The Tribune

Resorts World Bimini has awarded the second phase of the multi-million dollar South Bimini airport upgrade has been awarded to Bahamian company, Airport Maintenance Services (AMS).

The project’s phase one, which employed 10 Biminites, was completed under the terms of the contract signed in November 2013, which requires AMS to upgrade the airport to international standards that will allow night flights.

Workers were able to gain training and experience in surface cleaning and pot hole patching for the tarmac. The airport also has a new centre line, aiming points, threshold bars and holding and taxi way marking ,which provides an improved gateway for tourists to visit Bimini safely, and at night time.

Dana Leibovitz, Resorts World Bimini’s president, said: “Resorts World Bimini is committed to empowering Bahamian companies like AMS, and we are pleased with the striping they have done at the South Bimini Airport.

“Their work is part of an overall expansion project which, once completed, will elevate the South Bimini Airport to a sophisticated, state-of-the art facility second only to LPIA in technology in the Bahamas.”

Mr Leibovitz added: “Providing employment opportunities to Bahamians and Biminites, in particular, is of paramount importance to us. We’re proud to partner with a company whose priorities are aligned with ours.”

Jermaine Henfield, a Biminite and Airport Maintenance Services employee, said: “I did not have a job for a long period of time, and the project helped me to provide for my kids and give them a good Christmas.

“It’s also about the bigger picture for me. Bimini needs to have tourists coming to the island all throughout the year, and we now have the runway to accommodate the airlines.”

The second phase, which is expected to start by next month, will provide a 900 feet runway extension with extended centre lines, and aiming points and aprons.

Atario Mitchell, AMS’s president, said: “I am pleased and thankful that Resorts World, and the Genting Group, gave me the opportunity with Phase one of the project, which was finished on time and on budget.

“My company and I were able to provide employment for local Biminites, and I remember feeling proud when a member of the crew expressed his gratitude to us for providing him this opportunity because it allowed him to provide for his family. This, ultimately, is what my company is passionate is about.”

AMS’s crew worked almost 16-hour days to complete the first phase, and additional staff crew will be rehired for the new work.