A’Ila Resorts Communications Consultant Candy Nicholas addressed key community concerns during a media walkthrough of the Mount Pimard development, assuring residents that issues including lack of communication, improper waste disposal, late-night trucking, and noise pollution have been taken seriously and are actively being addressed.
“We recognize that the lines of communication could have been more open, and we have taken responsibility for that. Many residents are now in direct contact with me, and we have worked to resolve several issues by the following day,” Nicholas stated.
Concerns about workers defecating in the community have been acknowledged, and measures have been put in place to ensure proper sanitation facilities are available on-site. Additionally, late-night trucking schedules have been adjusted to minimize disruptions, and steps are being taken to manage noise pollution more effectively.
The $1.3 billion Isla Resorts investment aims to transform Mount Pimard into a multi-concept luxury destination. Nicholas emphasized that while much public attention has been focused on Life’s Co, the wellness resort component, the development encompasses much more. The project will include a family-oriented resort, an adult-only retreat, private villas, residential units, and retail spaces.
“This will be a diverse hospitality hub, offering various accommodation types to suit different visitors, from luxury travelers to those seeking more affordable options,” Nicholas explained.
Life’s Co, a globally recognized wellness brand with properties in Turkey and Thailand, will be the first phase to launch, leveraging Saint Lucia’s natural assets such as its sulfur springs and lush forests to enhance the island’s wellness tourism sector. Completion is expected between June and August.
Meanwhile, environmental and historical concerns have been raised by residents of the area, considering the property was an essential part of World War II history.
“We are using eco-friendly materials, and our retail spaces will feature environmentally conscious businesses. We are monitoring environmental impact daily using drone and 3D technology. For every tree removed, two will be planted.”
She also addressed concerns about the site’s historical significance. Relics from World War II, including a submerged jetty, are being preserved and incorporated into the development.
With construction underway, unrestricted access to Mount Pimard’s hiking trails has been temporarily suspended due to safety hazards. The project’s communications consultant assured that efforts are being made to restore access once conditions are safe.
“We understand that residents have enjoyed open access to the trail for years. While it is currently an active construction site, we are looking into solutions that will allow for future public access.”
The Mount Pimard development represents a significant investment in Saint Lucia’s tourism industry, promising economic growth, job creation, and a strengthened international presence. Nicholas stressed A’Ila Resorts’ commitment to open communication with the community and to ensuring that the project benefits both visitors and residents alike.
