Athaliah Reynolds, Staff Reporter

Golding

Prime Minister Bruce Golding said Tuesday that the Government plans to embark on a $100-million project to "spruce up" the appearance of roadways leading to the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA).

Speaking during the official opening of the airport's new departure terminal, Golding said work would begin on sections of the highway leading from Harbour View to the NMIA before the start of the winter tourist season. He said the money would be allocated from the Tourism Enhancement Fund.

"There is no point in building a wonderful house if the driveway leading to the house is not in good shape," he said.

The opening of the newly refurbished terminal marked the completion of the first phase of a three-part, 20-year developmental plan for the airport.

Privatisation plans

During his keynote address, the prime minister also reiterated plans to privatise the operations and management of the NMIA.

In 2003, the previous administration, the People's National Party (PNP), made a similar decision to privatise the management and operations of the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St James.

The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), while in opposition, disagreed with the move, saying it would significantly increase the fees paid by those who use the airport.

Golding, however, conceded on Tuesday that divestment was consistent with global trends.

Model widely adopted

He said this model has been widely adopted in several countries across the world, where major airport facilities, traditionally owned and operated by the state, have been placed in the hands of the private sector.

The prime minister said Cabinet recently approved the establishment of a privatisation team, which would be responsible for engaging the services of suitable consultants, evaluating submissions and making the appropriate recommendations to Cabinet.

Golding further said there were several advantages to privatisation, among them more direct concentration of the Government's resources towards its core functions.

He added that the private entity, which will assume responsibility for the NMIA, would be expected to carry out the work in the second and third phases of the airport development plan. This is expected to cost an additional US$41 million.

Phase One was completed at a cost of US$120 million, almost double the previous estimate of US$63 million.

athaliah.reynolds@gleanerjm.com