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by pltm
(PLTM) - The National Democratic Party (NDP) government's controversial $153.5M TB Lettsome International Airport expansion project is back on the administration's radar.
Premier and Finance Minister, Hon. Dr. D. Orlando Smith spoke about how not having a longer runway posed difficulties immediately after hurricane Irma ripped through the BVI in September.
The Premier in his address to the United Nations High Level Pledging Conference in New York yesterday, November 21, said that one of the lessons learned from the hurricane is that emergency access in and out of the islands is critical, in the event of a hurricane or other emergency.
“Precious time was lost after Irma in getting flights in and out of the BVI through regional hubs, because the runway at our airport is not long enough to accommodate longhaul jets,” he said.
He add d, “We intend to extend the runway to ensure this never happens again and that direct emergency access from and to the US, Europe and Latin America are guaranteed for evacuation and relief purposes.”
Premier Smith said that they will also upgrade the seaports to reinforce accessibility.
“These measures will give residents and visitors a greater sense of security in the future and instill confidence in hoteliers to rebuild,” he said.
CARICOM and the United Nations organized the donor’s conference in support of both Caribbean states and territories impacted by the hurricanes.
Former U.S President, Bill Clinton also spoke at the conference.
A few months ago, government had reportedly shelved the airport project following ongoing criticisms. Government had already expended some $6M in preparatory works.
Interestingly, some members of the NDP, including backbenchers, were against the project moving forward now. So much so, that some had publicly spoken out against it in the House of Assembly.
In December 2016, government had selected a preferred bidder, China Communications Construction Company (CCCC).
