PM Defends Airport Resurfacing Deal, Points to UPP’s $95M “Rip-Off”
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has defended his administration’s decision to resurface the VC Bird International Airport runway at a cost of approximately US$47 million, calling it a prudent investment compared to what he described as a “rip-off” under the former United Progressive Party (UPP) government.
Speaking on Pointe FM on Saturday, Browne said the resurfacing project is set to begin within weeks and could take up to two years to complete. He emphasized that the current cost is significantly lower than the US$95 million reportedly spent by the UPP for a similar undertaking more than a decade ago.
“You recall when the UPP resurfaced the airport… it cost almost 95 million US,” Browne stated. “It jumped from 45 or 50 million to 95 million. You’d have to ask if that was a rip-off.”
While acknowledging that the UPP administration added a few thousand linear feet to the runway, Browne argued that this should not have doubled the project cost. “Even if that addition cost US$5 million—or let’s say 10—it still doesn’t explain how the final figure reached US$95 million,” he said.
The resurfacing contract under Browne’s administration will involve mobilization of heavy equipment over the coming weeks, with the government citing the need to maintain safety standards and modernize critical infrastructure.
Browne used the comparison to highlight what he called the opposition’s hypocrisy in raising concerns about public spending while failing to account for what he described as inflated costs during their tenure. “They plundered the country,” he said. “And now they want to come back and do it all over again.”
The Prime Minister did not name the contractor involved in the resurfacing project but reiterated that the deal represented value for money and was essential to the country’s aviation infrastructure.
No response has yet been issued by the UPP regarding Browne’s claims.
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Upp a one thorn in you FLESH yuo thiefing MOTHER F—kER.
not just in his flesh. In ALL ANTIGUA flesh!!! That WIKKID SUNSHINE GOVAMENT who scalled our backs with them WIKKID HEAT. #NatDemAgain!!!
Tell the people who is ripping off the Central Bank since you know so much about rip off.
This Idiot sickens me..He can’t say anything without comparing his corrupt Government to UPP..You have a job to do and if you are doing so good why talk about UPP.. Am sick to my stomach.
You can’t scale the amount for an airport expansion from the resurfacing cost. The initial ground works are extensive, and expensive, needing different equipment.
Earth moving equipment, different truck types for asphalt and earth movement, all the new electrical equipment, extra lab equipment, soil investigation etc.
Lighting conduits, new lighting circuits, movement & setup of PAPI lights and glide slope equipment.
PeeeeeeeeeM Browne, who is doing the resurfacing of the airport?
Have you nor learnt that secrecy is costing the nation what it doesn’t have?
I thought the present matter in the courts in America as it relates to your secrecy and the Alfa Nero would open your eyes.
You are too stubborn to learn anything.
Now how did the US $45 million come to life?
Did you just say i want a US $45 million upgrade of the runway?
Who prepared an estimate for the scope of work to be done?
I want to believe that it is only after an estimate and selected contractor that we would know how much we are willing to spend.
Is that just another way of members of your government inflating the cost of the work to make their money?
Considering the scope of work to be done was it not supposed to be sent out to tenders?
How was the contractor selected and which government member is on his payroll for the inflated contract?
Reply to Straight Shooter.
Work has been awarded to Aecon, a Canadian construction firm. I believe Kelly Construction of St Kitts will be supplying equipment and man power.
The only other bid i know about was an Irish company, with a local contractor (blufin) but they were unsuccessful.
Boy lemme tell you. It’s good to educate yourself because reporters and news sites will feed you what they want depending on how they want you to react.
READ PEOPLE READ!!! AND RESEARCH!!!
ANR stated “The Prime Minister did not name the contractor involved in the resurfacing project but reiterated that the deal represented value for money and was essential to the country’s aviation infrastructure.”
ANR dd you not report on February 26, 2025 who was awarded the contract??? So even if the PM didn’t say, would it not be prudent of you to just follow-up on a story that YOU YOURSELF posted? Here….let me remind you.
https://antiguanewsroom.com/canadian-firm-secures-us47-million-contract-for-major-upgrades-at-vc-bird-international-airport/
Mercy me man!!! All news sites just sicken me now. You get it left, right and center. It’s time to fend for yourself people or maybe you just like being led and told what to believe.