By NICO SCAVELLA

Tribune Staff Reporter

nscavella@tribunemedia.net

THE government’s closure of the airstrip at Staniel Cay, Exuma, was “reckless”, according to a letter penned by frustrated residents, who blamed the government for consequently putting residents and visitors at “a greater risk in the event of an emergency.”

In an email sent to several Cabinet ministers and The Tribune, members of the Staniel Cay community, including business owners, foreign homeowners, and managers/owners of private islands in the Exuma Cays, said the decision to close the runway showed “no care” for the health and safety of residents and visitors.

The letter said the government’s decision to do so “demonstrated a shocking lack of planning and understanding in this regard.”

Although the airstrip’s closure was announced last month, it is unclear when the repair work will begin.

Yesterday, when contacted by The Tribune, Transport and Aviation Minister Glenys Hanna Martin said the matter is now in the hands of the Ministry of Works and Urban Development (MOWUD) and was being “actively addressed”.

“We have elderly and infirm residents on Staniel Cay, as well as infants,” the residents’ email said. “In a medical emergency, how can they get the necessary care? At least once every month the need arises to fly critically sick or injured people out of Staniel Cay in an emergency, whether by private plane or air ambulance. These flights have saved lives in recent years. In these emergencies, people should not be forced to boat an extra five miles, quite possibly at night or in bad weather all the way to Black Point.

“Shutting it down in the way that was done showed absolutely no care for the residents, private island residents and visitors, and demonstrated a shocking lack of planning and understanding in this regard. This decision to shut down the airport at Staniel Cay was therefore reckless as it puts residents and visitors at a greater risk in the event of an emergency.”

Last month, the Department of Civil Aviation (CAD) announced the temporary closure of the runway for repairs, which Mrs Hanna Martin said yesterday were “unavoidable” due to safety concerns.

In a statement, aviation officials said that repairs to the runway would be managed by the Ministry of Works and Urban Development with both groups anticipating that repairs would be completed “within the shortest possible time”.

As a result, however, those seeking medical attention must take a ferry to nearby Black Point, where airlift can be accommodated. In fair seas, the residents said, the ferry ride takes no more than five minutes. Sailing in choppy seas and/or by dark of night, though, can prove to be difficult and dangerous.

Mrs Hanna Martin said she understood the implications that the airstrip’s closure could potentially have to the well-being of residents, both economically and health-wise.

“The issue of medical emergency is one that’s real in every community,” she told The Tribune. “I’m aware that this situation will have various types of impact. The thing is its now in the Ministry of Works to repair and they understand the urgency of the situation.

“It’s a matter that’s been actively addressed,” she added. “Black Point remains an option and alternative in the short term. I expect the work to begin very shortly. But it’s a matter that’s now under the remit of the Ministry of Works.”

The residents, however, said although their health concerns may not be completely eliminated, they could be mitigated, granted the government provides “time for planning.”

“A quick fix (patching the worst holes to make the runway safe and useable through the season) with the major work to be completed in the off-season will allow time for planning and for mobilisation,” the email said. “It will allow for appropriate water taxi and ground transportation to be organised. It will allow for the setting of a firm date for the start of the project and a firm timeline for completion.

“It will, therefore, minimise the total amount of time that the runway is inoperable.”

The residents also said the closure was costing their economy “hundreds of thousands” of dollars and was “simply merciless” during the cay’s peak season.

“The current situation is devastating to the Staniel Cay economy and all local businesses,” the email said. “Cancellations for hotels and rental homes are happening every day. Yachts who were able to meet their private plane at Staniel, have changed their plans and are not coming to the area. Already, in the week since the runway was closed, the local economy has lost hundreds of thousands of dollars and the trickle down effect on local boat rentals, cart rentals, stores, guides, etc, is significant and devastating.”

Mrs Hanna Martin has reportedly said that the MOWUD has advised that the repairs would likely cost $1m.