Local News
Airport Expansion Project Gains Momentum with Successful Tender Opening
The Government of the Virgin Islands has recently announced significant strides in the ongoing Terrance B Lettsome International Airport development project. The BVI Airports Authority has taken a crucial step forward by opening tenders for the development of a business case, following a successful Request for Proposals (RFP) process.
With a total of eight bids received and publicly opened on 4th January, the tendering process garnered interest from both local and international firms. Minister of Communications and Works, Honourable Kye Rymer, expressed satisfaction with the enthusiastic response, emphasising the government’s steadfast commitment to the airport’s expansion.
Honourable Rymer stated, “This marks a significant step in realising our vision for the Terrance B Lettsome International Airport and the Territory as a whole. The overwhelming interest from reputable firms, both locally and internationally, underscores the importance and potential of this project.”
The next phase involves a thorough evaluation of the received tenders, with plans to enter into a contractual agreement with the successful bidder in the coming weeks. Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Theodore Burke, reaffirmed the Authority’s dedication to keeping the airport development project a top priority.
“It is our intention to maintain momentum on the airport development project until its fruition. The public opening of tenders today marks a significant leap forward in this process as we move closer to solidifying the next steps in the airport’s development,” said Theodore Burke.
Representing the Managing Director, Officer-in-Charge Mr. Elvis Harrigan expressed optimism about the project’s future. “Today is a great day, not only for the Authority but for the entire Virgin Islands as we advance rapidly with the airport development project. We are determined to make this vision a reality, and this marks a crucial step in that journey.”
The evaluation process is anticipated to conclude in the coming weeks, after which the successful bidder will be awarded a contract. The Government of the Virgin Islands and the BVI Airports Authority extend gratitude for the widespread interest and commitment demonstrated by all stakeholders involved in this pivotal undertaking.
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Tola Radio Battles Legal Dispute Over Shutdown, Calls for Public Support
Tola Radio VI 100.5 FM, known as “the people’s radio,” has been off the air for 14 days amidst a legal standoff with Caribbean Cellular Telephone Limited (CCT). Managing Director Floyd P. Burnett, also known as “Heritage,” is urging public support as the station navigates what he describes as a targeted attack on freedom of speech and locally-owned businesses.
Mr. Burnett alleges that despite meeting all payment requirements and deadlines, CCT refused to accept Tola Radio’s payment and later disabled the station’s broadcasting equipment. “They physically touched our equipment and locked them off, despite written legal letters asking and instructing it not to be done,” he stated.
The dispute follows CCT’s October announcement terminating its service agreement with the radio station. CCT clarified that Tola Radio could retain its services if it became a paying customer, but according to Burnett, his payment was rejected without justification.
The controversy escalated when Burnett claimed an attempt was made to have him arrested and charged with attempted murder. “The public was to wake up and hear the radio off along with hearing I was arrested and charged, but God is greater than man!” he said.
Efforts to secure an extension for relocating Tola Radio’s equipment were also denied, Burnett said. Additionally, an urgent injunction filed in the High Court was postponed by a visiting judge until November 22 without hearing any arguments.
The ongoing shutdown has left eight employees without income, caused significant financial losses, and breached client agreements. Burnett criticized government officials for their lack of action, accusing them of failing to address the issue despite the government being a major client of CCT.
“Like most problems facing the BVI, they can’t [find] no way to help us! Even though the government is the tower people’s biggest client,” Burnett remarked.
Burnett is calling on the public to boycott CCT in protest. “Plug out the phone, plug out the chip, don’t pay your bill! We need to make a statement to corporate BVI today!” he urged.
He framed the situation as a broader fight for “freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of information,” asserting that the attack on Tola Radio sets a dangerous precedent for other local businesses.
Despite the challenges, Burnett assured Tola Radio’s listeners and partners that the station will resume broadcasting soon. “We will be back on air shortly, hopefully before the day is out,” he promised.
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