Efforts to advance land and urban management in the Caribbean region is underway, as the Caribbean Urban Forum (CUF) seeks to address specific policy issues with the Caribbean urban sector.

At the fifth CUF held on Wednesday, Minister for Physical Development, Housing and Urban Renewal, Senator Hon. Stanley Felix said urban development must be examined within the context of the island system.

“This examination must take into consideration factors such as our resource based population growth and distribution, social needs, housing status and employment demands," he said. "Our urban centers must be responsive to the demands of the population as well as the desires of visitors and commercial opportunities. The success of our urban centers will therefore be measured by the number of persons who voluntarily choose the city as the best option to live work play and visit. This then brings us to the much focused area of land use planning.” Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Physical Development, Joanna Raynold-Arthurton highlighted the benefits of CUF5 to the Saint Lucian public.

“As the Ministry of Physical Development embarks on the launch of major initiatives such as the National Sight and Services Program, the revision of the 2007 National Land Policy, the development of the National Land Use Plan and the revision of the Draft Building Code, this forum creates opportunity for professional development for Saint Lucian planning professionals and students that will enhance their capacity to make more meaningful contributions. The forum will also set the stage for increased awareness and education of the public on the importance of land management and other land use planning issues.”

The theme for the CUF5 is “Island System Planning.” The theme takes into account the unique pattern of urbanization in the Caribbean, and the tailored solutions that are needed to address them.