Airports renamed to honor local aviation pioneer Clifford Gardiner

The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) celebrated the renaming of the airport in North Caicos on September 10th, 2024, in honor of local aviation pioneers Clifford Gardiner.

The Clifford Gardiner International Airport (formerly North Caicos Airport) was officially renamed in ceremony a attended by hundreds of community members, dignitaries, and family members.

The event was marked by strong community turnout, with locals gathering to honor the legacies of Mr. Gardiner who made significant contributions to aviation and business in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Present at the ceremony were Her Excellency the Governor, the Hon. Premier, the Hon. Minister of Immigration, and the honorees' families.

During the event, the son of Clifford Gardiner delivered a heartfelt acceptance speech, thanking the community for their unwavering support. The event also featured remarks from Dyke Nelson, the architect of the new terminal design for Clifford Gardiner International Airport, who emphasized the importance of honoring local heritage through thoughtful, modern infrastructure.

Meanwhile, TCIAA CEO, Godfrey Smith said, “Seeing so many members of our community come together in support of this momentous renaming is truly heartwarming. This ceremony is not just about honoring the past but also about celebrating our future. Clifford Gardiner was a pioneer who set the foundation for aviation in these islands, and his legacy will continue to inspire us all.”

Hon. Arlington Musgrove, Minister of Immigration and Border Services with responsibility for aviation, who is also the representative for ED 4 North Caicos and Middle Caicos, also spoke passionately about the renaming ceremony, which he expressed as been "near and dear to his heart"

Hon. Musgrove, who is a son of the soil, recounted fond memories of the aviation pioneer and expressed an overwhelming sense of joy and gratification to see this government's master plan for aviation throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands continuing to manifest in what he calls his beloved "Twin Islands".

The renaming of this airport marks a significant moment in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ history, paying tribute to the lives and accomplishments of a remarkable individual who paved the way for future generations.