PM tours Argyle excavation site

Following a four-hour tour of key areas of the Argyle International Airport Project, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves indicated that he is pleased with the work being done, and is looking forward to the completion of the project.{{more}}

Accompanied by officials of the International Airport Development Company (IADC) and members of the media, the Prime Minister visited the excavation site, where human remains and pottery dating back to close to 2000 years have been discovered.

This was followed by a trip to the location of the new Catholic Church. Then, travelling over the new Argyle bypass road, which is under construction, the entourage visited the workshop and fuel station before ending the trip at the laboratory which overlooks the first kilometer of the runway.

Before the tour, Dr. Gonsalves met with members of the IADC staff at the company’s headquarters in Argyle.

During the stops, the Prime Minister was briefed on the progress made at each venue and also made his own assessment, predictions and expectations of the venture.

Dr Gonsalves said that although he was hoping for a project completion by the end of December 2011, he expects some delays that would push the project back by a few months.

The PM also indicated that touring the area is an emotional journey for him, bearing in mind the struggles which he has had to encounter while dealing with the project.

“This is a project for all time, so we must do it well. So if I have to lose 3 to four months by doing it right in relation to the master plan, I don’t mind that, because hurry bird nah build good nest.”

“You know the Caribbean already; anytime you are trying to do something which involves huge vision, you always have a lot of people who would be nay- sayers… but what is more important than that, is to keep always the commitment and keep always the solidarity with each other and with the nations which are helping us.”

He indicated that International Airport was not for his own benefit, but for the benefit of the current and future generations.

He urged Vincentians to be a part of the project wherever possible, particularly in the excavation and research at the archeological site. (JJ)