Basseterre, St. Kitts (November 10, 2004): United Telecommunication Services (UTS) and CariGlobe Telecommunications marked the first phase of the construction of their telecommunications transmit-receive sites or cell sites with a groundbreaking ceremony, yesterday.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CariGlobe Telecommunications Mr. Clecton Phillip explained the initial process that enabled CariGlobe to commence business negotiations. He said that in 2002 the government of St. Kitts and Nevis, under the purview of the Honourable Sam Condor, granted a license to CariGlobe. This action on the part of the government was identified by Mr. Phillip as an certain means of empowering the people of the Federation.
He emphasised that the government being aware of the new system and rules dictated by globalisation and liberalisation, looked not only at the challenges but realised the opportunities as well. As such, it was decided to support and implement the local telecommunications policy. He then detailed the phases of the infra structural work.
The first cell site is being constructed at Belle Vue signalling the start of phase one of the project. There will be a total of 16 sites constructed, nine of which will be erected during the first phase. The infra structural phase is projected to last for a period of three to five years at a cost of $20 million.
CariGlobe’s partner UTS was represented by CEO Julio Constantia who gave some background on his company. He noted his pleasure at being chosen by CariGlobe as a partner, particularly since UTS is a Caribbean-based company operating out of Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles. He explained that his company offers the full line of telecommunications services from fixed lines to mobile DSL services.
Mr. Constantia further noted that his company has its sights set on serving the entire region. He said that in two weeks his company would begin mobile services in St. Eustatius and is presently covering the Netherlands Antilles. He added that UTS is presently negotiating with French St. Martin, St. Bartholomew and Martinique.
The St. Kitts-Nevis Development Bank also has an instrumental role to play in the venture. Assistant Manager of Development Bank Lenworth Harris said the undertaking was historic since it was the first collaboration with the European Investment Bank which made an equity input.
