Vance W. Amory Nevis International Airport
The first in a series of public consultations on the Vance W. Amory International Airport Expansion Project took place on Monday evening at the St. Paul’s Anglican Church Hall in Nevis. The event aimed to inform residents about the proposed upgrade and expansion plans, but it also sparked significant debate over feasibility, transparency, and timelines.
Overview of the Consultation
Representatives from Perez Engineering Construction and Consulting Services Limited, along with Special Advisor to the Premier of Nevis on Investment, Alexis Jeffers, presented details of the proposed airport expansion. The audience included members of the public, community leaders, and representatives of various civic organizations.
Attendees were invited to ask questions regarding the project’s planning and decision-making process, leading to discussions on three main issues:
- The existence and findings of a feasibility study
- The transparency of the tendering and procurement process
- The projected timeline for commencement of construction
Feasibility Study and Economic Viability
Leader of the Nevis Reformation Party, Dr. Janice Daniel-Hodge, raised concerns about whether a feasibility study was conducted to confirm that the proposed plan was the most suitable option for the Vance W. Amory International Airport.
“Was a feasibility study done to determine if what is being proposed is the best option for the airport?” she asked.
In response, Alexis Jeffers stated that the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) was satisfied with the assessments presented by Perez Consulting. He explained that the study explored several options and that the chosen plan represented the most practical and economically viable path forward.
“If the airport doesn’t expand, any return from the airport won’t happen,” Jeffers said. “With expansion, there will be returns — revenue, employment, and opportunities. The feasibility work done has given us a clear idea of what we can achieve.”
Concerns About Tendering and Transparency
Social activist Dr. Kelvin Daly questioned how the administration arrived at selecting Perez Consulting without a public tendering process. He asked why, after years of discussions dating back to 2015, the project had proceeded without competitive bidding.
“In 2015, when you contacted Perez, how did you arrive at this stage without any process of tendering?” Dr. Daly inquired.
Jeffers defended the NIA’s decision, citing Perez Consulting’s established reputation and prior involvement in major infrastructure projects in other Caribbean jurisdictions.
“At least we are familiar with the work of Perez Consulting,” Jeffers stated. “Their reputation is there for all to examine, and the Administration acted in what we believe is the best interest of Nevis.”
Estimated Cost and Legal Requirements
The project is reportedly valued at approximately EC $70 million. Under St. Kitts and Nevis law, public projects of this scale typically require a tendering process to ensure transparency and value for money. However, officials did not confirm whether such legal procedures were followed.
Unclear Start Date and Next Steps
During the consultation, former airport manager Carlisle Powell questioned the prolonged timeline and the absence of a projected start date, noting that discussions have been ongoing for eight years.
“When is the envisioned start date?” Powell asked. “We’ve been going at this for eight years — can you say we’ll be ready to start in the next five or eight years?”
Jeffers replied that while no firm date had been set, he hoped the project could begin by the middle of next year. The exchange highlighted the community’s frustration over the lack of technical details and concrete planning milestones.
Jeffers acknowledged challenges in the presentation, including language barriers with some of the consultants, and assured attendees that future consultations would offer clearer communication. He added that the NIA Cabinet and Premier would meet to decide when and how detailed project information will be shared publicly.
Public Engagement Continues
The Nevis Island Administration has pledged to continue public consultations to improve transparency and address residents’ concerns about feasibility, costs, and community impact. The airport expansion, once realized, is expected to enhance regional connectivity, support tourism growth, and strengthen Nevis’ position as a gateway to the Caribbean.