At the official opening of the runway extension and control tower facility last week, both Liat and Caribbean Star extended congratulatory messages to the Government of the BVI. Mr. Daniel Oliver, Director Marketing and Sales in Antigua represented Liat, while Mr. Edward Gilkes, General Manager, Commercial was Caribbean Star’s representative. After the official opening at the airport, American Eagle presented a miniature ATR 72 aircraft to the Government of the BVI. In photo from left: Mr. José Vélez-Rubio, Managing Director American Eagle for San Juan and the Caribbean presents the model plane to Chief Minister Smith. Others in photo from left to right are: Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Finance, Health and Welfare the Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton, Ms. Evette Negron of American Eagle, Minister for Communications and Works the Honourable Paul Wattley and Government Chief Whip Dr. Kedrick Pickering.  [photo GIS/Rick Evans]

 T.B. Lettsome Airport gets Runway Extension, New Tower

By Giorgio Migliavacca

Thursday 20 May was another great milestone in the BVI’s continuing commitment to economic growth as local authorities attended the official opening of the runway extension, airport tower and operations block at the T. B. Lettsome International Airport at Beef Island. In attendance were Chief Minister Dr. the Hon. D. Orlando Smith, His Excellency Governor Thomas Macan, Opposition Leader Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal, Minister of Government, Legislators and invited Guests.

“As we are all well aware, Tourism is and will continue to be one of the primary pillars in our economy well into the 21^st century. To ensure this pillar remains strong, my Government is focused on upgrading and enhancing our Territory’s tourism product. That includes encouraging new developments such as a five-star resort, new hotel projects, and a world-class golf course. Meeting these commitments must begin with an airport that meets international standards,” the Chief Minister said.

“And let us not forget our financial services, the other mainstay of our economy. Executive jets will now be able to easily land here and not be diverted to other airports, making it easier for persons in that area of business to get in and out easily and in much greater comfort,” he added.

The BVI Chief Minister said that the money invested in extending the main airport’s runway is an investment in the future of the BVI.

The overall expansion of the airport is the largest project ever undertaken in the history of the Territory and the facility is in the Chief Minister’s words “an indication of what the BVI can accomplish as a Territory of people who aspire to be on the cutting edge.”

Minister for Communications & Works, Hon. Paul P. Wattley said that the runway extension, with a total operation field length of 4600 feet  will enhance safety of aircraft operations in the BVI as well as provide facilities that allow the economic use of aircraft equipment on the route. He pointed out that the runway extension meets the operational and safety requirements of aircrafts projected to serve the TB Lettsome International Airport to the year 2015.

Hon. Wattley further explained that the new 85-feet tall control tower and operations block will provide the infrastructure for greater safety and oversight of the air transportation services. “The old tower severely restricted the operational code and categorization of the facility, as its proximity to the runway penetrated the imaginary diagonal runway safety boundary.”

The Communications & Works Minister outlined the history of the entire airport expansion project and supplied technical details. Next to the control tower and connected by a secure-link corridor is the Operation Block. This houses aviation administration offices, training rooms, pilot’s briefing room and radio repair workshops.

Both the Chief Minister and Hon. Wattley emphasised that the runway extension will make it possible for executive jets to land at Beef Island, thereby providing direct access to the BVI to business executives, affluent visitors, and the top brass of the financial services industry.

“By offering a superior product – from world-class customer service, to attractive activities and a pristine environment – we can create an international reputation that can then feed on itself and create a virtuous cycle of growth. First time visitors will become repeat visitors. Repeat visitors will record their experiences on the internet where it will be accessed by new visitors. And with each new guest and each good experience we create, we send out another marketer, trumpeting the virtues of visiting, and doing business in, our beautiful BVI,” the Chief Minister said.