Nevis breaks ground on major airport expansion project
Key Points(5)
- The Nevis Island Administration (NIA) has officially broken ground on a multi-million-dollar expansion and enhancement project at Vance W.
- Amory International Airport in Newcastle, launching what officials describe as a transformative investment expected to reshape the island’s tourism and economic outlook for decades.
- The ceremony was held on Wednesday, July 1, at the airport’s perimeter and brought together government officials, project partners, and members of the local community.
- Premier of Nevis Mark Brantley, who also serves as Minister of Tourism, Finance, and Economic Planning, described the project as a historic milestone for the island’s development.
- “I want our people to consider that we are gathered here together at a point where we are making history at this groundbreaking for purposes of an investment which we feel will propel Nevis for the next generation.
The Nevis Island Administration (NIA) has officially broken ground on a multi-million-dollar expansion and enhancement project at Vance W. Amory International Airport in Newcastle, launching what officials describe as a transformative investment expected to reshape the island’s tourism and economic outlook for decades.
The ceremony was held on Wednesday, July 1, at the airport’s perimeter and brought together government officials, project partners, and members of the local community.
Premier of Nevis Mark Brantley, who also serves as Minister of Tourism, Finance, and Economic Planning, described the project as a historic milestone for the island’s development.
“I want our people to consider that we are gathered here together at a point where we are making history at this groundbreaking for purposes of an investment which we feel will propel Nevis for the next generation.
“We are here because this government is committed to moving this island to the next level… We are doing what we are doing for those who are coming; the next generation. We all understand that having an advanced Vance W. Amory International Airport is good for Nevis and good for the Federation.”
Brantley said the Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM)-led administration has worked for more than a decade to bring the project to fruition, noting that it is expected to increase air traffic, strengthen tourism, stimulate economic activity, and generate employment opportunities.
He said the development will create jobs during construction for local contractors, tradespeople, labourers, and service providers, while also boosting long-term employment once the airport becomes operational. These include roles in airport operations, security, customs and immigration, ground handling, maintenance, and other support services. He added that expanded airlift and visitor arrivals are expected to create new opportunities across the tourism sector, including transportation, accommodation, tours, restaurants, retail, and small business services.
Brantley also acknowledged the challenges involved in bringing the project to this stage.
“Sometimes we have to be patient and appreciate that projects take time. This effort has been a relentless, ongoing effort, but to get to where we are today, we have had to navigate the technical and practical issues that are involved… that takes time.
“We had to design and redesign. We had to go back to the drawing board, and when we thought we had a plan, we had to get financing for that. I want you to understand the difficult nights and the long days of trying to navigate the financial situation, the politics, trying to navigate how Nevis could sustain a project such as this… I can assure you it is not an easy task… in order to bring a project such as this to fruition and to reality for the benefit of the people of Nevis.”
He expressed gratitude to several partners, including the Federal Government for guaranteeing the NIA’s EC$20 million loan from the St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank (SKNANB), the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) for a US$20 million concessional loan, and businessman Patrick Drahi for providing US$25 million in investment capital.
Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Saint Kitts and Nevis Edward Ling-Wen Tao also addressed the ceremony, reaffirming Taiwan’s support for Nevis’ development agenda.
“On behalf of the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I would like to extend sincere congratulations to the Government and people of Nevis… Looking ahead, I am confident that Taiwan will continue to play a constructive role in the Airport Expansion Project and other meaningful initiatives, further reinforcing the unbreakable bond between Taiwan and Nevis.
“May the Vance W. Amory International Airport Expansion Project proceed smoothly, reach a successful completion, and bring prosperity and opportunities to the wonderful people of Nevis.”
Other speakers at the ceremony included Project Coordinator Alexis Jeffers, Project Manager Michael Perkins, General Manager of the Nevis Air and Sea Ports Authority (NASPA) Oral Brandy, contractor Seamus Kelly of Kelly Construction, lead engineer Leonardo Perez of Perez Engineering Construction and Consulting Services Ltd., Chief Executive Officer of the St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank Anthony Galloway, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism John Hanley, and community representative Janesha Daniel.
The project is expected to be completed within 18 months and will include a 2,000-foot runway extension, bringing the total length to 6,000 feet. It will also feature a new fuel farm, fire hall, expanded and modernized terminal building, upgraded Customs Hall, and an enlarged parking apron capable of accommodating up to 50 executive jets.
