port users which informs them about the performance of the port for the month. Our increasingly popular newsletter, SLASPA in Focus will continue to be one of our major resources, however, readers will be particularly impressed with the look and feel of this publication as we have moved to towards developing it into St. Lucia’s first Port Magazine with new features such as , “Port People” profiles, “How-to” articles and guest articles .

2010 will see the introduction of an innovative feature which will be called “Port Pass”. With a targeted launch date of April 01, 2010, Port Pass will be a series of daily tips which will empower port users with useful information about the port and ways their experience will be enhanced while using any of our facilities.

Another major public relations event will be the launch of the 2010/12 edition of the SLASPA Handbook and Directory. Scheduled for release in March 2010, this publication will feature articles on diverse business sectors, an updated Port Directory with information on our business partners and stakeholders as well internal departments.

One of leading stories that will be featured this year will include the Port Castries redevelopment project which will increase the berthing capacity while creating an aesthetically-pleasing sense of arrival to our visitors and position Port Castries as a first world cruise destination. Another major feature is the construction of a Fixed Based Operation (FBO), which will provide persons coming to St. Lucia via private or corporate jets with an impeccable level of privacy and comfort which will be second to none. Alongside this, there is a proposal for a new airport facility that will create centralized passenger facilities improving passengers comfort and creating a positive customer experience. These are some of the information on what we intend to provide you with this year. Please sign-up to become part of our port community and to receive regular updates by emailing us at marketingdepartment@slaspa.com or become La Place Carenage’s friend on Facebook and learn firsthand about the store specials and product offerings.