– The partner group, led by the office of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum of Dubai and Agencias Universales S.A. of Chile
– Approximately BDS$300 million to be invested in the airport by the Office of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum of Dubai
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (GIS) – Building on the Barbados-UAE state-to-state Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) earlier this year, supporting closer cooperation of commercial activities, the Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) Inc., and the office of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum of Dubai and Agencias Universales S.A. of Chile, announced on Tuesday, a MOU to finalise contractual arrangements towards a new Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for the investment, development and operation of the airport, a hemispheric cargo hub, expanded airlift and additional luxury hotel capacity.
Barbados’ minister of tourism and international transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, said:
“We are excited about the prospect of more jobs, training and certification across the eco-system of the airport, airport services, and tourism sectors. I know that change can be unsettling, even if positive, so a critical component of this potential PPP is that there will be no change in the ownership of our airport and no change in the terms and conditions of employees. We have also tried hard to keep all workers and their representatives updated and consulted about developments, opportunities and challenges. I commit to continue to do so and keep the public updated.
“To that end, I will announce a town hall meeting shortly to present the plan and answer any questions Barbadians may have. I thank the government’s Negotiating Committee, and its chairman, Avinash Persaud, for getting us here with the strong support of the permanent secretary in the ministry, Francine Blackman, GAIA Inc.,’s board and chairman, Dr Jerry Emtage, and GAIA Inc., staff, led so well by CEO Hadley Bourne.”
The proposed PPP follows the earlier MOU between the governments of Barbados and the UAE that looked towards closer commercial interests, especially in the transport and travel sectors.
The government of Barbados is pleased that in the office of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum, has found a partner with the shared priorities of protecting and expanding national employment through investment, training, service excellence and certification, employee and customer safety, net-zero targets, higher revenue growth and better integration between airport-cargo-air lift and hotels.
Chairman of Grantley Adams International Airport Inc. Dr Jerry Emtage, said:
“I welcome our potential new partners and look forward to seeing the broader positive impact on Barbados of an upgraded airport, greater airlift and more hotel rooms. I thank my Board members for their help in weighing up many complex issues.”
Grantley Adams International Airport Inc., CEO Hadley Bourne. said:
“My team and I have spent many months discussing our potential new partners at commercial and technical levels. I can vouch for their expertise and understanding of our issues, challenges and opportunities. I am pleased that we have a strong investment plan to maintain and upgrade the airport. I believe visitors, staff and Barbadians will appreciate the differences they will see in a couple of years. I thank my team who worked assiduously supporting the negotiation and planning, in particular, Gale Yearwood.”
The partner group, led by the office of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum of Dubai and Agencias Universales S.A. of Chile, has substantial experience in airport passenger and cargo operations in over 20 countries across three continents.
Fernando Rodriguez, CEO of Agencias Universales S.A., said:
“We are very excited about our partnership with the government of Barbados and the office of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum of Dubai. We are committed to the success of this project and making every Barbadian proud of their airport and the upgrades to come.”
Approximately BDS$300 million to be invested in the airport by the office of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum of Dubai. The office is committed to coordinating and facilitating investments in new hotels and airlifts.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum, said:
“We are very pleased to collaborate with the government of Barbados on this project. We are looking forward to positively contributing to the economy of Barbados by creating jobs, improving airport infrastructure and facilities and promoting tourism in the country.”
