US $110 million Windward Highway officially opened

With the deft snip of a red ribbon by Eloise Gonsalves, the US $110 million Windward Highway was finally opened.

Gonsalves, wife of Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, joined her husband, along with hundreds of others, at the Yambou River Bridge for the opening of the Argyle bypass road.{{more}}

The opening of that three and a half kilometre stretch of road brought to an end the project that lasted almost five years, and stretched from Fancy to Kingstown.

Described by chairman of the proceedings, press secretary Hans King as a mammoth task, the project was completed with funding from the European Union (EU), the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the Republic of China on Taiwan and the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and used five contractors in the process (Dipcon, Franco, OECC, C O Williams and K Electric).

Taiwanese Ambassador Leo Lee commended the work of all involved in the construction of the highway and committed his country’s assistance in the setting up of infrastructure in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in an effort to stimulate economic and social development.

The Asian country has over the years been involved in a number of projects, including the central market, learning resource centres, the national library project, and, of course, the Yurumein Taiwan Rabacca Bridge.

Minister of Transport and Works Clayton Burgin, addressing the gathering, noted that the despite a number of delays, the project is finally completed and he has now turned his focus to some upcoming and ongoing projects that are under his jurisdiction, namely the cross country road, the Vigie Highway and the South Leeward Highway.

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves described the development of roads, airports, telecommunications and ports as part of an interconnectivity which facilitates increased economic and social activity and development.

Gonsalves said that completion of the Windward Highway, along with other projects such as the construction of the Argyle International Airport and the acquisition of a new constitution following a favorable referendum vote in November, is part of the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ focus on very important dimensions of a strategic nature for the development of the country.

He said that this must be done in spirituality, values, joy of living and style.(JJ)