BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE absence of the second cruise pier seems not to be having a major impact on the Federation’s cruise industry, as this year the tourism sector is expected to have over 390 calls to Port Zante.
Including in that number are port calls that would see five and six vessels docked on any given day, as was the case on the recent “historic day” where five of the expected six cruise ships called at Port Basseterre, bringing with them a total of 16,000 passengers.
And Minister of Tourism, Hon. Lindsay Grant has suggested that the much-promised second pier is being constructed to alleviate the problems of tendering, its absence has not hindered ships from docking or registering to come to St. Kitts.
“I would, however say to you, that St. Kitts is such a sought-after destination that even though the ship's know that they are not being able to be docked at Port Zante, and they would have to tender, they still demand that they want to come to St. Kitts, although they know that they have to tender,” Grant said while responding to a question on the impact the absence of the second pier would have on the industry.
He noted that it is good news to see the vessels are still docking and tendering despite the challenge, imploring all to ensure that the second pier comes to fruition in a timely fashion.
Minister of Public Infrastructure, Hon. Ian Patches Liburd recently indicated that the government is still finalizing work on the second pier before its construction begins.
The pier has been a promise that was made under the former administration but it did not come to fruition. However, in 2015, the Government of National Unity made efforts to resuscitate that project.
Construction was expected to begin last year, but it was met with several delays and reviews by several agencies.
Minister Grant indicated that by the beginning of 2018 cruise season when the pier is completed, a new experience would be provided to the cruise industry and the visitors that would be gracing the shores of St. Kitts.
