Dr. Matthias: We are taking all steps to protect the environment

The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is taking all necessary steps to ensure that the Argyle International Airport is environmentally sound, says Dr. Rudy Matthias, Chairman of the International Airport Development Company Limited (IADC).{{more}}

On Sunday, July 13, 2008, at the official Ground Breaking Ceremony for the commencement of work on the Argyle International Airport Project, Dr.Matthias, in his remarks, disclosed that the IADC had contracted Kocks Consult of Germany to undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment of the Argyle Airport project.

Two weeks ago, the company submitted their final report which contains a number of proposals and recommendations on measures the IADC could take to mitigate the harmful effects of the construction of the airport on the environment, and those that would amplify the positive effects.

According to Dr. Matthias, the report has been further discussed with the Cuban Environmental Agency, who confirmed their previous decision to assist in putting together an Environmental Monitoring Plan, based on the recommendations in the Kocks report.

The Cuban Environmental Agency, having studied the report, will send three professionals within the next two weeks to begin work on the Monitoring Plan, Dr.Mathias announced.

“The Cuban experts will be working on a team with our own Environmental Auditor and representatives drawn from other government agencies that have an interest in the various aspects of the environment that would be disturbed by the airport construction,” Dr.Matthias noted.

Copies of the Environmental Impact Assessment were presented to the media on Monday. (HN)