PM holds talks with IADC CEO to discuss opening of airport

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves is meeting this morning with management of the International Airport Development Company (IADC) to determine precisely when the Argyle International Airport (AIA) will open.{{more}}

This morning’s meeting at the IADC office at Argyle will see the Prime Minister holding talks with among others, chief executive

officer (CEO) of the IADC Rudy Matthias, CEO of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority (SVGTA) Glen Beache and director of Planning Laura Anthony Browne.

Speaking at a press briefing last week at Cabinet Room, Gonsalves said that the meeting at the IADC will seek to finalize all the requisite arrangements, “because we are coming down to the wire.” He noted also that they will soon seek final approval from the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA).

According to the Prime Minister, the meeting is expected to give him “a very precise idea” of where the AIA project is and a likely start-up time.

“We are coming to the end of construction and looking towards the issue of operation,” stressed Gonsalves, noting that top personnel for the management of the airport have already been selected.

He also revealed that recently, when passing through Trinidad, he held discussions at the Piarco International Airport lounge with the CEO of the management team of that airport. He said that discussions were held in his effort to learn more about airport operations.

Following this morning’s meeting, the Prime Minister will tour the airport site, during which he is expected to comment on the outcome of the meeting with stakeholders and take questions from the media.