Caribbean Net News: Grand Turk cruise terminal on schedule

GRAND TURK, Turks & Caicos Islands: The $40 million project being undertaken by Grand Turk Cruise Terminal (GTCT) to construct a cruise ship pier and Welcome Centre is on schedule according to Mr. Giora Israel, GTCT Project Director.

In a meeting with the Chief Minister, Michael Misick and Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Finance, Floyd Hall, the GTCT Team outlined their overall view for the finished project hoped to be completed and in operation by early next year.

Phase one, the dredging has been completed and according to Mr. Israel went tremendously well.

Phase two, the construction of the pier is in the works and is expected to be completed by Christmas. This pier facility is designed to withstand the forces of a category five hurricane and consists of a roadway which lies underneath the surface and may be used in the event of any emergency.

The design team responsible for the welcome centre has based its model on Bermudian style architecture. The Centre will feature a 10,000 square feet Margaritaville that is purpose designed, a first in the Caribbean.

In addition, plans were laid out for infrastructural improvements that will take place throughout the island including the restoration of the old jail house, lighthouse and windmills.

Other projects planned as tourist attractions for Grand Turk include a Botanical Garden, and a small museum that will be operated in conjunction with the Turks and Caicos Islands National Museum that will speak specifically to the history of slavery in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The GTCT team is prepared to invest up to $3 million dollars in infrastructural improvement projects.

Holland America�s newest cruise liner, the 1,848 passenger Noordam is expected to grace the Grand Turk Port with its first call when it opens in February of next year.

Minister Hall in a statement expressed his anticipation over the project and urges the residents of Grand Turk to take full advantage of the number of opportunities that will be made available to them as a result of this investment.

Following the meeting with the GTCT representatives, the ministers were given a guided tour of the construction site.

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