NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The government has extended the deadline for submissions of requests for pre-qualification (RFpQ) for its $260 million family islands airport ‘renaissance’ project.
The deadline, which was originally this past Sunday, has been extended to April 30.
The government in a statement said the extension was “in response to the high level of investment interest”, and “to allow for the highest possible level of participation by experienced local and international concessionaires.”
It further noted that the extension was made “in accordance with Section 3.2 (3) of the Procurement Timelines.
“Many credible, interested parties have asked us for more time to gather the information required to qualify to present proposals,” According to Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation.
“This is something we have to get right to ensure the future growth of our Family Islands. We want the widest set of competent options to choose from before we move to the next stage.”
The Family Island Renaissance Programme is a $260 million project that is expected to transform 14 Family Island airports and related infrastructure.
Under a public, private partnership (PPP) program, the ownership of the airports will be retained by The Government of The Bahamas. However, private partners will be granted a concession and lease for the airports for up to 30 years. Further, there will be an option to invest in the airports either individually or through a bundle portfolio approach.
Among the 14 airports the government is looking to address,four have been designated as Tier I airports. They include the Exuma International Airport, the North Eleuthera International Airport, the Governor’s Harbour International Airport, and the San Salvador International Airport.
The Rock Sound International Airport on Eleuthera, the New Bight International Airport on Cat Island, and the Deadman’s Cay International Airport have been designated as Tier II airports and the Staniel Cay Airport, Black Point Airport, Sandy Point International Airport, Treasure Cay Airport, and Congo Town airport have been identified as Tier III airports.
