A new era was launched on Tuesday, 3rd November, 2015, when top government officials in St. Kitts and Nevis, led by the country’s Governor General, joined the developers of the Christophe Harbour community, for a historic ground breaking ceremony, to herald the official  start of construction of the Customs House.

The facility signalizes the first phase of the marina village and will accommodate the customs and immigration services at the Marina at Christophe Harbour, situated on the Southeast Peninsula of this gem of a Caribbean island, St. Kitts. A crew lounge, fitness centre, services for yachting guests, real estate sales along with marina services have been incorporated into the design.

The marina, which opened in early 2015, is already affording secure alongside mooring, 24/7 dockage access, a deep water harbour with wide turning basin, in-slip fueling, and adequate power supply for superyachts up to 300’.

Chief Executive Officer of Christophe Harbour, Buddy Darby reminded the gathering of invited dignitaries, who also included the nation’s Minister of Tourism, Lindsay Grant that “It was nearly one year ago when we gathered here to bring the first boat into the harbour, and at that moment we began a great journey together.”

When he addressed the ceremony, the Tourism Minister admitted, “Today is a special day for the yachting sector, …exciting times await us as we pursue this potentially lucrative gold mine!” 

“We therefore encourage our people and the private sector to capitalize on the many new opportunities that abound.  Come up with creative and workable ideas that will help to further stimulate the local business sector,” continued Minister Grant.

Darby revealed that since it launched marina operations, the Federation has “…seen a 60% increase in yachting traffic, significant press coverage as news of our destination spreads, and today, the beginning of a new era.”

The Customs House forms a central part of the effort to bring the vision of The Marina at Christophe Harbour alive, with the highest levels of customs and immigration services to owners, captains and the crews that are expected to be homeporting at or visiting Christophe Harbour.

The development’s visionary, Darby, explained that they were gathered to celebrate the commencement of not just a building, but a cornerstone of the yachting story for St. Kitts and Nevis.”

The iconic building is set for completion in late 2016, and the design draws inspiration from historic ports the world over, but particularly from Basseterre’s beautiful Treasury Building. Once complete, the Customs House will define Christophe Harbour and St. Kitts & Nevis to the West Indies, and possibly to the world, stated Darby.

The Customs House will be one of the many iconic buildings that will complete the marina village that is evolving at the development site.

Phoenix Construction, along with a number of other local sub-contractors-like Kelly Construction Ternion Construction, Razo Construction, DR Turf Nursery, Rock & Dirt, B&B Backhoe, and many others- have been given the task to bring the vision to life. Darby also had kind words for his management and staff, as well as bankers, the St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank, whose CEO, Dawne Williams was also present.

To date, more than $100 million have been spent in the marina alone, and Darby assured that they remain steadfastly committed to a successful future for “this great Federation.”

The economic spinoff of such an investment will create direct and indirect job opportunities for many years, and the impact is far reaching for the economy of the twin-island nation of St. Kitts and Nevis.

In addition to Governor General, Tapley Seaton QC, also present were the Minister of Public Infrastructure, Posts, Urban Development and Transport, Ian Liburd, Acting Comptroller of Customs, Kennedy DeSilva-who also gave brief remarks. Top private sector leaders, such as the president of the Chamber of Commerce, yacht agents and other stakeholders were on hand to support Christophe Harbour.