Nagra Plunkett, Staff Reporter
Prime Minister P.J. Patterson cuts the ribbon to officially open the newly-completed Sangsters International Airport East Concourse, in Montego Bay on Friday. Sharing in the festivities are (from left): MBJ Airports Customer Service Representative, Ashanti Mercy; Chief Executive Officer for MBJ Airports, Jorge Sales; Minister of Transport and Works, Robert Pickersgill; Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) in Charge of Area One police, Keith Gardner (centre back); Chairman of MBJ Airports, Franco Montalbetti; Minister of Tourism, Aloun Assamba; and Chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board, Dennis Morrison. – Claudine Housen Photo
WESTERN BUREAU:
THE SPANKING new $6.7 billion eastern concourse of the Sangster International Airport (SIA) was officially opened on Friday.
Franco Montalbetti, chairman of MBJ Limited, the operators of SIA, hailed the project as a boon for shareholders of his company.
"The shareholders of MBJ have maintained their confidence in Jamaica and have decided to commence the second phase of the project well ahead of the contractual obligation to do so," he said.
WITHIN BUDGET
Mr. Montalbetti was speaking at the opening ceremony at the airport in Montego Bay. The project was completed six weeks ahead of schedule and within budget, and the facility features 12 boarding gates, a string of commercial outlets and spacious waiting areas for passengers.
With phase one of the Sangster International Airport expansion programme completed, developers are set to begin the next segment in January, a year after the planned December 2006 start-up date.
The chairman explained that MBJ faced several challenges, including the restructuring of Air Jamaica, as well as the uncertainties meted out to the wider airline industry by the global economy. However, the company was encouraged by the investment boom in the tourism industry.
Prime Minister P.J. Patterson was present to officially declare the concourse open to passengers and was joined by business and civic leaders from western Jamaica.
"The modernisation and expansion process at this airport ... marks a major milestone. It is about enhancing the ability of the Jamaican economy to compete globally," the Prime Minister stated.
"Indeed, the future growth and development of our country and the ability of our people to raise their living standards, are dependent on how quickly we can improve our competitiveness in all critical areas."
PHASE TWO
The PM disclosed that phase two of the airport expansion project will renovate the old western concourse to include new customs hall and baggage claim areas at a cost of US$40 million (J$2.5 billion).
David Topping, general manager of Jamaica Farewell and member of the MBJ Tenants Association, expressed satisfaction with the new concourse and commented that Jamaica will be the envy of the Caribbean when the SIA expansion programme is complete.
"It not only provides a wonderful working environment but also acts as a reminder that Jamaica can hold its own and offer world-class service, shopping and amenities," the liquor merchant said.
