SLASPA seeks to enhance productivity at ports
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SLASPA seeks to enhance productivity at ports |
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Contact: Shannon Lebourne
Tuesday 25 January 2011 – The Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA), continues to explore various avenues to enhance productivity at the island`s two main sea ports.
With assistance from the Commonwealth Secretariat SLASPA has commissioned a study to improve port productivity and reduce operation costs at the ports in Castries and Vieux-Fort.
SLASPA`s Director of Sea Ports Mr Adrian Hilaire, says the initiative which forms part of the Authority`s broad development agenda, will increase the economic fortunes for members of the port community and the entire country.
“The net benefit will be seen in the supermarkets. If we reduce the cost for suppliers to do business at the ports, the cost savings will be passed on to the consumers resulting in cheaper goods at the supermarkets. If we continue to make it cheaper to do business at the ports, we will be stimulating trade and that means more business coming to Saint Lucia and that’s good for the local economy.”
With business activity at the Vieux-Fort and Castries Sea Ports increasing steadily over the last five years, the Port Productivity Improvement Study will assist in strengthening the performance of the ports in Saint Lucia.
The Director of Sea Ports says the study will also result in SLASPA developing bench marks with its competitors in the region to ensure that Saint Lucia`s two ports remain competitive in the market.
“This is very important. After the global financial crisis many companies started seeking ways to cut costs; many companies used to subsidising services started to reflect on the true costs of their services, resulting in higher prices to customers. “The Port Productivity Study will help us cut cost in our operations. Courtesy our Marketing Department we have had a number of interviews with our clients who sometimes say that business can be conducted more speedily. This study addresses all concerns. Ultimately, members of the public will be more satisfied and SLASPA will also be more satisfied.”
The Port Productivity Improvement Study is expected to result in the development of a Best Practice Manual and a detailed action plan, budget, and strategy to implement the various recommendations. |
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