By Aabigayle McIntosh

The Parliamentary Secretary within the Ministry of Barbuda Affairs Senator Knacyntar Nedd-Charles is urging fellow Barbudans to seize the opportunities that are yet to be realized with the opening of the new international airport.

The soon to be named Burton-Nibbs International Airport was opened last Thursday with much fanfare.

Nedd-Charles said the opening of the new facility will translate in major economic growth for the sister isle.

She foresees infrastructure development to fall in line with the ongoing evolution, and increase in more personnel to fully staff the airport.

“Increased tourism activity, of course, to the island. That’s news released this morning that Minister Fernandez would have been in contact with Win Air, who is also a carrier who used to carry to Barbuda. They discontinued a few years ago.

But I see that they’re now interested in resuming flights to Barbuda. And of course, job creations. I did mention the seven immigration officers,” Nedd-Charles said.

She added,” Since the opening, there have been a few articles that have been put out for the different businesses, whether it be FBO or the carriers, who are looking and seeking to employ persons. And also, I had a conversation with someone from the Taxi Association because they as well, they were present at the opening. And they are also seeking to extend the Taxi Association to Barbudan taxi men and women.”

The Barbudan Senator pointed out that plans are in the pipeline to turn the facility into a business hub and establishing more government offices on Barbuda.

“So whereas Barbudans before would have to travel to Antigua for certain governmental services, such as passport, birth paper, whatever have you. Though in some instances, the process may not be able to go through to the end in Barbuda, but it will provide an office space where persons can, whether it be going to air their query or concerns, drop off their documents, collect their documents.

Nedd-Charles said this will alleviate that financial burden that Barbudans face and also lead to a greater and a better relationship between government offices and the people of Barbuda.