A master plan that includes facilities for an inter-island ferry service and a hotel is to be discussed by main tourism and port authorities at a retreat this weekend.
The retreat is to look at a recently completed Barbados Port Inc. master plan complementing the development of the $300 million Sugar Point pier facility which will enhance cruise and cargo handling in the Bridgetown Port, while including a separate and distinct ferry terminal.
Sources said the retreat is planned for tomorrow with Minister of Tourism and International Transport Richard Sealy, the management team of the Port, and other major players at an undisclosed location.
While port officials were mum on the master plan that is expected to be revealed by yearend, Divisional Manager of the Bridgetown Port Ken Atherley admitted that the ferry terminal had been proposed separate from Sugar Point and would indeed be part of a broader plan for enhance the 50-year-old port.
“There is provision for facilities for a ferry service and therefore that issue will be covered in the separate development of the Bridgetown Port in the main harbour. So within the Deep Water Harbour, we’re making provision for an inter-island ferry terminal,” he told the WEEKEND NATION at Wednesday night’s townhall meeting.
It was to discuss the environmental impact of the reclamation of 15 acres of land to build Sugar Point and other facilities spanning the area off Princess Alice Highway.
“There is still a lot of discussion about the need for an inter-island ferry service,”?Atherley said, “and I note that at the CARICOM level, there is a project looking at it.
“So our role, really, is to understand the types of vessels that would be used in a ferry service to develop the facilities, identify the location either on a temporary or permanent basis . . . and allow passengers to be processed as well.
“It depends upon the types of ferries because some also carry cargo. That is part of the ongoing discussion at the regional level.”
Atherley said that along with the ferry terminal, enhanced cargo handling, and the 30-metre Sugar Point cruise passenger pier, the Barbados Port Inc would look at improving its equipment base to handle larger cargo vessels.
“We’re looking at enhancing the cargo component of the port, and there are some related assets that we’re looking at in terms of opportunities for public and private sector development, for instance, the Flour Mill and Central Purchasing Department,” he added.
Sources said that before full disclosure of the Barbados Port Inc’s master plan, discussion would be held at the level of the board and submitted to the Minister for endorsement.
The master plan includes a complete upgrade of the Pelican Village area featuring hotel facilities and the integration of the artisans and craftspeople into the Sugar Point project.
“That is in the concept submitted to the Town Planning Department as we speak. Other discussions are going on with Barbados Industrial Development Corporation and how that can be accommodated. But, obviousl, we’re looking at a transformative development on that section of the coast, and we’re hoping we can do it in a way that complements Bridgetown and provide some of the needs that the industry is calling for,” the official noted.
“To develop Barbados as a hub, we also need facilities where passengers can stay on the island for short periods – three days before and after cruise – so there will be a need for some type of hotel accommodation in the vicinity of the project,” he added.
