Greiggs farming group shows support for Argyle airport

The Greiggs Rastafarian Progressive Society (GRPS), a 27-member farming group, is in full support of the completion of the Argyle International Airport (AIA), as the airport will mean for them more opportunities to export their produce.

Members of the group travelled to the AIA site last Thursday, November 19 to witness four test flights land at the unfinished airport.{{more}}

Speaking to the SEARCHLIGHT, president of the group Alvin ‘Buffa’ Collins said that the group is about self-help, self-motivation and helping each other.

He said that they farm lands in Greiggs, where they produce, among other things, dasheen, eddoes and vegetables, while the majority of their produce is bought mainly by traffickers who ship the produce to countries like Trinidad, Barbados and St Maarten.

According to Collins, while the members of the GRPS make a living, they recognize that their sales could be better and they all think that new markets will open when the AIA is finished.

“We have traffickers, so we deal with them, but we are also fully in support of the airport because our produce will reach further than before,” said Collins, who added, “I find this airport is a great achievement. We are satisfied with our living; we working with what we have, but we can step up more and this airport will step it up for us.”

The group will also operate an ital shop, while some members also rear animals like goat, sheep and cattle.

Collins said that the group is also in support of the Minister of Agriculture Saboto Caesar, who is the Unity Labour Party (ULP) the candidate for South Central Windward. The farmer noted that he thinks Caesar will retain his seat.

“He gives us support with whatever he can and he passes through at times and we respect him as a leader; of course, he will win,” said Collins.

Collins also stressed that they hope that the AIA will be fully functional soon. (LC)