After years of waiting, the day finally arrived Monday, July 12, when dignitaries and local community leaders gathered to celebrate the ground breaking for the expansion of the Providenciales International Airport.
“This morning we assemble here to mark a major milestone in preparing the Turks and Caicos Islands for recovery in the global economy,” said Acting Governor Mark Capes.
Phase one of the airport expansion project is now underway, with the primary focus of extending the runway from its current 7,600 feet to a length of 9,200 feet. This extension is expected to facilitate new long-haul flights from Europe and Asia to the TCI, allowing for planes such as the Boeing 777 and 747 to land at the airport.
Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association CEO Caesar Campbell, who also addressed attendees, said they were already in talks with a carrier who is interested in adding the TCI to its routes.
“The construction of the new runway is an important step towards creating a modern, safe and efficient international gateway that will enhance the appeal and competitiveness of the TCI,” said Capes.
“Economic success in the TCI will critically depend on our ability to grow and diversify our tourist base in a competitive global marketplace. Some forecasters suggest tourist arrivals in the region could grow by around 4 percent each year. There are already encouraging signs that visitor numbers are rebounding, and we must be ready to consolidate and build on this.
“So it is vital that we should have the modern infrastructure and services we need to compete effectively for international tourism and to attract a wider variety of visitors. This in turn will help fill our resorts and create more business opportunities in leisure, retailing and other service sectors.”
In addition to the long-term potential offered by the airport runway project, Capes said there are also early benefits for the TCI.
“It will inject several million dollars directly into the economy, safeguarding many local jobs during this difficult period of economic recession that confronts the region,” he said.
Taking on the one-year project, weather permitting, is Dexter Construction, a Canadian firm who will work together with local partner Cove Construction. As part of the contract with the government, Dexter is required to have a minimum of 70 percent local involvement and adds a mechanism is already in place through the TCIAA to ensure this standard is adhered to.
Dexter will also be establishing a scholarship programme for a number of Belongers working on this project who will have a first-class opportunity to study at training facilities in Canada. This will help to bring on young local talent and build a skilled indigenous workforce, ready to contribute to the future of this country, according to Capes.
TCI Airport Authority CEO John Smith said the public can expect a safe, efficient, world class facility at the end of the project.
While there was clearly much enthusiasm about the start of the project, Smith also warned their will be some patience required by the travelling public.
The new terminal and parking will only come in phase two of the project, which Smith says will only start towards the completion of phase one.
However, some renovations have already been undertaken in the current airport facility, such as improving the air conditioning system. Smith says they will also be taking on some other minor projects to de-clutter as well as put some new procedures in place to fast track entry into the country.
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