THE DAYS of being exposed to the elements while boarding or disembarking an aircraft at the Norman Manley International Airport in eastern Kingston are almost over.

Last Wednesday, on the 114th birthday of Norman Manley, a former premier and a founding father of Jamaica, Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller commissioned into service a two-level passenger pier jet bridge and a fire and rescue vehicle at the airport.

It was the third time in three days that Mrs. Simpson Miller, president of the governing People's National Party and Jamaica's most popular politician, was showcasing development works being done by her Government.

Last Monday, Mrs. Simpson Miller toured the Half-Way Tree Transportation Centre in St. Andrew and a day later, she handed over housing solutions to new homeowners in Portmore.

Long overdue

When she spoke at last Wednes-day's opening, Mrs. Simpson Miller said that the new developments on the airport are long overdue. "This is a long-awaited and most welcomed development," the Prime Minister said.

And riding on the popular campaign trail, Mrs. Simpson Miller continued to spin the "not changing no course" Generation 2000 (G2K) advertisement into something good for her administration.

"Anyone who has ever had to walk in the pouring rain, (or ladies, in a strong breeze) between an aircraft and the terminal building, will certainly appreciate these new passenger boarding bridges and so, Mayor (Desmond McKenzie), this is one area we cannot change the course," Mrs. Simpson Miller said.

With the boarding bridge, passengers connect directly with the aircraft and the arrival or departure area without interfacing with the elements.

"It will certainly make the airport experience easier and more comfortable for everyone - our mothers with young children, the elderly and persons with disabilities," Mrs. Simpson Miller added.

Built in 1941, the Norman Manley International Airport is currently under a 20-year capital development programme which is valued at US$139 million.