The JF Mitchell Airport in Bequia, which has been closed since July 1 following the passing of Hurricane Beryl, is slated to reopen on Monday, August 26. Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves provided the update to Parliament on Thursday, outlining the challenges and efforts that have delayed the airport’s reopening.
During the parliamentary session, Opposition Leader Godwin Friday, a Bequia resident, highlighted the importance of the airport for both internal transportation and the tourism industry in St Vincent and the Grenadines. He questioned why the airport remained closed for several weeks after the hurricane, despite what appeared to be only light damage.
In response, Prime Minister Gonsalves clarified that the damage was more significant than initially perceived. “It’s not accurate to say that the damage was light. I know you put the adverb ‘apparently’ before it,” Gonsalves said, emphasizing that the situation required more extensive repairs than first thought.
Gonsalves detailed the damage reported by Deputy Director of Grenadines Affairs, Carlos Williams, who resides in Bequia. Williams had observed minor roof damage at the airport, but more critically, the stone seawall defense had been severely compromised. The runway was covered with boulders and debris from the seawall, and there were signs of washout between the seawall and the grassed area along the runway edge, raising concerns about the integrity of the runway itself.
Subsequent reports indicated that while there were no visible signs of runway damage from a layman’s perspective, aviation personnel had identified potential compromises in certain areas of the runway. The investigation into the damage, particularly to the coastal protection, is ongoing, and Gonsalves stressed the need to strengthen the sea defenses to prevent future problems.
Despite these concerns, the prime minister noted that the damage to the sea defense would not delay the reopening of the airport, though it remains a priority for short-term repairs. Sections of the perimeter fence on the northeast side of the airport, which were damaged during the storm, have since been repaired.
The clean-up efforts at JF Mitchell Airport have been ongoing since its closure but Gonsalves explained that the process was hampered by several factors. The storm surge from Hurricane Beryl deposited significant amounts of debris along the runway, and the area became waterlogged, preventing heavy machinery from operating efficiently. Additionally, there were communication issues, as the storm had knocked out internet and telephone services, making it difficult for the airport to coordinate with Argyle International Airport and the fire service.
These issues were gradually resolved, with the realignment of the antenna and solar panels on the airport’s automatic weather station completed by August 9, restoring real-time wind data. However, communication connectivity issues persist and are still being addressed.
Prime Minister Gonsalves reported that debris removal and grading of the grass strip were scheduled for Friday, August 23, and, weather permitting, the runway would be swept clean. Final checks were set for Saturday, August 24, with the airport expected to reopen on Monday, August 26.
In the interim, Prime Minister Gonsalves assured Parliament that transportation to and from Bequia had not been significantly disrupted, with ferry services being used as an alternative. He noted that there had been only two requests for air transport during the closure, which could not be accommodated, but those passengers were successfully transported by ferry.
Gonsalves also addressed the status of the airports in Canouan and Union Island, which were similarly affected by the storm. Although these airports remain closed, the director of airports has been permitting flights for humanitarian purposes as needed, ensuring that essential travel continues.
As Bequia’s JF Mitchell Airport prepares to reopen, the focus remains on completing the final clean-up and ensuring that all safety protocols are in place. The extended closure has highlighted the vulnerabilities of the island’s infrastructure to severe weather events, underscoring the importance of continued investment in coastal defenses and other protective measures.
