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Works Minister Cites Growing Pains For Airport Disruptions

by pltm
Jul 28, 2023
7

(PLTM) - With the introduction of non-stop flights between the BVI and Miami, the Terrance B. Lettsome is facing growing pains, according to Hon. Kye Rymer, Minister for Communications and Works who tendered another apology for the disruptions to flights.

“We are transitioning into an international gateway for our flourishing tourism product, and this has been met with some growing pains. The increased flow of visitors has put a strain on various departments, including the Firefighting Brigade, Security, and Air Traffic Controllers (ATC’s),” Hon. Rymer told reporters on Wednesday July 26.

He added, “There is a reason why growing pains are called just that. But what is important to recognise that it is the challenging phases of growth. The BVI, our tourism industry, our economy, our airport industry, and every person and business who benefits directly or indirectly, stands to benefit from this growth.”

Hon. Rymer said initially, they had to hire additional Firemen and Security Officers to be Category 6 compliant for the new American Airlines daily non-stop flight requirements.

According to the Minister, this new transition required the workers to work additional hours beyond their normal schedule and time, and necessary compensation to be given to them.

“These departments and workers play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of airport operations, and the situation requires immediate attention and support so that they can cope with this growth effectively,” Hon. Rymer stated.

He stated that the Ministry is dedicated to working closely with the airport management and staff to find practical solutions to address both operational issues and the remuneration of our valuable employees.

To move forward constructively, the Minister explained that they are facilitating a collaborative dialogue between all parties involved, including airport management and representatives of the staff.

“The goal is to mutually agree on steps that will enhance the airport's capacity to handle increasing demands while addressing the concerns of the workforce. While doing all of this, the appreciation and compensation of workers cannot be undervalued or faltered upon,” Hon. Rymer stated.

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Reader Opinion

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Soooooo

ARE WE COPYING , OR WAH ?

THERE IS ONE ALREADY ON TV , AND NOW WE GETTING OUR OWN LIVE VERSION OF ( GROWING PAINS ) YOU GUYS ARE BEGINING TO LOOK CREATIVE ? / SO WHEN ARE WE GETTING OUR OWN LIVE VERSION OF THE EPISODE OF ( WHATZ NEX ) OR DATZ INCREDIBLE ? ? ?

Growing incompetence

Didn\'t you know that these are some of the areas that accompany international daily flights and should have been in place . What kind of flights incompetent people and board running the airport? We say we running a world class country . Shame on your competence

Mervyn

Growing pains. Now that is hilarious. It’s about staffing positions that must be filled with people who will work them. It’s a longstanding problem here that eventually is addressed with expats and work permits.

Vision

X Premier Foy had the solution put all Ports under one board under one management, one umbrella. A security working Airport can be sent to port to work purcell if needed, same a security working Port Purcell can be sent to work Airport if needed. To me its much more economical, productive and effective..

Leadership Mis-N.

Foy had the solution for all our Port Problems. Have all Ports under one head with one board. Truth be told all of them have leader ship challenges and problems..Until Foy vision comes to reality, or a Britain take over to fix them, the issues will continue.

Inka

How do you know that is the solution to the problem. I think a merger will create more problems. The BVI has a unique model, but it needs to be properly managed and that starts from the top. Managers need to understand that it is important to keep employees motivated. Prices are increasing daily at business places, including Government-owned businesses, such as the BVI Electricity corporation, where one no longer has a grace period to pay a bill; Government refuses to pay increments but expects the same service; yet having free/not free non-stop concert. People must become disgruntled and some will act in a negative fashion. God help our leaders.

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