Come December 1, the TB Lettsome International Airport will start accepting visitors.

Speaking at a community meeting held on Jost Van Dyke on Thursday, October 16, De Castro said she wanted Jost Van Dyke residents to be the first to know of the opening of seaports as tourism is the lifeblood of the island.

“Visitors will be able to enter through the seaports on December 8, 2020. That’s just assurance that we have been hearing your cries, we do understand that the marine aspects of the ports are very valuable to Jost Van Dyke,” De Castro said while receiving a round of applause from residents.

Premier Andrew Fahie said he will give more information on the reopening of seaports in an address to the territory on Monday, October 26.

Residents have criticised the government for choosing to reopen the airport before seaports, saying most arrive in the territory by sea.

However, Premier Fahie justified the move, saying the airport provides a controlled environment for testing protocols that can then be transferred to the seaports.