Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis, along with Minister of Education Glenys Hanna Martin and Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture Clay Sweeting and other government officials were on hand to break ground at a ceremony in Cat Island for a new multi-million dollar airport yesterday. Photo: Moise Amisial
By Lynaire Munnings
Tribune Staff Reporter
lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
A NEW multi-million dollar airport in Cat Island will feature modern and sustainable designs, part of a larger plan to boost investments and revitalise the island, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said yesterday.
During the groundbreaking ceremony for the project, officials revealed $8m to $10m will be spent on the airport’s terminal building while an additional $6m to $8m will be spent on the airstrip.
Mr Davis, the MP for Cat Island, San Salvador and Rum Cay, said the project is expected to be completed in two years.
Officials did not reveal the contractors for the project.
“We are satisfied that we will be able to get this done, either through borrowings and funding by way of revenue receipts and that’s all I’ll say right now,” Mr Davis said.
“We are well on the way, we should have the contractor signed up within the next week and a half I think, and he will be mobilised shortly thereafter and the work will begin.”
Mr Davis said the facility will be a tier two airport, meaning “it will serve as a port of entry, with customs and immigration services, and will be equipped with a state-of-the-art station”.
He said the airport will feature solar panels, smart lighting, and rainwater collection.
“Our history and culture will be on full display as well, with regatta-inspired decorations and multiple opportunities for local entrepreneurs to exhibit their products,” he said.
“A new airport, my friends, means much more than increased travel capacity for Cat Island. This infrastructural upgrade promises to attract new investments, revitalise old industries, and catalyst new ones. I hope new opportunities here will mean more of our young people can stay and build their lives here, and I believe these same new opportunities will act as an incentive for native Cat Islanders to return home.”
Foreshadowing further investment in the island, Mr Davis said a contract to pave 70 miles of the main road will go to Cabinet for signing next week.
“At the peak of these roadworks, some 70 Cat Islanders will be employed,” he said.
Comments
Sickened 1 year, 8 months ago
Okay. I'd like guesses as to what the final price tag will be. Since Gov't is quoting $14 to $18 million then I say.... north of $40 million. That leaves about $30 million to be shared between individuals. Not a bad contract.
Sickened 1 year, 8 months ago
Brave must be really nervous about his seat, to actually be spending money in Cat Island. First time for everything.
birdiestrachan 1 year, 8 months ago
Cat Island is a very beautiful place the site built by the Roman catholic priest is majestic , perhaps more Bahamians and tourist will be encouraged to visit
bahamianson 1 year, 8 months ago
Waste of money. Securing his seat.
bahamianson 1 year, 8 months ago
But, on the other hand, perry christie did not do anything with his constituency at all. They consistently voted him in for doing nothing for his area. Hubert ingraham did something for his constituency. Pindling did nothing for Andros.
SP 1 year, 8 months ago
Regardless if PM, Davis's motives are for political gain or not, improving the country's airports is vital to the growth of the Islands and is way past due!
Now they also need to implement a "use tax" of about $3.00 per person to go towards the upkeep, ongoing maintenance, and further development of this new airport and all family island airports so that we can deliver well-kept, clean airport facilities which are to be highly expected in an expensive resort destination.
Another good shot in the arm of tourism is the proposed billion-dollar development on the table for San Salvador, this is fantastic news!
Despite people's ignorant objections to the project, PM Davis would be well advised to not only follow through but to actively "PUSH" this project as soon as possible. The immediate benefits to San Salvador, Long Island, Cat Island, Rum Cay, and Eleuthera are almost enormously unfathomable. The only thing missing is U.S. preclearance facilities in the Southern island corridor to enhance this plan to even greater potential.
The Bahamas should have been focused on seriously encouraging development with the anchor hotel initiative in the Southern Islands decades ago. The government could further incentivize anchor hotel investments by offering potential investors the opportunity to increase profits by participating in PPP infrastructure investments.
We need to focus on the Southen Islands' tourism development as alternatives to competitive sun destinations i.e. Haiti, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic especially in the winter months when North and central Bahamas islands are too cold for sun-seekers.
Solid anchor hotel developments could quickly greatly improve the islands' infrastructure, and foster rapid, yet sustainable growth of the Islands.
GODS speed!
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