|
Jamaica Getting New Aviation School |
|
|
|
|
An Aviation Training Centre will be established in the parish of Clarendon, in central Jamaica, to support the development of the Vernamfield Aerodrome.
“The Centre will focus on pilot training, mechanical engineering and will support efforts to develop the Vernamfield airstrip,” Mayor Councillor Milton Brown stated, “And, it will complement other commercial initiatives to industrialise the parish by 2030.
Jamaica already has one private aviation training centre at the Caribbean Aviation Training Centre which uses the Tinson Pen Aerodrome in the parish of St. Andrew and Jamaica Defence Force operates the Military Aviation School through facilities adjacent to the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston.
The government had previously announced plans to have the former World War II United States Army Air Forces airfield developed as a trans-shipment hub for large cargo and passenger aircraft. Vernamfield has four airstrips, including the longest one in the island.
Work on the new aviation centre should commence before the end of the year, the mayor explained, adding that developmental work on the aerodrome should also begin by the year end.
“The aim is that by 2030 Clarendon will become the business hub of the Americas,” Mayor Brown said, stating that, “We are at the centre of the Americas, and we have the resources to become the business capital of the region.”
He also pointed out that the parish was working to develop its tourism product, which will offer a package distinct from the North Coast, focusing on a more terrestrial form of tourism.
“May Pen is open for business and the people of Clarendon are ready to increase their contribution to the economy,” the Mayor declared, indicating that there were other initiatives in the pipeline, such as the planned alumina production expansion and improved production at the Moneymusk Sugar Factory.
|
