Parliament approves financing for airport redevelopment project
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Parliament approves financing for airport redevelopment project |
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Contact: Shannon Lebourne
Thursday 3 February 2011 – Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Honourable Stephenson King, says he is very excited about the dividends Saint Lucia will derive from the multi-million dollar Hewanorra International Airport redevelopment project.
The Prime Minister says the timing of the redevelopment is critical as it will spur much needed economic activity in the country in the wake of the recent hurricane and the global financial meltdown.
Mr King presented the Airport Development Bill before Parliament on Tuesday February 1 where he sought approval to source the appropriate funds for the project.
“Government believes that citizens around the country—particularly those residing in the south of the island—in the various districts of Vieux Fort North,Vieux-Fort South, Laborie, Soufriere, and Micoud and surrounding areas, will be extremely happy to know that such a project valued at $US 140 million will bring opportunities for the economic development for the next three years.”
The redevelopment plan will transform the Hewanorra International Airport into the Caribbean`s most updated air passenger terminal boasting eight aircraft parking stands – all connected to the terminal via jet bridges.
Prime Minister King says the project will position Saint Lucia to maximise its benefits from the Tourism and Civil Aviation Industries.
“With the many awards received by hotels on the island, and the attractions Saint Lucia provides to millions in the world who visit our shores, we have recognised that as a government, we cannot continue to solely promote and market our tourism product. We must also develop adequate infrastructure to accommodate the increase in business given that aspect of the country’s development is very important.”
The redeveloped airport is designed to handle more than twice the number of annual passenger movements currently being recorded by Saint Lucia.
The first phase of the project is expected to take two years and will place the Hewanorra International Airport on par with other world-class facilities.
The project received the approval of the majority of Parliamentarians. |
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