CHARLESTOWN, Nevis - NEVIS’ Premier Mark Brantley is not mincing words in his fight with the Federal Government over the status of the Vance Amory International Airport, after the latter is allegedly refusing to send a fire tender to the island and threatening to have it closed.
The airport has been under a dark cloud for several years as the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) had made moves to have it upgraded. But those efforts have hit a snag in recent times, despite flights still landing at the facility.
Now, Brantley is suggesting that a “nefarious move is afoot to try and close the Vance Amory Airport”.
This comes as the NIA and the Federal Government relationship has hit rocky roads following the termination of six government ministers from the Federal Cabinet of which three were from Nevis.
Additionally, the Premier has been suggesting that the island has not received its fair share of the Citizenship By Investment proceeds.
“This came to our attention, and it came to our attention by a side wind. But it came to our attention and the reason it is being advanced, absolutely foolish, is that we do not have a fire tender, fire truck at the Vance Amory Airport, big enough to handle certain types of aircraft,” Brantley disclosed.
Suggesting that the decision is foolish, the Premier noted that there is a fire truck currently at the facility, reminding that fire comes under the apparatus of the Ministry of National Security, which means that the NIA has no authority in that area.
Brantley made those comments while addressing reporters at his monthly press conference on Thursday (Jul. 28), explaining that based on advice the fire truck for Nevis Airport is on St. Kitts awaiting the construction of a garage to house it.
“So, I don’t understand that you would threaten to shutdown the Nevis Airport because of a fire tender that is necessary to be there,” added Brantley.
No word has been forthcoming from the Ministry of National Security on the claims by the Premier.
