PM Gonsalves: Port Will Pay for Itself 

By Val Matthias. Updated 2:36 p.m., Monday, November 3, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has defended the government’s $700 million investment in the newly modernized port facility, assuring citizens that the infrastructure will be economically viable and pay for itself over time.

Speaking on radio with host Dwight “Bing” Joseph, Gonsalves explained that the port’s financing includes a $36 million grant and a series of “soft loans” from international partners including the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and Taiwan’s EXIM Bank. He emphasized that the loans were approved based on a detailed viability plan, which projects increased business activity and long term revenue generation.

“The government contracted the loan, not the Port Authority,” Gonsalves clarified. “The CDB granted $110 million because of the plan that shows the port will be viable. They wouldn’t have loaned the money otherwise.”

The Prime Minister pointed to rising interest in the port from regional shipping operators and emphasized its strategic role in supporting exports, particularly in, agriculture, and light manufacturing. He noted that the port will handle more cargo than the airport and serve as a hub for both imports and exports tied to the tourism sector.

“When you bring tourists, you also increase imports of food, supplies, hotel goods. But the money from tourism helps offset that,” Gonsalves said. “Hotels like Sandals buy from local farmers and fishermen, but they need consistent quality and supply.”

Gonsalves acknowledged the need for improved production standards and consistency among local suppliers to meet growing demand. He also highlighted niche export markets in the U.S., UK, Trinidad, and Barbados, especially for Vincentian agricultural and manufactured goods.

The Prime Minister criticized the limitations of the older port infrastructure, saying it could not accommodate mid sized vessels from Jamaica and other regional partners. He said the new facility will correct those deficiencies and support broader economic transformation.

Looking ahead, Gonsalves revealed plans to repurpose Camden Park for entrepreneurial activities and pledged that the next term of his administration would see a rollout of a comprehensive export strategy.

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