PARLIAMENT APPROVES PORT FINANCE LEGISLATION

Parliament has passed a measure that gives effect to the Global Port deal.
The Cruise Port Finance, Development and Management Bill was approved by the Lower House today following two days of debate.
The Global Port deal has been the source of controversy as opposition figures raised concern that Antigua and Barbuda was giving up too much to secure the investment.
But in wrapping up debate, Tourism Minister the Hon. Charles Fernandez says just the opposite has happened and there is an enthusiastic level of interest from the cruise lines.

Minister Fernandez says everything is coming together beautifully.
He notes the hospitality training institute is increasing its accredited courses, and UWI will soon open its fourth landed campus all coming at a time when the tourism industry is on a continued upswing.