Today is an important day for Long Island and for our country.
We are signing the contract that will finally deliver a modern airport terminal for Deadman’s Cay – a project that has been talked about for years, needed for years, and now, at last, is being built.
Long Island has been growing faster than the airport that serves it.
Foreign air arrivals have climbed more than 26 percent compared to 2019.
Visitors keep coming.
The island’s rental market keeps expanding. Its reputation keeps spreading.
Long Island is ready to rise – the only thing missing has been the gateway that matches its potential.
This new terminal will change that.
The building will be 10,000 square feet, with separate areas for international arrivals and domestic departures.
Four airline counters.
Proper airline offices.
A covered departure gate for comfort and safety.
A departure lounge that can seat 115 passengers.
And the entire structure will be elevated, with modern drainage to address the flooding issues that have affected Deadman’s Cay for far too long.
These are the kinds of upgrades that bring a sense of pride – the kinds of upgrades that say to visitors and Bahamians alike:
Long Island is moving forward.
And we are pairing the new terminal with major airside improvements.
The runway will be extended to 6,500 feet.
Its elevation will be raised.
The surrounding hills will be cleared for safe approaches.
These improvements will allow larger aircraft – including 737s – to land consistently and reliably throughout the year.
This is what opens the door to more flights, more reliable schedules, and stronger interest from international carriers.
This is how Long Island expands tourism, grows investment, and strengthens its economy.
And inside the terminal, we are making sure Long Islanders have opportunities.
The commercial space will be designed so local entrepreneurs can operate food stalls, retail counters, and service booths.
This airport must benefit local families, not just travellers passing through.
During construction, some temporary operations will shift to Stella Maris so the work can move quickly. A small, short inconvenience – but one that leads to decades of improvement.
Let me speak to the bigger picture.
This airport is part of a national effort. Across our archipelago, we are building modern, world-class gateways.
From Exuma to Grand Bahama, from Ragged Island to New Providence, from the MICAL district to the Abacos – new terminals, new runways, new safety upgrades.
We made a commitment to the Family Islands:
that development must reach every island,
that opportunity must not be limited by geography,
and that no community should have to wait another generation for infrastructure that supports growth.
We are fulfilling that commitment.
Long Island’s strength has always been its people – hardworking, proud, resilient.
Now the infrastructure will finally match that strength.
To Presur Construction: deliver the standard Long Island deserves.
To the people of Long Island: thank you for your patience and your determination. You have carried this island forward, even when the infrastructure lagged behind.
This is your moment.
And to the Bahamian people: let’s continue building on progress – island by island, project by project, together.
Long Island’s future is bright.
And today, we build the gateway that leads to it.
Thank you.