Returning Nationals SVG donates EC$30,000 to IADC

The Returning Nationals SVG made its third donation to the international airport project last week, with the presentation of a cheque for EC$30,000 to Governor General Sir Frederick Ballantyne.{{more}}

The group, which comprises returning nationals, have so far contributed EC$75,000 to the airport fund. The two previous contributions were made in December 2011 and May 2012.

President of the group Nyoka Clouden said that the funds were raised at a dinner and dance which was well supported.

“We had a little difficulty selling tickets in the past, but this time, we had people calling in,” she said.

“One of the main reasons for the continued effort is knowing that the argyle international airport is for the development of our country and all its people,” she continued.

“We as a group are happy to play a small part in the development of a project that will go a long way in the development of the people; we can see and appreciate the hard work that is being carried out on a daily basis,” the president of the group said.

And Chief Executive Officer of the International Airport Development Company (IADC) Dr Rudy Matthias said in his remarks that about 82 per cent of the project is complete, and all in four and a half years.

He reiterated his confidence to have the other 18 per cent completed by the end of 2013, saying that the work on the northern end of the runway had already begun.

Funding has already been sourced, he said, to purchase two plants, an asphalt and concrete batching plant.

“So, once we have these plants and equipment, we shall start the actual process of paving the runway, apron and two taxiways,” Matthias said.

He explained that currently, 60 per cent of the terminal building is complete, with the entire building being finished ahead of its December 2013 deadline.

According to the IADC’s CEO, agreements are to be signed for funding to construct the fire station and control tower, two relatively small buildings, which Matthias said should take about eight months to be completed.

But in commending the group on its good work and consistency, he encouraged the members of the Returning Nationals SVG to become involved in one of the side projects of the IADC.

Matthias explained that the company is also working with the St Vincent National Trust on a project which he said is expected to appeal to tourists.

The project – to construct a Carib village to resemble what it would have looked like centuries ago.

Matthias said that since construction work started on the airport, a number of archaeologists have visited the site, where bits of history have been unearthed.

These artifacts are now being housed in the Carnegie building in Kingstown, but it is anticipated that they will form part of a display for tourists to see how the indigenous people lived, he further explained.

“When you are building a tourism sector, you need a diversity of attractions.”

It is a fairly small project, but he said that he admired the diligence which is exhibited in raising funds for the airport.

“It takes a lot to raise the money and … what is important is your commitment and faith in supporting us,” Matthias said. (DD)