PM Douglas: Caribbean Cinemas’ multiplex – positive investment
By Terresa McCall
Reporter-SKNVibes.com
~~Adz:Left~~ BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE Caribbean Cinemas state-of-the-art multiplex being constructed at Buckley’s Site has been hailed by Prime Minister of the Federation, Dr. Denzil Douglas as “a very positive investment” and “an upliftment” of the community in which it sits.
PM Douglas expressed these sentiments during a recent walk-through of the facility of which construction began some eight months ago.
Describing the venture as “part of our overall thrust for the development in St Kitts and Nevis”, he reminded of a decision made by the government in 2005, one which propelled the concentration of government on service provision.
“We took the bold decision in 2005 to close the sugar industry and to concentrate more on tourism and services, and we believe that a modern theatre, a modern cinema was what was needed to improve the services that we can provide in establishing a proper tourist industry.”
Prime Minister Douglas explained that the fact that St. Kitts Nevis was chosen as a location for one of Caribbean Cinemas’ multi-facilities signifies a vote of confidence in the country’s “economic climate”. He further explained that St. Kitts and Nevis has been “fortunate” relative to foreign direct investment.
“You could recognise that this is also the show of confidence in the economic climate of the country and what the government is seeking to do to transform the national economy. Foreign direct investment is one of the areas that we have really…surpassed the rest of the Caribbean islands especially in the Eastern Caribbean. St. Kitts and Nevis has been extremely fortunate to attract a high level of foreign direct investment over the last few years which has been able to fuel the continued development and growth in the country.”
The PM also briefly addressed the issue of employment opportunities arising from this venture.
“What this does on the local environment…the local community is an upliftment of what Buckley’s has been in the past. Imagine, over, am sure, 1200 seating capacity, what that would do when you have all of your theaters full to the capacity, the local people who would be provided opportunities to find employment in this area. I think, to a large extent, this is a very positive investment for St. Kitts and Nevis.”
Speaking to the President of Caribbean Cinemas, Robert Carrady, who also headed the walk-though, the PM issued words of gratitude for the confidence placed in the people and government of St. Kitts and Nevis.
“I want to thank him for the confidence he has shown in the people, in the government, in the country and am sure that we will strike a partnership that will be to the benefit (of) you as an investor and for the people of St. Kitts and Nevis.”
Some 35 individuals are currently employed for the construction of the facility which is expected to conclude sometime in August this year. Officials of Caribbean Cinemas indicate that when the multiplex is completed, employment opportunities would open for approximately 50 persons.
