GM highlights achievements: Nevis Prepares For Yachts and Private Jets
By Pauline Waruguru
Nevis Reporter - SKNVibes.com
Charlestown, Nevis: Nevis Air and Sea Ports Authority (NASPA) is all set to put in place an ideal infrastructure that will ensure that Nevis attracts yatchs and private jets, the Authority’s General Manager, Spencer Hanley said on Saturday night, December 15th, at a staff Christmas dinner held at Old Manor Hotel.
Hanley said although the Authority had not made a profit in the year 2007, the Authority had undertaken major refurbishing and installation activities to make Nevis an ideal air and sea port destination.
The Premier of Nevis, Hon. Joseph Parry, who was the guest of honor at the dinner, said the Authority’s performance in the year under review was satisfactory.
“I understand how you used your money. You have done well in balancing your books and raising finances,” Parry said.
Earlier, Hanley told staff and guests that yachting was the 2nd most important element in Tourism in the OECS. The Authority also celebrated its 10th anniversary during the dinner. Deserving and long serving employees received awards.
Referring to his pledge, when he was appointed General Manager, he noted “I told you then that we would install yacht moorings in 2007 to initiate yacht tourism in Nevis and to create an environmentally friendly marine atmosphere. Well, the wait is over. Take a look along Pinneys Beach and the evidence is there.”
“The task of marketing Nevis as a yacht friendly destination started in November when I attended World Travel Market in London in an effort to lure major stakeholders in the European market. As you may or may not know, many of the agents for mega yachts are based in Europe. Earlier this month, I attended the St. Maarten & Antigua Yacht shows. Other marketing efforts included articles in the Washington Times, All at Sea Marine Publication, Caribbean Compass, and a promotional brochure & video. We look forward to the fruits of your labour next season,” he added. ~~Adz:Right~~
“With regards to the airport, our objective is to transform it into a ‘full service destination for private jets’. This means that a fuel farm and hangar facility would need to be established to service the Lear jets that would be attracted to Nevis”. Wealthy people like convenience and comfort; and would much prefer to travel to Nevis on their private jets than on commercial airlines. We know that Nevis is less congested than many neighbouring islands, hence they would prefer to come here if we provide fuel and enhance overnight parking,” Hanley added.
Trans-shipment
On Trans-shipment, the General Manager said: “ We intend to vigorously seek the various avenues to procure the necessary equipment to handle large volume containerised cargo and transform Long Point into a transhipment port,” Hanley said.
“The available storage space at the Long Point cargo warehouse can be better utilized with the installation of warehouse shelving. This will be a priority in 2008,” he said.
He listed achievements that should be able to make Nevis and ideal destination:
Charlestown
Hanley cited the refurbishing of light towers at Long Point pier & Dog Wood Light House, fendering of piers at Long Point & Charlestown, re-construction of finger pier and fisherman pier in Charlestown. He said both piers had been severely damaged during the passage of Hurricane Dean in August. “We had to act quickly to repair the finger pier in time for the cruise season. We hope that it can now withstand stronger surge because it was repaired with “green heart wood”, specially ordered from Guyana,” Hanley said.
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Also installed was a brand new ticketing center at Charlestown ferry terminal. “Our efforts also included extension of the Cable & Wireless canopy and the walkway leading from the ticketing center to the pier. We installed a new TV set at the southern-most gazebo in Charlestown where local patrons socialize and play dominoes. The work at Charlestown Ferry terminal also included construction of some very attractive gift shops along the garden wall of Charlestown Port to create more business opportunities for locals. As a result of your efforts, one can clearly see a remarkable transformation of Charlestown waterfront and ferry terminal.”
