Opening of the Argyle International Airport imminent – PM Gonsalves

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves has once again stressed that the opening of the Argyle International Airport (AIA) is imminent.

Speaking about the AIA yesterday during a press briefing at Cabinet Room, Gonsalves said that while the airport will soon be opened, he does not want to give a date, as frequent rains are hindering the construction process.{{more}}

He stressed that over the past six weeks, there have been problems with rainfall and that the heavy rains have even caused the road outside the airport to collapse for the second time.

According to the Prime Minister, as the airport nears its construction completion and gets ready to commence operation, “a lot of details are being worked out, many, many details, small but vital details and the idea is that we will operate for a few months with LIAT and Amerijet and charters until all the systems are in place.”

Gonsalves said that chief executive officer (CEO) of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority (SVGTA) Glen Beache and a number of other persons are involved in discussions that will see regular flights land at the AIA.

“We want to have all the kinks ironed out,” stressed Gonsalves, describing the building of the international airport as a “magnificent achievement” and a “miracle”.

He added, “we have been blessed and we have had to live with the rain, but we accept our climate condition and we have to work with it.”

Gonsalves said he had met recently with the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA) about the AIA, which has missed several completion and opening dates.(LC)