The Honourable Dr. Kishore Shallow, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Sustainable Development convened a Cruise Stakeholders’ Meeting on Friday, 17th July 2026, at the Grenadine House Conference Room to advance discussions on the strategic partnership between the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Global Ports Holding Ltd. for the development of the Kingstown Cruise Ship Berth.
The meeting brought together a broad cross section of cruise sector stakeholders, including principal industry partners, the CEO of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority, the Marketing Manager of the Modern Port Operations Company, the presidents and members of the SVG Hotel and Tourism Association, the AIA Taxi Association, SVG Taxi Association, and the SVG Professional Taxi Association. It was also attended by land and sea tour operators, community groups, and senior officials of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force. The meeting attracted significant interest, with high participation from stakeholders, reflecting the reality that a substantial percentage of tourism stakeholders have major investments in the cruise sector and are, therefore, strongly committed to its continued development.
The Honourable Minister, Dr. Kishore Shallow, outlined the proposed expansion and different phases of the Kingstown Cruise Ship Berth. He highlighted that the enhanced facility is poised to transform the cruise sector, increase national revenue, boost passenger arrivals, and position St. Vincent and the Grenadines to welcome new cruise liners. Minister Shallow assured cruise stakeholders that the Kingstown Cruise Ship Berth expansion is a national opportunity for investment by Vincentians, not just an infrastructural project. Open dialogue and collective planning will be at the centre of the development so that all stakeholders benefit from this growth.
In addition, Mrs. Cerepha Harper‑Joseph, Solicitor General in the Attorney General’s Chambers, provided an update on the draft Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Global Ports Holdings Ltd., emphasizing that stakeholders’ interests remain central to the agreement.
Stakeholders expressed appreciation for the inclusive approach and engaged in constructive dialogue to clarify aspects of the partnership, particularly regarding the anticipated benefits for the destination and their respective businesses. The meeting concluded with emphasis being placed on reminding and encouraging the stakeholders to escalate preparation efforts to facilitate the increase in arrivals as a result of this development.
For further information, please contact: Mrs. Jewelene Charles-Scott, Communications Manager, Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Sustainable Development
Telephone: 784-456-1111 ext. 3424 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
SOURCE: Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Sustainable Development
