BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, DECEMBER 14TH 2006 (CUOPM)
Increase in passenger arrivals at the twin-island’s main gateway, the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport, will be fueled by major projects that are taking place in St. Kitts and Nevis.
Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas said proposed major resort development to take place on the South-east Peninsula, coupled with various projects in the Whitegate area, will result in substantial demand for airline services “and we are most pleased to be in a position to accommodate the demand when it occurs.”Delivering the feature address at the official opening of a multi-million dollar construction of a major parking apron to accommodate six wide-bodied jets, construction of a new and expanded taxi-way, resurfacing of the existing runway and tarmac and a new fuel farm, the Prime Minister said the airport’s role in the support of capital investment in economic sectors, therefore, is one that should not be underestimated.
“Investors like convenience and comfort, as they pursue their development objectives,” said Prime Minister Douglas, who was of the view that “the whole experience of hosting the ICC Cricket World Cup will leave important legacies here at the airport, particularly in terms of quality of service. But beyond that, the most critical element will be that of security.”
Dr. Douglas said that preparations for hosting this international event involve activating a level of security not seen before in the Caribbean and is a driving force that brings trained human resources, sophisticated technology, systems and methodologies together, all of which will remain active thereafter. “We shall be left, therefore, better prepared to face security challenges,” said the Prime Minister.