No.179/2005

CONTRACT FOR DESIGN OF PHASE TWO OF THE CROSS COUNTRY ROAD SIGNED

The contract for the design of phase two of the Cross Country Road was signed this morning at Cabinet Room. Deputy Prime minister and Minister of Transport, Works and Housing the Hon. Louis Straker signed the US $150,000 contract on behalf of the Government and people of SVG while David Chang Deputy General Manager of the Oversees Engineering Construction Company (OECC) signed on behalf of that company.

Phase two of the Cross Country Road Project includes the 1.2 miles from Byrea to Fergusson Mountain in South Rivers. Preliminary designs for phase two of the Project will be submitted to the Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing by the end of this month while Construction will commence in about three months at a cost of US M$1.8

Making brief remarks at the signing ceremony, Minister Straker said the signing of the contract is a reaffirmation of the government’s total commitment to the development of this country. Straker said despite the criticisms which may be levelled against the Cross Country Road, the day will come when persons will look back and thank the government for their foresight.

The Deputy Prime Minister also seized the opportunity to thank the Government and People of the Republic of China on Taiwan, The OECC and the Vincentian Public for reaching a level of understanding as to the importance of the Cross Country Road.

The OECC’s Deputy General Manager David Chang said the signing of the contract is, to his company, not just a promise to complete the work but hopes that the relationship between this country and that of the Republic of China on Taiwan will be strengthened. Meanwhile ROC Ambassador to this country Her Excellency Elizabeth Chu in her brief remarks said that her country is pleased to assist SVG as lots of benefits are afforded to the Vincentians through jobs.

S. Daniel

June 14, 2005