By ANNELIA NIXON

Tribune Business Reporter

anixon@tribunemedia.net

Construction of the runway at Deadman’s Cay airport is expected to begin next month and Long Islanders should see movement with the terminal within 60 days.

During a contract signing for the runway project with Bahamas Hot Mix, Minister of Works, Clay Sweeting announced that construction, set to begin in July will continue for 12 months adding: “You’ll see equipment on the ground within a month.” He spoke to a $20.8m investment that will improve air access, noting that full aircrafts will be welcomed and direct international flights will become possible. Mr Sweeting highlighted the economic benefits stating an influx in visitors will result in an uptick in business for those in the hotel, restaurant, tour and taxi sectors.

“For years, the residents and entrepreneurs of Long Island have called for better air access,” Mr Sweeting said. “Today, that call is being answered decisively with a $20.8m investment. This runway will not only be longer, wider and more resilient, but also capable of handling a full aircraft. [A] Bahamasair aircraft can finally come fully loaded with passengers as well as international regional jets. What does that mean? It means that the south central portion of Long Island will now be open to direct international flights, creating a gateway to tourism, trade, but more importantly, transformation. 

“This project is comprehensive. It includes major earthworks, such as the removal of a significant hillside to bring the airstrip in line with International Civil Aviation Organization standards, and the construction of a brand new asphalt runway built higher to improve drainage and reduce flooding. Ebbe [Saidi] spoke briefly in regards to the scope, which would be excavation and grading, durable two inch thick hot asphalt mix surface, 12 new drainage wells, perimeter security fencing, 100 solar runway apron lights and all necessary striping and finished works.”

Ebbe Saidi, BHM’s Managing Director, said of the runway project that “The scope of works being undertaken includes comprehensive airside improvements, site clearance, earthworks, drainage, base works, paving, electrical, lighting and signage, approach lighting and fencing.” He announced Long Islander, Holif Fox, as the project manager.

“Long Island has always been close to our hearts,” Mr Saidi added. “Our history here is long and meaningful, having installed over 48 miles of water mains on this island, improving access to one of life’s most basic and essential needs. Many of our team members are sons and daughters of Long Island. In fact, the project supervisor for this runway upgrade, Mr. Hollif Fox is a proud, long Islander who has been with BHM for over 12 years. He has contributed to some of our most complex and high profile projects nationwide, and now he returns to lead this one on his own home soil. Today, he’s not here because he’s at Carnival in Grand Bahama completing that job for the June 30 deadline.

Deputy Prime Minister, and minister for tourism and aviation, Chester Cooper added: “I want to emphasize that this is going to open gateways for the economy. It’s going to be a catalyst for growth and development, and it will continue the economic expansion in Long Island. We have attracted some foreign direct investments to Long Island, and the first question is always, what about access? What about airlift? Now we have the capacity to deliver that airlift in a safe, efficient manner. And I am delighted about this, not just for tourism, as the Minister of Tourism, but as a Family Islander and as someone who understands the need for connectivity for Family Island residents. 

“This is an important day. We, of course, are already seeing connectivity between Long Island and some of the other smaller islands in the vicinity. We’ve started a direct service from Nassau to Long Island onward to Ragged Island, and we anticipate shortly, Prime Minister, to also offer a service to Stella Maris and onward to Rum Cay. I know as the Member of Parliament responsible for Rum Cay, this is also a big deal. So we anticipate that with this 6,000 feet runway in Deadman’s Cay that this is going to create even more opportunities for commuter airlines.”

Prime Minister, Philip Davis, spoke to a $20m investment connected to a road rehabilitation and water works project that he announced earlier this month. He added: “Today we build on that momentum. The signing of this runway contract, airside contract with Bahamas Hot Mix signals the start of the economic heavy lifting that Long Island has needed for far too long.” Mr Davis said development on the island has been too slow “that pattern ends with us.” Mr Davis announced that plans for a 10,000 square foot terminal are set. 

“We started with roads, then came water works, today the runway, and very soon, within 60 days, the terminal,” said Mr Davis. “We are moving forward with plans for a new, modern, 10,000 square foot terminal, equipped with Customs and Immigration Services. This will transform the airport into a formal port of entry, welcoming not just visitors, but returning sons and daughters of Long Island.”