fp Turks and Caicos

After a presentation by John Smith, CEO of the Turks and Caicos Airport Authority, the Advisory Council approved at its July 14 meeting the transfer of two parcels of land to the TCIAA, which currently form part of the existing airfield on Providenciales.

According to Smith, some parcels of Crown land had been reserved for the airport authority expansion but were never transferred to the Airport Authority.

The transfer was made in order to facilitate the development of Providenciales International Airport. The expansion project encompasses more than 138 acres of land which had to be officially acquired by the TCIAA, some of which were also privately owned.

At the groundbreaking ceremony, Smith made mention of Kathleen Forbes, who he said “at the last moment had a job of work to do in ensuring that the acquisition of the required parcels of land were actually closed out in a very satisfactory manner.”

Smith reports that all the land necessary for the expansion has been now been acquired, but they continue to negotiate with some owners.

“Under the laws of the Turks and Caicos, you have what they call compulsory acquisition. You can execute that in cases where you need to acquire land for public use,” Smith explained. “This is one of those times when you can do it.”

From a legislation point of view, he said it was in the hands of Permanent Secretary of Finance Delton Jones to hold various meetings and negotiations with individuals who privately held parcels that had to be reclaimed. He said it was through that process they have acquired all the parcels.

Although not all owners have been satisfied financially for their land, the TCIAA has already begun works on the land.

“As you may appreciate it, in some cases the negotiations with them may go on for a period of time,” Smith said. “However, the law is such that you can occupy the land through forced acquisition, because you can not afford to hold up the process.”

Smith says the law is designed to ensure no one or group of individuals are able through any behaviours disrupt or create a harm to the public in general through their behaviour.

Phase one of the project, which broke ground last week, is expected to be completed in 12 months, weather permitting. This includes the runway expansion. While larger planes can begin to land as soon as the work is completed, the new terminal and jetways will only come in phase two.

Smith says for logistical reasons, it is difficult to do them at the same time, but ensures it won’t be long. “We are working on phase two to ensure there is a seamless overlap. It will be immediate or overlapping with phase one.”