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MAJOR CAPITAL WORKS AT JAGS MCCARTNEY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT BEGIN

The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (“TCIAA”) is pleased to inform the residents of the “Nation’s Capital” and the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands that major capital works to improve the JAGS McCartney International Airport (Grand Turk) have commenced, beginning with the Roof Repairs and Terminal Restoration Project; and the Construction of a new and improved Perimeter Fence Line.

On 19th September 2022, the JAGS McCartney International Airport sustained significant damage to its infrastructure because of Hurricane Fiona. A portion of the Passenger Terminal’s roof sustained substantial damage and which resulted in extensive flooding and further damage to the domestic and international arrival areas. Consequently, the damage sustained deemed the area unfit for the traveling public and was closed until the repairs were completed. Furthermore, significant portions of the airport’s perimeter fence were compromised, forcing the TCIAA to rely on propping up the impacted fencing using wooden support beams, as a temporary solution, while the TCIAA explored options for a more reliable and long-term fix to the impacted perimeter fence.

In response to the damage sustained, the TCIAA embarked on an urgent and extensive research and restoration program for the JAGS McCartney International Airport. The research exercise involved assessing and analyzing international standards so that any repair efforts pursued would result in a reliable and long-term fix to what was identified as recurrent problems for the airport. The decision was made to immediately begin restoration Works on the Terminal roof and interior. Moreover, to replace the Airport’s entire perimeter fence with a new high-quality build fence that is internationally approved and security standards being met, with the assured capacity to withstand hurricane-force winds of at least 157mph strength (i.e. Category 5).

On 26th January 2023, a contract for the repairs to the roof and passenger terminal was executed with Olympic Construction Ltd. The Roof Repairs and Terminal Restoration Project is divided into three phases. Project Officer, Imran Hoza is currently overseeing the project’s phases one and two. The first phase comprises the internal demolition and complete renovation of the arrival halls. Hoarding (i.e., construction fencing) has been erected on the project site for public safety. The second phase of the project is the restoration of the damaged roof which covers the arrivals area. Progress on both phases has already been made with materials being procured and with the demolition of the existing roof and internal aspects of the arrivals halls. Construction to complete the renovations will commence once all materials are received on-site. The projected completion date is 30th June 2023.

Phase three of the roof and terminal repairs is anticipated to commence during the 2023-2025 fiscal year. A phased approach to the roof restoration project is necessary to avoid a complete disruption to services and the use of the current terminal facility.

The JAGS McCartney International Airport Perimeter Fencing project has been designed to provide for a complete restoration of the Airport’s perimeter fencing providing for a modern and more resilient perimeter fencing system for the aerodrome. Olympic Construction Ltd was awarded the contract for the project which inclusive of upgrading and replacing 18,601 linear feet of perimeter fencing made of reinforced steel capable of withstanding a Category 5 hurricane. The fencing project is being used as a benchmark to allow for a new standard for fencing across all of TCI’s airports. The tentative start date is 1st May 2023 and is scheduled to be completed within six (6) months.

TCIAA is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Kathy Walkin as the Project Manager assigned exclusively to overseeing the further planning, implementation, management and satisfactory delivery of all capital projects at the JAGS McCartney International Airport. Mrs. Walkin will be supervised and supported by the TCIAA’s overall Projects Team, currently led by Project Manager, Mrs. Wellenica Williams-Quant.

The TCIAA thanks the traveling public for their patience.