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| St. Kitts and Nevis' Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas (second from right) cuts the ribbon. Left to right - Hon. Cedric Liburd, Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Sam Condor; Resident Ambassador of the Republic of China on Taiwan, His Excellency John Liu; Governor General's Deputy His Honour Mr. Edmund Lawrence; SCASPA's Chairman, Mr. Linkon Maynard; Surrey Paving Board Chairman, Mr. Leslie Chang (partly hidden); St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas and Senior Manager, Credit Divsion, National Bank, Mr. Esrick Lanns. (Photo by Erasmus Williams) |
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, DECEMBER 13TH 2006 (CUOPM) - St. Kitts and Nevis' Prime Minister the Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas said Tuesday that the expansion and refurbishment of external facilities of the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport was necessary because of severe traffic congestion on the ground during peak periods.
"This poses delays and increases the risks of accidents, as airport ground personnel attempt their best to accommodate the traffic. Certainly, such situations could not continue, hence the development of the project that achieves enhanced safety, improves ground traffic flow, and accommodates the expected increase in airlines that wish to do business with St. Kitts and Nevis," said Prime Minister Douglas during a ceremony to officially open the new Parking Apron which is capable of handling six wide-bodied aircraft.
Dr. Douglas said that airports are complex entities and each component must operate effectively to achieve overall high levels of efficiency.
He said that the improvements in external infrastructure including the runaway, lighting, taxiways, as well as the resurfacing of the old parking apron and the construction of the new apron and new fuel depot positions the airport to take advantage of emerging opportunities.~~Adz:Left~~
Dr. Douglas said that any substantial improvement in airport capability and capacity will be of support to the economic growth and development of the country and the improvements could not have come at a more opportune time.
"In just 88 days, the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 will be in the Caribbean, and St. Kitts and Nevis, in regards to airport facilities, would be ready to welcome the world. Thousands of visitors will be entering this port, and it is critical that the services offered at this facility are of world-class standard in much the same way that the physical facilities meet required aviation international standards," said Prime Minister Douglas.
He said that the West Basseterre By-Pass Road Project has begun, and when completed, will facilitate easier access to the airport for people and the movement of goods.
While this project will not be completed in time for the Cricket World Cup, one component will be completed in time. The new round-a-bout access to the airport will not only improve the traffic flow situation, but also it will enhance the aesthetics of the area, providing a positive first impression of our country as visitors depart the terminal.
