The St. Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) facilitated a delegation from the Office of the Prime Minister on a site visit for the Hewanorra International Airport Redevelopment Project on April 21st, 2021.
The delegation included Prime Minister Allen Chastenet, Chairperson for SLASPA’s Port Council, and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance – Ms. Esther Rigobert, General Manager for SLASPA, Mr. Daren Cenac, and other members of SLASPA’s Senior management team.
As part of the site visit, the briefing was on the enabling projects portfolio, which is the adjustments and transfer of services to realize the new airport project. Some of those visited include the realignment of the access road to the current terminal, relocation of the Met Gardens, and the Port Health Quarantine facility.
The visiting party members were also briefed on the foundation stage, which will see the driving of more than 3000 piles.
SLASPA’s General Manager – Mr. Daren Cenac stated, “Globally, airports help generate economic activity and stimulate several other linkages and industries such as tourism and trade. We are happy to facilitate this visit today, which allows for briefing and updating policymakers as SLASPA undertakes this most critical national project. Industry trends show that this pursuit is in line with post-COVID 19 travel, and making it happen now is of paramount importance. Preparation will allow our local aviation sector to see an advanced facility when air travel rebounds after lessening activity due to the global pandemic.”
Prime Minister of Saint Lucia – Hon Allen Chastanet reiterated his confidence in SLASPA to deliver this project and spoke of it being structured to manage so effectively. “This project will benefit the entire nation and position Saint Lucia to be even more competitive. I was very excited to see the progress being made and what’s good is that the airport is being constructed in a new location that allows it to be built without breaking down the current facility. This allows for the current terminal to be dedicated to service other development imperatives”. Said the Prime Minister.
The St. Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority is committed to keeping all stakeholders and the populace aware of all the activities around this project as it unfolds. For more information, check out SLASPA’s Facebook and Instagram pages or follow us at www.hiaproject.com for more details.