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The long-awaited business case for the proposed expansion of the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport remains under review, with the government yet to decide whether any part of the document can be released to the public.
Speaking on the Talking Points programme on ZBVI Radio this week, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley said concerns over the procurement process and ongoing discussions with the United Kingdom have delayed publication of the KPMG-prepared business case.
“There were some concerns about making the business case available ahead of a tendering process because it might prejudice the tendering process,” Dr. Wheatley said.
He explained that the UK Government has requested additional work on the business case as part of its assessment of the proposed full airport expansion, which would extend the runway to approximately 7,000 feet to accommodate direct international flights.
The Premier's has confirmed that the British Virgin Islands Airport Authority (BVIAA) intends to approach the Social Security Board (SSB) to finance a smaller runway extension of approximately 787 feet while the Territory continues to await UK approval for the larger project.
Asked whether at least some of the business case could be released so the public could better understand the experts' findings, Dr. Wheatley said he supports transparency but would first seek technical advice.
“Well, I'm all for transparency. I'm very big on transparency,” he said.
“We can certainly put it to the technical persons and seek that advice as to whether the business plan can be published with redactions.”
Dr. Wheatley said he was not prepared to commit to releasing the document until he had consulted technical officials on what information, if any, could be disclosed without affecting the procurement process or ongoing discussions with the UK Government.
Speaking on the Talking Points programme on ZBVI Radio this week, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley said concerns over the procurement process and ongoing discussions with the United Kingdom have delayed publication of the KPMG-prepared business case.
“There were some concerns about making the business case available ahead of a tendering process because it might prejudice the tendering process,” Dr. Wheatley said.
He explained that the UK Government has requested additional work on the business case as part of its assessment of the proposed full airport expansion, which would extend the runway to approximately 7,000 feet to accommodate direct international flights.
The Premier's has confirmed that the British Virgin Islands Airport Authority (BVIAA) intends to approach the Social Security Board (SSB) to finance a smaller runway extension of approximately 787 feet while the Territory continues to await UK approval for the larger project.
Asked whether at least some of the business case could be released so the public could better understand the experts' findings, Dr. Wheatley said he supports transparency but would first seek technical advice.
“Well, I'm all for transparency. I'm very big on transparency,” he said.
“We can certainly put it to the technical persons and seek that advice as to whether the business plan can be published with redactions.”
Dr. Wheatley said he was not prepared to commit to releasing the document until he had consulted technical officials on what information, if any, could be disclosed without affecting the procurement process or ongoing discussions with the UK Government.
© 2026 BVI Platinum News. This article is original BVI Platinum content. Reproduction or republication without written permission is prohibited.
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