Ten-year-old Marcia Samiel views the commemorative pictorial on National Hero, Norman Washington Manley, after Monday's unveiling in the Departure Lounge at the Norman Manley Airport, Kingston. THE PRIVATISATION of the island's two airports should be completed by the end of this fiscal year, says Minister of Transport and Works, Dr. Peter Phillips.
In an address to representatives from the Government, the Airports Authority of Jamaica, the media and the public during Monday's unveiling of a commemorative pictorial on the life and contribution of
National Hero, Norman Washington Manley, on the eve of the 107th anniversary of his birth, the Minister noted that the Government was now negotiating with bidders and doing final evaluation of the bills.
He also referred to recent developments at the Norman Manley International Airport, including the resurfacing of the runway, which he said, cost "in excess of US$20 million".
A further J$20 million was spent renovating the airport's departure lounge. But the improvements are far from over as "renovations are soon to begin outside the terminal building to create a more pleasing scenario for those who come to use the facility and await the arrival of the passengers," the Minister said. He added that the Government expected further development from the "subsequent privatisation" of the Norman Manley Airport.
In addition, he mentioned that the Donald Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay was under going current expansion which is also valued at US$20 million. "(This) is really just a prelude to the further expansion which we expect to accompany the completion of the privatisation exercise at that terminal facility," he added.
