BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, December 16, 2019 (Press Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister) – Today, Monday, December 16, 2019 marks a historic day in St. Kitts and Nevis, as for the first time ever, four cruise vessels docked at Port Zante. The Celebrity Summit and the Seabourn Odyssey became the first two cruise vessels to dock at the recently constructed second cruise pier, bringing with them many visitors, much activity and excitement to the Federation.
The docking of vessels at the multimillion dollar facility became possible after the St. Christopher Air and Sea Ports Authority (SCASPA) took partial ownership of the second cruise pier.
A number of government officials were present to witness firsthand the increased tourist activity at Port Zante brought about by the docking of the two ships at the second pier. Among them were Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris; Minister of Public Infrastructure, the Honourable Ian Patches Liburd; Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Lindsay Grant and CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, Racquel Browne.
Also on hand were SCASPA Chairman, Mr. Gary Da Silva; SCASPA CEO, Mr. Denzil James and Executive Director at Delisle Walwyn, Mr. Clayton Perkins.
In expressing his delight in witnessing cruise passengers walking along the second cruise pier, Prime Minister Harris indicated that “all the well-wishers of St. Kitts and Nevis would be pleased by the historic docking of two vessels on our newest cruise pier and what it symbolizes, and what, in the end, this means for the expansion of the tourism and cruise tourism in the country.”
The honourable prime minister commended the high level of cooperation and collaboration between the Ministries of Tourism and Public Infrastructure that led to the realization of this major capital investment.
“I want to compliment and commend the Ministry of Tourism for the fantastic work and to hail my colleague minister, the Honourable Lindsay Grant, for providing strong leadership to what has been a phenomenal growth in cruise tourism in St. Kitts and Nevis. I want to commend the Minister of Public Infrastructure, the Honourable Ian Patches Liburd, who presided over it as Minister Works related to the significant investment by local entities in the development of our tourism plant,” Dr. Harris stated.
The construction of second pier represents the completion of the first phase of the project. Minister Liburd said that the second phase of work will entail the addition of several amenities, such as a reception center, that will enhance the edifice.
“There’s a misperception that once the pier was constructed everything is done. But in fact, this project has two phases; one if the construction of the pier and the other is the upland development. So, in the near future you will see a reception facility and you will see other amenities here,” the minister said.
The Celebrity Summit and the Seabourn Odyssey are two of four cruise vessels that docked at Port Zante today (Monday 16). Berthing at the first cruise pier are the 4,180 passenger capacity Anthem of the Seas and the 4,372-capacity Britannia.
In all, the four cruise vessels brought close to 12,000 cruise passengers to the Federation.
