Do the right thing! no cement plant at the old airport

EDITOR: Stop construction of a cement plant at the ocean-facing end of E.T Joshua Airport. I noticed some strange activity at the southern end of the tarmac of the decommissioned E.T Joshua airport. Although initially concerned, I dismissed it as someone organising for a photo shoot or some other community activity on the site. The area has frequently been host to many events and has a picture perfect backdrop for outdoor activities, health promoting and health prevention initiatives, family outings, and many tourism focused events. Every day you can see fellow Vincentians walking, biking, jogging, training, kite flying at Easter, and playing in this very breezy spot.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it was the place where many citizens were able to get outside, keep active while keeping distance, thereby saving their mental and physical health during that taxing time.

So given that our country touts our tourism product, and in light of all our efforts to share the responsibility of creating a healthier society, I assumed it was something positive happening.

Unfortunately, this week I found out what the activity was about. Much to my distress and shock, I was informed that the site is being prepared for a cement/concrete plant for the building of the proposed hospital at the opposite end of the tarmac. The irony of building a hospital at one end while jeopardizing health at the other was not lost on me. My discussions with other citizens reveal that they are outraged at the placement of this project. The stakeholders in this initiative must show more concern for the health of the people they claim to love and do the right thing. Relocate that plant!

There are a number of reasons why this site should not be used, and the expedience of a flat surface cannot be more critical than the other considerations

1. The Ministry of Health personnel know well the damage caused by dust, including cement dust on the respiratory system. They’ve been treating many patients with respiratory illnesses due to the volcanic ash, as well as the Sahara dust plumes. There are two large secondary schools currently housed on the windy tarmac. The children and staff at these institutions will be sandwiched between two construction projects.

Adding the dust of two construction sites to these health burdens is, in my opinion, unconscionable. The project is also near a shopping centre, residential areas, as well as the Technical Division of the SVGCC, and the relocation site of students from Union Island. These impacts will have long term effects on these people and surroundings.

2. This would also mean the destruction of this singular, attractive, accessible recreation space which is used by Vincentians of all ages and abilities, since it became available, for various activities including exercise and leisure, and therefore prevention of the same NCDs that the Ministry of Health is trying hard to reduce.

3. The access to the sites where people fish and swim will be compromised as the site is very close to the ocean. This is unacceptable.

4. The addition of yet another concrete structure in a site that could be better utilised by adding picnic benches, tables, and some shade trees thus enhancing the quality of life of Vincentians, especially here, makes no sense. The resources could also be diverted to repairing the schools of all the relocated students.

5. Finally, besides their importance to physical health, green, outdoor spaces are essential for mental health. The quality of life of voters is critical. Other countries are pushing forward with improving outdoor spaces having recognized this. Our leaders travel frequently and have families in countries where there are parks and facilities which improve health, while adding aesthetically to communities. When we know better, we should do better for our constituents. It is tragic that in a tropical place, we continue to disregard the impact of projects like this and think that it is progress to keep replacing green with cement. Climate change demands that we preserve green spaces, and requires us to be cognizant of the dangers of replacing greenery with concrete everywhere.

The Government of St. Vincent & the Grenadines and the partners in this construction initiative need to show more concern about the health and quality of life of the citizens of this country.

Please, for the sake of the children, teachers, parents, citizens- for all our sakes, in this year before elections, do the right thing.

Concerned Citizen