“I Spoke Too Soon”: Gregory Philbert Retracts Claims Against Hilaire. Minister Details Marie Farrell Compensation Package
Public controversy surrounding the relocation and compensation of longtime Mount Pimard vendor Marie Farrell appears to have cooled after social commentator Gregory Philbert publicly retracted allegations he previously made against Tourism Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire and officials involved in the project. The development comes as Hilaire issued a detailed account of the compensation and relocation […] The post “I Spoke Too Soon”: Gregory Philbert Retracts Claims Against Hilaire. Minister Details Marie Farrell Compensation Package appeared first on Saint Lucia Daily Post.
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Public controversy surrounding the relocation and compensation of longtime Mount Pimard vendor Marie Farrell appears to have cooled after social commentator Gregory Philbert publicly retracted allegations he previously made against Tourism Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire and officials involved in the project.
The development comes as Hilaire issued a detailed account of the compensation and relocation arrangements provided to Farrell as part of the Mount Pimard Beach Park development.
In a statement posted to social media, Philbert acknowledged that information he had previously shared regarding the matter was inaccurate.
“I spoke too soon and I was misled on the Miss Marie Farrell matter and I apologize to Minister Hilaire and his team for any misinformation I shared,” Philbert wrote.
He added: “I’m grateful the Ministry took care of her compensation and relocation, and I consider the matter resolved.”
The apology follows a widely circulated video in which Philbert alleged that significantly larger compensation sums had been earmarked for Farrell and questioned the handling of the relocation process. The claims generated considerable public discussion and prompted calls for clarification.
In response to the controversy, Hilaire outlined what he described as the Government’s efforts to ensure Farrell was treated fairly throughout the development process.
According to the Minister, Farrell participated in discussions with representatives of the Department of Crown Lands, Invest Saint Lucia and the National Conservation Authority regarding relocation arrangements. He said she was allowed to choose her preferred location within the new beach park and was provided with additional accommodations to support her business operations.
Hilaire stated that at Farrell’s request, a barbecue pit was constructed at the new location. He further noted that after the works were completed, she requested cupboards and additional security measures, which were also provided.
Addressing concerns regarding compensation, the Minister disclosed that Farrell’s original structure was assessed by a qualified appraiser at a value of EC$32,000. However, the Government agreed to compensate her based on an estimated replacement value of EC$58,000, which he said was paid in full.
Additionally, Farrell reportedly received weekly income-support payments of EC$4,450 for eight consecutive weeks while construction was underway. According to Hilaire, the arrangement was based on information she provided regarding her business revenue and operating expenses.
The Minister also explained that although Farrell did not have a formal lease or agreement with either the National Conservation Authority or Crown Lands for the site she occupied, the Government nonetheless adopted what he described as a supportive and collaborative approach throughout the process.
Hilaire further sought to address concerns about transparency, noting that Farrell was accompanied during discussions by her nephew, Anthony Jordan, who has a paralegal background. He said all documents were reviewed with both individuals and that agreements were signed only after the terms and conditions had been explained.
The Minister maintained that the Government acted in good faith while balancing the needs of those directly affected by the development with broader national objectives.
The Mount Pimard Beach Park project, which is expected to open to the public within the coming weeks, forms part of a wider effort to enhance tourism infrastructure and create new economic opportunities.
With Philbert now retracting his allegations and apologizing for sharing misinformation, attention has shifted from the disputed claims to the official details surrounding Farrell’s relocation and compensation package.
For now, what had become a highly charged public dispute appears to have reached a resolution, with both the Government’s position and Philbert’s subsequent retraction now on the public record.
The post “I Spoke Too Soon”: Gregory Philbert Retracts Claims Against Hilaire. Minister Details Marie Farrell Compensation Package appeared first on Saint Lucia Daily Post.
