BVI airport's runway expansion expected to increase flights, boost economy

TORTOLA — British Virgin Islands Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer announced approval of a strategic plan to expand the runway at Terrance B. Lettsome Airport during a Friday hearing of the House of Assembly.

Rymer, providing a progress report, said the airport runway expansion project is a critical initiative aimed at enhancing the territory’s aviation infrastructure, which will support the island’s future growth and prosperity. The project is being developed using the United Kingdom’s Treasury 5 Case Model, a structured approach that ensures all critical aspects of large-scale infrastructure projects are thoroughly assessed. Central to this process, he noted, is the Outline Business Case or OBC, which he noted “meticulously evaluates the feasibility and desirability of the project across five key dimensions: strategic, economic, commercial, financial, and managerial cases.”

The OBC establishes the need for the project, ensuring alignment with broader government national priorities as defined in the National Sustainable Development Plan he said, and it evaluates the economic benefits through a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis, guaranteeing value for money. Additionally, it assesses the commercial viability, examining financing options and procurement strategies. According to Rymer, the financial implications for the BVI government are also scrutinised, detailing funding sources and budget requirements. The OBC also outlines how the project will be managed, addressing governance, risk management, and timelines, he said.