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Chief Executive Officer of GAIA Inc. Neville Boxhill (second from right) and Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Kerrie Symmonds join the congregation in singing ‘Let There Be Peace on Earth’.

Symmonds assures GAIA improvements back on track

Progress is being made in respect of improving the flow of passengers through the Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA).

That’s the word from Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Kerrie Symmonds who disclosed that he met just Friday with officials from GAIA Inc., the Immigration Department, the Customs Department and the Ministry of Home Affairs to continue discussion on the topic. Symmonds said that the goal is, that when people arrive, there will no longer be a situation of long lines to pass through Immigration and Customs. He was speaking recently during a service at the St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church to mark the 80th anniversary of commercial aviation in Barbados.

“The introduction of technology to assist us - the kiosks – that is something that has gone through a pilot stage, we are now coming to the point where we can pass the legislation to let it work; hopefully in time for winter it will be fully operational. Ladies and gentlemen, we do these things because we have to enhance the airport experience for our visitors, but [also] for ourselves because we as Barbadians use it and we as Barbadians know it, and we know when we experience it – it is not good enough,” he said.

He added, “What then of those who we’re inviting to our shores and asking them to experience something that is trespassing on their patience, and trespassing on their good will before they have even had a chance to get as far as Oistins?”.

The minister’s comments came as he also spoke of the need for comprehensive maintenance and management of the GAIA going forward and he said that the time has come for an interdenominational sanctuary to be established at the airport. He bolstered the statement regarding the sanctuary, noting that many travellers are nervous to fly, and such a facility would allow them to sit and quietly practice their faith and ease their fears.

Additionally, he acknowledged that many people believe the airport could do better in respect of its duty-free offerings when passengers arrive and that GAIA was also in need of other amenities including free wi-fi to improve the visitor experience.

“That is part of the mission and vision I bring to the process,” the Tourism Minister added. (JRT)ꆱ

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