‘BVI Airways’ outstanding landing fees will be dealt with’ – Premier Smith
Dr Smith was speaking to members of the media on Tuesday January 12, 2016 following the launch of BVI Airways’ new direct service between Beef Island and Miami International Airport starting in the fall of this year 2016.
The airline, prior to its rejuvenation as a result of foreign investors, owed the BVI Airports Authority (BVIAA) landing fees dating back to around 2013.
Some of the same players who took over after the airline stopped operations in 2014 will be involved again, according to our newsroom’s National Democratic Party (NDP) senior sources close to the discussion at the Premier’s Office.
When asked what will become of the outstanding balance owed to the airport, Premier Smith said, “This is something that will be dealt with between the airline and the BVI Airports Authority.”
Premier Smith did not disclose how much is owed in landing fees by BVI Airways to the BVIAA.
There has already been a public outcry about government’s move to subsidise the airline to the tune of $7 million of taxpayers’ dollars and not doing the same for locally owned airlines and ferry services.
While there are speculations as to who locally is involved in the airline’s return, BVI Tourist Board Chairman Russel Harrigan has been the point person with the negotiations, according to the same senior NDP source.
Mr Harrigan’s involvement beyond the negotiations remains unknown at this time.
Government said it hopes to recoup the money from BVI Airways within the three-year agreement even though there is no guarantee concerning the number of people who will be travelling on the 86-seater small passenger jet.
BVI Airways also hopes to start services to the United States Eastern Seaboard, however, this is contingent on the lengthening of the runway at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport at Beef Island to accommodate larger, longer-range aircraft.
.png)
Follow Us On
27 Responses to “‘BVI Airways’ outstanding landing fees will be dealt with’ – Premier Smith ”
Look man deeds NDP people need to GO NOW this is just not right and fair to locals NO Justice NO Peace!!
So now tell us how do we get all those people flown into the island to support all those events smart @$$.
Politicians have become DICATORS
Who will pay your delinquent $30 million dollars? Such an exhorbitant amount cannot be ignored .
It will be paid so let that be your concern.
There are no accounts!!!!!!
When he said it would be dealt with, he meant it would be swept under the rug? That's the only way it could be dealt with
Is this all in a new corporate entity to the old one? If the same company, the debt should be negotiated and paid but not from the public purse without due consideration. Lest the ministers and executives involved fall fouls of FCPA or Bribery Act etc.