Saint Lucia govt addresses concerns over public access to Gros Piton Nature Trail

Saint Lucia: The Physical Development and Urban Renewal Department, in response to concerns expressed by members of the general public with regards to the blockage of access to the Gros Piton Trail through Anse L’Ivorgne, has examined the registered rights of the public to access the parcel of land on which the trail is located.

The Department of Physical Development and Urban Renewal’s mandate, among other things, is to maintain the Land Registry records and manage state-owned lands, including the Queen’s Chain. Examining the Land Registry records for the Mondesir Estate in Soufriere has been undertaken. This investigation sought to clarify the registered rights of public access to the Gros Piton trail, where it traverses through Anse L’Ivorgne.

The outcome of the investigation revealed the following:

There is a registered public vehicular right from the Anse L’Ivorgne main road to the Queen’s Chain and the Anse L’Ivorgne Beach. The alignment of this access is through the parcel of land commonly known as the Mondesir Estate. It partly aligns to the Anse L’Ivorgne River and culminates on the Anse L’Ivorgne Beach.

The Gros Piton Trail, which branches off this right of way, is not a registered vehicular or pedestrian right of way. The public has enjoyed this trail at the generosity of the owners of the Mondesir Estate on whose land the trail is located.

The Soufriere Regional Development Foundation maintains and manages the Gros Piton Trail.

The Department of Physical Development and Urban Renewal reassures the public that access to the Queen’s Chain and the Anse L’Ivorgne beach shall remain uninterrupted public access to be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike without fear of intimidation.