Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) is elated to announce that the construction of the new air traffic control tower and combined services building at Howard Hamilton International Airport is almost complete. The state-of-the-art facility has a tentative finishing date set for November 30th, 2024. This project, following the execution of its contract on May 21st, 2020, officially commenced construction on May 18th, 2022, marking a significant milestone for aviation safety and efficiency in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Despite the challenges that typically come with pioneering large-scale infrastructure projects, TCIAA remains focused on delivering a facility that will enhance air traffic management and streamline operations for both current and future demands. Here’s a look into some of the key project highlights:

•  Critical Phases: One of the key phases already underway is the installation of the Control and Broadcast (CAB) unit, a pivotal component that will enable the new tower to be fully operational.
•  Budget Adjustments: The original forecasted budget underwent uplifts primarily due to the significant costs associated with the CAB procurement and installation, as well as redefining provisional sums that were not outlined in the initially proposed project scope.
• Collaborative Efforts: The main contractor for the project is AE & S Construction Ltd, with BCQS Ltd serving as the Project Management Firm. Additionally, Aeronav has been engaged as a subcontractor responsible for the installation and configuration of the CAB unit. Together, these partners have played a significant role in driving the project forward, ensuring quality and adherence to the established timelines.

As a Design and Build project, a primary focus was aligning the architectural and functional design with the operational requirements of air traffic management while adhering to international regulatory standards. Given the inherent complexities of such construction projects, including defining project scope and ensuring accurate budget alignment, the TCIAA team underwent specialized training. This training equipped team members with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively navigate the contract, resulting in enhanced project oversight and rigorous cost verification.

“Through this project, we have gained invaluable insights that have informed our approach to future developments,” said Wellenica Williams-Quant, the Projects Manager at TCIAA. “We have been able to refine our processes to ensure that we meet our strategic objectives.”

The completion of the new control tower is poised to deliver long-term benefits for The Howard Hamilton International Airport. The new tower will support safer, more efficient air traffic control operations, improve communication with aircraft, and will accommodate the increasing air traffic demands as Turks and Caicos Islands grow as a world-class destination.  The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority extends its gratitude to all stakeholders, including the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands and our external aviation partners, for their continued support and collaboration throughout this project.

PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS

BORDER FORCE

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Thursday, 10 October 2024:  The Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force has cracked down on three high-risk commercial importers, recovering over $360,000.00 in unpaid customs duties and fees. The Border Force has increased its compliance checks, sending a clear message to those who attempt to skirt customs regulations. These stricter measures not only ensure the accurate collection of customs duties and fees, preventing fraudulent activities like undervaluation or misclassification but also level the playing field for legitimate businesses and protect TCI’s economy from unfair competition.

Emilio Seymour, Director General of Border Force, stated, “Border Force is committed to upholding the integrity of our trade environment and protecting the financial interests of the Turks and Caicos Islands. By intensifying compliance checks, we are reinforcing our zero-tolerance stance for fraudulent behaviour. We urge all commercial importers to strictly adhere to customs regulations to avoid penalties and disruptions to their businesses. We need voluntary compliance told a more secure and prosperous trading landscape for everyone.”

Submitting false declarations to Border Force when importing goods can have severe consequences. In addition to paying unpaid duties and overpayments, importers may face seizure of goods, fines of up to $20,000, and imprisonment for up to two years. This applies to both paper and electronic submissions.

The public is also advised that the importation of controlled substances, firearms, offensive weapons, indecent materials, and certain plant, food, or animal products can result in fines up to $50,000 and/or imprisonment.

Border Force plays a crucial role in ensuring a fair and secure trading environment. By working closely with brokers and importers, the department is fostering a culture of voluntary compliance and building trust within the trade community. Border Force is investing in training and resources to help customs brokers and importers understand and meet their obligations, minimising disruptions, streamlining processes, and preventing delays due to non-compliance.