BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, DECEMBER 10TH 2014 (CUOPM) – Marinas are important components of the expansion of the overall development of the Federation’s ability to increase the number of high-end visitors coming to St. Kitts and Nevis.
Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas in remarks during a ceremony to welcome the first boat to dock at the Christophe Harbour Marina on Tuesday noted that the positive transformations that have emerged in recent years bear testimony to the power of careful planning, responsible public/private collaboration, and competent execution.
“The driving force fuelling my Government is a determination to present to the men and women of St. Kitts and Nevis an ever-expanding array of business and employment opportunities, to protect and enhance, for all who live here, our much-cherished quality of life and to forever encourage a culture of self-mastery in this place we call home,” said Dr. Douglas, who used the opportunity to urge the people of St. Kitts and Nevis to see the establishment of the marina and the existence of marinas elsewhere in the Federation not as realities that are separate and distinct from them.
“I urge Kittitians and Nevisians to begin to study and research the operations and needs of the yachting industry. I urge you, with imagination and insight, to identify the requirements of yacht owners everywhere, and then I urge you to equip and position yourselves to benefit from the economic opportunities that this sector creates,” said Prime Minister Douglas, who along with Governor General His Excellency Sir Edmund Lawrence; Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Sen. the Hon. Richard “Ricky” Skerritt; Chairperson of the Sugar Industry Diversification Foundation (SIDF); Mr. Buddy Darbie of Christophe Harbour; Chairman of the St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla Mr. Linkon Maynard and CEO, Ms. Dawn Williams; Mr. Bill Lee of Christophe Harbour and Commissioner of Police, Mr. C.G. Walwyn.
He pointed out that a spirit of entrepreneurship is important in schools, farms, manufacturing and tourism sectors.
Dr. Douglas commended the skills and focus of the 21 workers employed and commended them for the great job that they have done.
“There are other phases yet to be completed and I also wish to state that this marina will be a designated port of entry for the Federation. It will be equipped with Customs and Immigration services, and will be accessible to all vessels,” said Prime Minister Douglas, who noted that Director of Maritime Affairs and Civil Aviation, Mr. McClean Hobson has often expresses his pleasure at the pace of development in the Federation’s yachting industry and I think that all share in that assessment with him.