Winning essay in South Central Windward Development Organization Independence 2017 Essay Competition

Theme: ‘Our Airport, Our Future’

by Jaelyn DublinLowmans Windward Anglican School Grade 6

St Vincent and the Grenadines has come a long way regarding air transportation. On mainland St Vincent, we were in great need of an international airport. The ET Joshua Airport could not accommodate flights that were headed for places like the United States of America and Canada. This was because the aeroplanes were too large to land there. Tourists and locals alike complained about having to stay over in neighbouring islands when the flights were delayed or cancelled. Something had to be done to remedy this situation.

Our present government, the Unity Labour Party, decided it was time for us to have our own international airport. The Argyle International Airport (AIA) became a reality after many years of tiring, but rewarding work.

The airport began its operations in February 2017. It now caters to aeroplanes as large as the Boeing 707! Can you imagine how wonderful this is? No longer do we have to overnight in another country. We can now fly directly to our destinations! Now we are obtaining the support from other airlines who wish to operate here, our level of travelling comfort will increase. What a wonderful achievement this is for us!

The Argyle International Airport is also a source of income and pride to Vincentians. It will attract larger numbers of tourists – regionally and internationally. This means that our country will benefit even more from tourism especially during festivities such as Easter, Carnival and Nine mornings.

When tourists visit our country the state our state-of-the–art airport will be a hot topic. Not only will it attract visitors. But when they arrive there will also be opportunities to participate in our cultural activities. J’Ouvert, Mardi Gras, Soca and Calypso Monarchs will become widely known by these visitors. The news of how exciting and meaningful these cultural activities are to Vincentians will spread. More people will visit, which means more income for our country and free advertising.

The AIA will soon be an effective means of transporting local goods for sale to different countries. In St Vincent, we produce a vast amount of produce, some of which we do not use. Instead of discarding these healthy produce, there are markets regionally and internationally that need them. Arrangements can be made with markets for trading. Imagine how happy the farmers will be when their hard work is rewarded financially!

Our international airport has great potential. It makes travelling easier and less stressful because we can fly to our destinations. This airport has also become a source of pride to us as Vincentians. In addition, there are great possibilities to make more money for the citizens of our small but beautiful island. When tourists share their experiences of our culture, more people will visit. Agriculture will also become great again. Our airport will make all of this possible. Our airport is our future.