BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - MINISTER of Tourism, Hon. Lindsay Grant has informed that construction of the second cruise pier would likely not begin this year.
Not having much insight into the construction of the pier, the Minister told reporters at the Prime Minister’s press conference yesterday, (Oct. 26) that the project is in the hands of the Minister of Transport.
He however noted that if it were up to him “I would want this to move at a faster pace”.
Despite those comments, Grant indicated that the Government is being “careful” with the project because of the large sums “of the people’s money” involved.
Approximately $100M has been invested for constructed of the pier at Port Zante.
“We are going to make sure that we dot the I’s and cross the T’s and ensure that whatever we do on that product and project would be well done at the end of the day, so we have been careful,” Grant noted.
Construction of that pier will see St. Kitts being able to accommodate four large cruise vessels on any given day, which will minimize the use of the facility at the SCAPA and increase the number of visitors to the shores.
“We are almost ready. Suffice to say however that having deliberated on it, that is the Cabinet, we have moved it into the realm of an independent institution to analyse the bids that we have received to make sure that the independent persons brought their various expertise in keeping with what the Cabinet considers is in the best interest of the people of the Federation.”
Pressed for a timeframe, Minister Grant said, “I am not in a position to answer that. What I would say is if time permits it would be done this year, but for certain we would break ground next year.
“Quite shortly I am sure the Prime Minister and the Minister with Responsibility for Transport will be coming to the general public to say what the position is. Suffice to say however, it is still a project that the Cabinet is fully engaged on and will bring to the people very shortly.”
Talks about the construction of a second cruise pier have been ongoing for a number of years.
Talks began under the Labour Administration but never came to fruition, and the current Government picked up the project with several Ministers giving assurances that construction would begin this year.
