EDITOR’S NOTE: In February, #InfrastruCaribe looked at air transport infrastructure in the Caribbean in our edition 2021-03-02. This newsletter re-visits this topic, as we continue our series on transportation infrastructure. Four locations are covered, namely: Guyana, Puerto Rico, The Bahamas, and Jamaica. Each location will be covered in a single article.
Our headline, taken from Stabroek News, reads: “Gov’t Optimistic CJIA Expansion Works To Be Done By Deadline”. Deadline for Guyana’s Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion project is December 31. And, Chinese contractor China Harbour Engineering Company is on track for completion on time, having already completed 90 percent of outstanding issues.
Puerto Rico recently reopened two additional international airports — Rafael Hernandez Airport in Aguadilla and Mercedita International Airport in Ponce. In associated news, U.S. President Biden has aired his willingness to encourage private-sector investment in overseas projects to challenge the economic vision of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
In Bahamas, the temporary terminal at Grand Bahama International Airport is undergoing works to double its current size, in preparation for an expected increase in visitor arrivals, as travelers regain confidence in the destination. Finally, works are underway to upgrade Jamaica’s 14 aerodromes to facilitate a more efficient commute across the island.