The Government of Anguilla (GOA) continues to forge ahead with the planned expansion of the Clayton J Lloyd International Airport (CJLIA). During last week, two Senior Advisors from CFAS Pte. Ltd., Mr. Nick van den Brul and Mr. Simon Angoy met with the Hon. Chief Minister, Mr. Victor Banks, the Hon. Minister of Infrastructure, Communications & Utilities, Mr. Curtis Richardson, Other Ministers, Chairman Anguilla Air and Sea Ports Authority (AASPA) Mr. Marcel Fahie, Permanent Secretaries and other senior civil servants and officers from AASPA.
The main objectives of the discussion were to develop an appreciation of the project risk elements and mitigation options and to gain consensus on an outline action plan that will address issues of process and sequencing. The GOA is pursuing this key project for the island’s economic growth and sustainability through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) and a Concession Model. The UK Government (UKG) is in full support of the airport expansion and all applications to the UK Secretary of State for ‘Entrustment’ approvals, shall be submitted in the UKG ‘5 Case’ Format or a similar format. Thereafter, progress reports will be submitted as stipulated in the initial Entrustment Letter from the UKG. It is envisaged that at least two future Entrustment Letters will be required; one to investigate and determine the scope of the project and the second to proceed with the implementation phase of the project. Mr. Larry Franklin, PS EDICT referring to the two future letters, noted that the next application should be completed by the end of November 2018 and the other by first quarter 2019. The Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC), a Canadian Government Agency with extensive experience of participating in complex infrastructure projects in the region and the world like the redevelopment of the Bermuda Airport will take the lead role in Anguilla’s airport expansion project in cooperation with the Government of Anguilla and the AASPA.
Hon. Minister of Infrastructure, Communications, and Utilities Mr. Curtis Richardson said he is quite happy with the progress thus far and remains focused on ensuring the realization of commercial non-stop Trans-Atlantic flights at the CJLIA.
Hon. CM Victor Banks, who is the lead Minister for the airport expansion project said plans of one of the other key strategic partners, The Conch Bay Development were moving along smoothly and will further enhance the island’s tourism product and the business case for the airport expansion. He is particularly thankful for the support of the UKG as the island continues its path to recovery and economic sustainability.
The Anguilla Air and Sea Ports Authority, which has statutory responsibility for the operations of the airport will continue to play a critical role.
– Press Release
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
