ANGUILLA AIR & SEA PORTS AUTHORITY
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ANGUILLA AIR & SEA PORTS AUTHORITY
I PROFILE
As one of the smallest Caribbean islands, Anguilla is not shy of thinking big. Having opened a new ferry port, the Anguilla Air and Sea Ports Authority is overseeing a game changing overhaul of its airport, and plans to reshape commercial cargo operations. Chairman Andrew Niles sat down with Andy Probert to review the projects which are pivotal to the nation’s prosperity. 66 Inside america
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xcitement is certainly tangible, and expectations are growing across the 15,000 strong population of Anguilla,
an island less than 16 miles long and 3.5 miles wide. The reason: a monumental overhaul of its air and sea ports. With no actual export trade, the community’s economy, tourism, commercial and social life are indelibly tied to its ports: Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport, Blowing Point Ferry Terminal, Road Bay Cargo Port, and Corito Port. In 2009, the Government of Anguilla handed management of the air and sea ports to the newly created Anguilla Air and Sea Ports Authority (AASPA). As an independent statutory body, AASPA’s mandate is to oversee, manage, maintain, and upgrade the ports properly and profitably. Arrivals to the beautiful beaches and azure waters of the British Overseas Territory are continuing to surmount the Covid impact. In 2019, 363,708 passengers arrived by sea and air to this northerly tip of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles, just east of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. “Into 2024 and beyond, the future of AASPA and Anguilla will shine very bright,” said AASPA Chairman Andrew Niles: That positive attitude is well placed.
Ferry port opening Mr. Niles said passenger numbers through Blowing Point Ferry Terminal have exhibited remarkable growth since 20,000 arrived in 2021. In contrast, this figure surged to over 90,000 in 2022. As of August 2023, statistics
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ANGUILLA AIR & SEA PORTS AUTHORITY
I PROFILE
Dutch sides of the neighbouring island of St. Maarten and other islands. The government set in train a $10 million project to replace the terminal, along with improved landscaping, car parking, and ancillary services. The new 18,000 sqft state of the art facility, inaugurated in 2023, is equipped with air conditioning, indicate arrivals have exceeded 100,000,
dedicated concessions areas, VIP
with a promising winter season anticipated.
accommodation, and comprehensive
The terminal has effectively risen from
WiFi coverage. It is also introducing an
the ashes after Hurricane Irma battered the
electronic manifesting initiative.
island in 2017. Blowing Point was effectively
“The development represents a substan-
destroyed, forcing ASPAA to use temporary
tial enhancement compared to the previous
accommodation. It also acts as a crucial
facility,” Mr. Niles said. “Given its role as the
passenger port connecting the French and
primary entry point for most of our guests,
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we placed paramount importance on
and UK governments, will oversee the
leaving a lasting and positive first impres-
initiative, which includes the construction
sion. The facility also embodies the essence
of a new terminal and extension of the
of the premium vacation experience that
existing runway.
Anguilla is renowned for offering.”
Part of the funding, around $15 million,
Passengers are usually day trippers or
will come from the UK government, but
long stay visitors. Arrivals in 2019 repre-
the Anguilla government’s reserve funds
sented the fifth best year since 1990.
will pay for the remainder. Construction
Hopes are also high it will surpass the
of the terminal is slated to commence in
33,147 vessel movements witnessed in
January 2024.
2019 between Anguilla and the French and Dutch sides of St. Maarten. Meanwhile, Anguilla’s Clayton J. Lloyd
“This cutting edge terminal will serve as a beacon of modernity and efficiency,” Mr. Niles explained, “designed to enhance
International Airport is undergoing an
the overall airport experience for travellers
era – defining $130 million transformation.
and stakeholders alike.”
AASPA, in collaboration with the Anguillan
The runway extension, scheduled for early 2025, will accommodate larger aircraft and bolster the airport’s capacity, positioning it to handle increased passenger traffic and facilitate the growth of Anguilla’s aviation sector. The airport saw 57,718 passenger movements and 15,979 aircraft movements in 2019, with most arriving from the U.S., U.K. and Europe. Its master plan’s 20 year forecast estimates that, through to 2041, the island can expect an annual increase of 11.5% in passengers arriving by air.
More developments Road Bay Port, which acts as Anguilla’s primary cargo port dealing specifically with incoming cargo from neighbouring islands as well as to and from Puerto Rico has also benefitted from major investment. A new 600ft jetty was completed in December 2021 and funded by the UK government’s Conflict, Stability, and Security Fund. It was built 230 feet south
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ANGUILLA AIR & SEA PORTS AUTHORITY
I PROFILE
of the soon to be decommissioned 1971
regulatory requirements. Acknowledging
original pier. The new jetty extends 50
specific infrastructure challenges inherent
feet longer than its predecessor, enabling
to this facility, AASPA has formulated a
multiple berthing platforms for different
comprehensive plan to address these
vessel uses.
issues within the next 12 months.
AASPA is now in the initial phases of
This comprehensive plan underscores
formulating a comprehensive Master
AASPA’s proactive stance in rectifying
Plan for the Road Bay. It will encompass
infrastructure issues to enhance the
the new jetty with provision for new
operational efficiency, safety, and
warehousing, office spaces, and
overall effectiveness of Corito Bay.
security infrastructure. “We aim to establish a sustainable
Changing times
development blueprint that identifies
Like countless enterprises operating
opportunities and constraints, plus
within the Caribbean, AASPA confronted
identifying a comprehensive and coor-
the formidable challenges of Hurricane
dinated approach to Road Bay’s future,”
Irma and the global Covid pandemic.
Mr. Niles said. Corito Bay serves as the sole port for bulk
“These twin crises exerted a significant and lasting impact on AASPA’s revenue
fuel imports for Anguilla, and there have
streams, highlighting the organization’s
been long held hopes to establish new
resilience and adaptability in the face
cargo facilities with a deepwater harbour.
of adversity,” Mr. Niles continued. “While
AASPA has been actively engaged in col-
AASPA is steadily regaining its financial sta-
laborative efforts with stakeholders at
bility, its capacity to pursue critical capital
Corito Bay to ensure strict adherence to
development initiatives remains. This unwa-
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vering commitment to financial recovery
prudent steps taken today will pave the
provides a renewed impetus to redirect our
way for a more sustainable and environ-
focus toward the strategic advancement
mentally responsible future.
of our port infrastructure and staff.” From 2024, AASPA will proactively explore
“AASPA’s pursuit of sustainable energy solutions for our ports of entry and the
avenues to mitigate its dependence on
government’s commitment to advancing
fossil fuels for energy consumption,
renewable energy mark significant strides
according to Mr. Niles: “Our primary focus
toward a greener and more sustainable
centers on sustainable energy solutions
future for Anguilla.
for our ports of entry, with a deliberate
“Our collective efforts also demonstrate
intent to curtail and ultimately reduce
a commitment to advancing the port
our carbon footprint.
infrastructure, which is vital to the region’s
“While this objective may extend
future prosperity,” he concluded. “For
beyond the immediate horizon, our com-
example, our airport redevelopment
mitment to initiating progressive actions
signifies a pivotal step toward elevating
cannot be overstated. The imperative
Anguilla’s connectivity and accessibility
is underscored by the recognition that
on the global stage.”
n