For the past five (5) decades the idea of a fixed linked bridge between St. Kitts-Nevis via the Narrows, that is, the extreme end of the South East Peninsula in St. Kitts and Hurricane Hill in Nevis, where the closest point is approximately two (2) kilometers has been the subject of much debate.
It is believed that the construction of a bridge will achieve the following inter alia: -
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Improve the degree of transportation between the two islands
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Integrate the economic sectors in both islands
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Create greater political and social harmony
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Improve the wellbeing of the citizens of St. Kitts-Nevis
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Lead to greater investment in the physical infrastructure
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Increase labour mobility
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Accelerate the rate of return on the Peninsula highway investment
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Make travel more convenient
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Augment the travel experience for our visitors
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Increase the volume of trade between the islands
Despite the many advantages, it is believed that the cost of a bridge will place an enormous economic financial burden on the central Government, assuming that the Government undertakes the financial obligation of such a venture.
We have not done any costing for the construction of the bridge, but based on a very rudimentary cost analysis provided by the ECCB in a report released in 2000, the cost of a bridge between St. Kitts and Nevis was estimated at EC$430.0 million.
The idea of the bridge continues to be fascinating, but remote, and therefore a more urgent and practical solution has been proposed by the promoters of a sea link between the Narrows. The benefits will be the same and the cost affordable.
It is against this backdrop that we have decided to launch a ferry service to transport vehicles between the narrows in approximately 15 miniutes. We believe that the Federation and its people would be the better for it.
