#Long Island, June 29, 2019 – Bahamas – Engineering and architectural studies for the design of a new airport in Long Island will begin in 2020 announced the Hon. Desmond Bannister, Minister of Public Works.
“I want everyone to appreciate
that an airport takes quite a while to build. We will start the engineering and
architectural studies and anticipate that in a few years Long Island is going
to have a wonderful new airport,” he said.
Minister Bannister addressed
residents of Long Island at a contract signing ceremony Wednesday, June 26th,
2019 at Regatta Site, Salt Pond for the second phase of a water supply
improvement project.
He said Long Island is among
the first four of a system of new airports that are being built throughout the
country. Airports will also be constructed in Exuma, North Eleuthera and the
Berry Islands all of which will take a few years to build.
“All of them are investments
for the people of The Bahamas, the dreams and aspirations that you have to be
able to make your lives better so that your daily existence will improve,” he
said.
Moreover, In his contribution
to the 2019/2020 Budget Communication in the House of Assembly, Minister
Bannister said Cabinet has allocated $1,346,474.41 to “properly” construct and
pave Monument Road, and to create parking at the bottom of the monument steps
to the top.
“Monument Road is 3 miles of
torturous driving over rocks and through bush to get to the most beautiful
vista in The Bahamas and perhaps in the world. The view from the Columbus
monument is incomparable,” he said.
Furthermore, Minister Bannister
informed Parliamentarians that $548,263.36 has been set aside to replace the
collapsed Newton’s Cay Bridge.
He said by the end of 2019 Long
Islanders and visitors will have access to two of the most beautiful ecological
sites that he has ever seen in his life.
“When you see us opening the
Monument Road, building a new Newton’s Cay Bridge, building a new airport it
means that we are seeking to open Long Island as a gateway for tourism. I hope
that all of you appreciate that means that it’s time for you to invest in your
home now that you can be ready for the opportunities,” he said.
By Kathryn Campbell
Release: BIS
Photo Captions:
The Hon. Desmond Bannister,
Minister of Public Works, speaks at the Contract Signing to announce plans for
water supply improvement project for Long Island. (BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)