The fire that destroyed the terminal building at the San Andros Airport early Friday morning angered many residents in that North Andros community who questioned what kind of person would commit such an act.
Meanwhile, fire officials reported on Sunday that they had not yet determined the cause of the blaze. The fire forced civil aviation officials to close the airport and divert all traffic to the Fresh Creek International Airport.
On Friday, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Cynthia Pratt visited the airport in North Andros and confirmed that arson is suspected in the fire.
“There is concern because just recently the Customs building was destroyed by fire,” Minister Pratt said. “It turned out to be arson. Of course, we believe [Friday] was another act of the same similar behavior.”
She raised concerns that such an act could have a tremendously negative impact on the economy of North Andros.
“These are government buildings. You are talking about the tax payersﾴ money.” Minister Pratt said. ” I donﾴt know if people realize what effect this can have on an island, particularly an island like North Andros.”
She said that the government is desperately seeking investment for North Andros and this type of behavior will not assist in attracting investors.
Residents who spoke with The Bahama Journal in North Andros on Friday agreed with the deputy prime minister.
Larry Newton, one of those residents, said many people in the community were employed at the airport and he added that the closure of the airport will negatively impact the upcoming North Andros and Berry Islands Regatta.
“We have planes in and out of here two, three days before regatta and even post regatta,” Mr. Newton said. “This will cut business because itﾴs a long trip from Fresh Creek to the regatta site. I hope that something will be done to accommodate the amount of traffic in and out of here during regatta time.”
Michelle Lewis, another resident of North Andros, said it was sad to see that the airport terminal building burnt to the ground.
She believes that the building could have been saved.
“We donﾴt have a fire engine.” Ms. Lewis. “Maybe if we had a fire engine this building could have been saved.”
Minister Pratt said that the government will have to look at ways of putting up some temporary buildings at the airport so that business at the airport could continue.
Stephen Gay, The Bahama Journal
