While COVID-19 has impacted the destination’s tourism sector, Antigua and Barbuda officials say it is continuing to construct a fifth cruise berth, which will be ready at the beginning of the upcoming winter tourist season.
The $80 million, 30-year agreement Antigua signed with Global Ports Holdings to manage the port includes the financing of a fifth cruise pier to accommodate Oasis-class vessels.
It also covers investments aimed at improving the shopping and other amenities at St John’s’ Heritage Quay.
The project is “making progress,” officials said, with 60 percent of the work on the cruise pier has been completed so far, according to Project Manager Joel Keeman.
All works on the berth are likely to be completed by the middle of October, according to Permanent Secretary Walter Christopher.
The berth will be officially commissioned in the fourth quarter, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez said.
— CJ