Former Deputy Premier and Minister of Immigration Hon. Sean Astwood is questioning is questioning the timing of the recently announced Airports Authority’s Airport Development Fee increase.
Astwood, in a press release, pour cold water on the move, asking why now. The following is Astwood’s take on the matter:
The Airports Authority a week ago announced a 75% increase in Airport usage fees from $20.00 to $35.00 calling its decision “proactive.” A number of questions arise for me, and I believe every Turks and Caicos Islander should ask and have the right to know.
Firstly, why now? If the Premier and his government through the Airports Authority are in the middle of the procurement process for a bidder for the country’s busiest airport in Providenciales and the only one with scheduled regular international flights, why now? There is an unexplainable delay in the completion of the airport in South Caicos and there may still be negotiations ongoing in relation to the one in North Caicos. Why not wait to see what amount or step may be needed in facilitating services in these Airports before a hike in fees?
The TCIAA should not be allowed to announce and implement new or increased taxes or fees in this already difficult financial climate without more details. In this climate, taxpayers must have more information and the benefit of a complete picture from not just the TCIAA Chiefs but from the Premier himself.
The people must know what the current earnings of the TCIAA is; how has the management of the Airports increased to warrant such a large increase; how much does it cost to operate all of these airports; what is the estimated increase in revenue and how will these monies be used. In addition, I have serious concerns with the Premier’s oversight of this matter knowing that the TCIAA is no doubt experiencing a major problem with the vast number of Turks and Caicos Islanders resigning from their positions including high level positions. This alone requires a more in-depth investigation.
The TCIAA has been struggling to finish the covering on the walkway on the apron in Providenciales and questions are many as it relates to this.
I believe this increase to be premature as there will be introduced after the redevelopment of the airport is completed. So, the question remains why now? Why the rush?
TCIAA has quickly developed a reputation for big spending recently and stalled projects. We need answers as taxpayers. Why now? How much do you intend to raise? How will it be used? The people deserve a response. In a “proactive” step, this information must be provided to the public before this this increase is implemented. We wait!
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