When this administration took office, many Family Island communities had grown used to hearing about infrastructure that was always planned, always discussed, and too often delayed.
In South Eleuthera, the need was clear.
The runway at Rock Sound limited growth and kept this part of the island from fully sharing in the opportunities that should come with tourism, investment, and national development.
That was the reality we met.
We made a decision early that airports across the archipelago would be treated as a national priority, because infrastructure is how opportunity reaches people.
It shapes whether businesses can expand, whether families can travel with ease, whether investors can commit with confidence, and whether emergency services can respond quickly when time matters.
Today’s signing is evidence of that decision being carried through.
This contract will deliver major airside works at Rock Sound International Airport. It includes reconstruction and overlay of the existing runway to meet ICAO standards, upgraded navigational aids that support night operations, improved drainage, perimeter fencing, runway apron solar lighting, and new striping for the runway and associated areas.
This work is designed to safely accommodate Bahamasair’s 737-700 aircraft and international regional jets, opening the way for stronger airlift, higher passenger capacity, and direct international connections. It also strengthens emergency airlift capability, which is essential for Family Island communities.
The contract value is $14,525,896.00 inclusive of VAT, funded through the Government’s 2025–2026 capital budget. Following negotiations, the Government has engaged Apex Pavers Company Limited to execute these works, with a clear expectation of quality, safety, and timely completion.
This project is part of the broader Family Islands Renaissance. Since 2021, the Government has expanded and accelerated airport development across The Bahamas.
Three airports have already been completed at Ragged Island, Great Harbour Cay, and Mayaguana.
Ten more are under active construction, including projects at Governor’s Harbour and North Eleuthera, with Rock Sound now joining that active list.
This work is happening alongside ongoing upgrades by the Airport Authority and the continued remediation and expansion efforts at Lynden Pindling International Airport.
For Eleuthera, these investments match the island’s real momentum.
Visitor arrivals continue to rise, and new capital works and private developments are strengthening the local economy.
Yet South Eleuthera has faced capacity limits that have held back more balanced growth across the island.
Improving Rock Sound removes a major barrier.
This is how progress becomes real. It is built. It is maintained. It is delivered to the places that need it.
I thank the Ministry of Works and Family Island Affairs, the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, and all technical teams who brought this project to contract stage.
I also thank Apex Pavers for partnering with the Government on this important national effort.
Most of all, I thank the people of Rock Sound and South Eleuthera for their patience and their high expectations.
This project is for you, and it reflects the direction we will continue to pursue: strong, practical investments that expand opportunity across our islands.
Thank you.