TROUMACA, St. Vincent and the Grenadines — The Project Implementation Unit (PIU) of the Unleashing the Blue Economy of the Caribbean (UBEC) Project has officially launched the community consultation process for the proposed development of Troumaca Bay, marking the first step in what officials describe as a transformative tourism and recreational initiative for North Leeward.
The first consultation session was held on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at the Troumaca Government School in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Sustainable Development. The project is funded by the World Bank and forms part of broader regional efforts to strengthen tourism, fisheries and environmental management across the Caribbean.
Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Sustainable Development, Hon. Dr. Kishore Shallow, described the initiative as a major opportunity for Troumaca and the wider North Leeward community. According to the Minister, the project aims to transform Troumaca Bay into a modern recreational and tourism destination while preserving the area’s natural beauty and cultural significance.
Dr. Shallow noted that the development responds to the growing demand for additional recreational spaces and tourism attractions along the North Leeward corridor. He said the bay has significant potential to support economic activity, community tourism and entrepreneurship opportunities for residents.
“This is not just a recreational site,” Minister Shallow stated. “It will service Troumaca, North Leeward and the entire country, while stimulating economic activity and creating opportunities for young people, fishers, vendors and small business owners.”
UBEC Project Manager Ellsworth Dacon explained that the UBEC programme is a regional initiative valued at approximately US$27.6 million and focuses on tourism, fisheries and solid waste management. He revealed that the Troumaca Bay component is expected to attract investment of approximately US$3 million.
The proposed development includes repairs to the existing fishing jetty, construction of an additional jetty for small tourist tenders, a tourism-related building with restaurant space, footpaths, lighting, gazebos, improved beach access, facilities for fishers and upgraded public amenities.
Dacon emphasized that the consultation process is a key requirement of the World Bank and is intended to ensure that residents, fishers and stakeholders have direct input into the final design of the project.
“We are here to listen,” Dacon said. “This consultation drives the design. We want to hear your concerns, what you want, what you do not want, and how this project can best serve the people of Troumaca.”
UBEC Environmental Specialist Dr. Clint Lewis also outlined the environmental and social safeguards being applied to the development. He explained that assessments have already examined issues including marine and coastal impacts, waste management, traffic concerns, construction-related disturbances, worker safety and the possible effects on residents and fishers.
Dr. Lewis said efforts would be made to preserve the natural character of Troumaca Bay while ensuring the project remains environmentally sustainable. He also highlighted the importance of the grievance mechanism that will allow residents to raise concerns throughout the life of the project.
During the consultation, community members raised several concerns and suggestions, including beach access, the future of the playing field, traffic management, maintenance, facilities for fishers, lifeguard services, training opportunities and the preservation of Troumaca’s history and identity.
Minister Shallow thanked residents for their active participation and encouraged continued engagement as the project moves into the next phases of planning and design.
“Let us embrace development in the community,” the Minister said, noting that the initiative presents an important opportunity to create sustainable economic and social benefits for Troumaca and surrounding communities.
The consultation process was supported by the Ministry of Tourism, the Fisheries Division, the National Parks, Rivers and Beaches Authority and the Solid Waste Management Unit. Additional consultations are expected as the project progresses.