By AVA TURNQUEST
Tribune Staff Reporter
aturnquest@tribunemedia.net
THE new Marsh Harbour International Airport will not open this year, Transport and Aviation Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin confirmed yesterday.
The terminal is expected to open January 2014.
Meanwhile, the government is set to acquire a $14 million Monopulse Secondary Surveillance Radar as part of industry upgrades afforded by an Inter American Development policy-based loan.
Mrs Hanna-Martin noted that the former administration purchased an $8 million refurbished ASR 9 radar to replace the current ASR 8 model in use, but it was not operational.
During her contribution on amendments to the Airport Authority Act, Mrs Hanna-Martin confirmed that the government was in talks to set an “aggressive timeline” for the regularization of a modern agreement with the FAA for Bahamian airspace management, and related revenue.
The amended Act signals critical sector reform, according to Mrs Hanna-Martin, who explained that the legislation will align all government-owned airports under the purview of the Airport Authority. At present, Mrs Hanna-Martin noted that only two airports have been transferred to the Airport Authority from the Civil Aviation Department – the Lynden Pindling International Airport and the Marsh Harbour Airport. Construction on the $30 million Leonard M Thompson International (Marsh Harbour) Airport project began in 2011 and was last projected to be finished in July. However, logistical problems delayed the completion of the project, according to Deputy Prime Minister Philip Davis, adding that the Ministry of Works had been unable to issue all the necessary project approvals due to technical concerns. The project is expected to include the construction of an international terminal, an air traffic control tower, a fire/crash rescue facility, a new taxiway, a new 6,100 ft runway to the south of the existing runway, the erection of new directional signs and the installation of approach, runway and taxiway lights. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) controls overflight rights for this nation above a certain altitude, and Bahamian aviation industry executives in recent years have called on the Government to take control of this nation’s airspace and capitalise on millions in potential revenue. During her contribution yesterday, Mrs Hanna-Martin said: “At this time we lack the developed infrastructure to manage the air space at this time.
“We are, however, firmly of the view that the relationship on this issue must be regularized by a modern agreement which allows for the FAA to continue to manage our airspace and the appropriate remuneration regime is established.
She added: “Our own national flag carrier Bahamasair and other domestic carriers which route internationally utilizing our own airspace pays overflight fees to the Americans for air traffic management services in our own airspace. It is important to note, however, that U.S. carriers are exempt in this airspace from paying overflight fees.”
The FAA exercises control over most of the Bahamian airspace designated as the Miami Oceanic (East), with the airspace over Andros island presently under the control of Cuba.
Comments
john33xyz 11 years ago
So do we need to declare war on Cuba? Should we start hanging Cubans in the public square who are found on Bahamian soil? What do we need to do to regain control of the airspace over Andros?
Maybe somebody can explain how the US sits comfortable with such close airspace under the control of Cuba?
But, for us the issue is more direct and should be of grave concern. How can I be 45 years old and just be learning about this? What does this say about our school system? All we learn about in school is Arawaks, Caribs, and Lucayans. Maybe we should be learning more about who owns and controls "our" country? Did we just celebrate Independence a few months back? Are we stupid? I guess ignorant is the more precise term - a lack of knowledge.
This is absolutely ridiculous. This is an issue that warrants Ms. Martin getting thrown out of the House again to stand up and speak out against. She should speak out against this Cuban control of airspace every time she sets foot in the House and don't stop speaking LOUDLY until the Sgt. at Arms physically drags her from the House. Then when her term of being barred from the House expires - do it all over again and again.
She cannot be a Bahamian with the authority and position she has and stand for this.
GQ 11 years ago
I never read so much BS coming from someone who is supposed to be intelligent and educated. Abaco needs this terminal open NOW and whatever needs to be done about air space can wait. The current government (PLP) is blowing more smoke up the backsides of anyone who will believe this crap that the minister is saying. There has to be other reasons why they are not opening the terminal. I recently heard that they are sending OLD damaged furniture from LPIA to put in this new building if this is true I hope that it never arrives. This is a disgrace to Abaco. I wonder what the MP's for Abaco will have to say about this slap in the faces of Abaco. More lies to come from the PLP I am sure.
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