Text of Chief Minsiter Brandt's Speech on Airport provisons for Montserrat

Dated: April 24, 1999

BRAMBLE AIRPORT

Subsequent to the devastation of WH Bramble Airport in June 1997, efforts were made to establish a site for a new fixed wing facility in Montserrat.

The United Kingdom Government with the agreement of the Government of Montserrat contracted the firm Gibb International to carry out a feasibility study.

The consultants first presented three options: namely Thatch Valley, Blakes and Geralds. They later included WH Bramble as a fourth option. Gibb was mandated to execute a public consultation with the people of Montserrat. Upon the Government's insistence they were required to enlighten Montserratians about the pros and cons relating to the various sites, as well as to defend their preference for the location of an Airport.

The consultants came to Montserrat and all of us know that the Government and people of Montserrat said loud and clear and with resounding voices that Thatch Valley is the only option, which we would consider. The people’s spokesmen and women presented sound and substantial reasons for the choice of Thatch Valley.

In spite of the fact they agreed that the consultation should take place, British Officials responded by saying that in no case would Her Majesty’s Government spend any money at Thatch Valley, adding, that for environmental reasons they would object to a runway being constructed at Thatch Valley, even if we could raise the money ourselves. This demonstrates the power and determination of the British Government and their European partners when they take a position.

I think it would be useful for me to explain that the finance available for the establishment of a fixed wing facility would come from both the British and the Europeans. The British funds were to be spent first and the European money afterwards.

The Europeans have allocated 8 million ECUS for airport development in Montserrat, which cannot be used for any other purpose. This means if we do not use it for this purpose, we will lose it. The government of Montserrat has to indicate now on what airport facility this sum will be used. If the airport cost more than the $ECU8 million, which the Europeans have agreed to provide, then the British Government will be required to provide the extra sums. We have been informed that the Europeans will not spend any sums at all except they are sure that provision is made for completing the facility on which their money will be used. They have sought and obtained the agreement of the British to provide any shortfall. So in every case concurrence of the British is required.

Given the fact that the UK is the largest single contributor to the European budget, they have a very powerful influence in the community's debates and discussions. They could and would undoubtedly veto any proposal to construct an airport at Thatch Valley.

After the consultation, the case that Thatch Valley is in fact the best site for an airport in Montserrat has been presented from all angles, and from all points of view. At every turn the response by the British has been an unqualified NO.

From all the statements made to my ministers and myself by the British, it is clear that in the existing situation no funding will ever be available for the construction of an airport at Thatch Valley.

So tonight, I have to tell you that it is not now a question of which site is best. Rather, the question for all of us is, what can we get? The choice before us is, either we take the refurbished WH Bramble or we get no airport at all. It is as simple as that.

The Government would like to have an airport built at Thatch Valley where it could when necessary be extended and where it will be absolutely safe from all volcanic eruptions. If waiting would enable us to get the funding for a Thatch Valley airport we would have waited. But much as it distresses us, the message from the aid donors is unmistakable, they will not finance Thatch Valley, no matter how strong our case might be. They have decided against it and there is nothing more that we can do to change their minds.

However, we will not abandon the idea of Thatch Valley, we will pursue it, because we believe that it is the right way to go. Our goal is to eventually have an airstrip there. This goal is not realisable now because the British have said categorically, they will not fund it.

In making a decision, my ministers and myself have been mindful of the horrible suffering of some travelers by sea. We have been mindful of the fact that rough seas can cut us off from the outside world when the Ferry cannot dock to discharge passengers and residents and visitors alike are made to lose their connecting flights out of Antigua.

We are mindful of the fact that the rental cost of the helicopter and the ferry is over $11 million a year. From the very beginning up to now, we had asked them to purchase the ferry and they flatly refused. We have received quotation for commercial helicopter services which puts the roundtrip fare between Montserrat - Antigua at $350.00. So that in terms of cost, the helicopter service is not the answer.

We are mindful also, that until we have an appropriate fixed wing facility our tourist trade will be slow in developing, and our economy may never recover. Therefore, while we remain convinced that the best option for an airport on Montserrat is at Thatch Valley, and while we remain convinced that spending large sums of money at WH Bramble is a terrible waste, we have to ask ourselves which decision is more tolerable for the people of Montserrat? No airport for the next eight to ten years, or accepting the only option for which funding is available.

I would have liked to take the matter to the public again, but I have been advised within the last two days, that at the discussions to be held in Brussels in this coming week, I will have to state Montserrat’s position on this matter. In the new time available, we have discussed the issue with as many people as possible, and the consensus opinion is that fixed wing air services into and out of our country must be restored soon as possible.

It is therefore our view that we must have a fixed wing aircraft facility, and at this time we have no choice, but to accept the rehabilitation of Bramble, since with no airport at all our economic recovery and development could not proceed.

Thank you fellow Montserratians and residents of Montserrat for listening.