TCIAA RESPONDS TO SOCIAL MEDIA MISINFORMATION ABOUT PROVIDENCIALES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT REDEVELOPMENT
July 03, 2023Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands – The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (“TCIAA”) wishes to bring clarity to the Public of the proposed plans for the redevelopment of the Howard Hamilton International Airport (formerly the Providenciales International Airport) and to dismiss recent false information circulating regarding the ‘sale’ of the Airport.
The TCIAA has been made aware that following a news post by Magnetic Media on late Sunday, 2nd July 2023 about a recent decision made by Cabinet on the project there have been misleading reports suggesting ‘a sale’ of the airport spreading through various social media channels. These reports are baseless rumours and are without any merit when considering the TCIAA and Government’s repeat disclosures of the intent to maintain public ownership and control of the airport while pursuing its redevelopment.
The public should be advised, that in the preparation of the story, as published by Magnetic Media, no contact or request for information or clarification about Cabinet’s decision or the project was made of the TCIAA. The story appears to be the result of a cut-and-paste from a recently released TCIG Cabinet Minute and TCIAA’s announcement published on 26th May 2023, advising the public of the UK’s Approval for the redevelopment project as outlined in its Business Case presented to the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (“FCDO”). This Business Case is now publicly available via the TCIAA’s website at www.tciairports.tc. Though the TCIAA does not believe the story as published bore any ill-intent, the TCIAA has noted the hysteria caused because of it and which is now being negatively exploited across social media.
The Cabinet decision of 14th June 2023 referred to in the news story mirrors that of the FCDO decision made on 23rd May 2023. That decision was an endorsement of the TCIAA’s Business Case and advancement of the project to the House of Assembly for an appraisal. This step is required before any procurement exercise in which a Public Private Partnership (“PPP”) is contemplated can be initiated. If the appraisal before the House of Assembly is successful, a procurement exercise to explore the potential for redeveloping the airport via a PPP will commence.
The TCIAA wishes to advise for the public’s benefit the fact that since embarking on an exploration programme for the redevelopment of the airport a PPP modality was an option under consideration. Based on the historic timeline of proposals received and reported discussions surrounding the redevelopment of the airport, a PPP option was a consideration of both the former PDM and current PNP administrations.
A PPP programme allows the Government and TICAA to leverage private sector expertise, innovation, and investment while retaining public ownership and oversight. The TCIAA affirms its belief that through a meticulously designed and executed procurement exercise involving a pre-qualification stage, a renowned international airport operator could be engaged for the operation and maintenance of the airport while the construction of the terminal will be via a local investor or a consortium thereof, who would in the process of preparing themselves for construction of the project contract the requisite skills and project experts experienced in the construction of airports within the similar scope contemplated. The goal is to optimize the airport’s infrastructure, services, and overall performance to better serve the demands of the destination’s tourism industry and the socio-economic needs of the community.
Under the proposed programme, the TCIAA will retain ownership of the Airport with a maximum 30-year period for the funding/payback arrangement. During that period, the project would produce enhanced operational efficiency resulting from specialised knowledge and industry best practices for operations, customer service, and competitiveness being introduced through collaboration with a private partner. The project also provides the opportunity for private sector resources and funding to accelerate the delivery of modern infrastructure and technological advancements. The project further allows for the structuring of a sustainable financial programme for the airport, reducing the burden on public funds. The Government will have an improved capacity to direct its funding and resources toward the delivery of other critical infrastructure projects. Similarly, the TCIAA will be able to direct funding and focus on the development of TCI’s remaining five airports as significant drivers for socio-economic development in Grand Turk, South Caicos, Salt Cay, North Caicos, and Middle Caicos. The project will also allow for the diversification of revenue streams, the exploration of new business opportunities, and a more efficient allocation of public resources. Importantly, the project as a PPP, will stimulate economic growth by generating employment opportunities, improving local talent through training and experience, and providing opportunities to support Islander-owned businesses.
The TCIAA would like to reassure the public of its commitment to conducting a procurement exercise that is transparent and provides the maximum appropriate level of opportunities for public engagement and input. The people of the Turks and Caicos Islands as collective owners of the airport must be able to publicly scrutinize and provide feedback on the deliverables of the project to any potential partner considered for the redevelopment. Any decision made concerning the future of the Howard Hamilton International Airport will be made with careful consideration and in consultation with the relevant authorities, industry experts, and the community.
The spreading or engaging discourse with false and misleading information concerning the airport redevelopment project is strongly discouraged. At such a time when the TCI is not only in need of a new airport, but where there is a chance to enhance opportunities within and for the local community, productive and meritorious dialogue is encouraged. Such is the duty of anyone who claims to love and to genuinely be in pursuit of securing the best interests of the TCI.
The public is advised that the TCIAA’s website and social media pages are available as direct sources for credible information about the project as it develops and is implemented.
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