Virgin Gorda Airport Update
Press conference statement by Chief Minister D.
Orlando Smith
Chief Minister’s Office conference room
Wednesday, 23 February 2005
Update on the Virgin Gorda Airport
Ladies and gentlemen
When the people of the British Virgin Islands entrusted this government to
lead our Territory, we were directed by the voters to make the hard but
necessary decisions for the good of all our people.
We were not elected to do the popular thing. We were not elected to govern
according to the mood of the moment, or at the urging of particular
interests. We were given a clear order by the voters: set a plan for the
future – and then lead according to that plan.
That is what we have tried to do from our first days in office.
It is a profound responsibility – and, at times, a heavy burden. Never
is this more true than when difficult decisions have to made that impact
people’s lives. The case of the airport on Virgin Gorda is one such
instance.
We understand and respect the viewpoint of all those who live and work on
Virgin Gorda who have petitioned us to keep the airport open. We also
recognize that this government would be failing in its sworn duty if we do
not take a hard look at the issues surrounding the viability of the
airport.
In moments like this we are all called to put aside our personal feelings,
to restrain our emotions, and to ask one simple question: what is best for
all the people of the BVI? It is a task that would challenge the wisdom of
Solomon himself. There are no simple answers or easy solutions. That is
why we are proceeding in a deliberate manner – listening to all sides
and weighing our options with the utmost care.
As we work through this process we are guided by three fundamental
principles:
First, Virgin Gorda is and will always remain a shining jewel in our
tourism industry. This government will ensure that the flow of visitors
there continues without harm or interruption.
Second, while the airport is currently run by a private entity, it is a
public good. Clearly, we cannot force any company to conduct operations at
a loss. At the same time it is our responsibility to protect the welfare
of the people of Virgin Gorda and the entire BVI and we will do so in a
manner consistent with the law.
And finally, the government will keep faith with its promise to get value
for the people’s money. We will not spend tax dollars unless we are
convinced that there will be a tangible benefit to the people of the BVI.
Based on these principles, my Government is today announcing the following
actions:
In the coming days, the Government of the BVI will acquire the land where
the airport is currently located. This land was designated for use as an
airport, and it will not be opened for any other use.
In addition, a letter has been sent by me to the management of Little Dix
asking them to delay the April 1 deadline for suspending service at the
airport. We recognize and respect the need of management to make sound
strategic decisions for their business. But we also must keep in mind that
the success of Little Dix and of our entire tourism industry is premised
upon a working partnership between business and government. There is a
long and proud tradition of close cooperation with Little Dix dating back
to the late Mr. Lawrence Rockefeller who built the resort, and it is our
sincere hope that this request will be taken under the most serious
consideration.
Finally, we have commissioned a study from ASSI to look at the viability
of keeping the airport operating safely. The Government has been promised
that study within 20 days. Once we have all the necessary information, we
will then make a final decision about the level of service that will be
offered at the airport.
This decision will be made according to the principles I have discussed
and in full and open consultation with the people of Virgin Gorda. As I
have said before, we have no expectation that this decision will be easy.
But we were not elected to only make the easy decisions. And so we will
act according to our conscious. We will do the right as God has shown us
to be the right.
In closing, let me take a moment to address all those who have made their
voices heard on this issue – whether in signing petitions, participating
in demonstrations, writing letters to the newspapers or calling in to
radio shows. Your participation in this issue is a credit to our
democracy. Your actions – peaceable, dignified, respectful – are a
shining example of the right way for our Territory to address its hardest
issues.
Public debate is a good thing. Popular participation is a good thing. The
free exchange of ideas and opinions – these are the very essence of the
democratic process.
To be sure, we will not always agree with one another. And I can make no
guarantee that the decision we will come to will be to your liking. But so
long as we are respectful in our disagreement, then our Territory will be
stronger for having had the discussion.
And so I welcome this dialogue. I welcome the sharing of views and
opinions. This government promised to listen and we remain firm in that
promise.
I only ask that we all commit ourselves to making sure that the debate
continues to be civil and dignified. That we always remain respectful of
one another. And that at the end of the day we never lose sight of the
fundamental truth: that we all want only what is best for our beloved BVI
of which Virgin Gorda is an equal partner.
Thank you.
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