BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, NOVEMBER 30TH 2005 With the closure of the sugar industry last July, the future development of the railway comes under the microscope early next month.
Project Officer with the St. Kitts Sugar Transition Office, Mr. Keith Phillip said Wednesday that the Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the St. Kitts Scenic Railway and the SSMC Transition Management Office, will host a National Railway Symposium at the Bird Rock Beach Hotel on Tuesday 6th December.
Mr. Phillip told the Communications Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister that several critical presentations will be made by local and overseas officials on the future of the railway, which was used to transport cane to the St. Kitts Sugar Factory.
A few years ago the St. Kitts Scenic Railway Inc. also began using the railway for scenic trips around St. Kitts initiating one of the most exhilarating experiences in the Caribbean described as "only a one-of-a-kind scenic wonder traveling over 23 bridges" and the "best way to get to know St. Kitts" fascinating history."
Mr. Phillip said Acting Chief Executive Officer in the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, Ms. Christine Walwyn will make a presentation on the "Impact of the Railway on the Tourism Industry."
Operations Manager of St. Kitts Scenic Railway, Mr. Thomas Williams will give an overview of the SSR Proposal for the Future National Railway, while Railway Industrialist, Mr. Thomas G. Rader, will make a presentation on "The National Railway, Implications for the new era."
Director of Physical Planning, Mr. Ellis Hazel will submit the National Physical Planning Position on the National Railway, with specific reference on the implications for a sustainable environment, investment and development.
Guest of the St. Christopher Heritage Society, Mr. David Rolinson will present a paper on the "Historic Review of Rail Service in St. Kitts/Stabilisation of Historic Resources."
Participants attending the one day symposium are expected to form groups to look at "The potential role of the railway for commuter transport, "The potential for the development of the tourism industry", "The potential for freight hauling" and "The potential use of the railway as a corridor for the distribution of electricity."
The Symposium Transition Management Office Team Leader, Mr. Gordon Alert, Operations Manager, Mr. Oswald Martin, Minister of Transport, Dr. the Hon. Earl Asim Martin and Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Cedric Liburd will speak at the opening of the symposium.
