Former Tourism Director questions proposed 7,000 ft airport length
Former BVI Tourist Board Director Sharon Flax-Brutus has raised concerns regarding the proposed 7,000-foot extension of the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport runway, suggesting that such an expansion may be unnecessary and could adversely affect the environment and local ferry operations.
Speaking at a recent public forum in Virgin Gorda, Flax-Brutus questioned the necessity of accommodating aircraft carrying more than 250 passengers. She noted that other Caribbean destinations, such as St. Bart’s and Nevis, have thriving tourism industries without direct flights from the United States.
“Tourism can be grown in the BVI without extensive runway renovation that may impact the environment,” she stated. Flax-Brutus also expressed concerns about the potential impact on ferry services operating from Trellis Bay to Virgin Gorda and other sister islands. She highlighted the importance of these services for visitors whose final destinations are the sister islands and questioned how the expansion would affect ferry operations.
“The ferry operation is very important,” she emphasised in seeking clarity on plans to ensure continued access for guests to Virgin Gorda.
Environmental Impact Assessment will address concerns
In response, Clive Smith, Director of Special Projects at the BVI Airports Authority (BVIAA) acknowledged the significance of ferry operations and assured that a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) would address these concerns.
Smith explained that land had been acquired east of the current ramp to facilitate necessary adjustments and that the EIA would explore how ferry services would function post-expansion.
“We anticipate that ferries would be able to go back and forth,” Smith added. Flax-Brutus advocated for a balanced approach, supporting some level of expansion but cautioning against extensive developments that could harm the environment. She also called for improvements to terminal facilities, such as adding bathroom amenities upon disembarkation, to enhance the visitor experience. The proposed runway extension has been debated in the community for over a decade.
Residents have expressed concerns over the potential environmental impact, particularly on Trellis Bay and the surrounding marine environment. At a business case meeting held on November 26, residents raised alarms about how the runway extension could affect both the bay and the wider environment.
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has confirmed that the BVI’s long-discussed airport runway expansion project will commence before his administration’s term ends in 2027. The project seeks to enhance the territory’s connectivity and economic prospects.
As discussions continue, stakeholders are urged to consider the potential environmental and operational impacts of the proposed expansion to ensure that development aligns with the territory’s sustainable growth objectives.
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She better try and keep out of jail over what I read on the yellow site under her tenure as director from chatting pi**
I won’t be reporting on the PWC report!
She got alot to say about this but nothing on the price waterhouse audit of BVITB under her tenure?? and this site is complicit in not reporting the lack of accountability and budget irregularities .SMH
And all publications that fail to report on the Price waterhouse audit. They are complicit in furthering Flax and her backers agenda. EXPOSE THEM. They all talk about how hypocritical the yellow site is. WHO IS THE HYPOCRITE NOW??
Always something to say!
lol lol lol lol lol flax again
Is this the same individual whose remuneration/expenses were highlighted in the BVITB report.
The PWC report is pretty damming – she should be keeping her head down and not be in the news. I suspect she did not know the PWC Report was going to be leaked when she made her comments.
Always talking but never actually saying anything.
It’s ironic that Sharon Flax-Brutus is now raising concerns about accountability and environmental impact when she has yet to answer for the governance and financial lapses during her time at the Tourist Board. How can we take her comments seriously when PwC’s report revealed unjustified salary increases and allowances under her leadership, with no proper appraisals or documentation? Let’s deal with the unresolved issues from her tenure before entertaining lectures on transparency and sustainability. Accountability starts at home.
stop being biased and give the Price waterhouse report on BVITB when she was Director. This is really alack of journalism and intergity on your part.
Always knew the woman was d**b and dont want to see the contry grow
She is not dumb at all, she just thinks that WE AR DUMB! These people have their own agenda which is why they are creating their own little cliques under the guys of associations to better the BVI. They are still bitter at the fact that they no longer have the resources of BVITB to further their own selfish goals. They are focused primarily on their elite clientele that want the BVI empty so that they can enjoy it for themselves. How does that help the overall economy of the BVI and tourism product on a whole? It’s time for these fake-bright people to realize that we are on to them and we won’t sit back and let them hold back our development. The BVI is 20yrs behind and s**t needs to get in gear NOW!
WAKE UP PEOPLE
there are 3 international airport less than 100 miles away, 25 miles the shortest. what is the real need for a larger airport? BVI needs an identity of its own. if this is just for the betterment of tourism there are more desired tourism destinations that are not as easily accessible and that doesn’t deter visitors.
Will fill a 250 passenger plane. We are already blacklisted. This ain’t a cruise ship dock we are talking about here. Air passengers will not want to fly for hours and then ride a safari bus. 250 People (on each flight) have to stay overnight; but where? How many beds/rooms/taxis’ do we have?..Not enough to support that kind of traffic
Why would Nevis need an international airport and their sister island St. Kitts has one? SK & Nevis are like Tortola and VG so the comparison is DUMB! Same for St. Barths, there is SXM right there and their offering is totally different to the BVI. The issue here is that Ms. Flax manages properties where the wealthy stay when they come to BVI and they can afford water taxi from USVI, helicopters, charter flights to VG etc. They want what they want and to hell with anyone else. They want VG for themselves, Baths for themselves, airport for themselves. These people are using their positions or ex-positions to paint themselves in a light that they are NOT. They are selfish, self-serving and totally ridiculous!
The BVI is made up in a way that we can cater to all different types of tourists. Tortola, JVD, VG, Anegada, Cooper Island, Salt Island, Norman Island, they all offer a unique experience. It’s time to stop the selfishness and develop the BVI for ALL and not for an elite hand-full. Let Sharon cart her a**, she is not the only tourism professional in the BVI!
1. Imports: If bigger planes can land directly in the BVI, then we do don’t have to pay such high shipping fees sometimes 100% of what you bought. Bigger shipping company planes can land and reduce cost.
2. Direct flights from Europe will unlock a different market: students who study aboard on those sides, imports of items, tourist.
3. Flying home straight from the US is amazing because you don’t have to go through extra customs process and then a lengthy boat ride.
Thank its time to strip the mask off thses fake phony people you parade around as if they are for the betterment of the BVI while really having their own selfish aganed. next we need to expose those backing her. WAKE UP PEOPLE
I would keep quiet.
Nalalial Wheatley says we are going ahead with runway expansion. Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Communications and Works, Mrs. Elvia Smith-Maduro says the runway extention is going ahead.
Everyone else says we are having meetings and awaiting reports to decide.
Which is true?
The real truth is we do not need an airport and we need to stop the Big Airport Money Pot handout scandal that is coming up. We have had so many in the past we all know what is going to happen.
We need to stop this madness and stop this Government from wasting more money on friends and cronies spend the money on our needs.
THAT AIRPORT NEED TO BE PLACED ON THE BACK BURNER FOR NOW ON A SLOW FIRE.
U HAVE BEEN FLEXED OFF ON , AND YOU ARE FEELING THE WRAUGHT OF THE WIGGED ONE (AKA) WIGO , SO NOW YOU KNOW HOW ITS LIKE TO BE IN CINDY’S SHOES / HE WRITES AND TURN AROUND AND BLOGGS TO WHAT HE WROTE AND ALMOST ALL THE BLOGGS ON HIS YELLO SITE IS HIS AND LOOKS LIKE HE IS DOING THE SAME THING ON THIS SITE TOO / @ DO
BETTER BVI NEWS ) IS ANOTHER EXAMPLE , HE CRITICIZING THIS SITE , YET HE WON’T KEEP OFF IT ,REAL BARE FACE HYPOCRITE
Why is it so hard to believe that the general public is outraged by the hipocrisy of this woman. They are opportunist with nothing but any agenda cloaked in the disguise of “helping the people”. The exploited a mans death for the same thing to gain power and influence. Only hardcore blind supporters like you cant see through it. ITS NOT WIGGO , the public has had it with their behaviour.
1. Maybe we do need the new airport & runway extension,
2. Where will we host the guests
3. What will it do to our environment.
4. Where will the funds come from
5. Who stands to benifits most.
What she do with that 10k bonus?
We need the airport runway to be extended asap, point blank and period.