NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The recommended preferred bidder to take over Nassau Flight Services (NFS) is expected to be finalized by the government appointed evaluation committee within the next 14 days, according to Aviation Director Algernon Cargill.
“That RFP is in its final stages. We are down to two respondents,” said Cargill, who heads the committee.
The committee also includes former Central Bank Governor Wendy Craigg, who now chairs the Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA) Board; accountant Philip Stubbs; attorney Ryan Sands; and Walter Wells.
Once finalized, the recommendation will be forwarded to Tourism and Aviation Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar, who will present it to Cabinet.
“Our committee only has responsibility for making the recommendation. The final decision is the government’s through the Cabinet as to who will be awarded the sale of NFS. We expect to have that recommendation to the minister within the next 14 days,” Cargill said.
Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar has previously stated Nassau Flight Services’ annual $8m revenues place it well within the range of the Bahamian investor groups targeted by the Minnis administration and only Bahamians need apply for the ground handling services provider’s takeover.
Cargill added discussions are ongoing regarding the acquisition of nearly 600 acres of land in north Eleuthera for the construction of a $60 plus million dollar airport.
“We need approximately 600 acres of land in North Eleuthera,” he said.
“The land is owned by the commonage. We are working with the commonage to acquire the land in some sort of arrangement to be partners with the airport. That is our first strategy. If that does not work out we have to look at what other options are available to the government through the law to obtain this land.”
Cargill added: “Obviously compulsory acquisition and offering compensation is an option but our primary focus is to work in partnership with the commonage to acquire the land via some fort of arrangement.”
