by BARRY ALLEYNE

BARBADOS' next cruise ship terminal should be built in the north of the island on the site now occupied by the Arawak Cement Plant in St Lucy.

And according to outspoken construction magnate Sir Charles Williams, who floated the idea, such a multimillion-dollar facility would be the perfect move to develop nearby Speightstown as a foreign exchange earner within the tourism industry.

"That would certainly revitalise Speightstown," he said during an interview on Voice Of Barbados' popular radio call-in programme Down To Brass Tacks yesterday.

Sir Charles said he expected to be criticised, but believed the Cement Plant should be closed and the land taken over by Government to build an ultra-modern cruise ship terminal.

He added that the plant could be relocated on the eight acres recovered near the Deep Water Harbour, and some regional cement could be imported into Barbados 40 per cent cheaper than it is to buy locally.

Just last week, Arawak raised the price of cement to distributors by $1 per bag.

And, Sir Charles added:"All the workers displaced could still be employed if the move is made."

He said it was time that "reality struck home" since it was clear a modern cruise terminal would employ four times more Barbadians than the cement facility.

He added that competition would also be a factor since cruise companies were showing immense interest in having such facilities built in St Lucia.

Sir Charles also said the north of the island should have three more marinas, in addition to the famous Port St Charles facility.

"Retreat (a district between Speightstown and Six Men, St Peter) is a fantastic place for a marina. We would loveto start a marina there as soon as permission is given," he said.

The millionaire said he was extremely encouraged by the words and actions of the new Democratic Labour Party Government, which had so far shown it was serious about encouraging investment, and making tourism an even stronger foreign-exchange earner.

When contacted yesterday, long-serving member of Parliament for St Lucy, Denis Kellman, declined comment. He had petitioned for years to have a modern port and hospital constructed in St Lucy.

barryalleyne

@nationnews.com