Natasha:
I could only view the front page of the article, and it wouldn't load the 2nd page.
Can you paste it here?
Here is the entire article:
Cruise ship deal signed
INTERVIEW:
Government last week signed a development agreement for the $35million Carnival Cruise Ship Port project in Grand Turk. A top ranking delegation from the Turks and Caicos Islands led by H.E. Governor James Poston and Chief Minister Michael Misick, accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Floyd Hall, Minister of Works and Communications, Hon McAllister Hanchell and Miss Rhondalee Brathwaite from the Attorney Generals office met in the boardroom of Carnival Headquarters in Miami with Carnival senior officials.
The Governor and Chief Minister signed on behalf of the Turks and Caicos Islands and Mr. Giora Israel on behalf of Carnival Cruise Lines. Mr. Israel, speaking on behalf of Carnivals Chairman, Mr. Mickey Arison, who was unable to attend the signing,said it was a pleasant experience working with the government, indicating that they took a proactive approach in securing this project for the Turks & Caicos Islands. He also noted that Carnivals team is eager to proceed with fulfilling the expectations set out in the agreement. Although the signing is a major accomplishment, he said it is only the beginning as the task of mobilizing physical construction of the Port and support facilities lie ahead. Mr. Israel stressed Carnivals commitment to the project and promised to work closely with the Government and the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands in developing a unique Port befitting of the destination. H. E. The Governor congratulated Carnivals representatives and the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands on signing the Development Agreement. He applauded the efforts of Carnival and was delighted that the Island Grand Turk was finally attracting a developer who had the means to fulfill its obligations under the Development Agreement. He said that over the years the residents of Grand Turk have had high expectations of private sector investment that never came to fruition therefore, it is good to see the plans for the Carnival project well on track. He also expressed confidence in the developers and looks forward to the Ports completion in November 2005.
The Chief Minister thanked members of the Attorney Generals office, especially Marsha Cummings and Rhondalee Brathwaite for their untiring efforts in preparing and scrutinizing all the supporting documentation for this project. Chief Minister Misick noted that it was not easy getting to this point and that in spite of the numerous obstacles and challenges, the project has survived and now takes on a life of its own. He also expressed pleasure in working with the representatives from Carnival. Noting that Carnival is the leader in cruise ship tourism, Chief Minister Misick stated that the residents of Grand Turk stand to benefit tremendously and indeed the entire Turks and Caicos Island as a result of this diversification in our tourism product.
The signing ceremony concluded with presentations of gifts to H.E. the Governor and the Chief Minister by Mr. Israel. The group later met for lunch at a restaurant in Miami where further informal discussions about the Grand Turk Cruise ship port continued. Full-scale construction will begin after approval of the detailed blueprints and the selection of the construction companies around July 2004. The facilities are expected to be completed to accommodate the first ships into port on 15 November 2005.
