Assurances that the reconstruction of Princess Juliana International Airport SXM will soon begin (see related story) are certainly welcome, be it in the eyes of many rather late. Concerns about the lack of any visual progress in this vital matter for the local tourism economy had been expressed by several persons, including the first Dutch Civil Mission head Erwin Arkenbout before his departure.
The public has now learned of demolition work on the interior of the complex and plans for a redesigned roof structure. That the latter must be able to sustain wind loads of more than 185 miles per hour is something few would disagree with after what the island went through on September 6.
An added benefit is the option of installing solar panels to bring down energy cost. However, doing so must obviously not compromise hurricane-resistance in any way.
Waterproofing the roof will initiate before the end of January and the entire project is to finish in some 18 weeks. That’s more than four months from now, so getting the entire renovated terminal completely up and running for what will hopefully be the next high season starting in December 2018 might prove a challenge at this point.
Further improvements to the current makeshift facilities will no doubt be appreciated by passengers and other airport users, but ultimately having a proper building again is what travellers as well as businesses operating there want and need.
Every effort should therefore still be made to – if at all possible – get that done by the end of this year and allow “The Friendly Island” to show the world it is truly back as a prime vacation destination. Time remains of the essence.
