Virgin Islands Premier and Minister for Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) said the first commercial flight to land at the recently re-opened, Taddy Bay International Airport, brings hope to the people of Virgin Gorda and its economy. Photo: VINO

Hon Fahie along with several government officials and Deputy Governor David D. Archer Jr were present on the tarmac to welcome the first of three daily Cape Air flights to Virgin Gorda from Puerto Rico, since the airport was reopened on November 23, 2021. Photo: VINO

“We have had many other flights since we opened that were chartered and they have come from international quarters, but this is the first commercial one we are having and we want to welcome Cape Air,” he said on December 17, 2021.

Hon Fahie along with several government officials and Deputy Governor David D. Archer Jr were present on the tarmac to welcome the first of three daily Cape Air flights to Virgin Gorda from Puerto Rico, since the airport was reopened on November 23, 2021.

“This brings hope, this opens the economy even more for Virgin Gorda, especially in the tourism area and we can see the economic activity significantly increase over the last few weeks and months due to the efforts of the people of VG and the policies of the Government of the Virgin Islands,” the Premier pointed out.

Busy schedule ahead - Premier 

“We as a government is having discussions with other airlines to have commercial flights. I also want to thank all the other charters we are seeing Island Bird, there were about two others that test flight here about two weeks ago, we are seeing Air Sunshine [and] Trade Winds is also going to be coming with some charters. Some of them are doing charters from international spots into Virgin Gorda.”

According to Hon Fahie, the airport is about to become busier as Christmas nears.

He said from Monday, traffic is expected to increase significantly and that the airport could end up becoming even busier than the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, “that’s a good sign, that shows progress,” he said.

Good day for VG - Hon Wheatley 

Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) was present and expressed pleasure to see the progress in his hometown.

“It is indeed a good day and to God, I must say all the glory and praise be given. It is so good to have Cape Air in, starting their routine regular flights from today. On behalf of the community, I sincerely want to bring thanks to you for your commitment to the people, to the businesses, to the villa owners, to the hotel owners, for making this possible,” he said.

He said this link between Puerto Rico and Virgin Gorda goes “way, way, way back and we are happy to see it is being re-established now and hopefully other persons will follow suit and do what you are doing.” 

He thanked the aviation company again for the bold step and for having confidence in the VI.