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President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) His Excellency Chen Shui bian (l) and St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Denzil L. Douglas during the State Visit to Bassterre by the ROC Head of State. (Photo by Erasmus Williams) |
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, OCTOBER 11TH 2007 - The Republic of China on Taiwan is to assist St. Kitts and Nevis in the expansion of the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport.
St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Hon. Denzil L. Douglas said Tuesday that the Taiwanese President, His Excellency Chen Shui-Bian had given that assurance during the latters recent State Visit to the twin island Federation.
"I was very pleased when this past weekend, I was officially informed by the Resident Ambassador here, His Excellency John K. Liu that the Cabinet in Taiwan has approved our request for assistance and very shortly we would get further information on the financing of the expansion of the Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw International Airport," Prime Minster Douglas said at a Press Conference on Tuesday afternoon.
He said that airport expansion is going to cost in the region of US$18 million and will provide employment for persons in the construction industry thus bringing more economic activity and benefits to the people in St. Kitts and Nevis.
Dr. Douglas, who also Minister responsible for development said the tarmac at the Robert Bradshaw Airport can presently only accommodate one and a half wide bodied jet.
"Naturally we had to expand the Airport to accommodate six wide-bodied jets and a larger number of private corporate aircraft as well as the increasing number of commercial carriers like Caribbean Star, Caribbean Sun, LIAT and American Eagle," said Prime Minister Douglas, who pointed out that the expansion should be done and completed before World Cup Cricket in March 2007.
He disclosed that he has been informed by the Chairman of the St. Christopher Air and Sea Ports Authority, Mr. Linkon Maynard that the contract for the construction of the expansion works will be signed very shortly.
"Hopefully in the next few weeks, we may see work commencing on the expansion of the Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw International Airport," said Prime Minister Douglas, who explained the reason for relocating the small privately run George Moody Stuart School.
American Airlines and US Airways provide direct scheduled jet service from the US mainland and EXCEL Airways from Gatwick, London to the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport.
Jet charters also operate from North America as well asregional airlines Caribbean Star, Caribbean Sun, LIAT, American Eagle and WINAIR.
