STATEMENT BY MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND WORKS

HONOURABLE KYE M. RYMER AT THE FOURTH SITTING OF THE SECOND SESSION OF THE FIFTH HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS ON LANDSIDE SECURITY NON-COMPLIANCE AT TERRANCE B. LETTSOME INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT  

Thursday 8^th May 2025

Madam Speaker,

I rise today to provide an important update regarding aviation security compliance at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (TBLIA), specifically relating to landside security measures.

In 2021, during a scheduled aviation security audit conducted by Air Safety Support International (ASSI) the designated oversight body for Overseas Territories the British Virgin Islands Airports Authority (BVIAA) was issued a partial non-compliance finding. This finding pertained to BVIAA’s partial adherence to landside security provisions as required under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) framework.

Under ICAO standards, international airports are mandated to implement a 30-meter stand-off zone between terminal buildings and areas accessible to public vehicular traffic. This regulation is intended to mitigate the risk of vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs), reduce the impact of any potential blast incidents, and protect airport infrastructure and human life. In addition to the stand-off zone, ICAO also recommends the installation of complementary physical measures such as bollards, traffic calming bumps, barriers, and regulated access points.

At the time of the 2021 audit, while the BVIAA had implemented several baseline landside security protocols, it had not fully established all required elements—most notably the 30-meter stand-off distance and related traffic management infrastructure near the terminal’s vehicular approach routes. Achieving full compliance would have required either relocating the terminal building or severely restricting access to parts of the parking and drop-off areas. Given the airport’s geographic constraints and operational realities, these options were deemed impractical.

However, I must emphasise that the BVIAA has never taken this matter lightly. In lieu of strict implementation of the ICAO’s stand-off requirement, the Authority has proactively engaged with ASSI to develop a practical, risk-sensitive mitigation plan. This plan includes the following compensatory measures:

• Installation of reinforced barriers along the terminal perimeter;
• Deployment of traffic calming devices to reduce vehicle approach speeds;
• Erection of additional bollards in front of the terminal;
• Introduction of a revised traffic flow pattern to limit direct vehicular access and reduce vulnerability.

Following extensive consultations, ASSI accepted the proposed mitigation strategy, recognising it as a proportionate and contextually appropriate approach. Implementation of these upgrades is now underway in a phased manner, managed by BVIAA’s security and operations teams.

Potential Implications of Non-Compliance

Madam Speaker, it is important for this Honourable House to understand the serious implications of unresolved non-compliance with ICAO security regulations particularly as they pertain to international partnerships.

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) periodically assesses airports like TBLIA where U.S.-registered commercial carriers operate. If landside security deficiencies remain unaddressed, this could result in:

• Increased inspections and operational oversight by U.S. aviation authorities;
• Restrictions or conditional approvals on services provided by U.S. carriers;
• In the worst-case scenario, suspension of U.S. commercial flights to the Territory.

Such consequences would severely disrupt air connectivity, directly impacting tourism, commerce, and the broader economy of the Virgin Islands.

Conclusion and Assurance

Madam Speaker, the BVIAA remains steadfast in its commitment to aviation safety and regulatory compliance. While the Territory faces legitimate spatial and infrastructure challenges, security is non-negotiable, and we must adapt where necessary to ensure that international standards are met.

The accepted mitigation plan, currently being executed, reflects a balanced and responsible approach one that protects lives and assets while preserving the operational viability of our national airport.

I commend the leadership and staff of BVIAA for their collaborative approach and technical resolve in addressing these matters, and I will continue to keep this Honourable House informed as implementation progresses.

Thank you.