Hon. Julian Fraser, Minister for Communications and Works Friday February 5th, 2010 - Road Town, Tortola – When the Taddy Bay Aerodrome on Virgin Gorda was closed last week, plans were well on the way for the construction of a new airport on the island starting in February this year.
Addressing members of the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association during a meeting at The Moorings Mariner Inn on Thursday February 4th, Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Julian Fraser RA, revealed that this closure came just three days before the provisional license for the airport was due to expire.
In a statement on January 28th, Air Safety Support International, ASSI, the Governor's designated aviation regulator, confirmed the closure of the airport to commercial aircraft movements. ASSI said the Aerodrome Certificate for the airport was no longer valid because the British Virgin Islands Airport Authority has not maintained compliance with all the safety conditions of the certificate.
ASSI said this action was precipitated by the additional risks posed to the flying public by a new building development within the airport's protected areas.
“I am sure the unfortunate closure of the Aerodrome on our Sister Island of Virgin Gorda has created its own demands,” said Hon. Fraser, who also announced that he visited the site on Monday. “Let it be known that your Government is prepared to do whatever is necessary to facilitate the swift and sustained reopening of this important facility. We regard the Virgin Gorda airport as critical to our economy, businesses, residents and our status as a modern destination.”
Minister Fraser reiterated that the Government of Premier Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal remains committed to modernizing the three airports on Tortola, Virgin Gorda and Anegada.
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