by Jerome Pinder
The new airport is certainly a breath of fresh air for the Bahamas. I have been hearing positive comments about the airport ever since renovations were undertaken and new management was provided at the existing US departure terminal. The recent Grand Opening and Open House for the new terminal at LPIA has caused the positive comments to keep rolling.
It is no surprise then to see an article in the March 17th Tribune: “New US departure terminal opens ‘without incident’.” See the full article here. This project seems to have gone from one success to another. Reports during the construction period indicated a project that was completed on time and within budget. We certainly have developed something that we can all be proud of. Something that will give our visitors a positive welcome and a positive departure. With the economy puttering along and scarce tourism dollars, we certainly need all the positives we can get.
Most importantly this project has taught us what can be done when the inefficiencies of Government are removed from the picture and we allow private, professional management to take over. One can only imagine what the headlines would have read if the Government would have tried to pull off the opening of a new airport terminal. It certainly would not have read “without incident.” Common sense even prevailed when Management chose to open the facility on a Wednesday, one of the slowest days for the airport. This is a critical move in a Country where common sense seems to be lacking.
As a Bahamian, I am grateful to all that have made this project a success. As long as Government stays out of the picture, I am sure that the upkeep and maintenance of this facility will not be in doubt. I trust that Bahamians will treat the terminal as a treasure when passing through.
I think it is time we take the same approach with BEC!
