On June 7, The BVI Beacon turned 40. To celebrate, it is re-publishing some of the biggest stories from its archives over the past four decades. The article below originally ran March 14, 2002.
Chief Minister Ralph T. O’Neal remembers when people had to wait for dry weather before they could fly into the BVI.
“When the area known as the Pond was dried, small planes from Puerto Rico landed there,” Mr. O’Neal said.
Now, with the opening of the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport terminal Thursday, visitors to the island will have a much different view when they arrive.
“This project is the largest and costliest in the history of the territory,” said Governor Frank Savage. “When the project is completed, the BVI will have the largest and best airport in the region for a country its size.”
The two-and-a-half-hour ceremony, emceed by Theodore Fahie, permanent secretary in the ministry of communications and works, featured music by area youths, speeches and the cutting of a ribbon by Ariane Tye, the granddaughter of the airport’s namesake.
“It has been a gargantuan task which at times has stretched the resources of the relatively small ministry,” Mr. Savage noted. “The staff who ran the old terminal have worked under challenging conditions for many years. I hope this new terminal will reward their efforts for a hugely improved facility.”
Ground breaking for the terminal was in February 2000, and work started that April. The airport expansion, which will cost $65 million, is expected to boost tourism by making it easier to fly to the island.
“It is indeed our aspiration to demonstrate to the world, not only do we have first-class financial services and tourism industries, but the facilities as well,” said Legislator Lloyd Black (R-D8). “We all agree that this development is a key factor for the future success of the British Virgin Islands as we embark on the world stage.”
Mr. Black said there is another logical step that should follow the airport expansion.
“What we need now is our own airline to go with the success we are demonstrating here today,” he said.
Mr. O’Neal suggested that past and current legislators be allowed to use the airport’s VIP lounge, as well as the people who made the project a reality by selling the land for the structure.
The government paid the Penn family, among others, $10.6 million for more than 25 acres of land on Beef Island, according to Stuart Logan, government’s airport development engineer.
Also present were Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, prime minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and James Mitchell, a former prime minister of that state.
Mr. Mitchell was lauded for helping arrange financing for the project through the European Investment Bank and the European Union.
Since Mr. Mitchell had gone through the process in connection with the Bequia Airport, he advised the government on what steps to take as they were going through the process.
Standing room only
The podium was in front of the departures entrance, and the crowd was seated under three large tents in the drop-off area. A standing-room-only crowd lined the perimeter, standing two or three deep at some points.
Red, white and blue balloons circled the columns at the entrance. When the ribbon was cut, an announcement came over the loudspeaker that the airport was ready to serve travelers.
Well, not quite yet. Although it opened on Thursday, the terminal won’t be ready for daily use for another week as crews work to finish up some last minute chores, such as moving equipment from the old terminal to the new one once the switch is made.
It was also impractical to start using the facility the same night of the opening because it would have inconvenienced travelers.
Once the new terminal is up and running, there is plenty to be done as well. Plans call for the demolition of the former terminal and finishing the runway extension, as well as building a control tower.
Work to be done
Work on the access roads to the bridge leading to the airport also must be completed. While traffic going to the opening ceremony was able to cross on the bridge, the road still needs to be paved. Work is now in progress.
Traffic leaving the terminal’s opening ceremony had to use the old bridge.
But that didn’t dampen the tone of Thursday’s ceremony.
“The dedication of this building today is a cause for much celebration,” Mr. Christopher said. “I am very grateful to the many persons who played a part in bringing this about.”