Wednesday, Stéphanie Balmir Villedrouin, the Minister of Tourism and Creative Industries (MTIC) accompanied by the Coordinator of the Special Plan of Turtle Island, Klaus Eberwein, at the head of a delegation composed among others, of the Senator of North West Mélius Hyppolite, of Deputy of Turtle, Alcilus Gros-Negre and epresentatives of "Carnival Corporation," David Candib and Ted Martelly, concluded a 48-hour visit to the island.

The objective of this mission was to establish a first contact with the population of the area and to inform it on the important development project of Cruise Port, of the "Carnival Corporation" signed last August.

This project estimated at $70 million will be the "biggest investment of the cruise industry ever made in Haiti, offering a new and exciting destination for the routes of ships traveling in the Caribbean," according to statements by David Candib, Vice President development and global port operations for "Carnival Corporation" at the signing of the agreement. This will be the second largest cruise port project in Haiti, after that of Royal Caribbean in Labadie. Representatives of Carnival have outlined the project, which supports including the construction of a cruise port and a resort (artisans booths, restaurants, entertainment area, etc.), which should generate nearly 1,000 direct and indirect jobs.

During his meetings with local authorities and members of the public, the Minister emphasized the benefits of this investment for the people of the island, both in terms of infrastructure and in terms of the revaluation of agriculture and fishing "This project will also support the promotion of Handicrafts, youth training for careers in the tourism and the creation of direct and indirect jobs in the region." The tortugais were very receptive and gave positive comments regarding their involvement in the whole process of development of this major project.

Moreover, during his stay the Minister met with representatives of the artisanal sector of the zone and announced a working session between the artisans and Mrs. Emilie Jessy Menos, Secretary of State for Tourism, in order to better structure the industry in the region. She also visited the historic vestiges of the Turtle Island like the Forts Labasterre and Orgeron, sites with high potential that can be valued for tourist trips on the island.

HL/ HaitiLibre