BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – DAYS after announcing the Team Unity Government’s plan to construct a connecting bridge between St. Kitts and Nevis, Minister of Public Works the Hon. Ian Patches Liburd highlighted some of the benefits to be derived from project.
Minister Liburd made the comments yesterday (Aug. 24) while standing before his Parliamentarian colleagues in the National Assembly.
This however, is not the first time that the Federation has heard talk of the construction of a bridge as it has been mentioned by previous administrations. And according to some, it has been used a tool of political expediency. It is felt that this is the case because mention of it was mostly made in the lead-up to General Elections and the bridge has yet to be constructed.
Minister Liburd said the previous administration attempted to “fool” the people of St. Kitts and Nevis by promising that the bridge would be constructed. He explained however, that the Team Unity Government “would never leave implementation of any project for political expediency”.
In highlighting some of the benefits that would be derived from the constructing of the approximate two-mile-long structure the Minister said they include: that motorists could drive from one island to the next, better trade and business opportunities, increased tourism and ease of communication.
He said there are also social benefits to be derived including ease of access to community festivals on both islands and an easier means of relatives on both islands meet He said equal access to educational institutions is also another important benefit of the project.
“The making of St. Kitts and Nevis…into a single geographical space will (promote) social unity and inspire all of us who believe that Kittitians and Nevisians are one people with the same beliefs, common values and common needs. That…is what Team Unity is all about; we are all about oneness."
Minister Liburd said more details on this project would be released over time however, questions are being raised in some quarters of the Federation about the possibility of users of the bridge having to pay a toll, whether or not consultations would be had with ferry operators before construction begins and possible fallout of revenue for ferry operators.
