8 firms bid for contracts for T.B. Lettsome International Airport development– BVIAA
Following a recently concluded Request For Proposal (RFP) process, the tendering process has attracted interest from both local and international firms and saw a total of eight (8) bids being received and publicly opened on January 4, 2024, the BVIAA said in a release on January 4, 2024.
Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable Kye M. Rymer (R5) expressed his satisfaction with the level of enthusiasm and interest displayed by potential partners and underscored the Government's unwavering commitment to the airport's development.
"We see this as a significant step in realising our vision for the expansion of the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport and the Territory on a whole. The overwhelming responses from reputable firms, both locally and internationally, affirms the importance and potential of this project," Honourable Rymer said.
Evaluation of tenders to come next - BVIAA
The BVIAA added that the next phase of the project involves a thorough evaluation of the tenders received, with the aim of entering into a contractual agreement with the successful bidder in the coming weeks.
BVIAA Board Chairman Mr Theodore Burke, emphasised the Authority's dedication to keeping the airport development project at the forefront of priorities until it is realised.
"It is our intention to maintain momentum on the airport development project until its fruition. The public opening of tenders today marks a significant leap forward in this process as we move closer to solidifying the next steps in the airport's development," Mr Theodore Burke said.
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) in his 2024 budget address said for the VI local industries to continue growing, it needs the supporting infrastructure. "The upgrade and expansion of the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport to handle increased passenger arrivals and larger aircraft that are capable of bringing in visitors from further distances is critical to the further development of our tourism industry,” he added.
BVIAA did not disclose the names of the companies that have submitted bids or say exactly what the project would entail.
The bid evaluation process is expected to be completed in the upcoming weeks, after which the successful bidder will be awarded a contract.
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24 Responses to “8 firms bid for contracts for T.B. Lettsome International Airport development– BVIAA ”
2. Where’s the money for this work coming from? A few years ago, bids were in the $ 200 million plus, or going on 50% of the Territory’s GDP. A 20 year $200 mill loan at 7% means a monthly payment of $1.5 million/month. Works out to be $ 375 per person, assuming 1000 pssengers departed per week. Direct flights to mainland already run as high as $1,200. Seems dubious to think a family of four won’t mind paying an extra $1,500 to fly directy here.
3. Probably most important: has the Territory learned how to properly manage projects of this nature to get it done on time and on budget? What measures have ben taken to ensure this is the case?
Even now more urgent than the needed expansion of the T. B. Lettsome's Airport is the problematic acts that are plaques with misteries, and lack basic needs unreasonable by a large percentage of people in the BVI because of minimum wages being paid to many.
It is not hard to recognize this facts, that when income is small, and basic prices are high at the same time, that, that is a double whammy among other pressing problems, to name a few.
In short, be it known that in the mind of some to hurry to race ahead, the front foot needs the back foot in order for meaningful infrastructural development to happen void of serious consequences for the citizens of the BVI, especially the youths and senior.
Like I have typed above I will type below:
FRONT FOOT NEEDS BACK FOOT.
Its a no for me. If that happens, i will still continue to fly through St. Thomas