Last Updated on October 27, 2020, 7:52 AM AST by Anthony Morris
The Honourable Jonel Powell said that he is confident that the upgraded infrastructure and plans being put in place at the RLB International Airport would all help in keeping residents and plans of St Kitts and Nevis safe while the borders of the island reopen later this week.
Minister Powell, with his fellow Cabinet colleagues, was present for a walkthrough at the airport on October 26.
The walkthrough was organized for giving the ministers a firsthand look at the retrofitting work which is being done at the airport and an understanding of the added security protocols which would be implemented.
This work is being done through the RLB International Airport COVID-19 Retrofit Project, undertaken by Baley Project Management.
Minister Powell said while speaking after the tour of the facility that he is very impressed with the quantity and quality of work done at the airport in a short time.
The borders of the federation would reopen on October 31, and according to Minister Powell, this is an important development for St. Kitts and Nevis not just in the attempt to jumpstart the economy but also for getting a lot of residents of the country who are outside back to their homes and so this is very important for the country.
He added that he is happy that they are able to reach this step and to do it in an orderly and safe manner which would ensure that St. Kitts and Nevis keeps going for the years to come.
The work would be rolled out in two phases.
Phase one involves the construction of a medical centre with an isolation unit and a welcome centre, the reconfiguration of the immigration hall, screening stations, a testing booth the creation, of a medical screening room, the installation of plexiglass as sneeze guards and thermal scanning facilities throughout the airport.
Phase two of the Project will focus on retrofitting the departure area.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
