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by pltm
(PLTM) - Hon. Alvera Maduro-Caines, Sixth District Representative is the first government member to publicly speak out against the proposed controversial TB Lettsome International Airport expansion project.
Speaking in the House of Assembly during the budget debate today, February 23, in a surprise move, Caines said that the government simply cannot afford a project of this magnitude at this time, pointing out that there are other priorities such as fixing several infrastructure, which she described as being in a mess.
"I must say that I am not against an airport (expansion); I simply do not think it is feasible at this time. There are too many things in our country that needs to be fixed that I think that need to take priority. Infrastructure, schools in need of much help, our roads are still a mess, sewerage still a mess. Our whole infrastructure needs a facelift," she said today.
Further, the back-bencher, who is not known for speaking out on controversial government matters, said that they also have to be mindful of what may come with the financial services this year.
"Our financial services is under attack. We don’t know what to expect this year in terms of money to expect from it. How are we to pay for this airport at this time?"
Earlier today during the debate, Hon. Dr. Hubert O'Neal, Ninth District Representative expressed that he supports the airport project and noted that they cannot afford not to do it at this time. He also said that the people of Virgin Gorda (VG) are backing the project.
"My colleague from the Ninth asked, we cannot afford not to build this airport. I ask, can we afford this airport (project)? Can we afford to build it now? I do not think financial evidence is (there) where we can build this airport at this time."
She added, "I repeat, I am not saying we don’t need an airport (expansion), but the time for us to venture into such a great financial constraint that would probably hold us hostage for a number of years."
It is no secret that the National Democratic Party (NDP) is divided over the project, but they are usually very secretive about their inside ramblings.
Government has chosen a preferred bidder for the $153.5M project, China Communications Construction Company (CCCC).
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