PLS still on track to reopen July 22

By Olivia Rose

PROVIDENCIALES International Airport is set to reopen for visitors on July 22 following a four-month hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, although plans remain fluid.

Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson made this disclosure during a press conference at her office on Tuesday (July 14).

“Given the reality of the increased numbers, some people have rightly raised whether we should open our airport to international commercial flights as was previously announced for July 22,” she said.

“As we stand here today, the answer is still yes, because of the other factors we have highlighted - our improved surveillance capabilities, our improved medical capabilities, and our ability to quickly isolate cases.”

She said that as the reopening process continues the Government will direct resources and focus targeted efforts on reducing the spread of Covid-19.

It will also continue to increase its capacity and capabilities to pursue plans and policies that will ensure the nation is capable of withstanding any further outbreak of Covid-19.

“Even more so, we are ensuring that we have a robust system that is designed to catch and stop Covid-19 at the borders, to effectively quarantine and contact trace any possible cases, and to test, test, test.

“We understand and appreciate that the only way to stay on top of this pandemic is by employing those measures, until a vaccine is eventually discovered.”

She said that the TCI’s quarantining and contact tracing methods are proving invaluable, in this current situation.

The premier underscored that when the borders open, arrivals will be under very controlled circumstances with strict protocols to safeguard the health of both residents and guests.

“Once the system works as designed, once we do not encourage any shortcuts, once we keep our vigilance and discipline, once we ensure there are no exceptions to every established rule, we are confident that any potential for a spread of Covid-19 from arriving passengers to the wider population, is very negligible.

“Because of the measures we put in place, it will probably be one of the safer endeavours we will undertake. It is for now the only segment of society where there will be 100 percent testing.”

Cartwright Robinson said the Government is not only looking to jump start the economy, but to supercharge it to ensure it does not just bounce back, but comes back better and stronger.

“The opening of our borders is not just an economic and social activity, done meticulously and carefully; but importantly - it is a signal of both faith and hope.

“For in this period of uncertainty, our strongest currency must be hope and we must march forward with the same faith that guided our forefathers to overcome surmounted obstacles.”

She said that in more recent times, the Government and the public have faced and overcome a great number of challenges.

“For this current challenge is not a moment to despair, it is a moment that shall define us as a people who refuse to be numbed by cynicism and fear,” she added.

Airlines confirmed to return to TCI

DELTA and American Airlines have agreed to resume operations the same day the territory opens on July 22, while other airlines will resume flights shortly after.

The Government is actively engaged in talks with both international and regional carriers to work out time management and other logistics for the resumption of flights.

“I must also report that the majority of the major carriers are on board with American Airlines and Delta beginning on day one,” Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson said.

“We also have JetBlue, United, Air Canada to begin July and August. British Airways has advised that it will resume hopefully by September.

“South West has shared some time ago that it will return early next year - we await an update from West Jet.”

Regional carrier Bahamasair has also signalled its intention to resume flights soon.

A simulation exercise was rolled out at Providenciales International Airport on June 26 for frontline staff.

A second readiness exercise was planned for this week, but was postponed due to a lack of clearance from the Ministry of Health.

“Persons would recall that Providenciales should have progressed by this date to phase three and with the delay of the start of this phase numbers are restricted and will require special approval to proceed.

“But I must share further information as well, as this would be the second such simulation exercise of testing our systems with a real-life demonstration in relation to the flight that returned residents from the UK which can be considered a third,” she added.

Many airlines have enhanced their safety measures and protocols to keep guests safe during the global health crisis.

Airlines have geared more resources to keeping surfaces clean, giving passengers more space, and offering safer service and personal care.