Vance W. Amory Airport, Newcastle, Nevis
Photo by Michael S. Maxson
Charlestown, Nevis
June 2nd, 2008
Radio show host, Hastings Daniel, welcomed the Premier of Nevis, the Honourable Joseph Parry, to the popular program, “Tell Me”, where Premier Parry discussed the upcoming runway extension of the Nevis Airport.
Premier Parry, Cabinet Secretary- Mr. Ashley Farrell and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Laurie Lawrence met with Prime Minister, the Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas in St. Kitts last week, where they discussed a number of issues; the airport extension being “one of the main concerns”, according Premier Parry.
Since Premier Parry attended the World Bank meeting in Washington D.C last year and returned stating that he had received in principle the assistance for the runway extension, numerous persons have questioned the a need for airport expansion.
Premier Parry reported that he does not believe that the people of Nevis are fully aware that the American Eagle has been landing on Nevis with a number of restrictions, some being that they can not come to Nevis with a full fuel tank, after dark flights into Nevis are not allowed and the planes can not accommodate all passengers with their baggage, if the flight is full.
Last year, during a World Bank meeting in Washington D. C., the Premier of Nevis met with Kuwaiti officials and discussed the possibility of securing assistance from the Kuwaiti Government.
The Premier also indicated that before they left Washington D.C they had received affirmation, in principle, that they would get assistance for the airport project.
A few days ago, communication was received by Prime Minister Douglas and copied to Premier Parry stating that the government of Kuwait was indeed interested in pursuing the project once the Federal government gave its approval.
Since the Federal government has approved the project, the Hon. Parry has been advised to have the project sent to the Ministry of Finance in Nevis then to the Ministry of Finance in St.Kitts, to be forwarded to Kuwait.
From a tourism perspective, the extension would allow more private jets to park on Nevis; and that should give a boost to the Tourism sector on the island.