Airport aid secured from Cuba

A “Coalition of the Willing” is emerging as the main plank in efforts to provide international air access here. Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves alluded to this as he addressed local media last Friday 1st.

He had just returned from an overseas sojourn the previous day that took him to two Spanish speaking countries where in both cases, airport development featured prominently. {{more}}

For sure, Cuba, the Socialist Republic in the Northern Caribbean, will be a pillar in the construction of the airport project. Prime Minister Dr. Gonsalves was however cautious about making full disclosure of plans. He would only say that by today, July 8, a Cuban delegation is expected here to look at a “more detailed costing” of the venture.

The Vincentian Prime Minister spoke of cost assessments already undertaken by MM&M, a Canadian firm contracted to assess costs for building an international airport.

Dr. Gonsalves said he plans to announce details about the airport construction “later this month”. But, as far as the Prime Minister was concerned, Argyle, situated on the eastern windward coast, about nine miles from Kingstown is the “preferred site”.

The other site under consideration is what is called Kitchen also on the Windward Coast, but midway between Kingstown and Argyle.

It has been estimated that it will cost about US $179million to build at airport at Argyle. However, the acquisition of properties in order to facilitate the construction should see an increase in the cost of the venture.

Dr. Gonsalves also announced that he has a planned visit abroad in August, but he plans a “big announcement” on airport development in late July.

Dr. Gonsalves also visited the South American nation of Venezuela where he again discussed the airport matter. According to the Prime Minister, the airport project was a centre piece of those discussions.