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‘I am not in favour of airport expansion’- Bishop John I. Cline

- said Gov’t should invest in two ferry boats instead as with the state of Territory’s finances the VI cannot afford airport project
Bishop John I. Cline (right) said he is not in favour of the Airport Expansion Project at Beef Island at this time. Photo: VINO/File
The Airport Expansion Project is being aggressively pushed by Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith (left) and Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Dr The Hon Kedrick D. Pickering (R7), right. Photo: VINO/File
The Airport Expansion Project is being aggressively pushed by Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith (left) and Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Dr The Hon Kedrick D. Pickering (R7), right. Photo: VINO/File
In 2012 it was the then Opposition Member and Second District Representative, Hon J. Alvin Christopher, who had said he was not convinced the Territory needs a 'long haul' airport. Photo: VINO/File
In 2012 it was the then Opposition Member and Second District Representative, Hon J. Alvin Christopher, who had said he was not convinced the Territory needs a 'long haul' airport. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Yet another prominent personality in the Virgin Islands is speaking against the National Democratic Party (NDP) Government’s aggression to spend millions of dollars to expand the Terrance B. International Airport on Beef Island.

Minister of the Gospel and Chairman of the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) Bishop John I. Cline is well known for his candidness in saying just what he thinks of any given situation as it relates to Virgin Islands, be it for or against the NDP or the former Virgin Islands Party (VIP) governments.

This time he threw a wet blanket on the much-touted airport expansion being extensively pushed mainly by the two top bosses of Government, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith and the Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Dr The Honourable Kedrick D. Pickering.

Not in favour of airport expansion

Bishop Cline, speaking on the most recent talk show hosted by Shaina M. Smith, Vigilate Dialog, where the topic was “Socio-economic Development, Business, Religion and Governance, said government should invest in at least two ferry boats instead.

“There is a lot of talk about the airport, I am definitely not in favour of the airport, right now,” said Bishop Cline.

According to Bishop Cline, the airport project is one that should be put on the back burner until such time that the Territory’s finances are in a better standing.

“I think for our tourist product what we need is a good concierge service. We meet them in St Thomas, when they get off that plane we rent a nice little lounge in St Thomas, we put them in there. The government invests in two wonderfully air conditioned running on-time ferries with proper management,” the Bishop said.

He further said that when tourists are coming from St Thomas to the VI there should be music and immigration officers on the boats. “Everybody is cleared and processed at the same time so when they reach the BVI they are not huddled into some little alley at Road Town or West End trying to clear customs.”

“We don’t have to stick with the traditional mold. Somebody has to think outside the box and say we can do this, let us develop our own model.”

Opposition to airport project

Since this NDP Government took office back in 2011 they have been pushing the expansion of the territory’s main airport but have been getting strong opposition for it from all corners.

In 2012 it was the then Opposition Member and Second District Representative Hon J. Alvin Christopher who had said he was not convinced the Territory needs a “long haul” airport, but if this must be the case, then there are other options.

It was during the budget debate held in the Fifth Sitting of the Second Session of the Second House of Assembly on December 18, 2012 Hon Christopher said that government can build an airport in Anegada for a fraction of the cost that was being touted for the one in Beef Island.

He had said, “We are willing to put the country in debt to build an airport that is way beyond what we can borrow and we have alternatives.”

Then there was the rambling of the Chinese being given the upper hand over locals to do the works.

It was this news site that first and accurately broke the story on May 17, 2016 that two companies made the final list on the runway extension project. They were China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) Ltd, and IDL Group, which merged with Sir Robert McAlpine Holdings and local partner ADC of the Virgin Islands.

The Chinese company, owned by the government of the Communist regime that practice a form of state control capitalism, had no local partner at the time they bid, however, according to our senior NDP sources they have since linked-up with a local company.

According to information received from our sources at that time, China Communications Construction Company Ltd’s bid was approximately $154 Million and IDL Group, the Sir Robert McAlpine Holdings and local partner ADC bid, was reportedly $199 Million.

Government’s alleged lean towards the Chinese bid has caused a split among Cabinet members, NDP supporters and local contractors.

45 Responses to “‘I am not in favour of airport expansion’- Bishop John I. Cline”

  • soo (21/11/2016, 10:13) Like (43) Dislike (5) Reply
    I agreed with Pastor Cline 100 percent.
  • Hmm (21/11/2016, 10:15) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    Well sah, Cline on he way out!
  • eyes (21/11/2016, 10:18) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
    dis thing really caus a split yeh...too bad it a done deal
  • hungry (21/11/2016, 10:32) Like (48) Dislike (1) Reply
    Airport project and the grocery store don't have any food. Put some money towards agriculture and the green house project.
  • Educated fools (21/11/2016, 10:35) Like (12) Dislike (3) Reply
    Well from the start when Hon Ralph went to expand he should have expanded bigger one time but infrastructure like the hospital was not up to par but now is and now y'all talking about against come out and tell the people the truth from looking strips
  • Saw Da (21/11/2016, 10:38) Like (29) Dislike (2) Reply
    I agree with bishop because 10mil was spend on airport so far and nothing to show,that same money could have gotten 10 ferries ..While St Kitts Government who was so far behind us giving their loyal civil servants double pay for xmas BVI Government taxing the hell out of the country..It's a shame ,i wonder who will the NDP blame now sure not the VIP..The Swamp will be drain soon...
    • Yes (21/11/2016, 11:38) Like (27) Dislike (5) Reply
      Stop being an ass! SKB Government can do that because they have an airport, real hotels and REAL TOURISM! You have contradicted yourself and don't even realize it. St Kitts passed us because their people are not short sighted and stupid, they said "YES" to development and now they no longer have to depend on cane fields alone, they have a real tourism product and people have access to that Island unlike ours.
      • dude (21/11/2016, 14:26) Like (22) Dislike (3) Reply
        If we make weed a legal industry & utilize the natural sun we get for free then we can finally have something to export which would allow us to pay for all these projects but that takes intelligence
      • Music (21/11/2016, 16:40) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
        St Kitts got an airport paid for by the British government so that they agreed to Anguilla getting independence. It was under utilised for years.
        • what (21/11/2016, 20:21) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
          I did not know that Anguilla was independent.
        • @Lodger about SK n Grenada. (21/11/2016, 23:11) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
          Lodge....St Kitts Airport was built by the Cubans through free funding from Russia... Same as Grenada.. Russia wanted to be in tb the Caribbean strategically position to attach America they were using Cuba.. America spoil their plans by invading Grenada before the Cubans and Russians can settle in.. So SK and Grenada Russia wanted to use as their base. Cuba was Russia best friend and partner in the Caribbean so they were using Cuba as the Door in..
        • Fools (22/11/2016, 22:53) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply

          Nothing happens overnight. The point is that SKB was able to lift themselves out of poverty and depending too heavily on their cane fields and have overtaken us by leaps and bounds when it comes to tourism and lodging. They couldve only done that because of the airport and access. The BVI only saving grace right now is our second to none sailing waters/experience with the chain of islands in such close proximity offering an experience like no other. Otherwise we would have been @"£$%. I dont know when BVI ppl will wake up and stop being fools.

  • dude (21/11/2016, 10:38) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
    He's right, it's just common sense but they'll pay him enough to change his stance.
  • Nice (21/11/2016, 10:40) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
    He won't approve it, when he takes his boat over to Stt. or charter it out to those who are will to pay for transporting people from island to island. They don't use the airport to care how we need this improvement to continue to make a better air access to these Islands. I encourage the people to go and visit the airport these coming months. Although, I believe we can expand to cater for Private Jets and not Commercial the limited space the ramp will have, most jet will force to take their money else where. Lets make the airport a Jet Port instead of a big empty space for one-three direct flights a week from a Major Airline.
  • Yes (21/11/2016, 10:46) Like (21) Dislike (2) Reply

    I agree with him fully on this one. Wy in the hell would I pay exorbitant rates and deal with clearing US immigration and customs and immigration in Miami when I can clear in in St Thomas and catch a cheap flight out. The Tourists make the same decision and close to 1/3 of the traffic through Cyril King is BVI traffic.

    Makes absolutely no sense. Proper Ferry links between the two Islands maybe even BVI pre-clearance while you are waiting to catch the Ferry over. Subsidize the Ferry Route so there is a regular service or establish some kind of cooperative system to ensure the low traffic schedules can be subsidized.

    This is just our friendly neighborhood Parasitic Political Oligarchy looking after its own interests and those of their benefactors. Not the Territory

    • wtf? (21/11/2016, 13:25) Like (9) Dislike (18) Reply
      You sound so foolish! It was always cheaper to fly to MIA from STT but when we had Eagle we still spent the extra money for convenience and less hassle. Time is money and losing an entire day or having to overnight in St Thomas just to fly right there to Florida is absolutely shameful. Once there is consistent direct access to MIA from BVI that St Thomas demand will dwindle really quick, watch. It's so shameful that STT has expanded and developed their terminal to accommodate the additional traffic going to/from BVI. Are we that stupid? We didn't need a College because UVI is right there and we could give scholarships. We didn't need a Hospital because Shneider is right there or we could be flown out. Many people shouted about how we didn't need lots of things back then but look at us now, what if we had listen to them? Get the damn airport extended so that we can grow our tourism and financial services in a proper manner. The BVI needs proper hotels and conference facilities to take the next step and those are not happening without direct access and/or expanded airport.
      • @wtf (21/11/2016, 14:10) Like (13) Dislike (2) Reply
        He said not right now because the BVI is cash strapped. You people can't read!!
      • agreed (20/12/2016, 10:34) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        We need our airport expanded! What kind of tourist destination are we with no air access. This is nonsense. Why do we need to go through St Thomas for everything?

        Our financial services industry is on the blink. We need to enhance our tourism product and this requires air lift I think the tourist are frustrated with this long trip to their BVI.
  • yank (21/11/2016, 11:00) Like (11) Dislike (20) Reply
    what de hell this man know bout airport?. ... Please.....
  • tola (21/11/2016, 11:09) Like (8) Dislike (11) Reply
    where there is no vision the people will perish!!!! you all always against everything to move the country ahead,but want to know why there is not money and jobs. change is one thing you cant hide from so you, keep up with it or get leave behind. You guys need to travel and see how other countries are evolving with change!!
  • trrefdrfds (21/11/2016, 11:18) Like (6) Dislike (8) Reply
    The people who can afford to fly out from BVI directly will not care either way about the expansion. The folks that are always touting the ferries as an alternate solution will never be caught on a ferry hustling with the rest of us to catch a flight out to the US or elsewhere.
  • @LOL (21/11/2016, 11:39) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    When AE/AA flew direct from EIS, did you see 1/3 traffic flying via STT? The rates from STT were always cheaper but most people flew direct from Beef because of convenience.
    • @LOL (21/11/2016, 12:39) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
      The fares were decent then to fly out of Beef Island to Puerto Rico. Now the rates are ridiculous to leave from Beef Island to go to San Juan.
  • reason (21/11/2016, 11:40) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    I agree with Mr. Cline. The financial standing of the country is not stable right now. The government should put in place the two ferries that can accommodate the individuals coming from the US and where ever else around the world that use the USVI airports. Meanwhile, Immigration will have to be set up after hours. Mr. Cline, the Immigration and Customs cannot be accommodated in another jurisdiction. What can happen is that a system can be set up just like how the "US" has ESTA and provide BVI data system for persons using ferries at night, when coming from USVI airports. That will be done in thru the travel agency. Where they will give information for persons using the ferry, for overnight tourist purpose to have a shorter span of time inline at immigration. Custom will still have to check their Luggages.
  • The Judge (21/11/2016, 12:17) Like (16) Dislike (3) Reply
    I am no fan of Pastor Cline BUT, what he has stated has far more value than what our Political Ministers are supporting in spite of what is clearly stated in the report which was prepared at a considerable cost to the Government. No rational person would place a country in this type of debt knowing very well that it is not a viable option.
    We appear to be consumed about the effects of Donald Trump and his rise to power and at the same time ignoring the fact that we have our own TRUMP here in the BVI.
    • Straight. (21/11/2016, 13:02) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      My only issues with this project are accountability. Quality...Account for every tax dollar spent...Too much Ma fair and Cronie stuff going on in this place with tax payers money.
    • I said (21/11/2016, 14:27) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Thank you @The Judge, you hit the nail exactly on the head.I am with you 100% on this.
      • dog (22/11/2016, 01:22) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
        I agree. I'm not a cline fan, but many people have been calling for reliable ferries to STT for years! They leave before flights come in which makes some have to overnight instead of being easy to get to BVI. I don't think we need all the entertainment and bells and whistles what Cline talking about. Just neat and easy.
  • Ya me born (21/11/2016, 12:19) Like (5) Dislike (8) Reply
    There's financial costs to such a project and the BVI has to start thinking outside the box...having an international airport means access to the world and not only to the US...the longer a project of this nature is delayed the better the chances it won't be built...that's thinking outside the box...With Trump there's gonna be changes...hopefully they'll be good...You have to be prepared people...think outside the box
  • street reporter. (21/11/2016, 12:54) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Straight talk. Keeping it real. No faking to gain Something
  • E. Leonard (21/11/2016, 14:05) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    The VI has a service-based economy, especiially tourism, that is highly dependent on convenient, quality and reliable transportation system to get visitors in and out of the territory. The options available are airlift and sealift. As such, the VI must make the tough choice between airlift and sealift or a combination of both to meet its transportation needs. The VI must ask itself what is the best course of action. Is the choice binary, i.e., direct flights to US, UK...etc or direct flights to St. Thomas and ferries over to Tortola, VG, Jost Van Dyke, or Anegada. Should $1.5-3 hundred million be spent to expand the land and air sides of Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport(TBLIA) or spend less than perhaps a 1/3 to put in place a modern ferry system?

    First, let's a take a look at airlift. The airline business is capital intensive but with a thin profit margin undertaking. As I try to recall what I vaguely remenber from Airline Economics 101, a few terms come to mind, i.e., revenue per passsnger mile, available seat mile, passenger load factor, break-even load factor.........etc. Of these, let's take a peek at passenger load factor (PLF) and breakeven load factor.

    Every flight that take offs or lands has a fix cost that must be covered by either passing passengers, freight ...etc. But breaking even is not good enough, for airlines are in business to make a profit. In the hospitality business, the goal and objective are to put heads in beds so too in the airline business the aim is to put paying butts in the seats. It does matter how long a runway is or how modern an airport is no airline will start or continue on a route if it is not consistently attaining at least the minimum PLF. To sustain the PLF, means putting passengers in seats. No frills, low cost airlines need even higher PLF. Will the VI have the consistent high PLF to interest airlines??? If not direct flights then what?

    True, we promote ourselves as being different. However, our sister OT Anguilla ferries tourists from Princess Juliana Airport in St. Martin ( St. Martin is the hub for the surrounding area) to Anguilla. It seems to be working for them. Can the same be done from Cyril King to the BVI? If yes, a modern ferry system, along with other coordination effort, must be put in place and sustain.

    Moreove, in the airline business, leakage, especially on short hauls, is an on going challenge for small airports that are short distances away from larger airports. People will drive the short distances to the large airports to save the the $300-500 person cost. In the VI situation, will passengers fly in to and out of Cyril King because of the lower cost, resulting in leakage at TBLIA? Given the VI current apparent financial challenges, is investing $1.5-3 hundred million on extending TBLIA the best use of scarce resources? If the VI build it, will they come? What regrets will the VI have if the investment Ian not made today? What I said the opportunity cost if the investment is made now?
    • Quiet Storm (21/11/2016, 19:15) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      Wow!! Ting to talk/discuss. De man take the discussion in a whole new direction wid de airline economics discussion. Look like government need to a serious look at airline economics piece.
    • class mate (22/11/2016, 18:30) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Class mate, sound as if you have taken some aviation classes and know a thing or two about airline economics. Sound as if you are saying that it does not matter how long the airfield is it comes down to being able to put paying passengers on board aircrafts. Do not know much about aviation but passenger load factor seems to the be the heart and soul of an airline success. Wonder what BVI Airways passenger load factor is in order to be profitable. Will taxpayers have to subsidize the difference between required passenger load factor and the actual passenger load factor for BVI Airways? Or there will be enough demand for it to be self supporting?
  • Hmmmm (21/11/2016, 14:13) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Develop our own model. Hmmm, if only we would think outside the box and indeed create our own model, we would never have that incomplete pier park, over sized hospital building. Now expanded airport that will dump toxic fumes and depreciate all and sundry in that area.
    • So... (21/11/2016, 16:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      ...what is this model? Some of you talk because God gave you the ability to do so, nothing else.
  • look at that (21/11/2016, 14:24) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    St.Kitts is doing much better than us. All these millions of dollars spent on bull.,;t. I agree it is time to CLEAN THE SWAMP.
    It is infested with to many slimy greedy Aligators.
  • My Vote Counts (21/11/2016, 14:34) Like (5) Dislike (5) Reply
    Well my vote is just as important as Mr Cline's and I VOTE YES for the Airport. We needed the airport yesterday, we need it today, and will need it tomorrow. Pity this government and others did not have it as a priority so now that we have financial challenges which probably could have been avoided by having real direct access to this place for business and tourists alike in order to bring money into our coffers. We are now here juggling how important it is. This Government had better deliver on the airport and that's all I got to say. No further opinion, just deliver the damn airport now and move on to the next.
  • Yeaaaaaa (21/11/2016, 14:44) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hope we get the discount on our electricity bill for December like the pass years. We just pay the fuel charges oh how that helps. While all those other Caribbean countries brag of their double salary we will brag of our free electricity.. Yeaaaaa.. Give us back some don't waste all.. We will appreciate that.
  • Zone 6 (21/11/2016, 16:56) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    I agree with cline
    We need to invest in the ferries and infrastructure and let the airport maybe another 10/12 years
    If Bvi airways could land with a 100 passenger jet why we need to invest 200million in a runway
    Let the airlines buy jet that could used our existing facility they will be the winners in the end
    Bronson is not good for the Bvi when it comes to airlift
    That guy have virgin Atlantic and would not do a flight to the Bvi and now trying to build a 50passenger jet @ $5000.00 a person from New York to London in half the regular flying time
    Visit 360 Caribbean news and read the story about Bronson flight plans
    Bronson building cruise ship to sail the Caribbean 2020 and the Bvi was not mentioned as one of the ports why is he here sucking on our country with all kind of tax breaks politicians wake up he is no good England wants to take away his nighthood wake up Bvi
  • musa (21/11/2016, 17:38) Like (3) Dislike (6) Reply

    air port is a must and paster need to stick with his save d seed and live a better family life

  • please help me (22/11/2016, 02:09) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Will we have three flights a day or one flight every three days?
  • Political Observer (22/11/2016, 04:44) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    Ok. Resident and visitor alike would like to hop on a jet in NY, Miami , Atlanta, Toronto, London, Buenos Aires, London......etc. and disembark at Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (TBLIA) and do the reverse at TBLIA. Convenient, yes. But it will take many things to make this a reality. It will take a strong customer base, customer demand, capital, consistent passenger loading, air carriers, extended and modernized runway........etc. Moreover, there are a number of challenges to bringing direct flights from major markets to TBLIA.

    Among these are procuring approx $200M to extend the runway and consistent, strong passenger loading. Well, it is not as simple as dropping some cash to extend the runway, airlines rushing to schedule fiights and voila direct flights are touching down at TBLIA. E. Leonard in his blog touched on some of the airline economics involved in making this happen. Ok. Lots of people are deplanning at TBLIA but we need to also look at having adequate beds to put the heads in.
    • dog (23/11/2016, 11:21) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      people also forget about noise pollution as planes descend over houses. The flight path is from STT and over West End dropping over east end. The approach is very tight. With a bigger flight schedule, the noise is very disruptive and can shake a house.
  • longtimevisitor (22/11/2016, 12:58) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    PLEASE! better and later ferries to meet the flights in STT (which is cheaper). PLEASE more stops at West End so I don't have to go to Road Town and take an expensive taxi back West End. I am not the only one. I know people who have given up in traveling here anymore because it is too difficult.
  • doug (24/11/2016, 09:47) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    We come to the BVI at least four times a year. Because the ferry service is so poor we keep our boat in St Thomas rather than the BVI. With a good ferry service we would rather keep our boat in Nanny Cay. Then we would be spending money on services in the BVI rather than the US VI. It is good for business to make travel to the Territory easy. A new airport is a waste of money when there is a large airport so close by. Airlines won't fly large planes into both airports they will pick one or the other. Why not use the investment that is made by the US to benefit the citizens of the BVI.


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