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Airport expansion: ‘Start with lil bit’- Mark H. Vanterpool

The runway of Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport would need to be extended to accommodate larger aircrafts. Photo: VINO/File
Former legislator and prominent businessman Mr Mark H. Vanterpool is advising the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Government to take in strides the extension of the runway of the Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport on Beef Island. Photo: VINO
Former legislator and prominent businessman Mr Mark H. Vanterpool is advising the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Government to take in strides the extension of the runway of the Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport on Beef Island. Photo: VINO
VALLEY, Virgin Gorda, VI- Former legislator and prominent businessman Mr Mark H. Vanterpool is advising the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Government to take in strides the extension of the runway of the Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport on Beef Island.

Mr Vanterpool, a former Minister for Communications and Works, during whose time the expansion of the runway did not happen despite desperate calls, said an approach unlike his during his time in office is needed.

It was during the December 12, 2023, launch of Rock Café by Pussers in Valley, Virgin Gorda that Vanterpool made the call for the extension of the runway to facilitate more air traffic, especially by American Airlines (AA).

‘Start with lil bit’

In addressing the audience where Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) and Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Kye M. Rymer (R5) were both present, Mr Vanterpool said: “I want the airport fixed, extend it, I want some more people to come. I tell the premier tonight, don’t be getting into this big project like I did before with other projects, start with lil bit.”

He added, “American says they want more space to turn off, add a piece to the back. Put on a little piece to the back about 500 ft, don’t wait for the other one yet. By the time you get through with that you will get through with the other piece. So, by next year, let me see the other 500 ft to the back please.”

American Airlines from June 1, 2023, commenced flying from Miami to the [British] Virgin Islands (VI) daily, making it the only carrier to offer daily nonstop service from the Continental United States to VI and the first nonstop flight from Miami in more than 25 years.

However, to facilitate larger aircraft, they need the runway extended.

Premier Wheatley has already given Hon Rymer the mandate to extend the airport at Beef Island.

12 Responses to “Airport expansion: ‘Start with lil bit’- Mark H. Vanterpool”

  • herbs power (21/12/2023, 10:07) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply

    I want to see this, i want to see that. Why y'all don't give back some of that money y'all ***** over the years so it can get done.

  • Big Richard (21/12/2023, 10:27) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    I agree with Mark
  • Just saying (21/12/2023, 11:04) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    don't do this mistake! It will cost way more than expected (just like all other projects) and we don't have enough rooms for more tourists. Not to mention our roads, water, sewerage, internet, etc. woes...
  • resident (21/12/2023, 11:26) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    the only way to do this without screwing up the bay is to do the extension inland, it will require either a tunnel or moving the road into the sea
  • HMMM (21/12/2023, 11:30) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    ‘Start with lil bit’??? Sounds like what you did with the various projects you "managed"
  • lol (21/12/2023, 11:37) Like (2) Dislike (11) Reply
    You guys continue to accuse elected officials of stealing money. How? Explain how they steal millions of money from the Treasury, please do.
    • @LOL (21/12/2023, 12:44) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
      Haven’t you ever heard of doctoring the books? Down to cashiers is doctoring the cash registers. See, the BVI TECHNOLOGY IS VERY POOR AND OUTDATED.
  • No (21/12/2023, 12:15) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    No NEED FOR THAT
    Keep it little secret
  • Don’t make cents (21/12/2023, 14:07) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Makes no sense. You telling me you would bring a company from overseas, with their asphalt plant, engineering team, all their equipment just to put down 500 feet. You think that’s Blackburn highway?
  • The watchdog (22/12/2023, 06:42) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mark is correct I wish he was still the minister
  • @ WATCH DOG (22/12/2023, 09:45) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Well we have ( "PASTORS AND BISHOP SO HE CAN BE THE POPE / ALL HE GOT TO DO IS WALK WITH A BIBLE IN HIS HAND / INSTEAD OF A CALCULATOR LIKE THE DUDE IN MIAMI ????????
  • Dancing with the Stars (24/12/2023, 16:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am supporting the idea of Hon. Mark Vanterpool to start working on the airport extension with little bit until it is complete. Without vision the people will perish. I was travelling on a highway in Atlanta when I saw a huge jet plane flying to land over the highway and the traffic flowed without any problem. The Atlanta airport runway is extended over the highway This airport could be extended westward without disturbing the flow of traffic. If the government employs a contactor from China, it will be done. However, that will give the Chinerys a foot hold into the Territory. We cannot think in the box if we want to see the country develop.


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