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by pltm
(PLTM) - The National Democratic Party (NDP) Government said that it has provided all the monies to BVI Airways, as agreed under its contract, and has also met the necessary obligations.
The Government issued a short response, over 24 hours after the explosive lengthy address to the people of the Territory by BVI Airways.
"The Government of the Virgin Islands, recognising the need to improve airlift into the Territory for our visitors and residents alike, entered into an agreement with BVI Airways to provide the company with $7 million to operate direct flights between Miami and the British Virgin Islands," the statement on Wednesday, July 19 at 4:30 pm said.
It added, "The Government has provided all the financial support agreed between ourselves and BVI Airways, and furthermore, the Airport Authority has put in place most of what was agreed to enhance the arrivals and departure experience of BVI Airways passengers, including an office, additional seating, air conditioning and two ticket counters.
Government stated that the Airport Authority is awaiting definite word on the time of commencement of flight operations, to complete any further arrangements specific to BVI Airways.
"Having provided the agreed support, this Government and people are awaiting the commencement of the much anticipated direct Miami/BVI flights," Government said.
BVI Airways on Tuesday morning, July 18, announced that it was forced to lay off its entire flight crew due to financial issues, and also blamed the BVI Government for the delay and the repercussions being encountered.
The airline alleged that improvements to the TB Lettsome International Airport required under the contract with Government, to meet basic commercially acceptable standards for processing passenger volume of this size, have not been completed.
Government in its response did not address the lay offs.
BVI Airways had stated that the pre-operating carry costs alone have cost the airline millions of dollars over the past year and have depleted most of its cash reserves.
"The irony is now that we are ready to start flying, we need to raise more money in order to do so."
It stated that the airline officials have been in discussions with the BVI Government for months, and are doing its best to raise the additional funds required, and will start flying once the necessary improvements to the TB Lettsome International Airport are completed and the additional funds are secured.
"Everything has been set up and in-place to 'flip the switch'. It has been a daunting task to get to this point and most will never appreciate what has gone into this process. We have an incredible team that has worked tirelessly for the past 2 years to make this dream a reality."
The airline noted that most people don't realize that they needed a full organization, with full complement of trained pilots, flight attendants, backup crews and planes, in order to complete the application process.
"We have almost 40 people on the payroll. This is one of the reasons the barriers of entry are so great with an airline and many times require subsidies of some type," BVI Airways stated.
Opposition Leader, Hon. Andrew Fahie has since called on the Government to provide the people of the BVI with the truth surrounding the debacle.
