![\"long-island-bahamas\"](\"https:\/\/www.bahamasb2b.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/08\/long-island-bahamas.jpg\")
Long Island\u2019s economy is \u201cdying a slow death\u201d due to a lack of airlift and the absence of an international airport, according to a local attorney.<\/p>\nLong Island\u2019s economy is \u201cdying a slow death\u201d due to a lack of airlift and the absence of an international airport, according to a local attorney.<\/p>\n
Speaking at the inaugural Long Island Business Outlook (LIBO) conference, attorney Adrian Gibson called on the government to provide incentives for airlines to provide service into Long Island, deeming it an essential service.<\/p>\n
\u201cI realize that the lifeblood of this island is dependent on airlift. The lack of airlift is killing our island. The island\u2019s economy is dying a slow death due to this sad fact.<\/p>\n
\u201cLong Island needs a proper international airport that can cater to large aircraft and direct flights from North America, South America, and Europe,\u201d said Gibson.<\/p>\n
Gibson, originally from Long Island, additionally supported the government\u2019s push for public-private partnerships (PPPs) in developing airports in Long Island and the Family Islands.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe future of airports is not in government ownership, but instead in private sector partnership with the government,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The government valuated an overhaul of the country\u2019s Family Island airports at $185 million, and is currently seeking private sector partners in developing the country\u2019s aviation infrastructure.<\/p>\n
Long Island Chief Councilor Ian Knowles also stressed the need for a new international airport to attract direct flights from the Americas and Europe, noting that Long Island\u2019s competitiveness within the country had suffered tremendously due to high travel costs and upgraded airport facilities in Abaco and Exuma.<\/p>\n
\u201cVisitors have choices. We have a number of islands in The Bahamas. If I\u2019m a visitor, I look at The Bahamas to see where I can quickly get in and get out for the cheapest price.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo without having a proper international airport, you are subduing growth and development within your island,\u201d said Knowles.<\/p>\n
Both speakers noted that the location of the Deadman\u2019s Cay airfield in southern Long Island is inadequate and posed a hazard to the surrounding area. The airport was recently flooded for several days, leading to travel delays.<\/p>\n
However, Knowles described any expansion of the Deadman\u2019s Cay Airport as a \u201cwaste of time,\u201d and stated that a new international airport would have to be built from the ground up.<\/p>\n
Geoffrey Brown
\nThe Nassau Guardian<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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