|
Thursday, December 16, 2004
Let me first of all apologize for the absence of the Prime Minister, I know he would have been happy to be here but he is presently out of
the Country.
Ladies and Gentlemen today is the realization of a dream for the Tourism Industry as well as for the Government and People of this Nation.
It seems like only yesterday we were here for the ground breaking ceremony which marked the start of the construction of this multi-million
dollar facility.
The Government of Grenada is committed to the expansion of the cruise tourism sector as we see this sector as an integral part of the overall
development of the economy of Grenada, especially in the Post Ivan era. This is why the Government has been and remains committed to the
construction of this new port as well as the redevelopment of the town of St. George. We feel strongly that Ivan has provided us with an
opportunity to improve our overall tourism product, to make it one that every Grenada is proud of. The construction of this new deep water
port facility places Grenada on the threshold of a new era in cruise tourism. The existence of this new port will change forever, the way
business is done in this sector especially if we are to secure its viability for the benefit of the country’s economy.
This is why, Ladies and gentlemen, it is so important for all of us to buy into the tourism product; the experiences that we offer are what
forever remain in the minds of the visitors. If it has been a good experience then they will not only return as cruise passengers but they
will come back as stay over visitors and bring their relatives and friends along with them. This translates into employment for the persons
in the sector and foreign exchange for the country.
The Tourism industry contributes approximately nine percent to our economy on a yearly basis but when examined even more closely its
contribution to the overall economy is even greater.
In accepting this, the Government realized the pivotal role that the cruise ship sector would play in the rebuilding process after hurricane
Ivan particularly as it was the only other sector outside of the construction sector that would provide an immediate source of income for our
people. In this regard the government immediately provided revenue to make existing attraction sites and other supporting facilities
functional.
Yes Ladies and Gentlemen it is a know fact that this Cruise ship facility will bring enormous financial and other gains to our country. All
support sectors both private and public must continue to work closely together to maximize the full return on our investment. It is my
understanding that recently a two day retreat was held by the Ministry and Board of Tourism, along with their stakeholders and that a plan of
action for the way forward in Tourism to the year 2010 is forth coming for the consideration of Cabinet. This is indeed timely.
Finally, Ladies and gentlemen this government recognizes the importance of investment to the growth, development and survival of our Nation
and this why we will continue to collaborate and work with investors like our friends from Zublin Group of Companies. We feel that as a good
government we have a responsibility to ensure that the experiences and services that are being offered are of the highest quality so that our
destination can be set apart from other destinations.
Let me take this opportunity to place on record and to publicly express profound gratitude to the Chairman His Excellency Dr Jan Bosch and
other members of the Zublin Group of Companies, I must mention Mr. Dick Van Dijk, for their foresight and continued interest in Grenada. And
as we saw demonstrated here this morning Ladies and Gentlemen that interest continues with the launching of the new St. George’s Revitalization
Project. A project that will make the town of St. George’s the most envied city in the OECS.
In closing I must recognize the vital input from the Grenada Ports Authority, the Grenada Board of Tourism, the Ministry of Tourism, Mr.
Douglas Walker- Grenadian Architect, our local contractors ARNWIL Ltd., Grenada United Electrical Contractors, ELECTROTEC Services and Gravel
and Concrete Corporation. Without you this dream would not have been realized.
Let me wish each person here gathered a peaceful and blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with vision and Hope.
|
