The airport in North Caicos has been officially renamed to honor Clifford Gardiner, a pioneering figure in aviation and business in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Minister of Immigration and Border Services, Hon. Arlington Musgrove, who is also Member of Parliament for North Caicos and Middle Caicos led the ceremony, describing Gardiner as a visionary and trailblazer whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the nation.
Musgrove hailed the renaming of the airport as a tribute to Gardiner's legacy, highlighting his many "firsts." Gardiner was the first Turks and Caicos Islander to complete a solo flight, earn a commercial pilot's license, build and own a hotel, and, in a memorable moment, become the first to reportedly see a grizzly bear on the islands.
Beyond his remarkable achievements, Gardiner's creative vision extended to preventing hurricanes, with one such ambitious idea involving cooling the waters near Africa to hinder storm formation. Musgrove noted that Gardiner was always thinking of ways to help his homeland.
Musgrove recalled how the community would rush outside to see Gardiner's plane soaring overhead, a proud moment for North Caicos. This pride and admiration for Gardiner were central to the decision to rename the airport in his honor. Musgrove emphasized that the renaming is not only a recognition of Gardiner's contributions but also a reflection of the government's commitment to continuing his legacy of progress and innovation in aviation.
Gardiner’s influence, according to Musgrove, helped set the stage for the development of aviation and travel in the Turks and Caicos Islands. As the Minister responsible for aviation, Musgrove pointed out that Gardiner's high standards of service and safety continue to guide the government’s efforts to modernize and expand the nation's infrastructure. Musgrove also expressed gratitude to the Gardiner family for sharing Clifford with the people of North Caicos, noting that his legacy is now "cemented into the fabric of our nation."
The ceremony also marked a significant moment for the revitalization of aviation on the twin islands of North and Middle Caicos. The North Caicos airport had been non-operational since 2011, but Musgrove announced major developments, including the reopening of the control tower and fire station, the training and deployment of a local firefighting team, and the commissioning of a new firefighting truck specifically built for the twin islands.
Additionally, Musgrove unveiled plans for the construction of a new terminal building, designed by internationally renowned architects Dyke Nelson and Associates. The new terminal is set to be a state-of-the-art facility with a restaurant and other concessions. The government has secured funding of $23-30 million over three years for multiple projects at the Clifford Gardiner International Airport, which will include repaving the runway and other critical upgrades.
As part of the government's vision for the twin islands, Musgrove assured the people of North Caicos that regular return flights to and from the Clifford Gardiner International Airport would soon be established, providing more convenient travel options, especially for elderly residents and those with health conditions who find it difficult to travel by boat.
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