As early as 2001, the Committee for the Redevelopment of Montserrat (CRM) publicly expressed its conviction that the 1037 metre long runway at W H Bramble airport should have been replaced by another runway in the safe zone no less capable of facilitating Montserrat’s redevelopment. Old Quaw at the northern end of the island was identified as the preferred site. For the record, from 1965 when the W H Bramble runway was first paved, it safely accommodated a variety of aircraft including the 48 seat Avro, the 19 seat Twin Otter, the 47 seat Dash aircraft, the RAF troop carrying Hercules especially in times of natural disaster, DC-3 freighters and executive jets. However, in spite of our much publicised protests to the Government of Montserrat and the highest levels of Her Majesty’s Government, Montserrat ended up with a 540 metre long runway at Geralds significantly inadequate for our needs. It is noteworthy that in case of engine shutdown caused by fire or other malfunction at the point of take off, the Gerald’s runway is unsafe due to insufficient length left for an aircraft so disabled to come to a safe stop.
Thatch Valley (aerial view)
Secondly, it is the view of CRM that Montserrat cannot achieve meaningful redevelopment until the regional airline LIAT can resume air services to the island. Among other advantages of the LIAT connection is that it provides the vital interline service that allows passengers to book flights directly into Montserrat from any part of the world. Added to this is the fact that several of the projects eg. high end hotels and other investments currently being planned as national priorities will not materialise without air access that is easy, adequate and safe.
CRM’s own engineers, surveying specialists and overseas aviation consultants have completed a lot of preparatory work at the Old Quaw site. For example, CRM member and former Chief Surveyor of Montserrat, Mr Bertrand Burke has already surveyed the area and laid out the proposed runway centre line.
After consultations with our aviation advisers, CRM has decided to raise an initial US$195,000 to finance the necessary feasibility and wind studies for a minimum 1500 metre long runway at Old Quaw. Accordingly, CRM has established a fund for this purpose at the Bank of Montserrat. From our own resources, we have made the first deposit of US$1000. Montserratians and friends of Montserrat at home and abroad are invited to assist in raising the initial target sum of US$195,000. CRM has also established a 5 person Oversight Committee whose purpose is to ensure that the funds raised will be used exclusively for the designated purpose. Oversight Committee members are not members of CRM, but are individuals of unquestionable integrity and include a member of the legal profession, an accountant, and members of the business community.
In support of this fundraising effort contributors are asked to take note of the following:
- Contributions may be made in person or sent by mail or wire to the Bank of Montserrat, Account # 715-5802.
- In whatever manner contributions are made, for record keeping purposes, the Bank of Montserrat recommends that contributors request that every transaction be done on a three (3) part credit. Accordingly, all parties (the Bank, the Committee for the Redevelopment of Montserrat and the customer) will get a receipt.
- Wire transfers must conform to the Bank of Montserrat’s guidelines set out below:
USD WIRE TRANSFER INFORMATION
Bank of America Ltd.
100 West 33rd Street,
New York, New York 10001, USA
SWIFT:BOFAUS3N
ABA: 026-009-593
Credit A/C # 655-095-2103 INO Bank of Montserrat Ltd.
For further credit to Beneficiary details, (name and account number) at Bank of Montserrat.
CAD WIRE TRANSFER INFORMATION
Bank of America National Association CAD Branch
701 Brickell Avenue, 6th Floor
Miami, FL 33131
Phone: (305) 347-2817
Fax: (904) 312-6068
SWIFT: BOFACATTXXX
Credit A/C #48878202 INO Bank of Montserrat Ltd.
For further credit to Beneficiary details (name and account number) at Bank of Montserrat.
GBP WIRE TRANSFER INFORMATION
Bank of America Ltd.
5 Canada Square
London E14 5AQ
United Kingdom
SWIFT: BOFAGB22XXX
SORT CODE: 30-16-35
Credit A/C #65794010 INO Bank of Montserrat Ltd.
For further credit to Beneficiary details (name and account number) at Bank of Montserrat.
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