Fraser applauds Works Minister for airport success
Amid widespread public criticism of the government’s handling of transportation infrastructure, Deputy Premier Julian Fraser has commended Works Minister Kye Rymer for what he described as “successes” related to the territory’s increased airlift.
Fraser offered the praise during a recent Virgin Islands Voice broadcast, where Rymer provided updates on recent and upcoming developments at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport.
“I just need to applaud you for the work you’ve been doing and the successes you’ve been met with,” Fraser told Rymer. “Tell them (the people) that it’s so refreshing that we can fly Caribbean Airlines from Barbados to Tortola and these are major steps forward.”
Fraser added: “We need to highlight this and let the public know that they are dissatisfied with something on one end, there’s lots happening on another end and we’re not sitting still.”
Policies under the Dr. Natalio Wheatley administration have resulted in a boost in the territory’s airlift and an increase in the number of airlines flying into the Beef Island-based airport. These now include Cape Air, Seaborne Airlines, American Airlines, Winair, InterCaribbean, Caribbean Airlines, and LIAT.
The government is currently in the process of procuring engineering services to design and expand the airport to accommodate larger jets and more passengers. However, residents have continued to voice frustration, saying the process is moving too slowly and is long overdue.
The administration is also facing similar criticism over deteriorating road conditions and unreliable water infrastructure—issues the government insists are being addressed urgently. Still, public dissatisfaction continues to grow, with residents saying that the lack of consistent water supply and poorly maintained roads are diminishing the quality of life once enjoyed in the Virgin Islands.
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Part-Head working hard to sell VIP even on this topic. This was probably more of a commercial thing for American Airlines than political pressure or negotiating from the BVI government. American needs to take advantage of international routes given the JetBlue merger which just added another domestic competitor. The thing is if we do not make this place somewhere that people want to travel to, American will pull the flights.
Small improvements to the airport make all the difference. New baggage claim configuration is a plus. But people, we cannot finance a new airport. Let’s live with what we have. And fix the d@^^n roads.
Forget the naysayers extend now. There is obvious demand for this service .
“The government is currently in the process of procuring engineering services to design and expand the airport to accommodate larger jets and more passengers.”
WAIT.
We haven’t even seen the reports from KPMG yet and given our feedback. How can we be going ahead with anything.
What did these reports say?
We going to head into Independence in the same way.
VI people are not going to have a say.
Just P487 Dic1.
Perhaps the Hon. Deputy Premier has yet to experience driving between Road Town and East End when the Ridge Road is the only route open? Maybe his commendations would have been tempered.
Yes, the Ridge Road with several places where the route is limited to single lane traffic due to some on-going patch job (The Hon. Mr. Rymer being allergic to making actual repairs in the roads)…
It certainly exhibits the strengths of the Hon. Minister for Works (including our roadways)when it comes to planning.
After all, the Hon. Minister has only been sitting on his hands for 6+ years when it comes to the territories roadways.
Shame.