Professor Perez: Airport will yield positive returns

Chief Consultant Engineer on the International Airport project at Argyle, Cuban Professor Leonardo Perez, said that he is looking forward to the completion of the structure that is sure to aid the development of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.{{more}}

Perez, speaking at the press conference called by the International Airport Development Company (IADC) in Argyle on Monday, said that when completed, the airport will not only be a source of employment to Vincentians, but also a long term investment.

“This is very important because it opens the door to employment for the people of St. Vincent. But an airport is not just that; an airport is like a business centre, an airport is very attractive business for any country in the world.”

Speaking through an interpreter, Perez noted that the citizens of the country will be pleased with the long term effects of the airport, which is expected to be completed in the next three years.

He stated that the investment in an airport is an ongoing process which will yield positive returns.

“The investment in an airport never ends.

“We are building now, because as operations and passengers increase and when facilities are no longer sufficient we have to make it more modern.”

As far as international assistance is concerned, the profesor said that the Argyle project can be an example of how the more developed countries can help other countries who are not lucky to have the resources.

“I don’t think there is a country in the world that has built an airport without the help of other people. This airport has been internationalized with the assistance of Venezuela, Cuba and Taiwan.

“ We have to finish this airport in 2011, and I would love to believe that we will finish this airport together,” he said. (JJ)