VI Port Authority Shares Plans to Continue With P3 Development at Airports

Carlton Dowe, executive director for the Virgin Islands Port Authority appeared before the senate body on Wednesday to discuss the P3 airport projects and addressed concerns shared by senators.

P3 projects represent a public-private partnership agreement between a public agency and a private entity to design, build, finance, operate and maintain infrastructure. Regarding the Port Authority, the P3 projects will modernize and upgrade the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix and the Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas.

Criticism was given by senators regarding the P3 project surrounding the concern of the airport employees, some who are fearful that with privatization, their employment is not guaranteed.

“We all know it’s a public-private partnership. However, when the private company takes over as far as running the daily operations of the airports, can you speak to what will happen to the employees as far as their job security,” said committee chair Sen. Javan James.

“The Port Authority have no intention to terminate any employee at the Authority,” replied Dowe. “If the Port Authority had any interest in downsizing, getting rid of employees, COVID was our perfect opportunity. So I want to dispel and erase that aspect,” said Dowe.

Dowe went on to discuss that one benefit of the P3 project leaves taxpayers without the burden of covering costs.