NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The government, through the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation (MOTA), recently announced it is moving forward with its plan to develop resilient aviation infrastructure for a portfolio of Grand Bahama and Family Island airports.
The portfolio will include Grand Bahama International Airport; Exuma International Airport; North Eleuthera International Airport; Leonard Thompson International Airport at Marsh Harbour, Abaco; Long Island International Airport at Deadman’s Cay; San Salvador International Airport; and Great Harbour Cay International Airport.
The government intends to leverage the creative financing and operational efficiencies of the private sector by implementing a form of public-private partnership (PPP) for the redevelopment, operation and maintenance of the portfolio of airports. A multi-stage process is foreseen to define the project’s terms of reference, seek the interest of potential private sector parties and solicit competitive market-led proposals leading to the evaluation and selection of an experienced private sector partner. This process has now begun and is anticipated to require the remainder of 2021 to complete.
MOTA has selected and appointed the international advisory practice of LeighFisher, a consulting arm of Jacobs Engineering, to the role of transaction advisor for the airport project. The LeighFisher team will advise the ministry and stakeholders on the development of a go-to market strategy, market engagement and competitive procurement framework for the airport redevelopment and operations project.
Algernon Cargill, director for the Department of Aviation, stated: “We are excited to partner with LeighFisher, a global advisory consulting firm to provide support to the government of The Bahamas with the RFP (request for proposals) process for several of our Family Island airports.
“We are developing airport facilities to meet our strategic needs for the long term and plan to select world-class operators to partner with the government of The Bahamas to assist with a range of activities, from planning to financing and management of our select Family Island airport facilities.”
The Commonwealth of The Bahamas is looking toward a brighter future beyond the current economic challenges resulting from the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. A major thrust of the nation’s development initiatives will focus on sustainable long-term solutions to rebuilding infrastructure throughout the islands of The Bahamas after Hurricane Dorian.
Loading ...
