Govt Supports Princess Juliana International Airport Expansion, Talks on Contribution Continue

January 8, 2004

Govt Supports Airport Expansion, Talks on Contribution Continue
Daily Herald, Netherlands Antilles 

PHILIPSBURG--Government supports the Princess Juliana International Airport 
expansion plan. Talks continue for the operating company either to pay dividend 
or a concession fee, or contribute in another way, through marketing, said 
Commissioner of Airport Affairs Sarah Wescott-Williams on Wednesday. 

The Executive Council by letter of September 2002 had already declared its 
support, "gave the green light" for the airport expansion plan, 
Wescott-Williams explained at the weekly press briefing. 

The "process continues and will continue," said the Commissioner. She mentioned 
that the airport had provided information that had been requested and gave 
presentations. She said no conditions had been attached to the approval, but 
the Executive Council had merely "raised some issues." 

A second opinion was sought on the request of former Commissioner of airport 
affairs Michael Ferrier. The International Association of Transport and 
Aviation IATA made a study and certain adjustments were made based on that, 
Wescott-Williams said. 

About the financing of the US $100 million project, she said that as far as she 
knew, discussions with different financial institutions had started. "No firm 
decision yet on whom and how, but the process is definitely ongoing." 

Asked whether the airport would have to pay dividend, Wescott-Williams said 
this government had decided that government-owned companies in general had to 
pay dividend, which is tied to profits, or a concession. 

"In the case of the airport we have had a discussion about the dividend. 
Naturally you can't have this discussion without taking into consideration the 
expansion plans, as well as the financial position of the company," she said. 

According to Wescott-Williams, government and the government-owned companies 
should also engage in a discussion on how these companies can contribute to 
marketing St. Maarten, in case they don't pay dividend or a concession. 


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