Comfortable Sofas At The Oualie Water Taxi Lounge
The Nevis Air and Sea Ports Authority has officially unveiled a modern departure lounge and administration building at the Oualie Water Taxi Facility, marking a major upgrade for passengers traveling between St. Kitts and Nevis. Painted in a vibrant blue and furnished with comfortable chairs and sofas, the new lounge enhances the overall travel experience for residents and visitors alike.
A Significant Upgrade for the Oualie Water Taxi Facility
The new departure lounge provides passengers with a more comfortable and organized space to wait for their scheduled water taxi departures. This upgrade is an important development for the islands, offering a more efficient and pleasant travel process for thousands of commuters and tourists.
The administrative building, completed in March 2024, replaces the temporary booths and reception area that had been in use for nearly four years. Its opening marks a major milestone in the ongoing improvements at the Oualie Water Taxi Pier.
Leadership and Vision Behind the Project
Premier of Nevis, Mark Brantley, praised the project during the unveiling, stating that visionary leadership ensures community benefits despite challenges or criticism. He emphasized that the investment in the water taxi pier continues to serve everyone, including those who initially opposed the development.
- The boats using the facility are locally owned and operated.
- Local businesses such as hotels, taxis, restaurants, and entertainment venues benefit from improved travel access.
- Major events including Culturama, CPL cricket, Sugar Mas, and music festivals rely on the convenience of the pier.
- The upgraded terminal supports both tourism and day-to-day inter-island travel.
Premier Brantley highlighted that the improvements reflect the government’s ongoing commitment to enhancing public infrastructure for the benefit of all citizens.
Growing Popularity of the Water Taxi Pier
The Oualie Water Taxi Facility has become the preferred access point for travel between St. Kitts and Nevis. Passengers have expressed strong approval of the new terminal, citing its comfort, organization, and convenience.
In 2023, more than 200,000 people passed through the facility, demonstrating its importance to inter-island connectivity. Demand continued to increase in 2024. In January alone, 24,197 passengers used the pier—significantly higher than the 19,767 who used it during the same period in 2023.
Meeting Rising Demand Through Infrastructure Improvements
The growing number of travelers prompted the Nevis Island Administration to prioritize enhancements to the facility. These improvements aim to ensure safe, efficient, and comfortable travel while supporting the economic activities tied to tourism and inter-island transportation.
- Improved passenger flow through the modern departure lounge
- Enhanced administrative services through the new building
- Greater comfort for travelers waiting for water taxi departures
- Support for local operators and related industries
The upgraded facilities at Oualie reflect Nevis’ broader development strategy, which focuses on improving public infrastructure, strengthening tourism, and enhancing the daily lives of its residents.
As demand for inter-island transportation continues to rise, the new departure lounge and administrative facility represent an important investment in the island’s long-term growth and accessibility.