The Government is moving to develop the Vernamfield aerodrome in Clarendon into a major air cargo transshipment, warehousing and aircraft maintenance point.

Information Minister Donald Buchanan on Monday announced that Cabinet had given approval for a pre-feasibility study to be done for the development of the aerodrome.

Mr. Buchanan, who made the announcement during the regular weekly post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, said a locally-based company, Surrey Paving and Aggregate (SPA), would be undertaking the pre-feasibility study for the long-term development.

Preliminary studies

He said two preliminary studies done in 2000 and 2001 proposed to use the site to provide air cargo services within Jamaica mainly and the rest of the Caribbean region.

"It is proposed that the scope be expanded beyond what had been originally contemplated," said Minister Buchanan. "The expanded scope of the project would, inter alia, investigate potential uses such as: air cargo transshipment, warehousing, aircraft maintenance, a central hub for connecting seaport cargo for onward air distribution."

He said there are also plans to establish a free-zone shopping area targeting Jamaican, Caribbean and Latin American retailers, distributors and procurers.

No cost to government

The Information Minister said the investment being made by SPA was by way of a venture capital and would be of no cost or liability to the Government.

"In this circumstance, therefore, the proposed arrangement would not fall under the Government's Procurement guidelines," he said.

Mr. Buchanan said SPA was a company with experience in airside infrastructure and more than 40 years in road construction.

He said the company would be associated with Simat Hellieson and Eichner, which also has 40 years international experience in providing transportation, tourism and commercial aviation consultancy.

The Vernamfield aerodrome has not been used since the U.S. Air Force lease expired in 1999.