CATEGORY:CONSTRUCTION ------------------------- INSIDE GRENADA Wednesday April 04,2007 GRENADA: State of the Art facilities are in the making at the Point Salines International Airport as Grenada prepares to cater for the hosting of Super Eight Matches in the Cricket World Cup 2007. These sentiments were expressed to members of the media as officials of Grenada Airport Authorities briefed them on their various stages of readiness during a Press Conference held at the Point Salines International Airport last Thursday. Minister with responsibilities for Civil Aviation, Senator Brenda Hood, told Members of the Media that this has been a wonderful day for her and stressed that the expansion work had really started six years ago but it had to be fast-tracked because of the World Cup Matches. She spoke about how significant the expansion of the baggage area (as well as the other expanded areas) will be for the Airport. Senator Hood said that there have been demands coming from the Airlines for a more ‘customer friendly’ area and that she is happy that they have successfully responded to their request. As a result of the expansion she said that the Airport has been able to create 24,000 square feet of new space and expressed the confidence that the Airport is now fully equipped to handle the huge flow of passengers who are coming into Grenada for the Super Eight Matches in Cricket World Cup 2007. Senator Hood expressed the view that all Grenadians should be proud to know that all the Airlines now have a more comfortable space in which to operate and that they have a state-of-the-art facility at the Point Salines International Airport. She also gave praise to the contractor, who is Mr. Irwin Sterlin from Jamaica, for the wonderful work he has been able to accomplish. Chairman of Grenada Airports Authority, Mr. Terrence Forrester, told members of the media that the Airport expects a great flow of increased flights during the days close to the hosting of matches in Grenada. LIAT, he said, will be conducting an additional seven flights per day, American Eagle will be conducting one additional flight per day and there is information to the effect that Caribbean Airways will be bringing in four additional flights. Contractor, Mr. Erwin Sterlin, said that the expansion work was most challenging for himself and his team. He told members of the media that it was certainly not easy having to work on three areas at the same time. He also expressed confidence over the fact that when completed all will see a state of the art structure at the Point Salines International Airport. Members of the media were told that a cultural package is in store to welcome the visitors as they arrive on the Airport. The promise was made that some of Grenada's spices will also be placed on display.