Technocrats back Argyle airport project

Plans for the proposed International Airport at Argyle are being backed by two of the Government’s top technocrats.

On Tuesday, August 16, Dr. Rudy Mathias, Chairman of the International Airport Development Company (IADC) and Jeffrey Cato, Chief Engineer, at a press conference held at Cabinet Room, expressed full support for the project, which is expected to be completed by 2011. {{more}}

Dr. Mathias, described the proposal put forward by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves on the International Airport development at Argyle on August 8, as being very comprehensive.

The IADC Chairman, said the proposal paves the way crystal clear for the construction of an international airport in St.Vincent and the Grenadines.

Dr. Mathias stated that the people leading the project are highly experienced and qualified.

He added that it is highly possible that St.Vincent and the Grenadines may have an International Airport costing EC$480 million without a substantial debt on the books of the government.

And, even in the case where debt may be in incurred he asked that Vincentians make a sacrifice and deal with it since other countries are willing to sacrifice their monies to assist us.

He disclosed that the Crown lands that will be sold to finance elements of the airport are located at Arnos Vale, Cane Grove, Canouan and Bequia.

Dr. Mathias said anyone still having disbelief about the project should just wait and see.

Cato on the other hand, said the package the government has put together has given him the vision that the International Airport at Argyle can be a reality.

He explained that he has had to deal with plans for airport development since the 1970s and for the first time he is feeling that they are going to materialize.