Contributing Author Dickson Igwe
It appears the National Democratic Government is serious when it states that it is a regime with a listening ear. And that it fully understands the critical need to grow the Virgin Islands national economy, especially the twin pillars of tourism and financial services. That it comprehends the fact that growing the country’s economy is not an option, but a crucial national necessity.
It was therefore heartening to learn from an article in British Virgin Islands News Online of January 20, 2012, titled ‘’ Discussions on airport extension to begin soon’’ that ‘’ consultations on proposed plans to expand the Terrance B Lettsome International Airport are expected to commence in February.’’ Honorable Deputy Premier, Dr. Kedrick Pickering, according to the article, was quoted as stating that ‘’ his Government sees the need to address airlift concerns as a priority.’’
Earlier, Honorable Premier, Dr. Orlando Smith, announced Government’s intention to extend the airport during his budget address of January 17, 2012. He stated that extending the Terrance B Lettsome International Airport to enable commercial jets to fly nonstop directly to and from the eastern seaboard of the United States, and for corporate class aircraft such as the Gulfstream V to fly directly to Western Europe would have an impact on the tourism product and was ‘’ the single most important infrastructural project being introduced.’’ What a thing!
OK; and whatever the dynamic of a new airport expansion project, this pilgrim’s only suggestion to power is this one: think big! This development will have ramifications for this country for decades to come. And do consider the various financing options, including private investment, whether it is national or international.
Furthermore, do allow the national conversation on this subject the time and leeway to enable every stakeholder, and that is everyone residing on these islands, a say in the development discussion, whether they may agree with the idea or not. Do bear in mind there are many who believe that the Anegada and even Virgin Gorda airfields are options worthy of consideration for airport development. Listening to the public is what Government in the Sunshine is all about. So keep up the good work Gentlemen and women!
Now, this layman on all matters aeronautical, will safely assert that the issue of air and seaport development in these Mesmerizing Antilles has taken on the form of a most stimulating and informative public debate. One may even dare call it a fortuitous national conversation, and multifaceted narrative. This is an excellent rendition of local democracy and transparency, using the national press machine, especially the printed press, and online blogs as forum. Hopefully, the powers that be are taking note of the views of the ’man on the street:’ members of Virgin Islands community who will be impacted by any decision made on this most crucial of issues.
Another interesting epiphany is the fact that the port debate has become an epistle to sustainable development. It is a synthesis of some of the most intelligent views emanating from the national news media, whether it be the environmental state of Beef Island and Soper’s Hole, a rich contribution from the writers Trish Bailey and Marilee Meyers, or the more panoramic type writing on things economic, social, and even technical, of the likes of Edgar Leonard, Shaina Smith, William Walker and Benito Wheatley.
And one must not forget the delightful forays into the lofty and subliminal by exceptional writers such as Sandra Phillip Hodge and Verna Penn Moll; then, the interesting and stimulating narratives from the pens of Julian Putley, Pilot John Morrison, and the unrelenting and irrepressible Roger Harris. There are many more excellent writers on the issues of social and economic development in the Virgin Islands, impossible to name in a short narrative. I apologize if I have omitted anyone!
But it is to Mr. Benito Wheatley this Observer turns. And an anonymous online blogger responding to a news article in BVI News Online written by Mr. Wheatley on January 5, 2012, titled ‘’will the BVI grow in 2012 and beyond’’ gave a sweeping rendition of a hypothetical regional air route and airline choreography with the Virgin islands as source and terminus, or main embarkation and disembarkation point and geography.
That article also appeared in the January 5 edition of the BVI Beacon Newspaper. The online blogger stated that ‘’ instead of expanding the Terrance B Lettsome International Airport, a better step would be to re-establish the country’s own Air BVI to Antigua, St. Maarten, St. Croix and Puerto Rico.’’
The blogger also suggested that the country ‘’ add a new route to Santo Domingo which would serve as another hub. That the Dominican Republic could link the Virgin Islands with all of the Americas as well as Europe,’’ an interesting proposition indeed, to which Mr. Wheatley responded, that establishing a National Virgin Islands Airline, although not an alternative to direct flights coming into Beef Island from major capitals and tourism markets, would be a good thing, if it contributed to the competitiveness of these Virgin Islands. A very intelligent assertion sir!
Mr. Wheatley on the other hand believes strongly, like this Observer does, that ‘’ direct flights are more attractive and desirable to travelers than connecting flights that are a burden after a long haul flight. ‘’Mr. Wheatley further correctly determined that, ‘’providing tourists with convenience of travel is a major factor in the competitiveness of a tourist destination.’’
He went on to insist that consideration be given to ‘’ tourist markets of the future such as Brazil, China, and India, and how to route travelers from these faraway shores to the Virgin Islands.’’ That is an idea yours truly has been harping on for months! And he would further add Shanghai, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea; even Japan, Russia, and South Africa. These Antilles must tap into a new Asian and emerging economies dynamic that will affect global travel in ways yet unseen.
Now, the most important statement made by Mr. Wheatley was on a negative dynamic in regional air travel that could be described as the arm-lock US airlines hold on the Jurisdiction. He asserted that ‘’American Eagle has cut back on routes between the US and Puerto Rico, which triggered cuts in flights between the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Travelers arriving in San Juan in the mid afternoon now have to wait until 9.00pm for a flight to Tortola.’’
Worse still, a person missing a flight to the USA because they came in late from the Virgin Islands, have the expense and inconvenience of staying overnight in San Juan. Yes, Mr. Wheatley is right in stating that ‘’routing flights through sub regional hubs leaves the Virgin Islands exposed to risks that can have a negative impact on tourism.’’
This big jet enthusiast could not have said it better than Mr. Wheatley when he went on to write that ‘’ having an international runway would give the Virgin Islands greater access to its major markets ‘’ and offer these islands greater negotiating power Vis a Vis major airlines and travel groups.
In another vein, on whether or not mega five star facilities are requisite for these Antilles, another aspect of the sustainable development debate, Mr. Wheatley asserted that ‘’ the current hotels in the territory are not adequately equipped to handle large international conventions, conferences and weddings.’’ That ‘’ regional competitors that have such facilities have an advantage over the Virgin Islands. ‘’
He rightly stated further that ‘’ the Virgin Islands have the potential of becoming a regional player if it possesses the requisite facilities.’’ He added that ‘’ a five star designation can serve as a selling point that would economically benefit the territory.’’
Well said Mr. Wheatley. You are fully and clearly aware that five star resort developments, add an airlift capacity greatly increased by enabling large and powerful jet aircraft land in these Antilles, flying in from major population centers and markets, is the way forward for tourism.
To be continued
