ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, March 28th, 2012 – “It is not just about bringing in bigger aircrafts, it’s about accessibility,” said Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Dr. the Honourable Kedrick Pickering addressing a large gathering that turned up at the East End/Long Look Community Centre last evening to learn more about the Airport Expansion Project.
“We have to have access to the wider world without relying on others, if the Virgin Islands is to move forward and ahead. This is not an issue of when but one of how,” Minister Pickering stressed.
He also told the gathering that the expansion would assist the Territory in achieving sovereignty. “We are building a nation and must have certain characteristics that must determine its sovereignty,” he said.
In keeping with Government’s vision to improve the standard of living for all in the Virgin Islands, the Minister and his team of representatives from the BVI Airports Authority (BVIAA) told residents that Louis Berger, a US company that carried out the feasibility study, submitted several options which have been narrowed down to options four and six. The advantages and disadvantages of these options were discussed at length at last night’s meeting.
While it is understood that such a development is likely to have some impact on the immediate area and the Territory, on a whole, the Minister tried to qualm fears about adverse effects to the environment reiterating Government’s stance, “This Government will do no development that will adversely affect the environment.”
Reference was also made, throughout the evening, to a recent announcement by American Airline to suspend its operations in Puerto Rico next year as it tries to shave $75 million per year from labour costs. “These are things we have to consider,” the Minister emphasised.
Whilst there appeared to be mixed views on the development, one concerned citizen added, “How will we survive? The BVI is in the business of Tourism, we have to give up something to get something. Our country has to be a part of what is happening. We have to have this project. People are frustrated about going through St. Thomas, we are falling behind.”
Another citizen said she was surprised that the overall impact and costs to the Territory was not addressed in the presentation such as the Territory’s readiness to cope with a possible disaster situation and the influx of people to the Territory. Honourable Pickering said those matter will be addressed with the upcoming assessments.
The gathering was also informed by the BVIAA’s Managing Director, Mr. Denniston Fraser that option four would cost Government $70M, and option six $38M. The project will be done in several phases.
The Minister added that the airport development will more than likely be funded by revenue generated by the airport. However, he added that there are financiers who support the project and maybe possible sources for funding. The project is envisaged to take between 18 to 24 months to be completed.
These meetings are designed to explain the plans and intent that the ministry has for the development of the Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport. Additionally, conceptual ideas will be given for public feedback on the two leading options for runway expansion done through an impact assessment.
Persons requiring further information are encouraged to telephone the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour at 468-3701 ext. 2147.
The next and final meeting on the Airport Expansion Project will be held this Thursday, March 29 at the Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall in Road Town.
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