Gov’t could lose 4 years on airport development, Skelton Cline warns
The government risks squandering four years of progress on the long-awaited Terrance B Lettsome International Airport expansion if decisive action is not taken, local commentator Claude Skelton Cline has warned.
Speaking on his radio programme, Honestly Speaking, Skelton Cline called for urgency in advancing the project.
“The issue of the airport expansion is a national security interest,” Skelton Cline said while hammering home its importance for both routine operations and emergencies. He urged the government to “hasten their steps” and ensure the initiative begins within the current political cycle.
The airport expansion has faced years of delays and debate. The ambitious project will attempt to improve airlift capacity, which is critical for the BVI’s tourism-driven economy and resilience during emergencies. Skelton Cline argued that indecision and lack of progress would lead to a wasted term in office for the current Virgin Islands Party administration.
“You will lose four years and not get one single thing done if you are not decisive,” he said while pressing the government to act boldly. “Before you know it, it will be 2027, and if you don’t do those things, you won’t be worthy of being re-elected.”
He urged the government to keep its pulse on any entity they engage in delivering the project for the people of the BVI.
A history of challenges
Plans to expand the Terrance B Lettsome International Airport have been on successive governments’ agenda for years but have struggled to gain momentum due to financial and logistical challenges. The project has drawn criticism over feasibility and environmental concerns. Still, proponents argue it is crucial for enhancing connectivity and bolstering the economy.
Skelton Cline criticised those opposing the expansion, describing their resistance as unfounded.
“Set aside all of these naysayers who don’t want to see proper airlift in this country for God knows what reason I can’t imagine,” he stated.
Skelton Cline called on Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley’s administration to demonstrate courage and leadership, describing decisiveness as a necessary virtue.
“You have a chance. You have an opportunity to improve the quality of the lives of the people of these Virgin Islands,” he said. He stressed the importance of engaging capable personnel and holding them accountable for timely delivery.
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Claude looking consultant contract?
The movement has been started for the advocacy of a white premier and I want to add that there is precedent to support it in the Region. USVI had Ron Delugo as Governerin the 70s. It is important to note that whites wherever they have met indiginious populations have turned those countries / territories into thriving economies , starting with US, South Africa , Australia, New Zealand , Hong Kong . The white man’s tendency for planning, organization and execution has resulted in some of he strongest and most advanced societies in the history of the world . Lets us leverage that expertise to move the territory forward.
Israel too
Exactly waht progess has been made in the last decades? Sure, there has been some expensive design ideas that had to be shelved. There was some sort of amended project spec that was bid on a while later that brought bid down to about $ 200 mil. The current administration has a consultant allegedly preparing a business case for the project, but it seems the current leadership wants to move forward with the project regardless. Not progress by many people’s definition.
CSK is mistaken in thinking people don’t want better airlift. It’s a good idea but the question really is can we afford it? Airport expansion will be in the region of $ 500 million. Our GDP is less than that. We just borrowed $ 100 mil (already earmarked) at about $ 1 mil per month. Thus far, little has been said as to the source payment. It’s alarming enough that the leadership has instructed its ministries to “find a way”. Let’s also set aside other debacles like the jissing $ 20 mil in govt budget for payroll. . So, where is the money coming from to pay for airport expansion.? The tax base is low so no money there. Passing it onto passengers would mean pricey tickets. Maybe OK for tourists but prob out of reach for many who’ll find it cheaper to go via StT defeating the object of the airport. Fewer ticket sales means fewer flights, and we end up with a $ 500 mil airport used a few times a week, with pricey maintenance to boot. These kinds of things should be discussed in detail in the business case analysis that the govt seems to be disregarding. It’s madness. There are better and cheaper solutions to get people to the Territory. Regardless, the progress that BVI’s finest contributor of hot air refers to remains illusory.
Better ferries
Customs and Immigration on board
no delay and top class approach
“Set aside all of these naysayers who don’t want to see proper airlift in this country for God knows what reason I can’t imagine,”
If Claude Skelton Cline cannot understand the “naysayers” valid reasoning against airport expansion, his ability to “imagine” is sadly deficient.
Roger Burnett
because we had to deal with the same minister of works for the past 6 years
Started a road by government house since they got in in 2018 and up to yet they cant get it finished…..Lets hope this doesnt happen to the airport
More scare mongering from an old Snake oil salesman.
THEY CANT EVEN GET THE ADMIN COMPLEX COMPLETED MUCHLESS