HERITAGE AND HOPE BABONNEAU’S NEW TOURISM MILESTONE

Added: 2026-05-15

[00:00:00]The Fond Latisab Creole Park is officially open for a new kind of business.

[00:00:04]Through the Community Business Revitalization Project, a collaboration between the Ministry of Commerce and the Taiwan Technical Mission, this iconic heritage site has been transformed. The project has delivered professional road signage and a modern gift shop specifically designed to help local micro-entrepreneurs sell authentic St. Lucian products directly to the international tourism market. Yeah, I think I can still very fairly can speak on behalf of tourists that nowadays gift shops, most tourists like myself, we are no longer satisfied or interested in those mass-produced products, similar keyrings and similar whatever. We're looking for something unique, authentic, and most importantly local.

[00:00:59]And it can be daily food items and other keepsakes. The keepsake says create memory through taste, flavor, sound, and shape. These are the souvenirs which after we leave one place, we would have the fond memories that bring back the reminders of the the place and most importantly the soul.

[00:01:25]Investing in the next generation is a core pillar of the initiative.

[00:01:30]The Babonneau Youth Synergy Group is now leading workshops in traditional Creole drumming and dance paired with professional business management training.

[00:01:39]This dual approach ensures that the area's youth are not only preserving their culture, but are also equipped with the skills to run profitable community-based enterprises.

[00:01:48]>> I remember receiving a call from Mr. Stan Bishop. Somewhere around? Yes, Mr. Stan Bishop. Uh who told me um of the existing project which was already bearing fruit in Forces and library and the project was moving to Babonneau.

[00:02:05]However, the mission is seeking is seeking to partner with a community organization in fulfilling fulfilling its mandate.

[00:02:14]I immediately agreed and was contacted by Mr. Louis Sou Louis? All right, good.

[00:02:24]We met on several occasions along with Mrs. Bean brainstorming to brainstorming the perfect venue to such an undertaking. A decision was finally made to refurbish Fond Latisab since there was an already existing establishment and would fit perfectly into the dynamics of Babonneau heritage tourism which was the focal area under the project. During the launch, officials emphasized that today's travelers are moving away from mass market tours in search of unique immersive stories.

[00:02:57]By highlighting the authentic quote Babononian lifestyle, the project ensures that the economic rewards of the tourism industry stay within the community providing a sustainable future for rural families.

[00:03:09]This is one of the sites that we want to upgrade so that when the tourists come to St. Lucia and and the the typical tourist now they want a story. They want something that is unique.

[00:03:23]All right? They want to be part of the community. So, like the ambassador would have said, when you when you go over and then you you get to the port and everybody is selling the same thing. That is not what the modern day tourist is looking at.

[00:03:40]They want to immerse in your culture and we are hoping that this site will afford them that opportunity where they can come to Babonneau, immerse in our culture, enjoy and share our story. And and feel what it's like to be what we call Babonneau young. With the new signage pointing the way, Fond Latisab is ready to welcome the world to the heart of Saint Lucia and Babonneau culture.

[00:04:09]Chaquim the Placey, HDS News Force.