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VG & Anegada airports reopen following forced closure over industrial action

-BVIAA was reportedly forced to close Anegada & VG airports to move Firefighters to Beef Island
The Taddy Bay International Airport on Virgin Gorda was forced to close, as fire officers had to be transferred to Beef Island to allow the airport there to reopen. Photo: VINO/File
The BVI Airport’s Authority (BVIAA) has announced the re-opening of all airports in the Virgin Islands (VI) effective today, July 18, 2023, after industrial action by firefighters at the main airport reportedly forced the authority to divert manpower to the T.B. Lettsome Airport and closing the others. Photo: VINO/File
The BVI Airport’s Authority (BVIAA) has announced the re-opening of all airports in the Virgin Islands (VI) effective today, July 18, 2023, after industrial action by firefighters at the main airport reportedly forced the authority to divert manpower to the T.B. Lettsome Airport and closing the others. Photo: VINO/File
Up to publication time today, BVIAA has since announced that all airports resumed normal operations, however, it remains unclear what settlement was reached in ending the industrial action by the firefighters. Photo: BVIAA
Up to publication time today, BVIAA has since announced that all airports resumed normal operations, however, it remains unclear what settlement was reached in ending the industrial action by the firefighters. Photo: BVIAA
TRELLIS BAY, Tortola, VI – The BVI Airport’s Authority (BVIAA) has announced the re-opening of all airports in the Virgin Islands (VI) effective today, July 18, 2023, after industrial action by firefighters at the main airport reportedly forced the authority to divert manpower from other airports to the T.B. Lettsome International Airport on Beef Island and closing the others.

While the BVIAA has not detailed the full extent of the action by its staff, in a press release last evening, July 17, 2023, it said Officer-In-Charge Mr Ronnie Lettsome has pointed to some operational issues within the fire service that resulted in the close of the airports, including some on the sister islands.

Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) reported yesterday, July 17, 2023, that the Terrance B. Lettsome Airport on Beef Island had been forced to close following a sickout by firefighters stationed there.

It was reported that the fire officers reported to work in the morning; however, all the officers took ill at the same time and went home, forcing the authority to close the Beef Island Airport.

Firefighters diverted from Sister Islands 

VINO understands that to remedy the situation, firefighters had to be moved from the airports on the Sister Islands, resulting in the closure of both the Anegada and Virgin Gorda airports to prioritise Terrance B. Lettsome International operations.

BVIAA has since announced that all airports resumed normal operations, however, it remains unclear what settlement was reached in ending the industrial action by the firefighters.

“The VI airport authority apologises for any inconvenience caused due to the closure of the airports and thanks the traveling public for its indulgence as it seeks to ensure that safety is maintained at all times resulting,” BVIAA added.

8 Responses to “VG & Anegada airports reopen following forced closure over industrial action”

  • Cindy (18/07/2023, 16:31) Like (14) Dislike (4) Reply
    is the current leadership good enough for the job. 250 thousand on one a night jam while money can not be found to pay essential workers. Off to a bad start so were will 4 years down the road find us

    Just asking for the grandchildren
    • Really (19/07/2023, 06:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      And all them same fire supported that event so y complain. If u all had so much problem y attend that stupid even that they wasted money on???
  • Hmm (18/07/2023, 17:01) Like (2) Dislike (5) Reply
    Can they not concrete the airstrip??
  • Never again. (18/07/2023, 18:24) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    That cost me $1360 in having to fund another flight for me and my family. Good bye BVI, never again.
  • Enquiring Minds (18/07/2023, 19:17) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Rumor has it that the staff at the Hospital planning to take the same action soon. I just hope I don't get sick that week.
  • Anonymous (18/07/2023, 23:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hope heads roll as the government seems weak and vulnerable
  • ... (19/07/2023, 09:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I wouldnt be quick to judge. Fire fighters risk theri lives and if they see something is not working that can be fixed then I would look into their concerns first, lack of equipment or safety would be valid reason to stop drop & roll off the job.


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