St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Denzil L. Douglas said the construction projects will also maintain and generate new employment opportunities for its people.

He disclosed that reconstruction of the over 100-year-old Pogson Hospital in Sandy Point will commence during this year.

The La Vallee Development Project will gain momentum during this year and would over time bring new life to the rural areas though the establishment of a golf course, a marina, a hotel, hundreds of luxury villas and a major commercial development.

“Indeed, we expect that this important project, which is being undertaken by the White Gate Development Corporation and the Frigate Bay Development Corporation, will jump-start the White Gate Development initiative,” said Prime Minister Douglas, who added: “The White Gate Development Project is eventually now on its way.”

Dr. Douglas said the La Vallee Development is part of a major strategic initiative of his St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party Administration which focuses on the construction of a number of golf courses and tourism facilities throughout the country, with a view towards generating economic activity and employment opportunities particularly in rural areas, and at the same time establish a market niche for the Federation in golf tourism which is one of fastest growth sectors of the international tourism market.

He said the other major capital projects planned for this year include the continuation of the Water and Electricity Project, which will bring a reliable supply of water and electricity to all residents and an end to the power outages that have been creating so much stress for our citizens.

“There is also the Development of Warner Park, our brand new cricket facilities, the construction of the Kim Collins International Athletics Stadium and the relocation of Carnival Shows to brand-new, indoor facilities in Bird Rock, thus ending the annual concerns of our carnival shows being interrupted by inclement weather,” said Prime Minister Douglas.

He said the equipment and facilities used by the Police to enhance their effectiveness in fighting crime will be acquired and announced plans for the further development of the Sir Joseph N. France General Hospital by providing Radiological CAT Scan services and Dialysis services.

Construction of the West Basseterre Bypass Road, which should help to ease traffic congestion in downtown Basseterre, is also to begin this year.

All these capital developments will take place at the same time as the construction of the Fixed Based Operation facilities and the Caribbean Star Headquarters at the Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw International Airport by the Stanford Financial Group.

This year should also see the construction of a second cruise ship pier at Port Zante to enhance the expanding cruise tourism and complement the services of the commercial port.