Flights disrupted at E.T Joshua

On two occasions during the week some night flights at the E.T Joshua Airport had to be cancelled.

A news release from Joel Jack, Director of Airports (Acting) stated that this was as a result of difficulties that the E.T Joshua Airport experienced with its lead-out light at Fort Duvernette, causing cancellation of some night flights on Sunday, July 31, and again on Tuesday, August 2, 2005.{{more}}

Jack disclosed that overcast sky conditions all day Sunday resulted in additional discharge and made it not possible to recharge the batteries on the system.

The recharging he explained is done by solar power.

“Fortunately there was enough sunlight on Monday and the Fort Duvernette light worked normally,” Jack said. But the smooth runnings were interrupted on Monday when short delays were caused to two flights as a result of the light at the Arnos Vale Playing Field failing to come on on time. Jack said, cattle grazing in the area had shocked the panel and disturbed the circuit board.

“Another visit to Fort Duvernette on Tuesday confirmed that the batteries were beginning to show signs of wear. New ones were ordered and placed on charge to be installed on Wednesday, however, unfavourable sky conditions that day resulted in the light only staying on for a brief period on Tuesday night,” Jack pointed out.

Jack said it is expected that the system will function satisfactorily as of last Wednesday night, August 3.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves will on Monday, August 8 at 10 a.m. address the nation on Airport Development in St. Vincent and the Grenadines at the Methodist Church Hall, Kingstown.