SXMElections.com

AIRPORT--A symbolic ground-breaking ceremony on Tuesday kicked off the US $4.6 million renovation of the Princess Juliana International Airport SXM cargo building. The more-than-three-decades-old building will be given a much-needed facelift and offices for eight new cargo handlers. The project is slated for completion in May 2016.

Airport Managing Director Regina Labega told the gathering at the ground-breaking ceremony in the building's parking lot that the building was "in need of an urgent facelift."

That facelift was described by Labega as "a complete multi-million-dollar makeover" that will be carried out by four contractors chosen via a public tender. When completed, the building will add to "the new, user-friendly and modern look" for which the airport is striving "to keep ahead of its competition."

The renovation seeks to ensure the growth in the cargo segment of the airport's business "continues in a sustainable way."

With sustainability as a focus, Labega told the press after the ceremony that keen attention was being paid to the development of airports in the region and to St. Maarten's staying competitive. Preparations are in the works to handle more air cargo coming into the country and the possible start of service by 767 cargo planes.

Airport ground handlers are procuring equipment needed for increased cargo inflow, Labega said.

Air cargo is important to the airport as a revenue generator for the airport, as well as to the country's businesses and residents who require products flown in "fast and fresh" from suppliers abroad.

The renovation is "an integral part" of the airport's Capital Improvement Programme and is expected to generate 115 jobs.

The financing for the renovation was raised on the international market. The loan was a result of the airport's high Moody's rating.

Labega thanked past and present ministers for their support of the project. She expressed sincere HOPE that the same kind of support would be extended to the airport's pending fixed-base operations (FBO) building and other capital projects.

The people of St. Maarten "deserve a world-class airport," said Labega. She and her team are "working hard" to deliver this to the country.

Airport Supervisory Board Vice President Ludwig Ouenniche said air cargo was important to the country's survival. He expressed HOPE that the renovated building would see "the volume of business" in air cargo increase for the airport.

Temporary offices a stone's throw away from the building were erected to not interrupt or hamper business for cargo handlers and will be used as renovation works continue.

Special Projects Coordinator Robert "Cliffy" Brown told The Daily Herald, "There is a lot of interest already in the eight new offices. These will give more revenue for the airport."

Labega symbolically broke ground for the renovation of the cargo building along with Members of Parliament (MPs) Cornelius de Weever and Sarah Wescot-Williams, Brown, Airport Board Secretary Melinda Hoeve, Airport Holding Company Chairman Michel Hodge and Ouenniche.