By: Spokesman Newsroom
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Thursday 8th September 2022) — New Minister of Tourism Marsha Henderson has revealed that upgrades to the air and sea ports will include improving the air conditioning units and escalators at the airport, resurfacing of the airport apron, and ensuring that Port Zante keeps its leading status. Speaking at a Ministry of Tourism press conference held on Thursday 8th September 2022 at the St. Kitts Marriott Hotel: “The St. Christopher Air and Sea Ports Authority has advised that important upgrades will be made to the Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw International Airport. The larger aircraft are parking on the more western end of the apron, and this has resulted in a less than welcoming experience for our air passengers. As minister, I have taken note of this situation and we’re moving expeditiously to have the apron repaired. Tender documents are being prepared to receive quotes to resurface the apron. In addition, efforts are underway to improve the experience at the airport by making both the air conditioning units and escalators operational by the end of this month.”
SCASPA CEO Keithley Phillip spoke about plans for a shorter walking distance: “We realize that passengers now have this long walk to the aircrafts. The plan suggests that the arrival and departure areas would now be moved towards the west so as to shorten the distance between leaving the airport and arriving at the aircraft. There would also be the proposed movement of the cargo shed to create additional space.” On Port Zante, Henderson said: “When Port Zante was originally constructed, it was the envy of the eastern Caribbean. In 2011, we proved that we had one of the few piers in the Caribbean with capacity to accommodate state-of-the-art Oasis class vessels. Today our competitors have studied us and they are building ports to be more competitive. Therefore there is a need once again to complete work to ensure that our ports are technically outfitted to maintain our leading status.” Dredging on pier two has been completed and preventative dredging on pier one is ongoing.