Mr. Hilaire joined the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority in November 1989 as an Apprentice Marine Pilot and moved through the ranks to Pilot in 1998 and Senior Pilot in 2000. During his apprentice period Mr. Hilaire spent approximately three years at sea first serving as a marine cadet on a container vessel then as 3rd Mate on a petroleum tanker as well as on a gas carrier.

He currently serves as an overseas lecturer with the Caribbean Maritime Institute's outreach program and is a holder of a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management Studies from the University of the West Indies, a Diploma in Port Management with accreditation in managing cargo operations from the North West Kent College, and a Master of Science Degree in Maritime Affairs, with a specialization in Port Management from the World Maritime University. His dissertation was centered on cruise tourism in the Caribbean and the manner in which it impacted on regional destination ports.

As Director of Seaports, Mr. Hilaire has the overall responsibility for ensuring that the receipt, storage and delivery of cargo, pilotage of vessels, and the management of marine activities in the various seaports of Saint Lucia, are conducted professionally and in the most cost effective and efficient manner.