Earthworks on the Argyle International Airport were scheduled to resume yesterday, following the return of the Cuban Contingent to St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Tuesday, January 26.{{more}}

A complement of 53 Cuban workers arrived in the country. This contingent includes 5 new members, among them 2 physicians.

Prior to the Christmas break last year, the Chatoyer-Che contingent had completed 30 per cent of the total earthworks on the project. It is projected that they will complete an additional 35 per cent by the close of work in December this year. Blasting operations will also resume. So far, earthworks have been concentrated in the 1st and 2nd kilometers of the runway, but are expected to extend into the 3rd kilometer later this year.

Currently there are 63 pieces of heavy equipment on the project site, several of which were purchased in October of 2009 to advance the work on the project. During the first quarter of this year, additional equipment will again be purchased to ensure the project remains on schedule.

In addition to the work involved in the transportation, excavation and creation of embankments, work will begin on installing box culverts to channel under the runway in the first kilometer.

The detailed designs of the terminal building and other landside facilities are expected to be completed by the end of the 1st quarter of this year, after which the process of selecting a construction firm will begin to allow construction of the terminal building to get underway by July 2010. The terminal building, apron, taxiway and other landside facilities will be located within the 2nd kilometer of the project site.

International Airport Development Company (IADC) also intends to complete the Stubbs/Rawacou/Argyle access road: This is among a number of other things the public can look forward to hearing about from the IADC in the coming months, a release from the IADC said.