Idyllic West Indian island of Anegada as 5 star resort destination and global airline hub
Dickson Igwe - Saturday, March 3rd, 2012 at 5:08 AM
Dickson Igwe
Continuation of a series of articles on airport development and expansion in the Virgin Islands
It is requisite to note, before the start of this article, that a very influential voice in these Antilles, one of those men with his fingers on the social, economic, and political pulse , and who wishes to remain anonymous, has informed this Observer that he believes the pristine and idyllic island of Anegada is the most desirable place to locate a hub type jetliner facility. This is owing to cost considerations: apparently it will be a lot cheaper than building an extra terminal at Beef Island and extending the runway there thousands of feet into the seas.
There will be less disruption on Anegada and less environmental impact he believes, than would be the case with extending the runway at Terrance B Lettsome International Airport. Terrance B Lettsome would remain a facility for regional air traffic, and even Virgin Gorda could also be developed to cater for specialized small jet traffic, while Anegada would cater for global air traffic. Last of all is the fact that Anegada- according to the source- possesses a social and economic dynamic, and geography, that appears ripe for an airport project of the type being proposed by the Government. However, this proposition will depend upon the acquiescence of the people of Anegada and much discussion and study.
Ok, the issue of sustainable development has become a major debate issue in Virgin Islands opinion columns: in both the printed press, and the online forums. And this time, the ‘back and forth’ is in regard to the sizzling conversation on airport and runway development. However, before going on another rendition of this increasingly heated topic, it will be stated very clearly, early in the narrative, that all of the points of view on this matter, whether for or against, on enabling the largest jet aircraft takeoff, land, and sit overnight in the Jurisdiction, are from Virgin Islanders and residents that love these Islands.
Island dwellers who appreciate the unique and paradisiacal nature of these Virgin Antilles, and who understand that living on this extraordinarily beautiful and divine piece of geography must never be taken for granted, that it is a profound privilege. Inhabitants of paradise who are fully aware that sustainable development must become a national modus Vivendi: but a good number of these persons, probably a majority, who do not see the development of an air and seaport infrastructure that improves and enhances the ease of entry into the territory by the world traveler, add swift, convenient, and direct access to and from places such as New York, Miami, London, Berlin, and Paris, and even Rio de Janeiro, Tel Aviv, and Moscow, down the road, as anathema to a pristine geography, and contradictory to the idea of ecological sustainability.
On February 8, 2012, there was an interesting story in CaribDirect, a British based news media and global forum this Pilgrim has the privilege of contributing occasionally , titled, ‘’ Curacao wants to conquer Brazilian tourists. ‘’ The news piece spoke of the importance of Brazil as the fastest growing visitor group in the Dominican Republic, something Curacao is determined to imitate. Brazil is the most powerful economy in Latin America, even larger than the British economy, with a new breed of high spending tourist. However, bear in mind that both Santo Domingo and Curacao have the capability of direct connections with Rio de Janeiro, Brasilia, and other large Brazilian and Latin American cities. A dynamic the Virgin Islands does not possess at present.
Now, the narrative on environmental sustainability presently centers around the core theme of whether or not the opportunity cost of creating an airport infrastructure that plugs these Antilles directly into a global airline and travel choreography is worth the inevitable impact on the environment. However, there appears to be a growing belief that airport and seaport infrastructure improvement and development on a major scale is critical to the long term social and economic geography, and wellbeing of these Majestic Islands.
But to begin with, the Virgin Islands Premier, Honorable Dr. Orlando Smith, in an article that appeared on Virgin Islands News Online of February 23, 2012, ‘’ Tourism development plan to be reviewed,’’ asserted that seeking new approaches to improve the accessibility for visitors to Virgin Islands shores should be done in a sustainable way. That the government was very conscious of the need ‘’ to protect the golden goose,’’ that is the Virgin Islands environment. The Premier further described how ‘’ Tortola is only 21 square miles’’ and sister islands are tiny. That ‘’ to maintain the quality of our attractions we cannot afford to over burden any one site.’’ Indeed true Honorable Premier!
The country’s leader further made the observation that ‘’ a 2002 study indicated that 84% of tourists would prefer to stay at an accommodation that had received green accreditation, and 68% would pay more to stay there. ‘’ Eco friendly tourism, like sustainable and renewable energy, is the future of Virgin Islands commerce, undoubtedly. He included in his rendition these words: ‘’ it is our beautiful clear waters, our pristine beaches, our colourful reefs, and lush hills, that attract tourists to our islands, and it is the income we earn from tourism that makes our quality of life possible.’’ Certainly!
In another vein, another Virgin Islands leader, Honorable Deputy Premier, Dr. kedrick Pickering, speaking on the subject of sustainable development at a recent seminar, ‘’ greening the economy- sustainable development for the Virgin Islands,’’ exhorted that living in harmony with the environment ensured the provision of resources to this society, that sustain life, health and economic growth.
The Deputy Premier asserted that ‘’ a vibrant economy, healthy lifestyle, and envied quality of life,’’ depended upon ‘’our clean air, uniquely beautiful land and seascapes, and diverse and highly valuable coastal and marine resources.’’ The Deputy Leader described how ‘’ salt ponds serve as important drainage basins in times of floods, that mangroves protect shorelines from crashing waves during hurricanes, reefs sustain fisheries and marine life, and white sands make for pristine beaches.’’
Before this national focus on matters environmental, an anonymous blogger on January 21, 2012, on the BVI News online blog, responded to this Observer’s article on the subject of airport expansions on Beef Island, by determining that ‘’a cheaper and more environmentally friendly option, is to extend the Anegada runway northwards, and expand the terminal.’’
The blogger added further that ‘’ Anegada has more land to store fuel safely.’’ Mr. or Mrs. Anonymous believed that after such a project is completed, there could be frequent ‘’ air and sea shuttles to Tortola and Virgin Gorda.’’ This Pilgrim would add Jost Van Dyke. This insightful person also described how an Anegada airport hotel for layovers could be built, and offered by Government as an investment opportunity for private businessmen or women.
The ‘visionary’ asserted that building a major facility on Anegada ‘’ is a perfect opportunity to bring Anegada into the BVI economy, the extended runway could also bring large freight aircraft directly into the territory.’’ Anegada would then become ‘’ our air freight and long haul passenger hub.’’
A major airport construction project would immediately put life into the Virgin Islands construction industry, benefit barge and ferry owners, and put scores of contractors and construction workers in profitable employment. Land values on Anegada could increase dramatically, and the development should benefit Anegadians commercially, and may prompt international investors to pump money into various projects on that pristine island.
To be continued
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17 Comments
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Dr. Igwe has “lost his marbles” at the pristine sands of Anegada.
Anegada was entirely inundated in 1755 after the Lisbon tsunami.
That WILL happen again, sometime, geologically speaking.
Building national assets therefore is a huge risk.
This is a civil forum- and the likes of you should return to the sewer where you belong- how dare you speak of Mr. Igwe in the nmanner you have- I am sure you are not a Virgin Islander- Mr. Igwe always gives a decent commentary and offers great ideas encouraging contributions from one and all- please dive back into your swamp-
Interesting comments (mostly bandwagon type). But none of the sarcastic commentators have decided whether or not the BVI should have an international airport. If it should have such an airport, which location represents the lesser of all evils (Anegada or Beef Island)? And if it should not have such an airport, what are the alternatives? These are the types of questions forward-thinking people try to answer before making silly comments.
Igwe,
I say frig what people think and extend Beef Island run way. You can’t please everyone. I agree that Anegada is unspoilt and tranquil and we should leave it that way. Let’s make Tola the hub. Some with disagree with this also but this is a matter of economics, not what some people don’t want.
I think the jet airport is a great idea in Anegada, along with a hotel complex the size
of Paradise Island in the Bahamas(about the size of all of Anegada). While the constructions crews are there they can drain the salt ponds so we can build a few golf courses. We can catch all the flamingos and offer a unique bird stew. Sir Branson can offer direct flights from London on truly “Virgin” flights. And we might as well raze The Settlement and build a shopping center the size of Plaza Las Americas….remember” Build it an They Shall come”
YOu forgot to mention that a deep channel will need to be dug through the pristine reefs in order to allow for big enough vessels to be able to call on the island – an importand requirement for the delivery of amount of fuel that would need to be available at a reasonable price. The current hotel land is beg enough to turn into a hospital facility should hte unfortunate happen.
Mr Igwe please stop now with nonsense and dont act like the first 4 letters of your name.
Sounds like you are comparing the BVI to a veritable heaven, pure fantasy-
I don’t know when BVIslanders are going to figure out what it is that tourists come to the BVI for. Here’s a hint: It is not any of the things found in a number of other Caribbean destinations, except perhaps Grenadines, and possibly Anguilla, certainly not Jamaica, Trinidad or Barbados or other large, high-traffic destinations.
1. Exclusivity. That means a feeling that not too many other tourists are around or even know about the destination.
2. Prime sailing conditions. Not just a pleasant climate, but a group of islands each within sight of the others so that none is more than a few hours sail away. Plus a protected body of water (the channel) with steady winds, calm seas and secluded anchorages.
3. A beautiful unspoiled natural environment.
4. Beautiful unspoiled people.
THIS IS the product. Not duty-free shopping, golf courses, 5 star resorts, easy access through direct flights, phony tip-seeking service or contrived ‘festivals’ put on for the entertainment of visitors.
I am reminded of an old joke: Why is virginity like a balloon? One prick and it’s gone forever.
Let’s keep the Virgin Islands ‘virgin.’
Investment is about taking risks. Sensible risks that have a high probability of a positive return on investment relative to alternative uses for the resource. Building an international airport whether building new on Anegada or extending TBL must involve a cost-benefit analysis to determine (1) if building new or extending an existing airport is the best use for our scarce resources, or (2)if their are alternatives to meet or transportation needs.
More than likely the taxpayers will incur the burden of funding any airport investment. The private sector unless guarantees are provided may not be interested in taking the risk to invest in airport construction in the BVI. The payback period may be too long and the investment too risky relative to other investment opportunities.
Built it and they will come is a roll of the dice. Flying directly into TBL from Rio de Janeiro, London, Tokyo, New York, Miami, Beijing, Paris, Toronto, Mexico City…etc will make us more competive in the highly competive tourism industry. Tourism is one the two twin pillars of the economy; financial services the other. Of the two, though financial services may generate more government revenue, tourism provides more income opportunities for a larger % of the population.
But the BVI is a small tourist destination and at this juncture I’m not sure that the passenger volume will be large enough to atract and sustain long haul flights to justify using scarce resources to construct an airport. Nonetheless, I’m open on the issue.
Airline economics is driven by consistent passenger loading. Airlines incur fix costs for take off and landings. That’s is why it costs less to fly direct. Further, all airlines operate on a load factor (break even) cost basis. And every additional paying passenger that they can put onboard does two things(1) helps to lower the load factor cost,(2) enhances revenue. For example, you can be sitting next to another passenger on a flight that you paid twice as much for. You book early to ensure that you had a guaranteed seat; whereas the other passenger booked later and may have gotten a deeply discounted ticket. No airline start a route if the projection it will operate consistently below or close to its load factor. Airlines may sometime cancel a low load flight and combine it with another flight to cut expenses. What else is airline currently doing to cut expenses? They are cutting flights, services, and nickel and diming us with fees.
The bottomline is that it will be convenient to hop on a flight from overseas and wake up at the runway at TBL or at Dolf Faulkner International in Anegada. This hope is possible but our small size and airline economics are hurdles that may slow the possibility. Furthermore, the focus is on land use but let’s not lose sight of environmental and cultural impacts.
Well it is quite interesting to hear that the herd of “The Have” is on the run again trying to plot ways to take from “The Have Not” in the disguise of development. History hasn’t taught us anything? What I personally see in this idea is suppression once again. Those who feel it know it best.
“Global Airline Hub”…. Anegadians have heard all this and more over the years. How can the Government or any one fathom such idiotic plans at the cost of the long term deterioration of the very factors that make Anegada unique. This plan reminds me of the plan 25+ years ago to have a resort similar to Little Dix (referenced in the meeting) come in and bring jobs for the people. At that time most Anegadians were without a property deed. Anegada needs development I agree but the proposals often appear to be at the benefit of some foreign investor, as was the Bates plan. My Great Great Grand Father shed tears when Bates bulldozed his gardens and his lands taken away…the entire island was leased!
What the Government should do is allow more property ownership by Anegadians and offer assistance for Anegadians to develop the island. Stop use land deeds as bait for votes.
Back off and go find another place for your noisy airlines, we don’t need it. Give me a deed and let me develop, let my children’s children develop. Ensure environmental protection, save the mangroves, save the fish, conch and lobster. Keep your pollution!
Would you want to be lying on a pristine quite beach on anegada and heard jet fly over you? The charm of the island would be ruined. This is not an alternative to extending beef island airport.
Sorry, meant “hear a jet fly over you?”
I agree whole heartedly! and the fact that Anegada is a limestone island, over the years the vibrations caused from heavy jets would cause the supporting foundation of limestone beneath the island to sink half-inch by half-inch every 3 years! I want to know that when I come to visit Anegada on my vacations home, that I can enjoy the beauty of it that I remember ever since I was 5… the best part about the island is its quietness… people go there like pastors who have trouble writing a powerful message and need some time in solace to pray and think, and others who like writing books, plays, poetry, and others who just want to be in quiet relaxation… Anegada offers all of this. If this hub is to be built Anegada would no longer be the little island out there on its own…………
INgwe..
You must be kidding,,,
I think its a fine idea though anegada is a bit too far away. This could be easily solved by dredging up those parts of anefada not occupied by runways, fuel tanks and the layover hotel and laying the fill into the sea to create a causeway to virgin gorda. Then there would be no need for ferries…just get in the car and drive to anegada! Pullovers could be built along the causeway so tourists can whalewatch from the comfort of an airconditioned taxi! Of course sailboats and yachts would have to go around anegada ( now called airport island )to get to north sound but if they were lucky they might see the one 747 daily take off from flash of beauty runway 9. What a lovely sight! And the reefs, dredge them up too! Darn things are dangerous anyway. Put the pretty corals in an aquarium in terminal 3 outside the starbucks, next to the big bamboo t shirt kiosk.
Mr dickson, I think someone is pulling your leg with this one.
captom
Why are you putting ideas in peoples head? LOL
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