Opposition Leader Marlon Penn has warned that allowing the Ministry of Communications and Works to execute the smaller Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport project is “another disaster waiting to happen”.
Penn argued that major public projects should be executed by the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA), which he said has the necessary expertise and systems.
He pointed to the ministry’s handling of the unfinished Hodge’s Creek road project, which he said increased from an initial cost of approximately $2 million to more than $3 million.
Penn recalled that Minister for Communications and Works Hon. Kye Rymer had promised that executing the project through the ministry would deliver better value for money.
He also criticised the decision to remove the West End Ferry Terminal project from the RDA and place it under the ministry.
“I shudder to think the same thing would happen. The airport, they’re trying to execute the airport through the ministry, another disaster waiting to happen,” Penn stated recently.
The Opposition Leader accused the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Government of prioritising personal credit over results.
“This Government’s focus is about, ‘I did this. I did that. Legacy, I did this’, instead of saying, ‘We did this for the country’,” he said.
“You have an institution that has the ability and the tools to execute for the country and the people, but you want to put a personal stamp on this and say, ‘I did this’. You should not be concerned about getting credit. Your concern should be getting results for your people,” Penn added.
A Request for Proposals (RFP) has already been issued for the smaller airport project, which would extend the western end of the runway by approximately 787 feet. The BVI Airports Authority intends to approach the Social Security Board (SSB) to finance the project. Reports have placed the proposed loan at $60 million, but Premier Hon. Dr Natalio Wheatley said any decision rests with the SSB.
The smaller runway extension is expected to proceed while the Government continues discussions with the UK over its proposed 7,000-foot runway expansion, a project estimated to cost more than $400 million. The larger development requires UK approval under the Protocols for Effective Financial Management because of the borrowing involved.
Penn argued that major public projects should be executed by the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA), which he said has the necessary expertise and systems.
He pointed to the ministry’s handling of the unfinished Hodge’s Creek road project, which he said increased from an initial cost of approximately $2 million to more than $3 million.
Penn recalled that Minister for Communications and Works Hon. Kye Rymer had promised that executing the project through the ministry would deliver better value for money.
He also criticised the decision to remove the West End Ferry Terminal project from the RDA and place it under the ministry.
“I shudder to think the same thing would happen. The airport, they’re trying to execute the airport through the ministry, another disaster waiting to happen,” Penn stated recently.
The Opposition Leader accused the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Government of prioritising personal credit over results.
“This Government’s focus is about, ‘I did this. I did that. Legacy, I did this’, instead of saying, ‘We did this for the country’,” he said.
“You have an institution that has the ability and the tools to execute for the country and the people, but you want to put a personal stamp on this and say, ‘I did this’. You should not be concerned about getting credit. Your concern should be getting results for your people,” Penn added.
A Request for Proposals (RFP) has already been issued for the smaller airport project, which would extend the western end of the runway by approximately 787 feet. The BVI Airports Authority intends to approach the Social Security Board (SSB) to finance the project. Reports have placed the proposed loan at $60 million, but Premier Hon. Dr Natalio Wheatley said any decision rests with the SSB.
The smaller runway extension is expected to proceed while the Government continues discussions with the UK over its proposed 7,000-foot runway expansion, a project estimated to cost more than $400 million. The larger development requires UK approval under the Protocols for Effective Financial Management because of the borrowing involved.
© 2026 BVI Platinum News. This article is original BVI Platinum content. Reproduction or republication without written permission is prohibited.
Community
Comments
What are your thoughts on this story? Share a respectful comment with the community.
Join the conversation
Your comment will appear after review. Email is only needed if you want reply or conversation notifications.