The Ministry of Transport and Aviation and the Ministry of Works hope to break ground on the construction of a revamped Exuma International Airport by Q1 2016, according to Minister of Transport and Aviation Glenys Hanna-Martin. During her contributions to the 2015/2016 Budget Debate on Tuesday, Hanna-Martin said conceptual designs for the facility are currently being developed in tandem with the Christie administration's "master plan" for Exuma.

"Tender for construction will be facilitated by the Ministry of Works and we believe, all things being equal and if the winds are favorable, we will be able to break ground for the new Exuma International Airport by early next year within the first quarter of 2016," said Hanna-Martin.

The move is part of the master plan for the redevelopment of The Bahamas' 28 government-managed airports. However, Hanna-Martin acknowledged that the government found itself in a bind given the cost of necessary improvements to the country's air facilities. Consequently, Hanna-Martin called for considerable resources to repair or upgrade existing facilities to in term stimulate Family Island economies.

"Every airport in every community is on the radar at this moment, whether because economy growth has created pressures or simply because we know that airports are necessary engines to stimulate economic growth and jumpstart economies," she said.

With funds spread thin and mounting economic loses caused by defunct facilities, the ministry aims to make good on the present administration's clarion call for private-public partnerships (PPPs) in managing Family Islands airports.

The Staniel Cay Airport, which has been shut down for weeks over runway safety concerns, is the Ministry's top priority in this regard, said Hanna-Martin. The minister revealed that the government was in the process of finalizing the terms of a memorandum of understanding with private aviation services provider Odyssey Aviation for the full remediation of the runway and the construction of a completely new terminal.

The Department of Civil Aviation (CAD) announced the temporary closure in early April citing safety concerns. While the deteriorating runway had traditionally been repaired with quick fixes, a pair of engineers from the Ministry of Works and the Department of Civil Aviation determined that the airstrip could not be patched and must be closed immediately. Air traffic was diverted to Black Point, before transporting passengers to Staniel Cay via ferries. The abrupt shutdown and slow progress of remediation plans have caused substantial economic loses for the island's businesses as the tourism season winds down.

"It is anticipated that runway works will be completed, Mr. Speaker, as a matter of urgency. It's caused hardship but where we will be going, Mr. Speaker, will lead to a greatly enhanced modern airport facility in Staniel Cay with economic opportunities for Exumians," she said.

Hanna-Martin added that Odyssey is prepared to begin remediation work "within the shortest time possible" once the agreement is signed.

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