SLASPA maintains transparency on HIA project
The St. Lucia Air and Seaport Authority maintains that it is transparent in its processes and negotiations on the propose Hewanorra International Airport Redevelopment Project.
This comes as a response to a letter written to SLASPA by Leader of the Opposition Dr. Kenny Anthony.
In the letter dated June 24th, addressed to SLASPA’s General Manager, Sean Mathew, Dr. Anthony accused the company of embarking on a Public Relations campaign to win public support.
The Opposition Leader also questioned the credibility stating that “it seems to be aimed at appeasing the public following the expressions of doubt and suspicion about key elements of the process associated with the development of this project.”
But SLASPA maintains transparency and reaffirmed its commitment to providing St. Lucia with the best international airport.
“We are focused on an airport that meets the economic needs of St. Lucia, we have been and always will be transparent in our processes, we remain open and non-partisan in the way that we do our negotiations and selections, as we do in all our projects; we are committed to providing St. Lucia and St. Lucians with the best international airport that will spur economic growth and while it will meet the many challenges faced at the facility,” Miss Regis said.
She added that SLASPA has held a number of stakeholder meetings and “is very heartened by the positive feedback.”
Miss Regis said SLASPA will continue its dialogue with its customers, stakeholders and the wider public.
Asked why SLASPA has launched a public campaign on the proposed project, Miss Regis responded that it is customary do to so for all projects undertaken by the Authority.
Other areas of concern were highlighted by the Opposition Leader, involving the financing of the project and the justification for the cost; the nature of the security to be provided by the state and; the procurement procedures utilized thus far, and in particular the prominence of Asphalt and Mining St. Lucia Limited (AMSL) among companies being considered.
In a press release by SLASPA, the Authority confirmed receipt of the letter and stated that a response has been forwarded to Dr. Anthony.
It contents, however could not be revealed.