NASSAU, The Bahamas – Prime Minster the Rt. Hon. Hubert Ingraham underscored the importance of the new United States Departure Terminal to the national economy, specifically tourism, the engine of the economy.
He delivered the keynote address at the Official Grand Opening of the US Terminal at the Lynden Pindling International Airport on Friday, February 26, 2011, attended by almost 2,000 guests. The Prime Minister also announced that Cabinet has given approval for Phases II and III of the Lynden Pindling International Airport Redevelopment Project.
“Indeed we have launched the most comprehensive and ambitious infrastructural investment programme in Bahamian history, which will enhance the quality of life for Bahamians and residents and the visitor experience of guests to our country,” he said.
“We far too long ranked among the least efficient and least customer-friendly airports in our region. Today’s commissioning signals a definite change and a new direction.”
The government is delighted by the “successful” conclusion of the first phase of the redevelopment of the LPIA, “a job undertaken and completed on time and within budget,” The Prime Minister said.
He congratulated the Airport Authority, the Nassau Airport Development Company and Vancouver Airport Services, the project manager for the redevelopment. The Prime Minister said he was happy to recognise the international companies in partnership with Bahamian firms, whom he said performed admirably.
And he also congratulated the 15 Bahamian contractors who have left their mark on various aspects of the terminal and associated works; and 18 additional Bahamian consultants and contractors involved in the project.
“Now we are definitely on our way to realising a long deferred national aspiration for an attractive, modern and efficient principal air gateway to The Bahamas. This is befitting of our status as the premier destination in our region,” the Prime Minister said.
The new 247,000 sq. ft. terminal is Phase I of the $409.5 million airport redevelopment project. Upgrades include a $10 million state-of-the art baggage system, eco-friendly building design features and Bahamian artwork by artists John Beadle, Nicole Sweeting, Susan Katz-Lightbourn and John Cox.
Phase I included 19 retail and food and beverage options including a native sit down restaurant capable of seating up to 170 patrons. The Prime Minister said when the government sought to improve the airport; it began with the US Departure Terminal “a simple recognition of the importance of the American market to the success of our tourism sector and indeed of our economy.”
The $409.5 million is on the basis of passenger facility charges or user fees, except for the provision of $50 million by the government for phase one. Phase I has been completed at an estimated cost of $138.3 million and Phase III, which will commence immediately upon the completion of Phase II, at $71.98 million.
The Prime Minister explained that funding of the airport project primarily from user fees has permitted the government to proceed with other important capital works on New Providence such as dredging of Nassau Harbour, construction of the new Nassau Straw Market and the removal of cargo shipping from downtown Nassau to a new port at Arawak Cay.
The LPIA will be linked to the new four lanes gateway highway, to the six-way round-a-bout near Farrington Road and extend on to Wulff Road and Blue Hill Road, and from JFK Drive along Harrold Road to the Milo Butler Highway. Nineteen months ago when the government officially launched this redevelopment project, the Prime Minister recall saying “Upon completion this airport will be a fitting memorial to the first prime minister of The Bahamas – Lynden Oscar Pindling.”
By Lindsay Thompson
Bahamas Information Services
