Curaҫao Ports Authority unveils St. Anna Bay and Waaigat design concepts

Published on December 15, 2014

While CPA managed the ports in a safe and efficient way the last 10 to 15 years, the focus over the next 5 years will be on development.

Willemstad, Curaҫao – Today Curaҫao Ports Authority unveiled its plans for the re-development of Port Willemstad’s St. Anna Bay and Waaigat. Humberto de Castro, CEO of CPA, opened the event at Sonesta Kura Hulanda Otrabanda’s Tula Room with a short description of the coming plans, followed by Scott Lagueux, partner at Land Design Inc., who then proceeded with an in-depth look at the current plans for St. Anna Bay and Waaigat. Curaҫao’s Minister of Economic Development, Stanley M. Palm, who gives full support to these projects as they will benefit the island’s economy, providing jobs and impact tourism in a positive way, was also present for the unveiling.

While CPA managed the ports in a safe and efficient way the last 10 to 15 years, the focus over the next 5 years will be on development. The Master Plan for the Rif Seaport project was completed in June of this year and is proceeding according to plan. As such, Raul Manotas, CCO of CPA, announced a community campaign that CPA initiated related to the Rif Seaport project, after Lagueux’s presentation. CPA is inviting the community to participate in the development of the new mega pier through a name selecting contest that started today and will close on Feb. 13, 2015.

CPA’s vision for the St. Anna Bay and Waaigat projects are to build on the island’s rich heritage while providing opportunities for economic growth through innovative usage of our waterfront benefiting both our local community and visitors. The St. Anna Bay waterfront is unique in the Caribbean. The waterfront and its cargo and passenger trades serve as backdrop for an ensemble of buildings and public spaces protected by UNESCO World Heritage designation. It is home to residences rich in cultural traditions; businesses supported by downtown activities and visitation by long stay guests and cruise visitors, and is the nation’s seat of government and civic institutions. Over the past several decades, cargo industry trades have changed, reducing the inherent value of the berths and sheds along St. Anna Bay and of the water’s edge at Waaigat.

The mission of this effort is to prepare a long range vision for the administered lands found along St. Anna Bay and Waaigat. These properties hold the key to expanding waterfront connectivity, stimulating community revitalization, showcasing our unique culture and fostering increased economic vitality. The results of this effort are displayed throughout the gallery presentation at the Sonesta Kura Hulanda’s Tula Room.

The gallery will be open to the public on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2014, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The plans, while in an advanced stage, remain a work in progress. CPA invites the community to visit the exhibition and to share its feedback about the plans for the future of our waterfront.