Charlestown Nevis
December 15, 2007
Premier of Nevis and Minister responsible for Nevis Air And Sea Ports Authority (NASPA), the Hon Joseph Parry issued a call for teamwork among the Authority’s workers as they looked towards the New Year.
The Premier made the call while he congratulated the Authority’s workers on Friday December 14, 2007 at the Nevis Air and Sea Ports Authority Awards held the Old Manor Hotel to recognise the contribution of the workers.
“It is my duty to congratulate you for all the work that you have done during this part year at the airport and sea ports. You have done remarkably well in terms of raising finances and balancing your books. You have good points and you have bad points”¦ work on your good points and make your bad points less.
“I am recommending that to you as you come to the end of one year and you are about to start a new year, remembering you have to be a team. You go your separate ways at the end of the day but when you get to work function professionally as a team. I would like to say that I regard what has been done as planning for the future. You have to strengthen yourself to move forward,” he said. General Manager of NASPA Mr. Spencer Hanley outlined the achievements of the Authority and said that the Port had undergone a number of changes, hence the year had been financially challenging.
He noted that the Port was perhaps the most critical and important element of the islands’ tourism product, therefore several critical equipment and infrastructure had to be refurbished, repaired or replaced.
Mr. Hanley said following all the improvements NASPA’s overall revenue was $7,453,725 a decreased by one percent under the previous year. He pointed out that as a result of the many projects for infrastructural development, the decrease was acceptable and NASPA could look forward to improved and operational efficiency in 2008.
The main reason for the fall-off in net income he said, was the payroll which showed an increase by 15 percent, with 19 new staff members during the year bringing the total number of employees at NASPA to 108, while utilities increased by 26 percent.
Mr. Hanley said that NASPA had taken steps which it hoped would be reflected next year to generate increased revenues.
Mr. Laurie Lawrence, NASPA Chairman, reflected on the organisation’s 10 years of operation. He said through the hard work and determination of the management and staff the Port had evolved into one of the best managed and organised Port Authorities in the Caribbean. He opined that while the operations were small when compared to many other islands, the quality of service and professionalism of the staff had propelled them forward as a very successful model and they should be commended for a job well done.
“I congratulate all the awardees and wish them success in their endeavors. I thank all members of staff, board and management for their hard work over the years. Everyone is important to the organisation and thus I ask you to continue to give of your best.
“With your support, cooperation and dedication, the Port Authority will continue to grow from strength to strength,” he said.
Two employees Ms. Sheila Webbe and Mr. Rupert “Quarter” Warner were recognised as the longest serving members of NASPA having been with the organisation since its inception in 1997.
Financial controller, Mr. Oral Brandy who was appointed Treasurer of the Port Management Association of the Caribbean (PMAC), received a special award that was presented by wife of the Premier, Mrs. Myrthlyn Parry.
Also recognised was Airport Manager Mr. Stephen Hanley on attaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management. Other employees received pins inscribed with the number of years of service to the organisation. A cocktail party completed the awards ceremony.