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Concept of the Beaumont Race Track now under construction in Dieppe Bay. |
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, SEPTEMBER 19TH 2005 - St. Kitts and Nevis is approaching the development of the tourism sector with prudence and as latecomers to the industry, the Federation can benefit from the mistakes of other countries and intends to produce a diverse tourist product.
"Our tourist product, among other things, will target both mass tourism and high-end tourism. The former tends to be sensitive to recessionary movements in countries from which the tourists come. The latter tends to be recession proof and therefore represents a less volatile area within this sector," said Prime Minister Douglas, who reiterated his Government's "cautious but deliberate expansion of the tourism plant here in St. Kitts."
Addressing the Nation to mark the 22nd Anniversary of Independence, Prime Minister Douglas referred to several serious proposals before the Government and said that each is receiving in-depth study.
He said the short and medium term expansionary projects include additional hotel and other accommodations as well as sports and recreation.
Spearheading the projects is the new look, state of the art, Warner Park, which has already achieved international acclaim and which will be the venue for the Federation's first test and one day international cricket games next year as well as the eagerly awaited Cricket World Cup Competition in 2007.
Complementing the new Warner Park will be Beaumont Park Race Track, which will host live horse racing that will be beamed into millions of homes around the world.
He said that St. Kitts and Nevis was not previously a haven for seafarers, but the soon to open "Marine World" at South Friars Bay will change all that.
"Currently, at an advanced stage of construction is an entertainment facility that will enable patrons to observe and interact with dolphins, stingrays, sharks, sea lions and other friendly creatures of the sea. The Government is also in possession of a proposal for the development of a Canopy Tour that will see patrons swinging delightfully through the rain forests of St. Kitts," said Prime Minister Douglas.
He said that on the sister island of Nevis, there are also several exciting projects set to unfold, including the signing of a project document for the start up of construction, at Pinney's Estate, of a new 150 room five star resort, together with an 18 hole golf course and adjoining villas.
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St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Tourism, Dr. the Hon. Denzil L. Douglas and Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism, Sen. the Hon. Richard Skerritt and other officials on a recent visit to the Dolphin Park, now under construction at South Friars Bay. Photos by Erasmus Williams |
"Back on St. Kitts, the government is spearheading the development of the La Valle Resort. Phase One of this development, namely the construction of a championship golf course is almost finished and the government will shortly enter into an agreement to implement phase two of that project, which comprises the setting down of up to 200 multi million dollar luxury houses," Prime Minister Douglas told the Nation.
He said that simultaneously, plans are being made to introduce phase three of the La Valle project, which comprises a five hundred room, five star hotel, with a marina to follow thereafter.
"Several ancillary and other associated businesses will emerge from this project. My government aims to make the La Valle Project the signature of our new economic thrust for a prosperous St. Kitts and Nevis in this new and exciting post sugar era," said Dr. Douglas.
He said that together with these mega projects are scores of indigenously owned small and medium size endeavors, amounting to millions of dollars, but most importantly being owned by Kittitians and Nevisians, both at home and overseas.
"I speak here of several apartment buildings, villas, condominiums, hotel upgrades and luxury homes for retirement, or to rent to expatriate workers and international students alike," said Prime Minister Douglas, who pointed out that the plans outlined "all points to our being on track, solidly on track as a Nation, with the new agenda for growth and empowerment of our people." The St. Kitts and Nevis leader said his St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Government has embarked on the cherished goal of carrying "all our people along with the progress that is being made in our Federation. Looking around, there is ample evidence to suggest that our goal of empowering and enfranchising our own Kittitians and Nevisians is being realized."
