By FAY SIMMONS
jsimmons@tribunemedia.net
CAT Island business owners yesterday hailed the “long overdue” $17m upgrade of New Bight’s airport as a potential catalyst for increased tourism and economic activity.
Jason Russell, proprietor of Favor’s Service Centre and Solomon’s Orchid, told Tribune Business that the airport’s planned transformation will end the “embarrassment” that residents have to endure.
“It was a century overdue, and we thank God for what is happening for our island. Not only the ground breaking, but we pray for resources and completion. It has great impact on our business because one time ago we had international flights coming in from Fort Lauderdale to Cat Island,” he explained.
“But the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) said it was not up to standard in that state to have those flights come back. So, with the loss of those flights, it put a slump in our economy. With this airport being constructed, it will help boost tourism products and will also help boost the businesses.
“For business, individuals it was long overdue. Plus it was embarrassing when you fly into Cat Island. Especially after seeing other island airports, it’s very embarrassing to come in and see the condition of our international airport, so thank God that when it’s completed the embarrassment will be lifted.”
Alberto Gilbert, Gilbert’s Inn’s manager, said he is hopeful the new airport will provide the supporting infrastructure necessary to drive increased tourism through more airlift and flights.
He added: “I feel it’s going to be good. We don’t have an international flight at the moment, so it will open up opportunities for businesses. People with Airbnbs and boutique hotels should see an increase in business. We have car rentals and rooms, and we expect to see an increase in that.
“The issue is that we don’t have an international flight, although most Family Islands have that. So it’s been hard, you know, seeing other islands progress and develop and we aren’t.”
Karen Johnson, Starlite Restaurant’s proprietor, voiced similar optimism. She said: “I’m looking forward to it. It will have a great impact on my business. It will help draw persons to Cat Island and stimulate our local economy.”
Prime Minister Philip Davis KC, also Cat Island’s MP, described the airport’s revitalisation as a “very important investment in the people and future of this special island”. When completed it will possess full Customs and Immigration services, a fire station and will be constructed with climate change resilience and sustainability in mind.
“The new airport is a very big and very important investment in the people and future of this special island. As a tier two airport, it will serve as a port of entry with Customs and Immigration services, and will be equipped with a state-of-the-art fire station,” he added.
“The design is modern and sustainable, featuring solar panels, smart lighting and rainwater collection. Our history and culture will be on full display as well with regard to inspired decorations, and multiple opportunities for local entrepreneurs to exhibit their products. A new airport, my friends, means much more than increased travel capacity for Cat Island. The infrastructure upgrade promises to attract new investments, revitalise old industries and inspire new ones.
The Prime Minister also announced that 70 miles of Cat Island roads will be paved, and that construction work on its clinics will restart soon. He said: “This airport is part of a larger plan for revitalisation. Improvements to this island’s roadways are right around the corner.
“The contract to pave 70 miles of the main road will go to Cabinet for signing next week, after which work will commence immediately. We’re also moving to complete our clinics. The clinics were well on their way and they had no action for the last four or five years. Action is about to start very soon on the clinics.”
Mr Davis also reassured Cat Islanders that the workers for the airport reconstruction will be sourced locally on the island. He added: “At the peak of the work many Cat Islanders will be employed to help in the construction of the works here. The contractor has been directed and mandated to ensure that all resources available in Cat Island should be first utilised before you bring any more in. He has that direct instruction.”
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