STX Senate Candidate Raymond T. James Esq. Calls for Completion of VIPA Airport Review

Advertisement

St. Croix - Senatorial candidate Raymond T. James Esq. is calling for the Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) to complete its careful review of the proposed airport public-private partnership (P3) before the Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority (VIEDA) considers economic development benefits associated with SkyCity. 

Mr. James supports VIPA’s vision to modernize the Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas and the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix. The modernization of these airports represents one of the most consequential infrastructure decisions facing the Virgin Islands because our airports are not simply transportation facilities - they are gateways to tourism, commerce, investment, employment, and our broader economy.

Complex P3 negotiations involving airport operators, airlines, financing, development rights, and long-term concessions will naturally involve competing interests that affect the parties’ respective bottom lines. VIPA must therefore be given the opportunity to carefully evaluate the proposed agreement and determine whether its financial and operational terms serve the long-term interests of the people of the Virgin Islands.

Mr. James believes VIPA should consider engaging an independent, experienced airport consultant or mediator if the expertise would assist the Authority in evaluating the competing financial, operational, and contractual issues and moving the process toward a responsible conclusion.

For St. Croix, modernization must address the actual needs of the traveling public. 

It pains me to see our elderly, persons with disabilities, families with young children, and other travelers having to board and deplane aircraft without the use of a jet bridge. St. Croix deserves a modern airport that provides travelers with greater comfort, safety, dignity, and protection from the elements. Jet bridges should therefore be included as part of the airport modernization plan from the outset, not left for possible inclusion in a later phase.

As a frequent traveler, Senatorial candidate James, also recognizes the importance of reliable regional connectivity. St. Croix travelers would benefit from maintaining dependable air service between St. Croix and Puerto Rico, an important transportation connection for medical care, business, family travel, and onward connections.

The St. Croix modernization plan should also look ahead. Adequate space should be incorporated into the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport for customs and immigration processing associated with an anticipated visa waiver program for eligible travelers arriving from nearby Caribbean islands. Planning for that opportunity today can help position St. Croix for expanded regional travel and economic activity tomorrow. 

The Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority (VIEDA) plays an important role in encouraging private investment and economic growth. However, consideration of economic development benefits associated with SkyCity should follow - not precede - the careful evaluation of the underlying airport agreement. 

Economic development benefits are valuable public assets and should complement a carefully evaluated airport agreement - not substitute for one.

Raymond T. James, Esq.

Candidate for the Senate 

St. Croix District