Minister of Works & Housing in Antigua & Barbuda, Hon. Eustace Lake paid a courtesy call on Minister without portfolio with responsibility for Housing, Hon. Dr. Morais Guy on August 26 at his Dominica Drive Office in New Kingston.

The visit which occurred under the auspicies of China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), was used as a fact finding mission by the Antiguan delegation in terms of the work of CHEC in Jamaica was concerned; particularly as it pertained to infrastructural works. To that extent, the team met with officials from the Ministry of Transport, Works & Housing including Chief Technical Director (CTD) (Housing), Mrs. Doreen Prendergast, CTD (Transport & Works), Dr. Janine Dawkins as well as officials from CHEC which included Ms Jennifer Armond, Regional Communications Manager, and Mr. Marc Wright, Quantity Surveyor.

In addressing the gathering, Minister Guy chronicled the association between the Ministry and CHEC as it related to various projects. In this respect he spoke to the beginning of the association which started under the Jamaica Development Infrastructure Programme (JDIP) to the Major Infrastructure Development Programme (MIDP). Reference was also made to the recent completion of the Linstead to Moneague leg of the North South Link which was started by Bouygues and completed by CHEC.

CHEC’s involvement with the Logistics Hub was also highlighted with the potential for the employment of a large number of Jamaicans given as a big appeal of the Project.

The Minister also spoke to the corporate social responsibility of the Corporation with the link with the National Premier League Football competition and the assistance provided to the health sector being cited.

For his part, the Antiguan Minister of Works, Hon. Eustace Lake said he was comfortable with CHEC and was pleased for the Jamaican endorsement. He said he would take back ‘good words’ of the Jamaican trip, particularly as it pertains to the work done in the infrastructural arena. He noted that it was a pleasure being in Jamaica and that based on the endorsements, he looked forward to doing work with CHEC. He added that the Antiguan Prime Minister was in China seeking to unearth possibilities.

Other members of the Antiguan delegation included Mr. Walter Christopher, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works & Housing and Mr. Lucine Hanley, Director in the Ministry of Works & Housing.