BEGINS
PRESS RELEASE
SOUTH CAICOS AIRPORT AND COMBINED SERVICES BUILDING GETS GREEN LIGHT
At a recent Cabinet Meeting, a number of projects continued to be “noted” under the Public Finance Management system. It was explained that the projects had gone through the procurement process and a preferred bidder had been identified; following this process, a contract is prepared and executed.
The Premier, Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson in speaking to this process shared how elated she was at the number of projects being noted. This not only solidifies the Turks and Caicos Islands Government’s commitment to ensure funds are invested into the TCI economy but also ensures that jobs are created. The Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) is committed to the progression of its critical Capital Program which include projects that instil hope and pride in TCI citizens across the Islands.
Among projects, Premier Robinson has expressed her excitement about the new South Caicos Terminal building (Airport) which has finally progressed and a new home for firefighters and air traffic controllers on Providenciales.
Premier Robinson commenting on this stated, “This is the best news that I can give the people of South Caicos who recently saw the destruction of the temporary structure lost to fire. A new Airport Terminal for South Caicos has been underway for over a decade and has seen serious challenges with an unfinished controversial structure and more recently the termination of the procurement process by former Governor John Freeman in early 2018 due to flaws in the process.
I am happy that my Government has been able to finally advance this project to the stage where we are about to execute an agreement. South Caicos is already enjoying over $10m in Government funded projects across the Island and this now takes it over $20m in investments in the past 4 years. There is much to be done on this Island which has not enjoyed serious Government investment over many years. With a growing tourism sector, a new Airport Terminal will certainly lift the image of the Island as we address day to day challenges of maintaining the Island’s natural and man-made environment under District Administration. This project is scheduled to be completed in 18 months; meanwhile, we will seek to create a temporary facility that will suffice in the interim.”
Premier Robinson further added, “The Airports Authority has seen an aggressive Capital Program over the past four (4) years and it includes the purchase of fire trucks and modern equipment, repair works to the JAGS McCartney International Airport on Grand Turk, major works to the Salt Cay Aerodrome and Terminal, the Fire Hall in Grand Turk (which is currently under construction and will rebuild a hub for firefighters, having lost their headquarters since Hurricane Ike), an office block for Providenciales staff and we are now soon to commence a combined services building for firefighters and air traffic controllers on Providenciales.”
The TCI Airports Authority continues dialogue on a joint venture proposal for the Airport on North Caicos and is advancing the early stages of work for a new Airport Terminal on Providenciales.
“As Minister with responsibility, I am happy to have been able to approve such critical investments and I must celebrate the TCI Airport Authority staff for the remarkable achievements in capital investment that will enhance experiences for employees and the travelling public.
Persons will recall that the Air Traffic Controllers recently made national headlines and spoke of the fact that they were promised a new home since 2009 and we are happy to be the Government that will deliver. The combined services building for the firefighters and air traffic controllers has advanced to contract stage and will provide a more conducive work environment for these critical staff. The work of persons at and around the Airport is critical and we are happy to support them.” Premier Robinson concluded.
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