Airport development requires all hands on deck

Fri, May 25. 2012

Last Saturday evening, yet another initiative in advancing this country’s flagship project, the International Airport at Argyle, was taken in New York with the holding of a Town Hall meeting to encourage US-based Vincentians to contribute towards the airport’s construction. Some of the leading personnel spearheading the project, including Chief Executive Officer Dr. Rudy Mathias, were invited to make presentations detailing the progress at Argyle so far and perspectives for completion and beyond.{{more}}

The event was organized by the Friends of the Argyle International Airport, a New York-based organization aimed at soliciting support for the project, the largest ever to be undertaken in the history of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It is a praiseworthy venture falling in step with other efforts undertaken by overseas-based and locally-resident Vincentians to mobilize resources to ensure the timely completion of the airport.

While raising funds is undoubtedly important, it is difficult at this juncture to be able to quantify just how much will be unearthed by such gatherings. What is far more significant is the direct involvement of Vincentians overseas in their country’s development thrust. It is even more remarkable given the fact that Vincentians overseas have had some unfortunate experiences in the past in investing in local projects. It augurs well for the future that persons are prepared to put these experiences behind them and to exhibit more confidence in their country’s development prospects.

The positive reaction to the mobilization initiatives so far makes us wonder why did it take so long to try to unlock those resources domiciled abroad? Ever since the commencement of the Argyle International Airport Project, there have been many suggestions and calls for government to involve our citizens more directly in the project. Several different mechanisms were mooted, but for years there seemed to be some strange reluctance on the part of the Government either to take the plunge or to encourage and facilitate such citizens’ support. It appears to have taken inordinately long to do so, but the positive responses from citizens must make us all wonder how much more could have been achieved were we so open earlier.

It can be argued that there was no consensus on what would be the most appropriate mechanisms to utilize, and that perhaps the Government wanted to be able to visibly demonstrate tangible progress in order to win the ever-present sceptics. However an engaged dialogue on the former (we are famous for “consultations”), would no doubt have brought about some consensus.

On the latter issue, surely there must be many Vincentians with enough vision to grasp the tremendous implications and possibilities, without having to wait until the latter stages.

In spite of the shortcomings and hesitancy, it is not too late to widen the campaign. We are too far along the road to be waddling in doubt. It must be “all systems go!”