BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, SEPTEMBER 28TH 2014 (CUOPM) – Plans by Delta Petroleum to expand its presence in St. Kitts and Nevis from one that is limited to the retail sector, to one that is far more extensive will generate benefits for the people of the twin-island Federation.
Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony on Friday, Prime Minister the Right Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas noted that at the moment, any Delta Petroleum product is provided from and is stored elsewhere other than St. Kitts and the relationship with Delta Petroleum up until now, therefore, has been primarily retail.
“Today, we participate in a ground breaking that will change that because in the future we will see some 30,000 barrels of oil being stored at this location, in the bulk storage facility which will be built here, and which we anticipate will be completed by the first half of 2015,” Dr. Douglas said.
He pointed out that the construction of this facility and related offices will require the involvement and expertise of local welders and building trades personnel as well as the ladies who will come on the construction site on a daily basis and provide hot meals and otherwise for the women and men who will be working here.
“And upon completion, the Delta office that will be built here will represent a source of employment for our people as well,” said Prime Minister Douglas.
He pointed out too, that in times of natural disasters, or in the face of impediments that interrupt the normal shipment of oil to St. Kitts. The islands will now have the security of knowing that there is another bulk storage facility on the island, ensuring a reliably supply of oil – even in those circumstances where normally shipping schedules have been interrupted.
Photo 1 – St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Sustainable Development, the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas (left) and Managing Director of Delta Petroleum, Mr. Vernon Lake.
Photo 2 – Head Table at the Ceremony (left to right) – Island Manager (St. Kitts), Mr.Raphael Payne; Island Manager (Nevis), Ms. Sharon Hobson; St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas; Managing Director, Mr. Vernon Lake and Rev. Barbara Lake.