Caribbean resort project draws heat over threat to vulnerable species

The $2.6bn project in St Lucia has promised sorely needed jobs, but critics say it threatens the natural environment and local culture

Conservationists have warned that a planned $2.6bn resort development in St Lucia which aims to attract Chinese investors could threaten vulnerable species and change the character of the island.

The project, known as Pearl of the Caribbean, will feature a resort, marina, casino, racecourse, shopping mall, apartments, villas and a free trade zone over about 800 acres at the southern tip of the island near the town of Vieux Fort and the international airport.