Petrina Francis, Gleaner Writer
Earl Richards, president of the Airports Authority of Jamaica explains the architectural design of the Norman Manley International Airport to members of the Lions Club of Kingston on Wednesday at the club's monthly luncheon, at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, New Kingston. At left is Michael King, president of the Club. - Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer
A STUDY to assess the vulnerability of the palisadoes peninsular in east Kingston to natural disasters is expected to get underway in May.
This was revealed on Wednesday by Earl Richards, president of the Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ).
The examination of the palisadoes peninsular comes in the wake of hurricane Ivan which ravaged the island in September, making the road to the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) impassable.
Mr. Richards noted that the palisadoes peninsular is very important and it is in the society's best interest to preserve it.
He was speaking at the Lions Club of Kingston monthly luncheon. This was held at the Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston.
Meanwhile, Richards said he is unaware of any plans at this time to transform Vernamfield in Clarendon as an international airport, adding that new studies would have to be conducted to confirm the viability of an international airport in that area.
DEVELOPMENT PLAN
The AAJ president also outlined a 20-year development plan for the NMIA.
The first of a three-phase programme will begin with a triple level world-class departure concourse. Work on the concourse is scheduled to start by the third quarter of this year and is expected to be completed by 2007 in time for world cup cricket.
The president said studies have shown that the departure area is the most problematic area of the airport because of a lack of space. He added that because of space limitations, the public is not currently allowed in the departure area. However, under the proposed state-of-the-art development, the public would be allowed in departure area to bid goodbye to loved ones.
Mr. Richards said the departure level will be on the third floor and passengers will have comfortable new lounges and retail concessions.
He noted that the airport is not currently designed to facilitate the type of security that is required in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks, and it is, therefore, more important to proceed with the redevelopment of the airport.
Mr. Richards added that the development of the airport is critical for the capital city in order to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Kingston.
"We are part of a programme to promote Kingston as a destination, and of course, the airport is critical to that endeavour."
