Nevis Pemier – Joesph Parry
Charlestown, Nevis
May 27, 2008
As part of the Nevis Reformation Party led Nevis Island Administration”˜s (NIA) pledge of transparency, Premier of Nevis, Hon. Joseph Parry gave a report on the activities commencing May 19th 2008 ,at the studio of Nevis Television (NTV) on Monday, May 26th, 2008.
Presently Nevis is experiencing a six-week drought. The Nevis Island Administration is proposing a number of measures to be taken to replenish the island with quality water.
“We have had a program of well-drilling around the island and I am happy to report that several small wells and one major well in the area of Maddens Estate will produce over three hundred gallons of water a minute. We (NIA) have been told by Bedrock Exploration and Development Technologies (BEAD) that a pump is under construction and will be connected to the system by Mid June,” said Premier Parry.
To assist the water Department, the general public is being encouraged to be prudent with their use of water. Necessary precautions for water conservation, such as limiting the frequency of washing cars and watering plants, are being echoed. Residents are also implored to listen to the radio for updates on any disruptions in the water schedule for given areas.
“In the next four weeks the water problem will be resolved and if the drought continues water will still be available,” said Premier Parry.
On the subject of geothermal energy, Premier Parry said that he was informed by West Indies Power that the first well in the Springhill area is a productive well and has the capacity to provide 34 megawatts of power. That plant will be able to supply an abundance of electricity that will be cheaper, and will significantly impact the cost of living in Nevis.
During the course of the report Premier Parry apprised listeners on development of the AMMAN hotel, a hotel chain that operates out of Asia with the highest reputation of upscale accommodations for the high-end clients. “The chief architecture came to Nevis and they are very excited about the prospects here in Nevis,” he explained.
Mr. Simon Lowe of AMMAN Development visited Nevis and stated that the area in Hanley’s Road, Gingerland is an improved site. “We are at a stage now where the architects have gone to work. Documents must be drawn up and later this year. The country will be in a position to calculate the time period when the hotel will start,” articulated the Premier.
Additionally, last week Wednesday the Premier, Cabinet Secretary- Mr. Ashley Farrell and the Permanent Secretary of Finance, Mr. Laurie Lawrence visited St.Kitts to discuss a number of important projects for Nevis with Prime Minister, Dr. Denzil Douglas.
One of the major projects discussed was that of the road work done from St. James to Market Shop, at a cost of EC$25 million. This, Mr. Parry said, will be refinanced to assist the fire services, the hospital and Charlestown Secondary School with projects that will be in a place the island in a greater position to move forward.
While in St.Kitts, the Premier also discussed modifying the Company Act and companies based in St.Kitts that have offices in Nevis will be asked to pay taxes in Nevis. “Companies like Cable and Wireless, Scotia Bank and RBTT will be required to pay taxes to Nevis,” he said.
Meanwhile, on his return to Nevis that same day, Premier Parry attended the launch of the Nevis Investment Promotion Agency (NIPA). “We launched the agency to promote the development and the marketing of Nevis Investments and projects. Now we have a very vibrant agency to get projects done on time. Instead of Nevis being number eighty- five in the world to do business, it will now be number one!” exclaimed Premier Parry.