PRIME MINISTER DREW SAYS NEW CRUISE TERMINAL WILL DRIVE ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION AND CREATE JOBS
Basseterre, Saint Kitts, July 02, 2026 (SKNIS): Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, has hailed the New Cruise Terminal Development Project at Port Zante as a transformative investment that will strengthen the country’s economy, expand employment opportunities, and support the Federation’s transition to cruise home-porting from November 2027.
Addressing the groundbreaking ceremony on July 01, 2026, Prime Minister Drew said the project reflects the power of partnership, noting that developments of this magnitude can only be achieved through collaboration between government, industry stakeholders, and international partners.
“To undertake a project of this scale, the government alone cannot do it,” the prime minister said. “It is through partnership and togetherness that we are delivering a project that many would have considered beyond the reach of Saint Kitts and Nevis.”
Dr. Drew said the new cruise terminal forms part of his government’s broader strategy to diversify the economy by expanding the country’s tourism product and creating greater value from the sector.
“This project is part and parcel of what we are seeking to accomplish as a government—economic diversification,” he said. “By expanding our cruise product through home-porting, we are creating greater opportunities for our people and our economy.”
The prime minister further noted that home-porting will generate benefits across multiple sectors through increased visitor arrivals, overnight stays, stronger airlift, and greater economic activity for local businesses.
He stressed that the impact of the investment must be widely shared.
“What home-porting means is more jobs and good-paying jobs for our people,” Dr. Drew said. “The economic impact must not be felt by a few. Taxi operators, vendors, tour operators, and everyone who participates in our tourism industry should benefit from this investment.”
As Minister responsible for National Security, Dr. Drew also underscored the importance of modernising border management systems to accommodate increased passenger movements while maintaining the Federation’s security.
“We want visitors to experience efficient, innovative border processing, while ensuring our country’s security remains protected,” he said. “We want Saint Kitts and Nevis to be known as the best place to begin and end a cruise.”
Prime Minister Drew said the project also advances the government’s Sustainable Island State Agenda by building a more resilient and diversified economy capable of delivering long-term prosperity.
He congratulated the Minister of Tourism, Honourable Marsha Henderson, the St. Christopher Air & Sea Ports Authority (SCASPA), and all stakeholders involved in bringing the project to fruition.
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