Basseterre, St. Kitts - A commitment to forging a stronger partnership was made between the St. Christopher Air and Sea Ports Authority (SCASPA) and the Chamber of Industry and Commerce at a meeting held on Wednesday, September 8, 2010.
The main purpose of the meeting, which was hosted by the Chamber, was to discuss the restructuring of SCASPA’s operations to achieve financial sustainability and greater efficiency. President of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Mr. Michael Morton, expressed his delight that such dialogue was taking place, especially since the CIC had recently revived its Port Relations Committee.
Chairman of SCASPA’s Board, Mr. Linkon Maynard, outlined some of the key objectives on which the Board had been focusing over the past four years.
These included addressing the financial situation, maintaining infrastructure and promoting a model of private-public sector partnerships. Chairman Maynard told the Chamber that the restructuring of SCASPA’s operations was part of the overall strategy to transform SCASPA into a financially viable entity that is able to deliver efficient and affordable services to all its customers and citizens of this country. Chief Executive Officer of SCASPA, Mr. Terrence Crossman, described the staff reduction exercise that has recently been started, explaining that it is a necessary part of the strategy to create sustainable operations.
He pointed out that restructuring debt and generating more revenues were other measures being taken as part of the strategy. The private sector representatives expressed their support for these steps that were being implemented, noting that for a number of years the Chamber had consistently been making similar suggestions to ensure the profitability and long-term sustainability of the statutory body.
Opportunities for partnerships between the private sector and SCASPA were also explored in Wednesday’s meeting, with both sectors recognising the resulting benefits of more efficient and cost effective services. The need to review the scheduling of port operations was highlighted, and the importance of putting in place the necessary labour legislation to facilitate flexi-time work schedules was emphasized.
Both SCASPA and the Chamber of Industry and Commerce committed to having ongoing, regular dialogue. A follow-up meeting has been scheduled for next week.
ST. CHRISTOPHER AIR AND SEA PORTS AUTHORITY &
ST. KITTS-NEVIS CHAMBER OF INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE INC.
September 9, 2010
