Friends of the Argyle Int’l Airport donate $10K more

The International Airport Development Cooperation (IADC) now has $10,000 more towards the construction of the Argyle International Airport (AIA).

The donation came from the Friends of the Argyle International Airport USA chapter, and was handed over to the IADC last Thursday, August 27, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs conference room.{{more}}

Representative of the Friends of the AIA Annette Stowe explained that the funds were raised from a raffle, which was drawn on Vincy Day 2015. She also explained that the first prize was a round trip airfare to St Vincent and the Grenadines, with a four-night stay at the Young Island Resort.

“This airport has significant meaning not just to me as a Vincentian, but the importance of it to the development of our country, to the expansion of the tourism industry and to the benefits it brings to all of us, we wholly support it and we will continue to do our best in the diaspora to get as much funds as possible to contribute to the airport before its completion,” Stowe informed the media Chief executive officer of the IADC Rudy Matthias pointed out that since 2005, some $1,132,000 in donations have been given to the IADC.

Matthias indicated that the monies donated just go to show “the appreciation for the work done by the IADC and the Government of St Vincent the Grenadines.”

Dr Matthias also revealed that two new companies, the AIA Inc and the AIA Handling Services Inc, will soon be formed by the IADC to manage the running of the airport, and the operational arrangements for the international airport.

He further stated that by the end of October, senior staff members should already be on board, so that by November, systems should be in place for the airport to be operational.

Matthias also used the opportunity to give an update on the progress of the airport.

The CEO told reported that, so far, the jet bridges and conveyor belts have already been installed and the offices have already been outfitted. Receiving counters and desks are expected to arrive within the next two weeks and will be installed by the end of the month; and public seating is expected to arrive at the end of September.

Matthias also said that it is expected that the cargo terminal would be completed by the end of the year.

He further noted that earthworks within fenced areas should be completed by the month’s end, with pavement works still being done, and should be completed by the end of October, once good weather permits.

Mathias went on to say: “While we are doing this work, we are also working on the business side of the airport. Person will soon be invited again to enter into contracts with us for shops and other businesses at the Argyle International Airport.” (CM)