GOVERNMENT is taking steps to ease arriving passenger congestion at the Grantley Adams International Airport and the flow through the departures terminal.

Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and International Transport, Senator Rudy Grant, told the Senate Wednesday night, that in order to address concerns about long lines at the airport, "within another week" Government would open both doors in the departures terminal.

In addition, he said, that "within another month" another 15 immigration officers should also be stationed at the airport.

His disclosures were made as the Upper House debated the "Sunset Legislation" which is being enacted to provide for the efficient and effective staging of Cricket World Cup 2007.

Speaking of the need for proper security in Barbados and the other host territories for the event, Grant also revealed that both the airport and the Bridgetown Port had invested in additional baggage and walk-through scanners in order to provide adequate security at the ports of entry.

Grant said the Cricket World Cup would provide an opportunity to showcase Barbados as a world class destination.

He noted that it had been estimated that the value of advertising spend on the event would be about US$83 billion and likely to reach more than two billion people in 173 markets.

Such exposure, he argued, could only but help to increase and enhance Barbados' global profile.

Grant also felt that the event would allow Barbadians to develop relationships with individuals, businesses and markets that otherwise they wouldnot have had.

On the issue of accommodation, he said that would be taken care of by the existing hotel room stock, the home accommodation programme and cruise ships from the United States, Canada, South Africa and Australia. (AB)