Barbados is about to embark on construction of a multimillion dollar cruise facility which sets the island apart from all others in the Caribbean.

News of the proposed Sugar Point facility was delivered by Hon. George Hutson, Minister of International Business and International transport last Friday in a press briefing at the Hilton Hotel.

The project, which is being led by the Barbados Port Inc., involves a joint venture with SMI Infrastructure Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (RCCL) and Global Destinations. The Sugar Point Development Team is supported by a number of sub-contractors with world-class experience in the marketing, design and construction of similar waterfront facilities. Key team members include: Weeks Marine, Baird, BREA and LandDesign.

Sugar Point is to be developed in two phases. Phase one, which will be launched with preparatory work in November, is projected to cost $300 million and will span two years. According to Minister Hutson, that phase of the project will involve the reclamation of 15 acres of land on which 100,000 square feet of commercial activity is to be built and the expansion and development of the waterfront along Princess Alice Highway. Phase two is expected to start in another five years and will involve the construction of a third cruise pier and the rollout of the shopping outlets.

Minister Hustson noted “when completed, Barbadians, cruise passengers and land-based visitors will have significant opportunities to visit the enhanced Bridgetown waterfront; experience the local craft and cuisine; listen to live local and international performers; observe local artisans prepare their creations for sale; and experience activities that tell the story of Barbados and our rum heritage.”
It will also “provide a catalyst for the regeneration of economic activities in Bridgetown,” he said.

John Tercek, Vice President Commercial Development of RCCL, revealing details of the Sugar Point project, explained that it is intended to provide modern marine infrastructure for cruise ship operators and a historical, Barbadian experience for cruise passengers. He noted that the marine facilities are designed to allow for future expansion to handle up to seven ships independent of the existing Port operations. The onshore facilities meanwhile, will be designed to highlight the wonderful and unique features of Barbados and form a bridge for tourists to experience the existing attractions throughout the country.
Success will be achieved when Barbados is considered to be the destination of choice in the Caribbean. The facility is purpose-built to invite and encourage both cruise and land-based tourists as well as local residents to enjoy the many shops, restaurants and attractions proposed for the site.

Aerial View of the Proposed Sugar Point Facility

During the press briefing, Divisional Manager Corporate Development and Strategy, Kenneth Atherley, in a multimedia presentation outlined key features that will dstinguish Sugar Point from other Ports:

SUGAR POINT IS A PUBLIC MEETING PLACE - Parks, plazas and a continuous waterfront promenade link an array of restaurant, entertainment, cultural, shopping, residential, and hospitality zones designed to appeal to local residents as well as cruise and land based resort guests.

UNIQUE CARIBBEAN CRUISE PORT-OF-CALL AND HOMEPORT - capable of welcoming daily operations by six to seven large cruises vessels. Supporting upland facilities welcome cruise guests, delivering them to Barbados and island attractions while also delivering a bit of authentic Barbados to visitors.

AN EMPLOYMENT AND CIVIC ANCHOR WITH DIRECT BENEFIT TO LOCAL BARBADIANS AND SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS - Investment in Sugar Point shops, kiosks or restaurants, participation in community educational opportunities at the Bajan Cultural Center, Coastal Encounter, and Barbados Rum and Sugar Museum, or through broader benefits associated with commerce and Bridgetown revitalization.

DESIGN APPROACH THAT FREES THE PORT OF BARBADOS TO EXPAND TRADE AND COMMERCE - Sugar Point allows the Port to most effectively put into use its existing facilities for cargo and related trades while providing a new cruise venue capable of expanding over time to meet.

UNIFYING URBAN ELEMENT - linking the Port, Kensington Oval Stadium, Downtown Bridgetown neighborhoods and commercial districts, the public food and fish markets, and a series of underutilized parcels and planned projects for the area. The combined result presents a continuous and revitalized Bridgetown.

A significant feature of the new project is the separation of cargo operations from the cruise facilities which is expected to enhance the turnaround of cargo vessels, encouraging shipping companies to better manage their labour requirements. The Grantley Adams International Airport will also benefit from some infrastructure work, which will be developed to support the port project.