It has been rather interesting observing the running of the Nevis Air and Sea Ports Authority (NASPA) over the past sixteen months. That organization was given high praises by Premier Parry upon his election to office, something of which I was mightily proud, being a member of the board of directors with Mr. Colin Dore as chairman.
I hereby tip my hat to NASPA for making good on a project that was initiated by the former board of directors. It pleased my heart very much when passing through the gate to the parking lot at the Vance W. Amory International Airport on Wednesday and noticed that all was set for toll collection starting on Thursday, November 1, 2007.
Abuse has certainly taken place there over the years as dozens of travelers leave vehicles in the parking lot for lengthy periods. I myself have done so repeatedly but always saw and promoted the need for a system to be put in place for raising funds for NASPA.
It is, however, a bit different from what I expected and really emphasized upon while being an active member of the board. Upon entering the premises, paying a fee of $1.00 per hour or any part thereof seems rather unfriendly and unaccommodating.
True, the fee is not exhorbitant and I believe drivers will happily comply. One might now look at and explore alternatives if their stay off-island will be lengthy, as the fees would mount accordingly.
My main concern and complaint is that drivers passing through to drop off and/or pick up individuals should not be charged for doing so. I believe there should be ten or fifteen minutes grace period, after which the first dollar fee starts. I believe this particular aspect should be re-addressed, reconsidered and changed. Give the drivers the privilege of taking the individual in or picking the person up if the process takes less than fifteen minutes. That, I believe, is fair game.
Now the next topic on this parking agenda might very well be the waterfront in Charlestown. Will NASPA tackle that in a similar fashion? Or will the rental vehicles that often take up a considerable amount of parking space be reduced in order to allow maximum private vehicle parking?
I trust that owners of such vehicles will comply accordingly and by doing so encourage NASPA to let things continue to roll as they are at present.
