The European Commission is providing 8 million Euros under the 9th European Development Fund (EDF) to Anguilla for the development of the island’s air transport sector. The balance of previous unspent EDF funds of 0.29 million Euros will also be available for this project.

The money will go towards expanding the Wallblake Airport, with the extension of the runway from 3600 feet to 6000 feet, expansion of apron parking, upgrading of the terminal, navigational, communication, rescue and fire facility equipment.

In Anguilla for the signing was Ambassador Tincani, the Head of delegation for the European Community for the Caribbean, who is based in Barbados.

Chief Minister Osbourne Fleming described as historic the signing of the agreement programme with the European Development Fund.

Mr. Fleming told the EU official that the government and people are very grateful for the contribution to Anguilla and he hoped the cooperation will continue.

For his part Ambassador Tincani said he was pleased to be in Anguilla as he was visiting several countries following up on the work of his predecessor.

He added that that Anguilla is the first territory to sign the programme.

Minister of Finance the Honourable Victor Banks credited the signing of the single document to the great confidence the European Union places in the Government of Anguilla.

On completion the Wallblake Airport will be able to accommodate aircraft up to the size of the Boeing 737 commercial jet, most private jets and the ATR 72 aircraft which American Eagle plans to introduce this year to replace the smaller ATR42.

A release from the EU noted that Anguilla is the last remaining premier upscale tourism destination in the Caribbean which is required to upgrade its facilities.

The Anguillan government is pursuing a tourism led economic model focusing on the development of luxury tourism facilities for the affluent tourist.

With tourism directly and indirectly employing 48 percent of the working population and American Eagle, the principal carrier of tourists from the US market, informing the Government of its intention to withdraw the ATR42 during 2003, it was necessary to take steps to safeguard the industry, the EU release continued.

Since 1976 European Commission assistance to Anguilla under the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th EDF has totaled 17.5 million Euros

Projects financed under these EDF portfolios include a new electricity power station, road improvement and the construction of Road Bay Jetty.

The tourism sector has benefited from a loan of 1.5 million Euros from the European Investment Bank (EIB). The funds were used for the construction of a locally owned 25-room hotel, the ‘Anguilla Great House’.

Under the 7th EDF Anguilla received a grant of 3 million Euros, 80 per cent of which was used for the development of a water supply, storage and distribution system.

| Printer-friendly page | Send this article to a friend |

World News