Re-established Links to France opens doorway for Air and Seaport Modernization
~~Adz:Right~~Basseterre, St. Kitts (February 21, 2008): Dr. David Doyle Hon Consul of St. Kitts and Nevis to France, and permanent delegate of the Federation to UNESCO has stated that he expects the Federation’s revived relationship with the country of France to reap major benefits in relation to the modernization of the air and sea ports.
Emphasizing the potential of the relationship to boost inward investment and tourism from Europe and more specifically France. Dr. Doyle who is in the Federation as part of Diplomatic week said a recent trip to France by St. Christopher Air and Sea Port Authority (SCASPA) officials was strategic.
He said the officials identified sources of technical expertise, facilitating the transfer of training and technical expertise in hospitality skills as well as to reinforce relations with the French International Development Agency.
He revealed that the company identified to spearhead modernization activities at the ports “Soufre-Avia” is the same one that completed the new control tower a few years ago.
By way of assuring SCASPA officials of the quality facility that would be delivered, Dr. Doyle explained that Soufre-Avia is one of the leading navigational engineering companies and has expertise in all aspects of civil aviation from conception, to installation, to functioning of the equipment.
Soufre-Avia has submitted a feasibility study which will be carried out in St. Kitts in the near future which addresses such issues as the expansion and improvement of the terminal’s facilities including security as well as increasing its potential for income generating activities with the inclusion of boutiques and the like.
Dr. Doyle referred to re-establishing links with the French International Development Agency (FIDA) for assistance in areas other than port development such as sewage development, technical and vocational education, urban development and infrastructure, road development, industry and financial systems.
He said he explained to FIDA officials the challenges in relation to the closure of the sugar industry and the need for technical expertise in the development of the tourism industry.
Dr. Doyle is also eagerly pursuing the possibility of the establishment of Air France flights into St. Kitts.
According to Doyle France’s economic position as the third largest in the world has enormous potential for inward tourism to St. Kitts and Nevis. He said 1.5 million French tourists travel to the Caribbean every year that the Federation could tap into.
France has the most highly leveraged hub facility at Paris which means that it is the gateway to and from other parts of Europe and the world.
