The Long Island Development Group (LIDG) has been formed by interested Long Islanders to assist with the growth and development of what has been termed the “most beautiful Island” in the Bahamas. While Long Island has much to offer, the principals of LIDG believe that the first step in executing its master plan for the Island is to ensure the international community can properly access it. While the telephone and Internet service offered by BTC accomplishes part of that, it is important that persons from all over the world can travel to the Island in comfort and safety. To achieve this, LIDG believe that the first order of business is to develop a world class International Airport followed by a proper International Seaport.

The Government-owned and -operated Deadman’s Cay Airport was constructed in the 1960’s for the sole purpose to accommodate small commuter aircraft connecting the island with Nassau. While the airport can handle small private aircraft, it does not have the ability to service larger commercial and private jets. Accommodating these types of aircraft is critical to the future growth of Long Island.

The LIDG believes that the current airport at Deadman’s can be quickly upgraded to meet this goal. This would include the extension and resurfacing of the current runway, as indicated in the photos below, and the construction of a state of the art terminal to accommodate both commercial and private aircraft.

LIDG met with the Government of the Bahamas in August and December of 2013 and they have confirmed their interest in entering into a Public/Private agreement with the group to upgrade and expand the Airport into a facility capable of being certified as an International Airport. The government will contribute the current facilities along with private land it has already acquired around the airport and in exchange for providing the resources to cover the cost of expansion and redevelopment, LIDG and its investors will be granted a Management contract for period of 30 years.

The airport redevelopment is a priority for the Bahamas Government and the LIDG as it will spur the growth of tourism and other industries on the Island. LIDG is also planning a similar arrangement with the Government to upgrade the seaport facility at Clarence Town. Ultimately, the island would be able to accommodate many of the cruise ships which pass daily on their way to and from the Caribbean as well as other commercial shipping traffic. This phase will be focused on after the Phase 1 of the Airport has been completed.