Large Numbers Turn Out for Public Meeting on VG Airport
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Premier and District 9 Representative, the Honourable Ralph T O’Neal addressing residents of Vigin Gorda at the public meeting held Wednesday, July 16 to inform them about the airport development project. Seated at the head table are Halcrow’s Project Manager, Mr. Chris Meyers (extreme right) and other representatives from Halcrow Group Limited and Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Office, Mrs. Rosalie Adams. Photo Credit: Aldrin Rabsatt/GIS
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Virgin Gorda; BVI (Thursday, June 17) – Residents on Virgin Gorda turned out in large numbers on Wednesday evening at the Ashford Waters Community Centre to learn more about the airport development project and the benefits to the island.
A delegation headed by Premier Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal travelled to the sister island to educate residents there on the project which will include the reclamation of land, expansion of the runway and upgrading of the terminal building.
The Premier, who is also the district representative, described the modernisation of the Virgin Gorda Airport as a “vital necessity both for residents and tourists.” He said the development of the facility is long overdue and assured the residents that the project will go ahead as planned.
Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Office, Mrs. Rosalie Adams, who chaired the meeting, told residents that the public education effort is just the start of the relationship that will be built over the life of the project. “We promise to continue supplying you with information and collaborate to ensure that this information is given in a systematic manner,” she said.
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Premier, the Honourable Ralph T O’Neal, Minister for Natural Resources and Labour, the Honourable Omar Hodge, Territorial Representative, Honourable Irene Penn-O”Neal and Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Office, Mrs. Rosalie Adams among those in the audience listening attentively as Halcrow officials outline the phases of the Virgin Gorda Airport Development Project. Photo Credit: Aldrin Rabsatt/GIS
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Government has contracted the UK based Halcrow Group Limited for the design and creation of a modern airport on Virgin Gorda. The intention is to allow it to accommodate 19-seater aircraft and to meet requisite certification. At present, the airport is not in compliance with several licensing standards.
Project Manager of the Halcrow Group, Mr. Chris Meyers, assured residents that the company will continuously use local knowledge and input during the project, saying his team is working closely with the Premier’s Office, Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour, the BVI Airports Authority and the Departments of Town and Country Planning and Conservation and Fisheries.
Mr. Myers explained that the project is still in the inception phase and asked for the cooperation of residents whose lands will have to be accessed. He said such access is necessary to understand the physical layout of the area and cautioned against the perception that all lands to which access is required, will in fact be affected by the project.
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Halcrow’s Project Manager for the Virgin Gorda Airport Development Project, Mr. Chris Meyers (centre) responds to a question from one of the residents attending the public meeting. Photo Credit: Aldrin Rabsatt/GIS
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In her presentation, Halcrow’s Chief Environmental Planner, Fiona Brown noted that an environmental impact assessment is required for the project of this magnitude. Land use, noise, air quality, surface water, landscape, marine environment and socio-economic impact are among the areas to be considered as part of that assessment.
There was overwhelming support for the airport project and residents attending the meeting asked about the amount of private land that will be affected, particularly the limitations that will be placed on building, potential disruptions to the operation of the airport during the project, the possibility of night landing and the provision of connections to gateways that provide easier access to Europe. The airport will remain open during the project.
The second phase of the project, which will entail design work and procurement, will begin in November and extend into 2009. The actual construction phase of the project is expected to last 12 months.
The Government delegation included Speaker of the House, Hon. Roy Harrigan; Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Hon. Omar W. Hodge, Territorial Representative Hon. Irene Penn-O’Neal; Fifth district representative Hon. Elvis Harrigan; Cabinet Secretary, Otto O’Neal, and officials from the Premier’s Office, Departments of Town and Country Planning and Conservation and Fisheries, the BVI National Parks Trust and the BVI Airports Authority. ~~Adz:Right~~
British Virgin Islands News