STATEMENT BY PREMIER AND MINISTER OF FINANCE
HONOURABLE ANDREW A. FAHIE
ON THE OPENING OF THE IN-TRANSIT LOUNGE AT THE 
T.B LETTSOME INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
29 January, 2020

A pleasant Good Day and God’s Blessings to all Virgin Islanders, residents and visitors.

The British Virgin Islands Airports Authority (BVIAA), under the leadership of its new Board, continues to make strides in improving the quality of service to travellers using our airports, and in increasing the revenue generation capacity of the assets under its management.

On 1 February, 2020, the BVIAA will be launching its In-Transit Lounge at the Terrance B Lettsome International Airport for air passengers who are transiting through the airport to catch connecting flights to their final destination in other countries.

This will impact positively on the experience of transiting passengers, as airline operators are already indicating. With increasing frequency, airlines are using our airport at Beef Island as a transit hub to other Caribbean airports, and this facility will encourage growth in this aspect of our airport business.

The BVIAA will earn revenue from the lounge as a $10 levy will be charged to transiting passengers.

What is even more commendable is that the current Board and management have been able to achieve this simply by repurposing a space that was previously underutilised and conducting some renovations to the space to outfit it for this purpose.

You have heard me saying on previous occasions, and particularly in relation to our airports, that expanding and upgrading will take time and money so, in the meantime, we have to use what we have and make the most of it. This is a classic example of making maximum use of what we already have, and for this initiative the Board and management of the BVIAA must be commended.

In order for us to achieve our Territory’s Vision of transforming the BVI into a leading regional economy by 2025 through innovation, entrepreneurship and local and foreign investment, we must have world-class air travel facilities and services. Thus, with each step the BVIAA takes towards improving capacity and service quality, we move closer to making our vision a reality.

Of course, as we raise the profile of the Virgin Islands as a leading economy, as a place to do business and to hold meetings, seminars, training and conferences, and as a preferred air transport hub, we increase the opportunities for persons involved in supporting businesses such as bed and breakfast, food and catering, restaurants and bars, taxi drivers, and tour operators, to increase their earnings.

Our Vision will be achieved as long as we remain focused and committed; one people working together towards a common goal.

Thank you and may God continue to bless our Virgin Islands.